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TOM
27-05-2009, 7:25pm
Thought that this might be useful for beginners and might go into the beginners section. What do you think? It is not meant to be a definitvie guide and doesn't include every advantage and disadvantage of each camera. Have I left anything out that you think is important?........

Main Camera Types


Compact Camera

These cameras are, as their name suggests, compact and usually lightweight. In the digital versions, they have a sensor that is significantly smaller than the sensor of a 35mm sensor of a full frame digital slr (24mm x 36mm). This means the camera can be made a lot smaller than its larger cousins with a few drawbacks. The smaller sensor has smaller pixels giving the camera a limited dynamic range, and a noisier image. Compact cameras usually produce images with a large depth of field, however some can produce narrow depth of field images with the use of their macro function. In fact, macro on compact cameras is so good, that many professional wedding photographers use a compact during their shoots in lieu of a dedicated macro lens.

Film compact cameras were the main style of cameras purchased by consumers in the 70's and 80's, and with some of the more expensive compacts, could produce images comparable to the more expensive rangefinder and SLR cameras. This was due to the fact that they could accomodate the very same film as one might use in the afforementioned cameras.

Compact cameras have limited flexibility and the camera's operator may find the need to supplement or replace their compact for a camera with more control.


TLR Camera

TLR's are not as popular as they were in the 50's, 60's and 70's. TLR stands for Twin Lens Reflex and as the name suggests, the camera has two lenses of the same focal length mounted one above the other. This allows the user to see through the top lens, whilst the image that is recorded onto film, passes through the bottom lens. The lenses are coupled so that when focusing the image through the top lens, you are affecting the focus of the bottom lens. There are a few caveats that one must be aware of when using the TLR camera. Because of the slight difference in lens positions, when focusing on close subjects, the camera must be moved upwards to compensate for the parallax effect. You will also need to be aware that the depth of field in the top lens does not relate to the bottom lens. This is because the top lens is a designated viewing lens and does not have a diaphragm, hence the lens is always at its maximum and only aperture. The other thing to be aware of, which is soon overcome once you are used to it, is that the image is reversed in the waist level viewfinder.

The advantage the TLR has over the SLR is that the mirror does not need to move out for the way in order for the image to be taken. This means that the camera does not suffer from viewfinder black-out, and vibration caused by mirror movement. This is particularly useful when taking photographs "on the fly", and this made the the TLR particularly popular with wedding photographers. TLR's are medium format cameras that use 120 or 220 film. They are usually available with a standard 80mm lens however some manufacturers offered other focal lengths as well.


SLR Camera

SLR's are the most popular cameras today for professionals and amateurs alike. SLR stands for Single Lens Reflex, and as opposed to the TLR camera, the SLR uses just one lens. Their popularity for consumers is likely due to their ease of use, and for amatuers and professionals, they offer a versatile package that can provide them with adequate results for a large number of applications. The advantage of the SLR is that the photographer can view the scene through the lens that the image will be recorded through. This gives the photographer a direct view of depth of field (if the diaphragm is stopped down via the 'depth of field preview' button or lever), effects of filters mounted to the camera, and the field of view with any given lens attached. SLR cameras are available in small and medium formats, and digital and film are both available as recording formats. In the case of some medium format SLR's which can be modular in design, a digital back can be interchanged with a film back. Telephoto lenses can be used with ease on an SLR camera, and combined with their speed, this makes them popular for sports and nature photography. Modular medium format SLR's such as the Hasselblad V have a high sync speed making studio flash work a breeze and the higher image quality afforded by the medium format means that they were consider de rigueur for studio photographers over the last fifty years. Interchangeable film backs mean that film can be changed easily and fast.

SLR's have interchangeable lenses which add to their versatility and creative possibilities, and there are a number of other enhancements that can make an SLR adaptable to different needs. These include vertical grips, various focusing screens, and filters. No other style of camera can accommodate a wider range of lenses as easily as the SLR camera. Small format SLR’s almost always include auto focusing or can accommodate lenses that autofocus in conjunction with the camera. This is an advantage in fast paced situations like a sporting event where your subject is on the move. Lenses for SLR’s require a retofocus design to accommodate for the mirror movement. This is challenging for the designer, and the lenses are more complex and larger compared to lenses that suit most other cameras types. High image quality, particularly in wide-angle and normal lenses is harder to achieve with SLR lenses. This is more noticeable when a lens' diagphram is opened to wider apertures. Although acheiving focus for SLR cameras is not as accurate on wide angle and normal lenses, longer focal lengths beyond 90mm are generally considered more accurate than a rangefinder camera.

No other style of camera can accommodate a wider range of lenses as easily as the SLR. All modern SLR’s feature TTL metering, and are usually at the cutting edge of technology due to their popularity.

