Top 5 Gift Ideas Series: Part 7 - DSLR and Mirrorless Cameras

Top 5 Interchangeable Lens Cameras Ideas This Christmas

An interchangeable lens camera such as a DSLR or Mirrorless represents the cream of the crop in the world of camera technology. Regardless of whether you’re a beginner looking to step up from your smartphone or compact, or an experienced shooter seeking the right tool to break through your creative boundaries, this Christmas we’ve got suggestions across all photographic levels. 

1- Canon EOS 200D Twin Lens Kit

The Canon EOS Twin Lens Kit represents the perfect platform for students and those new to photography. Its 24 Megapixel sensor and dual pixel AF technology ensure it’s capable at both stills and video. The twin lenses ensure zoom coverage up to 250mm, perfect for that next overseas holiday or family vacation – Save $235. Limited Time only. 

• 24 Megapixel CMOS Sensor 
• Dual Pixel CMOS AF + DIGIC 7 Processor 
• 3.0” Clear View Vari-Angle LCD Touch Screen 
• Full HD Video Recording 
• Guided Display Mode 
• Wi-Fi + Bluetooth + NFC Connectivity 
• Compact and Lightweight Design 
• Includes Canon 18-55mm + 55-250mm IS STM Lenses 

2- Olympus OM-D E-M10 III Twin Lens Kit

The Olympus E-M10 III twin kit is the perfect travelling companion. Its lightweight retro styled design is a delicate fusion of fashion and function. With a 5-axis in-body image stabiliser and 4K video recording capabilities, it can handle a broad range of shooting scenarios, while maintaining a discreet profile – Includes $150 Visa Giftcard. Ending Soon. 

• 16.3 Megapixel Live MOS Sensor 
• Fast TruPic VIII Image Processor 
• 5-Axis In-Body Image Stabilisation 
• 4K Video Recording 
• High Speed 121-Point Autofocus 
• 3-Inch Tilting Touchscreen 
• Built-In WiFi for Wireless Camera Control 
• Includes M.Zuiko 14-42mm III EZ + 40-150mm R Lens 

3- Canon EOS R Body with Control Ring Mount Adapter

The Canon EOS R was one of the most highly anticipated releases of 2018. Combining a compact, lightweight mirrorless body with their Dual Pixel autofocus technology, plus excellent backwards compatibility with their EF range of lenses has ensured early success for this popular release. 

30.3 Megapixel Full Frame Mirrorless Camera
DIGIC8 Image Processor
4K Video Recording at 30fps
Dual Pixel AF with 5655 AF Points
Dual Pixel RAW Image File Compatibility
Top Mount LCD Panel
Intuitive Multi-Function Touch Bar
Built-in Wi-Fi & Bluetooth Connectivity
Includes Canon Lens Control Ring Mount Adapter - EF-EOSR

4- Sony A7 III

The Sony A7 III ticked enough boxes for enough people for it to win the coveted EISA 2018-2019 Camera Of The Year award. So popular was its debut that there was a global shortage while manufacturing worked to keep up with demand. With a 24 Megapixel sensor, 5-axis image stabilisation, 4K video recording and an amazing 693 autofocus points, it’s easy to see why. We’ve secured limited stock for Christmas, so get in quick to avoid disappointment. 

24.2 Megapixel Back-Illuminated Full Frame CMOS Sensor
5-Axis In-Body Image Stabilisation
2.36 Million-dot OLED EVF and Tilt Touchscreen
10 fps Burst Shooting with Silent or Mechanical Shutter
693 Phase Detection AF Points & Eye AF
Dust/Moisture Resistant Body Construction
4K HDR Video & Full HD 120p
High Capacity Battery, Joystick Control and Dual SD Slots


5- Fujifilm GFX 50R + GF 32-64mm f/4 Lens

The Fujifilm GFX 50R is revolutionising the medium format category. The 50R crams a massive 51.4 Megapixel medium format sensor into a rangefinder style body, enticing photographers who would not traditionally consider medium format because of its size to make the switch. To sweeten the deal this Christmas, we’re offering a $1000 discount with all GFX 50R Camera and Lens combos, plus claim up to $750 Cashback from Fujifilm via redemption. 

