…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.
