Compact cameras
Compact cameras
are small , stylish and fully automated for impulsive photographers who like to point and shoot. However they’re still capable of taking excellent pictures, and more upmarket models include some quite advanced features.
Even entry-level compact cameras these days offer built-in flash and autofocus options, but their limited controls and basic exposure metering limit successful use to ‘straightforward’ exposures.
By spending a little more, users gain the benefit of zoom lenses, and more control over picture taking via Programmed Exposure modes, for example fill-in flash and red-eye reduction. These in turn should mean a greater proportion of successful pictures even in challenging conditions such as extremes of light and dark, backlit subjects and taking photos through windows. Another useful feature is time and date recording.
At the top end of the compact camera range, models sport SLR-style sophisticated autofocus systems, high quality lenses with a longer zoom range, advanced exposure metering, and a greater selection of automatic flash modes to permit advanced shots at night, for example.
Some models also have rugged bodies and weatherproofing to allow their use outdoors or at sea.
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SLR Cameras
SLRs, or Single Lens Reflex cameras, offer the greatest opportunities for enthusiastic photographers to take creative control of their pictures. SLRs provide the widest choice of camera operation modes, special lenses, external flashguns and other accessories.
SLRs most important benefit is that what you see in the viewfinder is what ends up on the film. This is particularly important when you are photographing close-up subjects, and you want to ensure your picture is correctly framed. When composing your picture on an SLR, you’re actually looking through the same lens that will expose your picture. A hinged mirror reflects the image up into a special prism, and thence into the viewfinder. When you press the shutter button, the mirror swings up out of the way.
SLRs once required in-depth knowledge to operate, but nowadays they have all the convenience features of compact cameras, such as autofocus, built-in flash. Numerous different operating modes range from fully automatic settings allowing point and shoot photography, through to semi-automatic and manual modes that allowing more experienced users to make their own decisions about camera settings for enhanced creativity.
If you do plan to compose artistic images, its worth paying more for a camera with advanced light metering. Systems called matrix, segment or multi-pattern metering average light readings from several parts of the image to produce greater accuracy. Also look out for spot metering, which allows you to get a precise exposure reading for the very centre of your picture.
Many SLRs are supplied complete with a basic zoom lens that extends from a moderate wide-angle (focal length 20-30mm) to a slight telephoto (focal length 80-90mm). More extreme wide angle and telephoto lenses are available separately. These days, lenses attach to the camera body using a bayonet mount system - insert the lens and rotate to lock. Each manufacturer has its own bayonet mount pattern, and each offers a number of add-on lenses. Its worth comparing the availability of lenses between different marques, before committing to a camera body.
Another key add-on is a flashgun - even for SLRs with a built-in flashgun, since this may be of limited power. For best results, more advanced SLRs require individually compatible flashguns that can interact with the built-in exposure metering systems.
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Camcorders
Which format should I choose?
Analogue Camcorders:
Using the same sort of technology as a standard VCR, picture quality is not always the best available but as prices are low it may be the ideal starting point.
VHS-C: 8mm: Hi8:
Using a compact version of a standard VHS tape, quality is limited to 240/250 lines as with a normal VCR. A tape adaptor is required to play recordings back in a standard VCR. The typical tape length is 30 minutes or 90 minutes in long play These tapes are about the same size as a standard audio tape and offer a similar picture quality to VHS although colours may appear slightly better. There’s no tape adaptor available so you need to connect your camcorder to your VCR or TV for playback. Typical tape lengths are two hours but Sony offer a 4 hour long play mode. Almost identical to 8mm but the picture quality is approximately 60% better. All Hi8 camcorders can play and record in standard 8mm but without the benefits of the extra quality. No tape adaptor is available so you need to connect the camcorder to your VCR or TV for playback.
Digital Camcorders:
Using new and superior technology Digital Camcorders can be compact and offer recordings of “Near Broadcast” quality.
Digital8: MiniDV: MicroMV:
Uses either Hi8 or dedicated Digital8 tapes with a 20% improvement over Hi8. With near CD quality audio the camcorders are also much smaller and can be described as handheld. As no tape adaptor is available you need to connect it to your VCR or TV for playback. PC connection is possible on some models for basic editing functions. Tape length is typically one hour. Using very small 6mm tapes you can find some very compact MiniDV camcorders, still offering an increase in picture quality of 20% over Hi8. Playback is only available by connecting your camcorder to your VCR or TV directly as no adaptor is available. PC connection is available on many models and tapes are typically one hour or 90 minutes in long play. Using special compression this “Sony only” format can offer a similar quality to MiniDV but onto tapes that are 70% smaller. Many models offer PC connection but no tape adaptor is available so you need to connect it to your TV or VCR for playback. Typical tape lengths are one hour.
DVD Camcorders:
Utilising the very latest technology, DVD camcorders are becoming more and more affordable.
DVD-R/DVD+R:: DVD-RW/DVD+RW:
With picture quality superior to that of MiniDV these camcorders record onto “write once” 8mm discs and can be played back on the majority of standard DVD Players without the typical wear and tear associated with tapes. Many offer PC connections but a blank DVD can only be used once. Typical recording times are one hour. Similar to DVD-R/DVD+R but you can use each blank disc many times without fear of degradation in quality. Typical recording times are one hour.
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