• 51.4 Megapixel Medium Format CMOS Sensor 
• X-Processor Pro Image Processor 
• 14-Bit RAW with 14 Stops of Dynamic Range 
• Rangefinder-style 3.69M OLED EVF 
• Lightweight Mirrorless System Design 
• Weather Resistant Body 
• 2-Direction Tilting 2.36M-Dot Rear LCD 
• Dual UHS-II SD Card Slots & Bluetooth Connectivity 

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Top 5 Gift Ideas Series: Part 2 - Action & Tough Cameras

Top 5 Action Camera Gift Ideas

Action cameras and the Australian summer. Name a more iconic duo. We’ll wait. The Christmas holidays are a great time to get out and explore Australia’s natural beauty. If you’re surfing, swimming, hiking, climbing, riding or driving, you’ll need an action camera to relive the moment.

Here are our favourite action camera options this Christmas.

1 - GoPro HERO7 White


The GoPro HERO7 White is the most affordable of GoPro latest releases. Waterproof to 10m without a bulky housing, the Hero7 White is still compatible with all the standard GoPro mounts, it features better than Full HD video recording, a 2x slow-motion mode, 15fps burst mode photography and Wi-Fi connectivity. The perfect stocking stuffer for adrenaline addicted teens and adults.

• 1440 & Full HD 60fps Video Quality 
• Waterproof to 10m 
• Built-in Video Stabilisation 
• Hands-Free Voice Control 
• 2x Microphones with Wind Reduction 
• 15fps Photo Burst Mode 
• Rear Touch Screen Interface 
• Built-in Bluetooth & Wi-Fi Connectivity 

2 - Fujifilm XP130


The Fujifilm XP130 is a natural choice for adventure lovers and active families. Its rugged design is shockproof and waterproof to 20 meters making it suitable for a broad range of outdoor activities this summer. Built-in Wi-Fi makes it easy to share your story with friends and family anywhere in the world. Available in 5 fetching colours! 

• 16.4 Megapixel BSI CMOS Sensor 
• 5x Optical Zoom (28-140mm in 35mm equiv.) 
• Full HD 60 Video Recording 
• Optical Image Stabilisation 
• Versatile Shooting Modes 
• Bluetooth and Wi-Fi with Remote Shooting Capability 
• 3-inch LCD with Anti-Reflective Coating 
• Rugged Body - Water, Shock, Freeze, and Dustproof 

3 - Sony 4K Action Camera FDR-X3000



The Sony Action Camera includes a rugged waterproof housing that is ideal for snorkelers and SCUBA enthusiasts. Rated at a massive 60m waterproof ensures suitability for even the most seasoned divers, straight of the box. With 4K video recording and optical image stabilisation, the Sony Action Cam is well suited for virtually any outdoor activity you have planned this holiday season. Buy for Christmas and receive a $100 EFTPOS gift card via redemption!

• 1/2.5-Inch Exmor R CMOS Sensor for 12 Megapixel Stills 
• Zeiss Tessar Lens with Reduced Distortion 
• Balanced Optical SteadyShot2 Image Stabilisation 
• 4K UHD Video at 30p with 100Mb/s in MP4 and XAVCS 
• BIONZ X Image Processor and Dedicated Video Features 
• Includes Rugged Waterproof and Dustproof Housing 
• Wi-Fi, and built in GPS 
• 64GB or Larger Class10/UHS-I MicroSD Card Required for XAVCS Recording 

4 - Panasonic Lumix FT30 Christmas Gift Pack




The Panasonic Lumix DMC-FT30 is a rugged and easy-to-use compact camera that’s perfect for outdoor adventures this Christmas. Our bundle includes a 16GB SanDisk SD card and floating wrist strap for extra safety when shooting in the water. With a versatile 4x optical zoom range, and excellent proofing against all elements, this camera is always ready to capture your most treasured moments this festive season.

