Camera Types

At the risk of over simplyfying there are four main types of cameras:

• Point-and-shoot
• 35mm SLR (Single Lens Reflex)
• Medium format
• Large format

Point and Shoot

For many people their first experience with photography is with a point-and-shoot camera. These cameras are relatively inexpensive and easy to use. Even though todays point and shoot cameras are truly awesome, their capability will not equal that of the 35mm SLR cameras.

35mm SLR Camera Features

35mm DSLR cameras are becoming incredibly sophisticated and with increasing price/performance ratios. In the right situation a person who knows little about photography can take great pictures. This technology is great, for those people who do not wish to learn about the photographic process and what is needed to produce a good photograph.

One problem with automatic cameras is that the decisions made by the camera’s computer system are based upon averages and are fallable. What this means is that in a normal situation the camera will often take good photographs. Every so often, all the automatic decisions will be made correctly and the result will be a great photograph.

To take great photographs in non-average situation you will need to understand the basics of photography.

Fortunately for you, most 35mm SLR cameras and many point and shoot cameras will give you the needed level of control. As you learn more about photography, you will learn to use the manual and override settings.

Keep your persective on this. A camera’s features don't impact the image quality. A camera body is just a box with an image recording device and a lens. The quality of your photographs will influenced by other factors such as lens quality and camera settings.

Medium Format

Medium format has traditionally referred to a film format that uses film which is larger than 24 by 36 mm(35mm film) and smaller than the 4"×5" size of large format.

In the digital world there are film backs which allow photographers to still shoot in this larger format. Those backs produce awesome images, but at a great price.

Large Format

Large format cameras that typically use film or maybe digital sensor, which is 4 x 5 inches or larger. The most common large formats are 4x5 and 8x10 inches. There are even cameras which are larger than 11x14 inches in size.

 

 

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