Camera Basics for learners – Types of Cameras

This article covers the most basic question: what are the different types of cameras? There are two broad classifications of cameras: Video Cameras and Photography Cameras.

Video Cameras – These are used in shooting videos (i.e., motion pictures with sound). Video cameras have excellent optical zoom and image stabilization. Video cameras can take still photographs too but they usually aren’t as good as Photography Cameras. Video cameras can shoot videos for as long as there is a charge in the battery and space in the memory card (SD / Micro SD Card). Most of the consumer video cameras have small sensors which results in low (yet acceptable) quality video. High-end video cameras (pro-consumer and professional video cameras) have an XLR audio input port and a 1” sensor which produces much better video and audio quality. Pro-consumer video cameras are used by videography enthusiasts. Professional Video cameras, as the name suggests, are used by professionals.

PRO VIDEO CAMERA

PROSUMER CAMERA

CAMCORDER

Photography Cameras – They are usually referred to as cameras (and not photography cameras). These are used for still photography but most photography cameras (even point and shoot, pocket-size cameras) are great at taking videos too. There are many types of Photography Cameras. The classification starting from most basic to most capable (in order) is as follows – Small sensor Point and Shoot, 1” sensor Point and Shoot, Micro 4/3 sensor Cameras, DSLR/ Mirrorless with APS-C sensor, Full Frame DSLR / Mirrorless, Medium Format DSLR. They can further be classified You would have already guessed that small sensor Point and Shoot cameras are the cheapest and least capable. On the other extreme is Medium Format DSLR with a large sensor which is very expensive and can capture mesmerizing and way more detailed photographs.

• When we talk about the most basic and inexpensive photography cameras, these cameras can shoot videos at par with Consumer Video Camera and they do almost cost the same while maintaining a smaller size than a camcorder. So, if one is thinking about buying a Consumer Video camera, I would recommend going to a good pocket-size point and shoot photography camera. Make sure to compare the features though (like zoom and video time). Many photography cameras have a forced limit of 30 minutes of video and some even have a lower limit (like 12 minutes). If you are shooting kids performance, these  digital point and shoot cameras work as good as any consumer video camera
• 1” sensor – These are also point-and-shoot cameras but the sensor is almost 4 times the area of basic point and shoot and phone cameras. That means picture and video quality is way better. You should consider this camera if you are looking for a decent vlogging or photography camera without breaking your bank.
• Micro Four Thirds sensor – Most cameras are interchangeable lens cameras. The sensor is about 2 times bigger in area than 1” sensor. So, more light and better picture.

POINT AND SHOOT 1/2.3″

POINT AND SHOOT 1″

MICRO 4/3″

DSLR / Mirrorless –

• APS-C – Smallest sensor available in DSLR / Mirrorless. This sensor is 1.5 times bigger in area than Micro 4/3. Good for even entry-level photographers who would like to click professional quality pictures. Good for videography too. Can be used professionally as well especially during the time when it is not dark.
• Full Frame – This is where the professional range begins. Cameras are expensive and lenses are VERY expensive. Great for wedding photography, modeling photoshoot, nature photography. Very capable when it comes to videography.
• Medium Format – There are no mirrorless medium format cameras available in the market. There are a few DSLRs with Medium format sensors. The picture quality from the medium format sensor camera is jaw-dropping beautiful!! These cameras are used by professionals, and they use it exclusively for photography. Hobbyists usually tap out at Full Frame.

DSLR – APS-C SENSOR

MIRRORLESS – FULL-FRAME SENSOR

DSLR – MEDIUM FORMAT

I hope you liked this article and I was able to explain the types of Cameras well. Now that you know the camera types, it’s time to learn the details. In our next article, we will cover: “How to select a Camera?”