• 16.1 Megapixel CCD Sensor 
• 2.7-inch LCD Screen 
• 4x Optical Zoom with Wide-Angle 25mm Equivalent 
• Built-in Torch 
• Optical Image Stabilisation 
• Waterproof up to 8 Metres 
• Shockproof, Dustproof and Freezeproof 
• HD Video 

5 - GoPro HERO7 Black


Probably the gift that everyone wants under the tree this Christmas - the GoPro HERO7 Black is the most powerful GoPro ever. GoPro’s latest flagship model is equipped with the ability to record crystal clear 4K video footage, 240fps Ultra slow motion, HDR Photos and Hyperlapse video. Take it on your next holiday and turn your regular travel adventure into an epic story.

• 4K60, 2.7K120, 1080p240 Video Recording 
• HyperSmooth Video Stabilisation 
• HyperLapse Video Mode 
• SuperPhoto Auto Photo Mode 
• Vertical Video Mode 
• Live Streaming Support 
• Built-in WiFi, Bluetooth & GPS Connectivity 
• Waterproof to 10m 

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Fujifilm GFX 50S - Medium Well Done

Anyone who has picked up and played with a recent Fujifilm X-Series digital camera should have a good sense of what a pleasure they are to use and the stunning results possible. They're one of the big reasons why mirrorless cameras continue to gain popularity and desirability among photographers of all levels. From the original gorgeous rangefinder styled X100 to the recent 4K enabled X-T2, Fujifilm have built a fully-fledged mirrorless system with a passionate following in the space of a few short years.

Kyoto 1 - Image taken on the X-Series System

Kyoto 2 - Image taken on the X-Series System

When challenged with the task of giving users even more performance, image quality and resolving power Fujifilm decided to go big. No, that doesn't accurately describe it all, they went HUGE. With 51.4 Megapixels spread over a sensor 70% larger than Full Frame and nearly 4 times larger than APS-C sensors used in their current cameras!

Fujifilm GFX50S

Medium format cameras are nothing new, even in digital variations but the bulky size, weight, cost and difficulty of use has typically kept them out of the hands of mere mortals. This in turn has led to 35mm format (Full Frame) digital cameras becoming the de facto standard amongst enthusiast and professional shooters across most photographic disciplines and championed by nearly all of the major photographic brands.

Fujifilm GFX50S

With the GFX 50S, Fujifilm believe they can change many of these long-held MF traits and after playing with one even briefly I'm in complete agreement. This is a Digital Medium Format camera that’s as easy to pick up and quickly get results from as your average DSLR. It feels far more refined than any first generation product should, no doubt due to the many borrowed technologies and components from the current X-Series cameras such as:

• the machined control dials for ISO and Shutter speed selection
• lens mounted aperture control rings
• X-Processor Pro running the show
• weather sealing throughout
• 3-way tilt screen now with touch functionality and 
• Fujifilm's trademark film simulation modes delivering superb colour straight from capture

Of course, there are plenty of new features to go along with that phenomenal sensor including 6 all new G-Mount lenses (3 available at launch) plus a H-mount lens adapter, 3.69 million dot electronic viewfinder with optional tilting adapter, always-on 1.28in monochrome top info display and a new vertical battery grip to house an extra NP-T125 high capacity battery. Those new lenses cover most of the major focal lengths from 18mm to 90mm in 35 equivalent terms and include zoom, macro and fast prime designs all with the same weather resistance as the GFX body.

 

In use the GFX feels solid but comfortable with a much more prominent grip than previous Fujifilm cameras. It balances very well with the battery housed just underneath the LCD screen and no mirror box to pushing the lens further away than necessary. It weighs less than its size suggests and will certainly see more handheld use than MF cameras of the past. Controlling the camera is identical to an X-T2 with the same AF selection joystick and direct top control dials except now you can choose to use the front and rear command dials to change aperture and shutter speed much like a traditional DSLR.

