Capturing the perfect moments of your life can be done with the perfect camera, whether it is an important occasion, a family vacation or just an evening reunion with old friends. This guide is designed to help you understand the choices available and assist your purchase decision.
Types of Cameras
· DLSR Cameras
· Semi Professional Cameras
· Digital Still Cameras
· Video Cameras
· Action Cameras
DSLR (Digital Single Lens Reflex) Camera
These cameras consists the body and the lens. The lenses are interchangeable. DSLRs feature a mirror that allows you to actually look through the lens as you compose your image. This gives you the most accurate idea of how the final image will look like when you take the photo. In DSLRs sensors are quite large (typically the size of 35mm film, or a bit smaller). The benefit of a large sensor is that it provides better low light noise performance and better background blur. Example: Canon EOS1200 or Nikon D3200
Factors to consider before making a purchase - DSLR
Megapixels
Megapixels (MP) are a measure of the resolution of a camera. The greater the number of megapixels, the larger the high quality, sharp print you can make. DSLR cameras megapixel could start from 18 Megapixel to 24 Megapixels.
Frames per second
This determines the number of photos the camera can take per second. A higher frame per second (fps) capability is useful if you are shooting a sport or other fast action scenes.
Video recording
Video is an electronic medium for the recording, copying, playback, broadcasting, and display of moving visual media. DSLR cameras have either HD video recording or Full HD video recording.
Manual mode
Manual mode allows you to take full creative control over the exposure of an image. In automatic mode, the camera selects aperture, shutter speed and ISO. In manual mode, you select those three things yourself, giving you so much more control over the image quality.
Action Camera
Action cameras are made with outdoor enthusiasts in mind. If you want to take photos or video of anything that would be too risky to do so while carrying a regular camera, an action camera is a perfect fit. An action camera is a small, portable and rugged device that can shoot video and still images. They also offer waterproofing, shock proofing and dustproofing, making them ideal for more extreme activities. Typically, action cameras are compatible with adapters and mounts that allow you to strap or mount the camera to almost anything, such as your helmet, a surfboard or your bike, perfect for shooting videos of your adventures from a first-person perspective.
Factors to consider before making a purchase - Action Camera
Resolution
It’s the number of pixels in each frame captured by the camera, and the amount of detail. 1080p video format is Full HD (1,920 pixels wide by 1,080 pixels tall), and 720p (1,280x720 pixels) is considered as standard HD resolution. 4K resolution (3,840x2, 160 pixels) is four times as many pixels as Full HD.
Frames per second
The frame rate is measured in frames per second (fps). It’s a measurement for how many consecutive images a camera can handle each second. A typical camcorder shoots in 30fps and normal TV is at 24 or 30fps. Higher-end action cameras can shoot 60fps, which makes motion appear smoother and less blurry. Some cameras can support even higher frames per second, such as 120fps, which can be used to create crisp slow-motion footage.
Field of view
A wide field of view is important for action cameras; it allows you to record video or stills in a more immersive perspective than a traditional camera or camcorder. In simple terms, the field of view is a measurement of the total viewable area at any given moment. Measured as an angle (e.g. 170°), the larger the value, the wider angle of view
Still photos
Action cameras specialize in recording video, but they can also capture still photos. They don’t produce high resolution images as you would expect from a compact or DSLR camera, but generally, cameras with a larger megapixel rating will produce sharper and clearer photos.
Mounting system
Almost all of the action cameras are designed to be mounted or attached to different surfaces or any objects. Most cameras with come with one or two mounts in the box, but additional mounts cost extra. If you’re looking to attach your camera to a specific area, such as bike handlebars, you’ll need to source a specific bike mount. A good action camera will have a universal mounting system, which means you can clip your camera onto anything without the need to buy additional accessories.
Water resistant and waterproof
It’s important to select a camera that is waterproof if you plan to use the camera underwater. Some models are water resistant, meaning they can only be submerged in water to a limited depth. Other cameras require a special waterproof case, called a housing, to be fully waterproof. Check the camera specifications for details on acceptable water depths.
Battery life
Even the best action camera with a sizeable battery will only last a few hours, so it’s worth investing in multiple batteries, or a portable charger, to ensure your camera doesn’t run out of juice when you need it most.
