Tag: Viewfinder

How to Choose a Camera: SLR vs DSLR
by David Burgess on 0

How to Choose a Camera: SLR vs DSLR

When choosing either a SLR or DSLR camera, it is important to know which one is better for the type of photographs you plan to take. This article will highlight which is best for certain endeavors. We’ll also show you some of the top rated cameras in each category.

Which is Better SLR or DSLR?

The SLR camera is called as such because it makes use of a mirror and prism, reflex pertaining to the reflection on the mirror (see some examples of an SLR camera here). The reflection allows the user to see the image about to be captured through the viewfinder before actually taking the photo. This is special and different compared to the viewfinder camera which shows a very different image in the frame as compared to what you can see through the viewfinder. When the user hits the shutter button, the mirror moves away and allows light to go past it and hit the film to capture the image.

The main difference between a traditional SLR camera and a DSLR or digital single lens reflex camera lies right in its name, the DSLR is digital and does not make use of film (see some examples of a DSLR camera here). And because it has no film, instead of the mirror moving away for the light to hit the film, the light would, instead, go to the CCD or CMOS imaging sensor. Each camera has its pros and cons and they cater to certain kinds of photographers.

When to buy a SLR Camera

SLR Camera Review Getting a traditional SLR is advised for the more advanced photographer just because your number of shots is limited to how much film you have. The SLR user does not have the luxury of having a nearly unlimited number of frames that the DSLR user enjoys. Some people really do prefer having an SLR over a DSLR because of the quality and texture of film prints.

SLR Camera Reviews

There are very subtle differences between a film and digital print that are visible to the trained eye. One print isn’t better than the other, so to speak. It’s really more a preference. It should be noted that while getting an SLR is cheaper than a DSLR, in the long run, you could save more money with a DSLR because you won’t have to keep buying film. And the ISO, or level of exposure, depends on what kind of film you can buy. You can’t change it until you change film rolls.

SLR Cameras Under $1000, $500 and $250 Dollars

When to buy a DSLR Camera

DSLR Camera Review DSLRs tend to be more expensive but it is highly advisable for beginners to try out an entry level DSLR for a multitude of reasons. First of all, since everything is digital, you don’t have to count how many frames you’ve used because everything goes into a memory card and they can hold and store a large number of photos. And you can just transfer your photos to your computer when you’ve filled up your card and you can start shooting again.

DSLR Camera Reviews

Another great advantage of the DSLR for beginners is the fact that you can see your photo right away. You don’t need to process it before you can check it out and judge it for yourself. There’s more flexibility with digital photographs too. For one, you can change the ISO on the camera itself.

Canon EOS Rebel 18MP T3i DSLR Camera

**Top Choice**

DSLR Cameras Under $1000, $500 and $250 Dollars

SLR vs DSLR Summary

It should be noted that film and film cameras are slowly being phased out. That shouldn’t discourage you from getting a film camera because there’s more to learn with SLRs. To capture a beautiful picture using a film camera, you need a certain level of understanding and knowledge of light, exposure, and film. Using an SLR will allow you to gain more experience, knowledge, and appreciation for photos. But it is more practical to get a DSLR. One isn’t really better than the other in this situation. Deciding which one to buy really depends on your personal preference.

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How To Choose The Best SLR Digital Camera For Your Needs
by David Burgess on 0

How To Choose The Best SLR Digital Camera For Your Needs

SLR digital cameras are a dime a dozen these days. With so many manufacturers, models and features to choose from, it can be tough to know which one is right for you. But don’t worry, we’re here to help. In this article, we’ll run through everything you need to know to choose the best SLR digital camera for your needs.

First things first, what is an SLR digital camera? SLR stands for ‘single-lens reflex’. This means that the camera has a mirror inside it that reflects the image from the lens up into the viewfinder. This is the main difference between an SLR and a compact camera – with a compact camera, you’re looking at the image through the lens itself.

The advantage of an SLR is that you can see exactly what the camera is going to see when you take the photo. This makes it much easier to compose your shots, and you’ll also be able to see if anything is in the way of the lens (like your finger!).

So, now that you know what an SLR is, let’s take a look at some of the things you need to consider when choosing one…

1. Price

As with anything, price is going to be a big factor in your decision. SLR cameras can range from a few hundred dollars to several thousand, so you need to decide how much you’re willing to spend.

Of course, the more you spend, the better the camera is likely to be. But that doesn’t mean you need to spend a fortune to get a good camera – there are plenty of great options at lower price points.

2. Features

As we mentioned, there are a lot of different SLR cameras on the market, and each one has its own unique feature set. So, you need to decide which features are important to you.

Do you want a camera with built-in Wi-Fi so you can easily share your photos? Do you need a camera that can shoot video as well as photos? Do you want a camera with a touchscreen display?

Think about what you want to use the camera for, and make sure you choose one with the features you need.

3. Sensor size

The sensor is the part of the camera that captures the image. The bigger the sensor, the more light it can capture, and the better the quality of the image will be.

Most entry-level SLR cameras have what’s called an APS-C sensor. This is a good all-round size, and it’s what we’d recommend if you’re just starting out.

If you’re looking for the best possible image quality, you’ll want a camera with a full-frame sensor. These are usually found in more expensive cameras, but they’re definitely worth the investment if you’re serious about photography.

4. Lens compatibility

One of the great things about SLR cameras is that they’re usually compatible with a wide range of lenses. This means you can buy different lenses to suit different situations.

For example, you might want a telephoto lens for taking photos of wildlife, or a wide-angle lens for landscape photography.

When you’re choosing an SLR camera, make sure you check which lenses are compatible with it. That way, you can be sure you’ll be able to buy the lenses you need in the future.