It's this familiar size and control that reveal who Fujifilm really want to target this camera toward; high end DSLR users. Although it may cost a decent amount more the GFX50S should be on the mind of anyone considering a Canon 5D Mk IV/5DSR, Nikon D810, Pentax K1 or even a Sony a7R II. These are all fantastic cameras in their own right but the new Fujifilm represents a giant leap forward in digital imaging and is a flagship camera truly deserving of that title.

A huge thank you to all the people at Fujifilm Australia and Fujifilm Japan for organising a great event. We eagerly await this and other new Fujifilm products in store over the coming months.

By Ryan Hoile

DCW Brisbane

Note: Sadly none of the images in this article were taken with the GFX 50S as we only had access to pre-production models and sharing images from those cameras was not allowed. Instead the images from around Kyoto were taken on the Fujifilm X-T1, XF14mm, XF27mm & XF56mm. We look forward to capturing images with the GFX50S once it arrives in Australia in the coming weeks.

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Guest Blog - Mastering Travel Photography by Leigh Diprose

Guest Blog #3 Our third guest blog comes from Leigh Diprose: Fuji Employee, Fuji Ambassador and Senior Contributor to fstoplounge.com. Leigh has taken the time to consider the question: How do you take great travel photos?

Mastering Travel Photography 

by Leigh Diprose

It’s a common question and one we will explore in this article, but first let’s talk about gear.

If you’re planning a trip overseas, interstate or on your next holiday, there are a few things you should think about when it comes to capturing memories.

GEAR

One of the first things to think about is what type of camera you should take. Rather than capturing photos with a smartphone, consider capturing photographs with a Mirrorless camera that will enable you to get in close to your subject without having to sacrifice image resolution.

With the current line up of Fujifilm X-Series cameras available there are plenty of options for lens combinations and X-Series camera bodies that will offer you a range of focal lengths, ensuring you get the best travel photos at an affordable price.

Three travel lens combinations worth considering are the versatile XF18-135mm F3.5-5.6, XF10-24mm F4 ultra wide angle and for the professional there’s the XF16-55mm F2.8 wide lens. A mix of these lenses will offer a great combination for capturing scenic locations, family portraits, abstract images and the general travel photos you might want to take along the way.

When you couple either of these lenses with a Fujifilm X-T10 or X-T1 camera, your carry on luggage will weigh a lot less than a digital SLR equivalent thanks to the lightweight construction and small size. Additionally these two benefits are a huge advantage to your back when you have a camera around your neck the whole day!

Now that you have your gear all sorted how can you improve your travel photography?

TIPS

Below you’ll find eight travel photography tips that will make a huge difference to your photo album.

Tip 1: Get down low and include foreground interest

Whenever you see a scene rather than taking the photo while you’re standing up, try getting down low to change your perspective of the scene. Think about incorporating objects in the foreground of your frame. What this will do is create foreground interest and offer some perspective to the viewer.

Tip 2: Use a circular polariser

If you plan on visiting a place with harsh light during the day (like Australia or the Pacific Islands) then a circular polariser is a must. When using this special screw in filter on the front of your lens, you’ll retain all the details in the highlight areas (typically the sky).

Often, without a filter the sky will become blown out and overexposed as there is a difference in exposure between the land and sky. By rotating the front ring on the circular polarising filter you can adjust the polarisation of the filter to darken the sky and even out the exposure.

Tip 3: Carry a lightweight small tripod

The reason to include a small tripod in your travel kit (like a 3 Legged Thing Tripod) is so you can capture the sunrise and sunset. If you plan on holding your camera during these golden times, then you’ll most likely end up with blurry photos. By using a tripod, combined with the camera's self timer (or optional cable release) you’ll be able to photograph long exposures that are blur free.

Tip 4: Change your camera's white balance at sunset

If you want a rich warm colour at sunrise or sunset then change your camera’s white balance from ‘Auto’ to ‘Shade’ or ‘Cloudy’. When you do this your photos will instantly appear warmer. Just remember to change your white balance back to ‘Auto’ once the light has disappeared.