Wireless connectivity
Some of the high-end action cameras include Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, near field communication (NFC), or all three, so you can use your mobile phone or tablet as a screen. This means, you can easily control the camera via an app or adjust camera settings on the fly.
Memory
Buying the right type of memory card is essential for making sure that you get the most out of your camera. When filming HD movies, video files occupy a lot of storage space, so it’s worth choosing a large capacity memory card to ensure you can save as much footage as possible. Most action cameras use micro-SD cards, and we recommend picking up a Class-10 card to ensure the best video quality.
GPS
With a built-in GPS (Global Positioning System), your action camera would automatically geo-tag all your videos and stills. This means, when you get home you can link your photos and videos to an online map, pinpointing the exact location of your travels.
Video Camera
Although digital cameras and smartphones can grab acceptable video clips, nothing beats a full-featured camcorder for videos you’ll want to preserve for years and show off to friends and family on a big-screen HDTV. Whether you’re looking for standard definition, full HD or an affordable pocket camcorder.
Factors to consider before making a purchase - Video Camera
External battery charger
Allows you to recharge one battery while recording with another, and is particularly handy for models with a shorter recording time.
Remote control
Let’s you access most playback functions plus additional functions which may only be available via the remote. However, the latest models let you use your smartphone to not only control your camcorder's functions but also preview your video composition live.
Accessory shoe
It allows you to attach things to the camera such as an external microphone or a video lamp.
Video lamp/Photo flash
Allows you to film or take still photos in low-light conditions.
Eyepiece viewfinder
Using the viewfinder rather than the LCD monitor when recording can save battery power. Some viewfinders may be black-and-white, while more and more models don't have one at all. A viewfinder may be awkward to use if you're wearing glasses. However, most models that have a viewfinder are diopter-adjustable to your eyesight (similar to binoculars), so most people will be able to use it without glasses.
All video cameras should have as standard:
1) Play, fast forward, rewind, stop, pause and search.
2) LCD color monitor with adjustable brightness and the ability to swivel, so you can easily film yourself
3) Instruction manual
4) Rechargeable lithium-ion battery
5) AV cable
6) USB 2.0 or USB 3.0 connection for transfer of video to a PC
7) HDMI connection to view video on a TV or other display
8) Memory card slot to record photos and video on a memory card
9) Volume adjustable speaker(s)
10) Stereo microphone
11) Wind filter.
Digital Still Camera
Point-and-shoots are the smallest cameras dedicated primarily to photography (camera phones are typically smaller). The big advantage of the point-and-shoot is its size. These cameras have permanently attached lenses (i.e. not interchangeable) that generally cover a wide zoom range. The lens retracts back into the camera in order to keep it nice and small. Example: Canon Ixus 160 or Nikon Coolpix S2900.
Factors to consider before making a purchase - Digital Still Camera
Megapixels
Megapixels (MP) are a measure of the resolution of a camera. Compact cameras megapixel start from 16 Megapixel to 20 Megapixels.
Image stabilization
This feature reduces vibration and shakiness when shooting, which in turn reduces blurriness in low light conditions.
Optical zoom
Optical zoom is a true zoom feature. It allows you to zoom in (or out) on the subject in the LCD or viewfinder. Compact Cameras optical zoom Varies from 5x optical zoom to 15x optical zoom.
Semi Professional Camera
These are also referred to as bridge cameras, as in bridging the gap between a Digital cameras and a DSLR. These cameras have optical zoom up maximum up to 60X.
Factors to consider before making a purchase - Semi Professional Camera
Megapixels
Megapixels (MP) are a measure of the resolution of a camera. Semi Professional cameras megapixel start from 12 Megapixel to 20 Megapixel.
Image stabilization
This feature reduces vibration and shakiness when shooting, which in turn reduces blurriness in low light conditions.
Optical zoom
It is a true zoom feature and allows you to zoom in (or out) on the subject in the LCD or viewfinder. This will enable you to get a closer view of the subject before taking your picture. Semi Professional cameras optical Zoom varies from 5x optical zoom to 15x optical zoom.
Panorama mode
This feature allows you to take multiple images of a scene and have the camera automatically stitch them together, into a ‘panoramic’ shot.
View finder
An electronic viewfinder displays an electronic image of the scene as it will appear in your photo, given your current camera settings.
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