GADGET GIZMO SPECIAL .................... what’s your camera type?

GADGET GIZMO SPECIAL  what’s your camera type?

COMPACT POINT-AND-SHOOTS
RANGE: 4,000 - 20,000
Regardless of what smartphone manufacturers will tell you, a compact point-and-shoot is almost always better than the one on your handset. These cameras come with easyto-use functions like autofocus, filter effects and photo modes that allow novice users to click good pictures by simply using the proper one-touch auto settings. Besides, these shooters handle low-light photography better; are equipped with optical zoom (which is the only type of zoom you should consider when buying a camera); and superior quality lens.
Here, you can expect to pick a camera with…
A 10-megapixel sensor and above. Optical zoom starting at 5x, going up to 20x. A 2.7-inch to 3-inch LCD display. Features such as smile detection, panorama, miniature effect (tilt-shift photography), as well as shooting modes such as sports, portrait, close-up, landscape, night shot, indoor, outdoor, etc. Rugged exteriors that are shockproof, waterproof, dustproof and freezeproof.
WHO SHOULD BUY?
Easy, intuitive controls and autofocus make these cameras ideal devices to take along on a holiday or to click birthday party pictures and shoot HD home video clips. Their compact size lets you carry them along easily on a belt clip, and their low starting price makes them perfect for first-time users and children. The output of these cameras is more than ideal to get 6x4-inch prints for your photo album.
SUPER ZOOM
RANGE: 18,000 - 35,000
Super zooms are a step up from the basic point-and-shoot. Like the entry-level compact cameras, these shooters are equipped with easy-to-use options like autofocus, filter effects and photo modes. Additionally, many devices also allow for manual settings, where the photographer can control the focus on the subject, while softening the background. Importantly, super zooms come with advanced image stabilisation technology—important when shooting subjects with high zoom—that reduces blurring in photos, mostly caused by the slight wavering of a photographer’s hands.
Here, you can pick a camera with…
    A 14-megapixel sensor and above.
    Optical zoom starting at 20x, and going all the way up to a whopping 60x.
    A swivel LCD that allows the photographer to adjust the angle of the display, allowing to shoot from difficult angles, including from over the head, and even around corners.
    Optical image stabilisation (OIS). It should be noted that different manufacturers refer to OIS differently. Nikon, for example, uses the term ‘Vibration Reduction’, while Sony uses ‘Super Steady Shot’ (avoid super zooms with digital image stabilisation).
WHO SHOULD BUY?
Super zooms are ideal for wildlife photos and bird spotting, landscapes, and sporting action from budget stadium seats. Also, since these cameras come with a fair level of manual control, they’re good for people who’re looking to graduate from their compact cameras, but are still not confident about going fully manual with a mirrorless or DSLR.
CAMBRIDGE IN COLOUR
If you’re a budding photographer, seeking some guidance in the art, then CiC can prove to be an indispensible resource. The site is packed with detailed tutorials that can be browsed by categories: Concepts & Terminology, Using Camera Equipment, Editing & Post-Processing, Colour Management & Printing, and PhotoTechniques & Styles. It is also home to tools such as calculators for natural lighting, focal length and shutter speed. But the best part is its Forum section that’s buzzing with photographers from around the world, where you can post queries, interact with enthusiasts, and even help others like yourself.
www.cambridgeincolour.com
INTERCHANGEABLE LENS (DSLRS AND MIRRORLESS)
RANGE: 24,000 onwards
Compact mirrorless cameras and full-sized DSLRs allow for absolute flexibility in photography. Users can control variables like aperture size and shutter speed, as well as choose the right type of lens – whether macro for extreme close-ups, pancakes for portraits, wide angle for panoramas or telephoto for distant subjects – to get exactly the kind of output they desire. If used properly, you can get the best quality of photos from these shooters. Besides, these cameras also let you shoot in digital formats that lend themselves well to image-processing techniques (in software such as Adobe Photoshop, Lightroom, etc) for professional output. Here, you can expect to pick a camera with…
A 12MP+ sensor that’s larger in size than the ones found on compact cameras and super zooms. A standard 18-55mm stock lens that’s sufficient for everyday photography, and enough to learn the ropes (additional lens cost extra). A viewfinder (only on DSLRs) that allows for proper framing of the subject. Additionally, some models also come with a swivel LCD. A ‘Guide’ mode (found in the Nikon D3000 series) that help novices understand manual operation. Most cameras also come with an Auto mode. A range of compatible lens for different types of photography.
WHO SHOULD BUY?
These shooters work well for those who are willing to invest time to learn the art of photography, and spend on additional lens for their cameras, which can be quite an expensive proposition. Mirrorless cameras give you most of the benefits of a DSLR and make for superb travel shooters. DSLRs, on the other hand, are capable of better low-light photography; promise faster focus time, and are supported by a greater range of lens. If you’re ready to graduate from auto mode, or perhaps, looking to attend a photography course, then these cameras are the ones you should be looking at.
savio.dsouza@timesgroup.com
    MEMORY CARD
If you’re buying a point-and-shoot camera, you should buy a ‘Class 4’ or ‘Class 6’ SD memory card (check packaging for details). But if you’ve invested in a DSLR, or a mirrorless camera, buy a Class 10 card that supports the ‘write’ speeds required for Full HD video recording and burstmode photography. Ask your dealer for help in picking up the right card.  

MEGAPIXEL MYTH
Given that a 3MP shooter is more than enough to click print-worthy 4x6-inch photos, you shouldn’t concern yourself with this specification when buying a camera. Also, pictures shot at higher megapixel settings tend to occupy a larger space in storage, so more is not necessarily always better.
    In fact, the size of the sensor inside the camera plays a bigger role in picture quality. Most entry-level compact shooters come with what is known as a 1/2.3-inch (6.1x4.55mm) sensor, while entry-level DSLRs like the Canon 1100D, and the Nikon D3000 range come with an APS-C (23.60x15.60mm) sensor.
    Simply put, an 18MP compact, with its 1/2.3-inch sensor, isn’t as good as a 10MP DSLR with an APS-C sensor.

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