Tip 5: Wait until you can no longer see the sun

When you see a sunset happening wait until the sun completely disappears if you want to get the best light. It’s during this period (that will last around 15-20 mins) that the sun in most cases will provide warm soft light onto the clouds and ‘light up the sky’. This is the moment where you want to make sure your camera is on a tripod and your white balance has been changed.

Tip 6: Carry a Instax Share Printer

If you want to take the best portrait shots of people while you travel try giving them an instant print. Start up a conversation with them first and then proceed to take their photo. In exchange for the photo you can offer them an instant print directly from your Instax Share Printer.

The majority of Fujifilm X-Series cameras connect wirelessly to the printer (with no internet connection needed). Simply take the photo, preview it on the back of the camera and send it directly to the printer. Once the photo has printed out you can leave it with the person you just photographed. In most cases this should lead to another opportunity to take an even better photo of them smiling.

Tip 7: Carry spare batteries and more memory than you think you’ll need

Ensure you have enough spare batteries to last a full day and night without having to charge them. If you’re using a Fujifilm X-T10 or X-T1 it’s recommended that you take around two extra batteries. The other essential to take is memory cards. Think about taking multiple smaller sized cards rather than one large one. In other words you don’t want to carry all your eggs in one basket just in case one gets lost with all of your photos.

Tip 8: Look behind you

One of the simplest pieces of advice for travel photography is to look behind you. Often the light may change behind you while you’re photographing or there could be even a better scene just waiting to be captured. Allow yourself the time to explore the scene around you, find your composition and master it!

Hopefully with these simple tips you’ll be able to master travel photography like a professional does! Remember, sometimes the best thing you can do, is to put your gear down and enjoy the culture and beauty that surrounds you without taking a photo.

Happy travelling.

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Fujifilm X-T1 firmware update includes a new AF system with upgraded autofocus performance

11 May 2015

Fujifilm X-T1 firmware update includes a new AF system with upgraded autofocus performance Firmware designed for Fujifilm X-T1 and X-T1 Graphite Silver Edition cameras

(this is an extract directly from the Media Release despatched by Fujifilm Australia)

FUJIFILM announced today that it is introducing new firmware Ver. 4.00 for the X-T1 and X-T1 Graphite Silver Edition cameras that will feature nine key changes aimed at substantially improving the AF performance and operation.

The new firmware Ver.4.00 will be available from late June 2015. The new AF system makes it easier than ever to capture moving subjects, dramatically increasing your shooting options. Features include:

Zone and Wide / Tracking modes to accurately capture moving subjects

- 77 autofocus points are used across a wider area to substantially improve the camera’s ability to capture moving subjects.

- Zone mode allows users to choose a 3x3, 5x3 or 5x5 zone from the 77-point AF area.

- When combined with the AF-C continuous focusing mode, the camera tracks a subject in the centre of the selected zone. - Wide / Tracking mode displays the area in focus identified automatically out of the 77-point AF area, and tracks the subject across the entire 77-point AF area. Focus can be maintained on subjects that move vertically, horizontally, or back and forth.

2. Improved AF accuracy for enhanced focusing performance

- Single point AF divides the focus area into smaller sections to more accurately determine the distance to the subject.

- Built-in phase detection pixels now have a detection range of 0.5EV (previously 2.5EV), delivering phase detection AF performance that enables fast focus in low light conditions and on low-contrast subjects.

3. Eye Detection AF for more beautiful portraits

- By activating Face Detection AF and Eye Detection AF, the camera automatically detects and focuses on human eyes even in difficult conditions.

4. Auto Macro Mode for convenient close-up photography

- This feature eliminates the need to press the Macro button before shooting close-ups, while maintaining the conventional AF speed, allowing the user to assign a different function for the macro button.

5. Improved AF in Movie mode for smoother video recording

- The optimised algorithm delivers a more natural and smooth AF action during movie recording.

6. Improved Shutter Speed Dial Operation

When the Shutter Speed Dial is set to T and the Shutter Type to Mechanical + Electronic, the command dial can be set to a full range of exposure times from 30 - 1/32000 seconds enabling you to change the shutter speed across a broader range without having to change camera position. This is useful when shooting in portrait orientation with the optional Vertical Battery Grip.

