A camera is simply a device that allows you to capture static or moving images, but not all of them are the same. And we are not just saying it because of the form factor, the quality that each model is capable of offering, its options and the needs it covers make important differences. If you are going to buy a new one, you are interested in knowing them well.
Types of cameras: the best and the worst
The mobile phone is the current king in the photographic market . The quality and versatility offered by the latest proposals from most manufacturers confirm this. Even so, this sector does not stop growing and evolving, bringing new models closer to the consumer that are capable of giving cinema quality unthinkable a few years ago.
A clear example of these recent proposals that will completely change the photographic possibilities and, above all, video are the new Canon EOS R5 and R6.
So, if we are going to review all the types of cameras that exist to see what are their advantages and disadvantages. So that you choose well the next time you value the way of acquiring a new equipment.
DSLR or DSLR cameras
DSLR cameras or also known as DSLRs have been for years the most popular for all those who went one step further in photography.
Thanks to the use of larger sensors, the capabilities to capture more light allowed better performance and image quality in all types of scenarios. In addition, these with cameras that allow you to use interchangeable optics with which the possibilities go even further.
The advantages of these DSLR cameras are clear: higher image quality and versatility when capturing both photos and videos. Yes, video became important to these types of cameras with the arrival of the Nikon D90 and later with the Canon EOS Mark II. They were a revolution and managed to bring cinematographic quality closer to anyone.
The downside is the price. It is true that there are models designed for users who start in SLR photography and cost relatively little. But between the body and the acquisition of new objectives on demand you invest more.
The best
- Picture quality
- Versatility
Worst
- Price
- Size
Today, there are DSLR cameras that are still very attractive to virtually any type of user. Three models that perfectly cover the needs of the user who starts even the most professional are these:
- Nikon D3500 , one of the most complete reflexes to start with and with great image quality at a good price
- Canon 6D Mark II , without reaching the cost of the 5D Mark IV this camera with full frame sensor offers great results
- Canon 1DX Mark II , Canon’s most advanced SLR is ideal for high-level sports photography and even video recording without making the leap to the Cinema range
Mirrorless or CSC cameras
Mirrorless or mirrorless cameras have been the present and future of photography for a couple of years. It is true that there is still some debate between whether or not an SLR is better than a mirrorless one for certain disciplines, such as sports photography, but seeing the recent bets of traditional manufacturers such as Canon or Nikon, it is clear where the photographic industry is heading and Of video.
These cameras offer the same advantages as a DSLR, that is, interchangeable optics and large sensors with which to obtain high-quality images, but without that mirror system of the SLR.
In addition, their body is smaller, so they are more comfortable when transporting and carrying from one side to the other. Although it must also be recognized that there are users who are not convinced by such small bodies due to ergonomics.
In any case, the most negative aspect of a good part of current CSC systems is the lack of lenses. For this reason, many users end up resorting to the use of adapters that allow using the lenses of other systems, such as the Canon EF mount. The main drivers of this type of camera have always been Sony, Panasonic, Fuji and Olympus.
The best
- Lighter camera bodies
- Without mirror mechanisms
- Picture quality
- Versatility
Worst
- Reduced ergonomics
- Focus system for what kind of photos
Currently, the cameras without mirrors are one of the most proliferated and the brands are increasingly releasing more models with improved characteristics. Three interesting options are, in the absence of official launch of the new Canon EOS R, they are:
- Fuji X-T4 , APSC with very good performance and color science as a highlight
- Sony A6600 , a camera that surprised us in our analysis for features and performance, eventually surpassing the popular Sony A7 III in certain scenarios
- Panasonic Lumix S1H, the most advanced for video recording with the new Canon. It is capable of recording video at 6K resolution and is certified by Netflix as an official camera
As we say, there are many more interesting cameras within this category and some of us have tried them as the Lumix G90. Everything will depend on how much you want to invest and what you are really looking for.
