Lesson 1: Types of Cameras

It’s Camera Time!

First off, we at The Camera Loft love technology and could be considered a bit ‘geeky’. But, and it’s a big but.

We believe the camera is a tool and it’s the person behind it who has the vision, concept, and creativity to produce unique images.

Whatever camera you have it is important to research and experiment so that you can maximise the potential of you and your equipment.

1. DSLR Cameras: Digital Single-Lens Reflex cameras are efficient, relatively easy to use, and have an interchangeable lens system. The DSLR superstructure and the mirror mechanism make them heavier, bulkier, and noisier than some of the other camera types. This is a popular camera type for those starting and wanting to explore the world of digital photography due to its lens options, durable build, and user-friendly functionality.

2. Mirrorless Cameras: This is the technology that is now at the forefront with many camera manufacturers focusing their attention on only this. They lack the mirror and optical viewfinder of DSLRs, using digital displays instead. By having an electronic viewfinder the bodies are often smaller, compact, able to shoot faster, and feature a silent shutter. Most Mirrorless cameras have an interchangeable lens system with many manufacturers producing mount adapters allowing DLSR lenses to be used on them.

3. Point-and-Shoot Cameras: Compact and easy to use, these cameras are often used by those on the go. They are lightweight, portable, and often come with automatic settings, making them ideal for everyday photography and traveling.

4. Action Cameras: Built for rugged use, action cameras are small, waterproof, and shockproof. They are commonly used for capturing extreme sports and outdoor activities due to their durability and wide-angle lenses. A popular brand would be GoPro.

5. Medium Format Cameras: These cameras are known for their larger sensors or film, resulting in incredibly high-resolution images. They are popular in fashion, portrait, and landscape photography due to their exceptional image quality.

6. Instant Cameras: Instant or polaroid cameras produce physical photographs immediately after capturing an image. They provide a unique and nostalgic photography experience, making them popular for events and casual use.

7. Film Cameras: While predominantly replaced by digital technology, film cameras are still favored by some photographers for their distinctive image characteristics. These cameras require a roll of film to be inserted and once completed the roll is then developed and processed. They come in various formats such as 35mm, medium format, and large format.

8. Bridge Cameras: These are very interesting, ‘bridging’ the gap between all-purpose point-and-shoot convenience and the features and functionality of a DSLR camera. Bridge cameras don’t have an interchangeable lens system meaning it has a fixed built-in lens that is often incredibly versatile. Often providing impressive focal ranges these can be popular for those wanting an all-in-one system that user friendly.