7. Exposure Compensation in Manual Exposure mode

You can use the Exposure Compensation dial to make exposure adjustments while shooting in the Manual exposure mode with the ISO Auto setting.

8. Finer Lines on the framing grid enhances visibility

The lines on the framing grid, which can be displayed in the Screen Set-Up menu, are now finer making it easier to view the subject.

9. Name of Silent mode changed

The Silent mode has been renamed to “SOUND & FLASH OFF” to avoid confusion.

FUJIFILM Australia Product and Marketing Manager - Electronic Imaging, Alex Zitser, said the nine key changes are a reflection of feedback from users.

“This demonstrates that Fujifilm continues to listen to customer feedback to boost the performance of X Series cameras. In particular, Fujifilm has taken the ability to capture moving subjects to a whole new level,” Mr Zitser said.

The new X-T1 firmware Ver.4.00 will be available from late June 2015.

About FUJIFILM

FUJIFILM is a world leader in imaging, information and document technologies. With a commitment to extensive research and development, FUJIFILM provides a leading edge range of products and services that incorporate proprietary technologies which contribute to the advancement of such fields as culture, science, technology and industry, as well as improved health and environment protection. Ultimately, FUJIFILM’s aim is to help enhance the quality of life for people worldwide.

www.fujifilm.com.au

Media Enquiries:

Deidre McAlinden M: 0417 758432

FUJIFILM Australia Pty Ltd E: deidre.mcalinden@bigpond.com.au

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Fuji X-100T - An Evening with Tim Georgeson

DCW recently attended the Fuji Film Australia event highlighting the new Fuji X100T and Fuji ambassador and photographer/creative Tim Georgeson. There were a series of Tim's images on display highlighting the quality of the new camera. The X100T offers an exciting advancement for compact mirrorless cameras. A nice blend of retro design, functionality and compact size.

A little more about Tim Georgeson:

Tim’s advertising, artwork and environmental portraiture feature in The New York Times Magazine, National Geographic, Rolling Stone and many more magazines. His avant-garde, award-winning print campaigns shot with agencies and clients such as Converse, Heineken, Levis have been internationally featured. He has won numerous prizes, including World Press Photo, NY Festival and Cannes. 

In 2010 Tim co-founded GuerrillaPop+MediaLab, a boutique media laboratory where he creative directs advertising campaigns, book ventures, design projects, editorials, exhibitions, music videos and film projects – and specialises in humanitarian causes.
Tim Georgeson is a multi-award-winning photographer, filmmaker and creative director. His street-inspired films that capture youth culture zeitgeist have established a cult following.

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Owning Multiple Cameras – Part 2

…different cameras for different uses

By Marc B

Owning Multiple Cameras – Part 1 explored street photography and special occasion photography. Below are some suggestions of camera types that are suitable for specific situations. Remember, any camera is better than no camera at all!

Landscape Photography
Landscape photography is all about wide open spaces, detail, sharpness and rugged equipment. You can use a few different cameras for this type of photography.  The only essential would be a camera that can use filters as landscape photographers have a need for a few different types of filters (ND, ND Grads, circular polarisers etc.).  A Compact System Camera (CSC) is ideal for this as they are light, some are weather resistant and have some high quality lenses that can take a filter.  Another advantage of a CSC is that they are compact enough to go in a backpack if you are hiking, but good enough quality to get awesome results.  The lens selection is great and there are plenty of cameras to choose from.

Everyday Photography

There are times when the phone camera just doesn’t cut it (indoors, low light, if you need to zoom) and you need a camera that can far outdo the results from what your phone can do but you don’t want to lug around a big DSLR.  For this there is a range of small but high quality cameras available with built in Wi-Fi so you can still share those moments instantly.  But now you can do it with awesome quality.  Some cameras that fit this category are the Canon S120, the latest in a long line of ‘S’ series cameras that are known for their low light performance, the new Fujifilm XQ1 which is the smallest Fuji camera yet to feature their very well respected X-Trans sensor and it also features no low pass filter for extra sharpness.  Other cameras are the Sony RX100 II which is very small but with a larger sensor size than most other compacts for exceptional image quality.  All of these cameras feature Wi-Fi and all have apps available to stream your images to your smart device for uploading to your social networking site of choice.  The main difference being that your photos will be of a much higher quality than your friends’ photos.

