A-Photo Mag

There is no real definition of an amateur camera, or an amateur photographer for that matter. The basic difference between an amateur photographer and a professional one is that the amateur doesn’t make money from his or her craft, while the pro makes a living out of it. For the sake of this article however, let us look at some of the lesser priced models, and the compacts and the semi-pro cameras.

Most people who buy cameras for everyday use, intend taking photographs at family get-togethers and portraits. For this purpose, a portable pocket camera that is light and easy to use is the need of the hour. The Olympus MJU series are perfect for this kind of use, are the Canon PowerShot models and the Nikon Coolpix series. As with the professional models, Nikon and Canon lead the markets with compacts as well. Olympus, Fuji and Pentax too make great digital cameras, and are usually lower priced as compared to Canon and Nikon. Casio and Panasonic make some pretty interesting models, Panasonic using Leica lenses and Casio making some very compact cameras that easily fit into a shirt pocket or a purse. All said and done though, it is only your own personal requirement that determines the kind of camera you ought to purchase. If you are completely new to photography and do not want to be bothered with things like focus, exposure and all that, we suggest a totally automatic compact camera. Some of the latest features to hit the compacts include image stabilization and face detect. Image stabilization ensures blur-free pictures even in low light conditions, and face detect ensures that the camera focuses on the subject’s face even if it is located off the center of your frame, giving you in-focus subjects at all times.  

So how about a camera for those who wish to take everyday photographs as mentioned above, but also want some creative control over the settings? Semi-professional cameras offer SLR-like features at a lower price and weight to their big sisters, the SLRs! For example, you may not be able to use interchangeable lenses, but a semi pro like the Panasonic Lumix series will give you a lens with a wide zoom range. Also, a semi pro may give you the advantage of a hot shoe, allowing you to use an external flash (on camera or studio light). And then of course, the semi pro models allow you manual override on focus, shutter speed and aperture to name a few settings. All in all, if you are a traveler who like sto take a few creative photographs on your journeys, or if you are a beginner wanting to learn the craft, a semi pro model will do you good.

Again, it is only your personal requirement that should finally decide the camera you buy. Before you go to the camera dealers, you should at least have an idea of the type of camera you want – a compact, a semi-pro model or an SLR or beyond.

Thinking of getting your self a professional camera? Well, you are reading the right article if you are, and you do not know much about the different kinds of professional cameras available on the market. Most people who are looking out for professional cameras would already have a fair amount of knowledge of them. On the other hand, you may have enrolled in a professional photography course, and want a camera you can learn the craft with as well as use it for your first assignments.

The most common professional cameras today, and the most widely-used are the Digital Single Lens Reflex (D-SLR) models. They are basically similar in design to the much-appreciate SLRs of the 70s and 80s. The basic difference between today’s D-SLRs and the SLRs of yester year is that today we use digital sensors instead of film. An SLR allows you to ‘see’ through the lens, thereby getting a first hand insight into the depth of field and composition. The most sought after D-SLRs include the Nikon and canon models. Nikon and Canon top the list of digital SLRs. In fact, Nikon’s D-700, recently launched, and also the D-90 are the talk of the town today. Canon’s EOS series is on par with Nikon, and Nikon therefore no longer can be called the sole market leader. Pentax, Olympus, Fuji and Konica Minolta are the other makers of digital SLRs. It is interesting to note that Fuji makes SLR bodies that are compatible with Nikon lenses, so if you are looking for an affordable switch from film to digital, and have a series of Nikon lenses, go for the Fuji S-Pro models (which are based on Nikon film bodies in part). Do keep your requirement in mind before you spend a lot of money on a new camera – if you are a hobbyist, you may never use some of the features such as extremely high shutter speeds, offered in the pro models. For instance, the Nikon D-40x, a 12 megapixel camera, is moderately priced, and more than adequate to learn photography with, as well as shoot your basic assignments with.

Did you know that film cameras are still not out of the race? In fact some professionals still swear by film. Digital cameras have more than matched the quality of 35mm SLRs. But what about the medium and large format films used for advertising etc? Fuji recently launched a film camera (photokina ’08), much to everyone’s surprise. This just goes to show there is still a niche market for its users. However, the users are largely made up of advertising photographers who need to make giant-size blow-ups of their images. Mamiya and Hasselblad medium format cameras have remained the favorite with such photographers, to this day. Finally, the large format – 4 by 5 inch sheet film is still the ultimate in resolution, that humanity is able to offer! Sinar rail cameras, coupled with 4 by 5 inch backs and Schneider lenses – an advertising photographer’s dream come true.