5. Weight and size

If you’re going to be carrying your camera around with you a lot, then you’ll want to consider the weight and size. Some SLR cameras can be quite large and heavy, so make sure you choose one that’s comfortable for you to carry.

6. Battery life

Another important consideration is battery life. If you’re going to be using your camera a lot, you’ll need a camera with a good battery life. Otherwise, you’ll be constantly having to recharge it.

7. User-friendliness

If you’re new to photography, you’ll want to choose a camera that’s easy to use. Look for a camera with an intuitive menu system and clear, easy-to-understand controls.

Also, make sure the camera has a good viewfinder. This is what you’ll be looking through when you take a photo, so it needs to be clear and bright.

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Nikon Coolpix P900 Review
by Leland Richardson on 0

Nikon Coolpix P900 Review

The Bottom Line

There’s no hiding the key feature that we’ll showcase in this Nikon Coolpix P900 review — an almost unbelievable 83X optical zoom lens. At the time of this writing, the 83X zoom lens is the largest one available in the fixed lens camera market, making the P900 a candidate for one of the best ultra zoom cameras. 

And there’s no hiding this feature because it makes the Coolpix P900 a camera that’s larger than even some of the best DSLR cameras on the market. This model weighs almost 2 pounds and measures about 5x5x5 inches with the zoom lens retracted. When the optical zoom is fully extended, the camera measures about 8.5 inches in depth.

So if you need a huge zoom lens, Nikon definitely delivers with the P900. But as with many ultra zoom cameras, sometimes that huge zoom lens can be a detriment. You may have a tough time holding the Coolpix P900 steady when the zoom lens is extended, just because the camera is so heavy and awkward to hand hold with the large zoom lens.

And Nikon only gave this model a 1/2.3-inch image sensor and 16 megapixels of resolution, which will limit your ability to create photos that will result in large and sharp prints. Still, versus other large zoom cameras, the Nikon P900 is a decent performer.

Then there’s the $500-plus price point for the P900. You might be able to find an entry-level DSLR or mirrorless ILC at that price, which will result in far greater image quality. So only those who are sure they need the 83X optical zoom lens will be able to justify the high price tag for this model.

Specifications

  • Resolution: 16.0 megapixels
  • Optical zoom: 83X (24-2000mm equivalent)
  • LCD: 3.0-inch, 921,000 pixels (tiltable)
  • Maximum image size: 4608 x 3456 pixels
  • Battery: Rechargeable Li-Ion
  • Dimensions: 5.5 x 4.1 x 5.5 inches
  • Weight: 1 pound, 15.8 ounces (with battery and memory card)
  • Image sensor: 1/2.3-inch
  • Movie mode: HD 1080p

Pros

  • Huge optical zoom lens at 83X
  • Reasonably good performance speeds even when optical zoom lens is fully extended
  • Offers electronic viewfinder
  • Articulated LCD screen
  • Numerous manual control features

Cons

  • Small image sensor limits image quality results
  • Images aren’t quite as sharp as they should be
  • Maximum ISO is limited to 6400
  • Extremely heavy and large camera
  • Price point is high, approaching that of entry-level mirrorless ILCs

Image Quality

When you think about spending more than $500 for a digital camera, you expect to receive very good image quality. Unfortunately, this is one area where the Nikon P900 lags behind its price point peers, which can include low-end DSLRs. 

The 1/2.3-inch image sensor in the Coolpix P900 is as small in physical size as what you’ll find in a digital camera. Models that cost less than $200 or $150 often have 1/2.3-inch image sensors. Because the physical size of image sensors plays such a key role in determining image quality, having such a small sensor in the P900 makes it tough to justify its high price tag. 

The image quality for the Coolpix P900 might be even worse, other than the fact Nikon gave the camera a very strong optical image stabilization system, which is an extremely important feature to find in an ultra zoom camera. It’s difficult to hand hold a heavy camera steady without a good image stabilization system. Even with such a good IS system, you’ll want to purchase a tripod with this model for best image quality.

Performance

Most ultra zoom cameras operate slower than other types of cameras, especially when the zoom lens is fully extended. You can expect to have problems with shutter lag and shot to shot delays, meaning such cameras don’t have great response times. 

The Nikon Coolpix P900 isn’t a fast performer either, but it does offer faster response times that what you’ll find with most ultra zoom cameras. In fact, the P900 has very little shutter lag when the zoom lens is not extended, which is impressive for this type of fixed lens camera.

Start-up is very fast with this model too, as you should be able to record your first photo a little more than 1 second after pressing the power button. And you can move through the entire 83X zoom range of this camera in about 3.5 seconds, which is an impressive level of speed for the zoom motor.

Battery performance is good with the P900, offering 300 to 400 shots per charge. However, if you choose to use the camera’s built-in GPS or Wi-Fi connectivity, you will receive less battery life.

Design

Nikon gave the P900 quite a few desirable design elements. The inclusion of an electronic viewfinder is great to find in an ultra zoom camera, as it can be easier to hand hold the camera steady when it’s pressed against your face, versus trying to hold it and look at the LCD screen.

If you choose to frame photos using the LCD screen instead of the handy viewfinder, Nikon gave the Coolpix P900 a sharp and bright display screen. And the LCD is articulated, meaning it’s easy to use this model when attached to a tripod by tilting the LCD to match the angle you need. You can even swivel the display screen 180 degrees to allow for selfies.

A mode dial on the top of the camera allows you to work quickly to pick the shooting mode you want. The P900 offers a range of shooting modes, including full manual control, fully automatic, and everything in between. 

There’s a popup flash unit, which is a key design feature for an ultra zoom camera, as it allows the flash unit to gain a good angle to the scene, even when the zoom lens is fully extended. However, Nikon didn’t give the Coolpix P900 a hot shoe to allow for adding an external flash unit.

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