Before comparing specific models, get a grip on the type of camera that will suit you best
IF YOU'RE NOT FAMILIAR with Aesop’s fable, “The Fox and the Cat,” here’s how it goes: A Fox was boasting to a Cat of its clever devices for escaping its enemies. “I have a whole bag of tricks,” he said, “which contains a hundred ways of escaping my enemies.”
“I have only one,” said the Cat, “but I can generally manage with that.”
Just at that moment they heard the cry of a pack of hounds coming toward them, and the Cat immediately scampered up a tree and hid herself in the boughs. “This is my plan,” said the Cat. “What are you going to do?”
The Fox thought first of one way and then of another, and while he was debating, the hounds came nearer and nearer, and at last the Fox in his confusion was caught up by the hounds and soon killed by the huntsmen.
The Cat, who had been looking on, said, “Better one safe way than a hundred on which you cannot reckon.”
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That’s the key to choosing the best camera for you: picking gear with which you’re comfortable and which serves your needs. That’s easier said than done—this year perhaps more than ever before—with an expanding variety of camera types, from multi-megapixel compact cameras to the most sophisticated pro SLRs, plus new options like mirrorless cameras and hybrid still and video models.
I worked in camera sales during college, and the best advice I can give you is to go to a store and shop for cameras in person. Comparing specs and features isn’t a substitute for handling equipment, exploring a camera’s menus and testing its responsiveness. That said, it’s good to know the general type of camera that’s right for you beforehand to help narrow the field and focus your comparisons.
INTERCHANGEABLE-LENS CAMERAS
There has been a lot of innovation in digital camera technology since last year’s Buyer’s Guide, most notably the emergence of “mirrorless” interchangeable-lens cameras. What started with a few Micro Four Thirds cameras from Olympus and Panasonic has grown into a wide selection of mirrorless models with options from Samsung and Sony, too.
The mirrorless design competes with the traditional SLR by making smaller camera bodies and lenses possible, which for some photographers is highly desirable. It also enables these cameras to do things SLRs can’t, like offer full-time Live View and electronic eye-level viewfinders.
Is a mirrorless camera right for you? Maybe. One drawback of typical mirrorless cameras is that they rely on contrast-detection autofocus, which is inherently slower than the phase-detection systems in SLRs. Sensor size also may be an issue: If you have legacy lenses and want a “full-frame” 35mm-sized sensor, you won’t find one in a mirrorless design—not yet anyway. Also, if you have larger hands, you may not be as comfortable with the smaller mirrorless models as you are with a traditional SLR body.
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Whichever interchangeable-lens camera design you prefer, you’ll have the option of HD video recording in addition to still photography. All mirrorless cameras offer this capability, and most current SLRs do, too.
HD video in DSLRs has been one of the most significant innovations to hit DSLRs. The technology grew out of Live View capability, and it immediately captured the imagination of the public, but there’s real substance behind the hype. Due to the large sensor sizes in DSLRs, the video has a “cinematic” look. Hollywood has taken note, and major motion pictures and hit TV shows are being shot with DSLRs.
For all of the hype about HD video, there were some considerable quirks that a shooter needed to work with. Now, some two years after the Nikon D90 and Canon EOS 5D Mark II made their ground-breaking debuts, most DSLRs have the technology, and it’s becoming ever easier to use. Exposure controls, full phase-detect autofocus and longer capture times are just a few of the features in some of the latest DSLRs that have HD video.
There’s no agreed definition of exactly what defines HD. Everyone pretty much agrees that 720p output (pixel dimensions of 1280x720) is HD, but you’re likely to see the term “full HD” as well. Is there a not full HD? Hardly, but 1080i and 1080p technically give higher-resolution images (1980x1080 pixels). One thing to keep in mind as you pore through HD video specs; as of this time, televisions can only output 1280x720, so even if your camera offers 1080, it has to be downsampled when you watch it.
Do you need it? If you want to shoot a lot of video, a dedicated camcorder has advantages of longer recording times, generous zoom ranges and (typically) better microphones built in. As a reader of Digital Photo, though, your primary focus is most likely photography, making video-capable still cameras a nice option when you want to add motion images to your repertoire without an additional investment in a dedicated camcorder.
We like the HD video feature in a DSLR for creating video clips for projects like multimedia slideshows. With some simple software and a little practice, you can easily make sound and video-enhanced slideshows that are actually enjoyable for friends and family. Short video clips juxtaposed with your still photos and with some music in the background are much more entertaining than a plain stream of photos, and it really brings the show to life. With their excellent image quality and the ability to use all of your lenses, an HD video DSLR can be ideal for this kind of project.
COMPACT CAMERAS
Though the expandability of interchangeable-lens systems is an advantage for most photographers, there’s a lot to be said for cameras small enough to slip into your pocket. After all, the “right” camera is the one you actually take with you. If you don’t see yourself carrying an SLR—and maybe an extra lens or two—you’re better off with a camera you find more comfortable. And even if you typically prefer your interchangeable-lens system, you’ll probably have a compact camera, too, for situations when carrying a larger camera, lenses and accessories isn’t practical.
There are also “advanced” compacts which, though often larger than your pocket, typically offer a big-range zoom lens and improved performance compared to smaller models. These cameras try to bridge the gap between portability and performance. They’re larger than pocket cameras, though still smaller than most SLRs, and eliminate the need to carry multiple lenses.
REMEMBER THE FOX AND THE CAT
As you read this issue and explore your gear options, don’t forget that the goal is taking great photographs, and that your equipment, whatever you choose, should make this easier. While we’ve identified cameras, accessories, gear and software in these pages that we think are noteworthy, ultimately, the best gear selections are those you’re inspired to master.
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