Travel Photography

Travel photography encompasses such a wide range of photography styles (architecture, portrait, landscape, street and general photography) that it is impossible to find one camera to do it all.  The best option here is to take two cameras (this article assumes photography will be a major interest when you go on holidays), one of them should be your DSLR or CSC with appropriate lenses, and the other should be a good compact super-zoom camera.

The DSLR is the go-to camera that you use for the majority of the trip, these photos are unrepeatable events and you should use your best gear to capture them.

The compact is your back-up camera and is the camera to take with you if you find yourself going to events that do not allow (or you simply don’t want to take) a DSLR.  The compact should have a big zoom for those times when you need to get in close and Wi-Fi for transferring to your smart device to share the moment with friends and family.  Some good options here are the Panasonic TZ40 with a 20X optical zoom, Wi-Fi and NFC.  This comes from a long line of very successful travel zoom cameras from Panasonic.  The Olympus SH-50 also features a slightly bigger 24X zoom lens with an advanced 5 axis image stabilisation feature when using video to really steady those hands.  It also uses a 16 MP BSI CMOS sensor for great low light ability.  Nikon also has the popular S9500 travel zoom which features a 22X zoom, 18MP sensor, Wi-Fi, GPS for tracking where you took the photo and full HD video recording.

These are just a few options of cameras available for these photographic styles, there are plenty more in-store so come on in, call us or check out our website to see what else we have on offer!

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Owning Multiple Cameras – Part 1

…different cameras for different uses

By Marc B

If only a one-size-fits-all camera existed, one that had the optical and sensor quality of a high end DSLR but in the size of a compact, with a massive zoom range but also wide open apertures.  Such a camera doesn’t exist yet so it’s left to us to pick and choose the right camera for the right situation.  This is great news for us cameraholics who love an excuse to buy yet another cool camera.  But which camera suits which situation?

Most photographers find themselves in a variety of situations that call for different lenses and sometimes completely different systems.  Below are some suggestions of camera types that are suitable for specific situations although any camera is better than no camera at all.

Street Photography

Street photography calls for a small, unobtrusive camera that still produces high quality images.  There are two popular choices for this area.  The first is a compact, fixed lens camera like the Fuji X100s or X20, Canon G16, Nikon Coolpix A or the Sony RX1 R at the high end.  These cameras are relatively small in size but give an outstanding result in challenging conditions.  The advantage of them being so small is the ability to take photos unobtrusively and candidly in a street situation or even a social occasion like a wedding (if you aren’t the primary photographer) where you might want a more relaxed and less posed photo. 

Another option would be a full size DSLR but with a small prime lens attached, like a 50mm or 24mm large aperture lens.  These are cheaper than a high quality zoom lens but can be of similar or better optical quality and in a much smaller form factor.  These cameras can be set up easily for pre focusing (a technique that involves pre focusing a known distance from the camera so you can shoot instantly without waiting for the camera to focus) so you don’t miss that vital moment.

Special Occasion Photography

This refers to things like professional wedding or portrait photography where the image quality is of absolute importance.  For this you want to have the best quality you can afford and ideally this would be professional quality glass with a full frame DSLR.  Size and weight factors are less important here than in other types of photography as the final result needs to be of the upmost quality.  The lens selection is basically the ‘three amigos’; 16-35mm, 24-70mm and 70-200mm lenses (or very similar focal lengths).  This gives the range required for almost any situation you are likely to be in.  Here is a link to our lenses page.

As an extension of this, the cameras listed in the street photography section would also be appropriate as a second camera as long as you understand the limits of the cameras.

Next blog, I’ll be exploring cameras to use for landscape photography, everyday photography and travel photography.

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