Compact cameras
For many years compact cameras were the most popular option among all those users who were looking for a camera with which to capture their travels and other important moments without the complications, financial outlays and loss of agility that SLRs represented.
With the arrival of the mobile phone everything changed. They lost attractiveness to the possibilities of the smartphone and years later even for quality. For this reason, with the exception of the occasional gift model or those who do not want the “complication” of a mobile phone, this sector has been relegated to high-end models that are really attractive.
The main advantages in the high-end models are a great image quality , small size and light weight that make them ideal to always carry with you. Its disadvantages could be reduced to one: price.
The best
- Image quality on high-end models
- Weight and size
Worst
- High-end price
The price of the best compacts and with a very vlogger profile are undoubtedly one of its points that make many users doubt the most, but betting on them is a guarantee of hitting both photo and video. The most attractive models are from Sony and Canon.
- Sony RX100 VII
- Sony ZV-1
- Canon G7x Mark III
Bridge or superzoom cameras
Bridge or superzoom cameras are an intermediate step between a compact and a reflex. There are no interchangeable lenses here , but due to their dimensions they do offer lenses with a longer focal length than usual in a compact. So the name of the bridge or superzoom, for being halfway between the two.
Normally these cameras have a sensor 1 inch in size, larger than that normally used by the most compact compacts. As for the rest of the specifications, one of the characteristics is that they usually offer support for capturing photos in RAW format .
The advantages of these cameras are obvious, some of the best characteristics of SLRs such as higher focal length or image quality. The negative part, they are bulky and there is not that possible option to opt for other types of focal points depending on which photos you want to take.
The best
- Picture quality
- Focal range
Worst
- Size and weight
- Versatility compared to a SLR or mirrorless
Again Sony and Panasonic offer this time the most attractive models for this type of camera. The RX10 in particular wins for its low-light video recording capabilities, something the manufacturer has proven to do very well in recent years thanks to such high ISO management.
- Sony RX10 Mark III
- Panasonic Lumix FZ-1000 II
Medium format cameras
Finally, medium-format or medium-format cameras , as you prefer to call them, are those tools for professionals who work mainly in the studio doing a very specific type of photography where high image quality and resolution are required.
Among all the proposals available on the market, Hasselblad is the most recognized manufacturer within this type of camera. As we say, the quality they offer is brutal, by resolution and by performance, with a dynamic range with which to be able to do practically anything in the development and editing application that is used.
The advantages with obvious: amazing image quality and magnification for advertising purposes mainly. The least positive or negative part is that they are cameras with a high cost.
The best
- Picture quality
- Resolution
Worst
- Price
- Size
360 and action cameras
We can not forget the 360 and action cameras . Removing the first ones, which allow you to record spherical or 360-degree video, the action cameras the only thing they add when compared to a compact, reflex or CSC is their greater resistance to shocks and adverse weather situations, but otherwise, we could say that they are identical.
Therefore, these two types of cameras are designed for very specific uses, so that is how they should be valued. You can vlog with an action camera and even a 360-degree one, but it will not give the same quality nor will you have the same versatility when it comes to recording. In the same way that using the others for what they are intended for would not be ideal, unless you get money. So, keep them in mind and value.
The best
- 360 video
- Resistance
- Size and weight
Worst
- Low light image quality
- Ultra angular lenses
GoPro and Insta360 together with DJI are the three brands that practically take the entire market in this of action cameras and 360 video cameras at the medium user level.
- GoPro Hero Max
- GoPro Hero 8 Black
- DJI Osmo Action
- Insta360 One R
Along with these models there are solutions based on DSLR cameras to take 360 photos or much more complex and expensive models, but to obtain attractive results it is not necessary to invest too much.
Analog cameras
Finally, analog cameras did not cease to exist and there are still those who are completely in love with this way of taking photos, much more leisurely and where you have to think carefully about what frame and photo you want to achieve.
Currently its use is not common due to a simple cost issue. And because you don’t have the immediacy that digital allows. Despite this, there is still arousing interest as it is seen as more traditional.