The large influx in photography over the last six or seven years is largely due to the release of mainstream digital SLR's, or the DSLR. Nikon started the trend with the D1, which was the first mass produced small format DSLR at a reasonable price. The modern DSLR can be used by consumers and professional alike, and can be used as a very big point and shoot camera with auto focus and autoexposure and matrix metering, in full manual mode, or somewhere in between depending on your shooting preference. There are no shortage of DSLR's to choose from, and although some will offer specific advantages over others for specialised applications, most DSLR's of any brand will produce similar results at normal to moderate ISO's. DSLR's have features similar to those found on compact cameras, and some medium format and rangefinder cameras, such as Live View and on-board image processing. DSLR's can also incorporate the ability to capture high definition digtial video capture.


Rangefinder Camera

Rangefinder cameras came about early in the 20th Century and are still made and sold today. They are not as popular as they once were, but still have a loyal following with those photographers that can take advantage of the benefits they offer. Rangefinders are currently enjoying a resurgance due to availablity of digital version. A rangefinder camera has a viewfinder that can include a rangefinder, or these two can be separate as they are with the Leica IIIa. The basic principal behind the rangefinder is as follows: the photographer looks into the rangefinder/viewfinder and composes his/her image. The rangefinder portion of the viewfinder (usually a rectangle in the centre of the viewfinder) will show the image and a second ghost image. As the photographer focuses the lens, the two separate images converge, and when the photographer sees only one image, he/she knows that the image is in focus. This makes focusing fast and accurate. There is no mirror with a rangefinder camera, and combined with their small size , a photographer can hand hold a rangefinder camera two to three stops slower than an SLR camera. Where a photographer has up to a 100% view of the image with an SLR, a rangefinder can have a much broader view of the scene allowing the photographer to anticipate or see what is happening outside of the frame. Because of their small size and unimposing look, they are popular with street and event photographers where candid natural images can shine. When an image is taken with a rangefinder, there is no mirror black-out, so a photographer can see exactly what was happening when the shutter fired.

Rangefinder cameras are available in 135 format, 120/220 format, and also large format cameras such as those used by press photographers in the 30's, 40's, 50's and 60's. Due to the fact that rangefinder cameras do not have mirrors, lens manufactures do not have to allow for mirror travel, making the lenses smaller than similar focal length SLR lenses, and usually of a higher image quality.


View Camera/Large Format

The view camera is the ultimate camera for the photographer who wants complete control and creativity with their camera. A view camera is large and heavy, and generally promotes a slow thought out process prior to taking a photograph but they produce the ultimate in image quality and are still the standard camera used by professional landscape photographers the World over. A 'view camera' is a broad term used for most large format cameras, however they can be broken down into different types. There are rangefinder large format cameras, field cameras, and monorail cameras. They each serve a purpose for the photographer that chooses to work with the larger format. Because of the 'movements' available with a view camera, a user can overcome issues he/she would not be able to overcome with most other cameras. The user can tilt, raise, shift and swing the front and/or back of the camera (the 'standard'). These movements allow the photographer to control converging lines, and also to control the focal plane. For example, an architectural photographer may find a view camera essential to prevent buildings looking unnatural due to different focal lengths or camera angle vs the angle of the building, by adjusting the standard to bring lines back into perspective or parallel. A photographer can also use the movements of the view camera to maximise the depth of field so that he/she can get tack images front to back. This is called the Scheimflug Effect. Another benefit is to be able to take front on images of windows or mirrors without the camera appearing in the reflection.

The user will see the scene at the back of the camera on a ground glass, and because there is no mirror or pentaprism, the image will be upside-down, and reversed left to right. You will often see a photographer using a view camera with a dark cloth draped over his/her head to assist in seeing the image on the ground glass.

View cameras do not generally use roll film (unless using a medium format 120 roll film adaptor) and this makes them both expensive to shoot with (cost per sheet of film) with, but more versatile, as the photographer can develop each image differently as opposed to roll film where every image taken on the roll will be developed the same. A sheet of 8x10 film has over fifty times the surface area of a 35mm film frame or digital sensor!


SUMMARY

As you can see from the list above, there is great variety available to the photographer and having more than one camera in your bag can afford you some creative advantages. There is no camera that can do everything to the highest standard so it is important to realise the limitation of your cameras and lens combinations and to know in what areas they exceed.

old dog
27-05-2009, 7:40pm
thanks Tom...interesting reading that taught me a few things. Like view cameras.

etherial
12-09-2009, 6:51am
Thanks for this post, I was just looking at an article about a rangefiner camera here (http://digital-photography-school.com/leica-m9-digital-rangefinder)and wondered what they were and why anyone would have one!?

ricktas
12-09-2009, 7:04am
great guide Tom. I have 'stickied' this!

RuthJ
12-09-2009, 7:09am
Great post Tom. I had always wondered what was special about a rangefinder..you've cleared that up for me.. :th3:

OzzieTraveller
15-10-2009, 3:45pm
G'day Tom

I am a new member of the site & this is my first posting

I have read with interest your commentary on camera types ~ quite extensive too

May I offer a comment ... you have not mentioned the UltraZoom compact range of cameras that were not available back in film camera days. If you are willing, would you accept a paragraph or two on this topic to be included with your excellent summary ... and if so, how do I get it to you

Regards, Phil

Kym
15-10-2009, 4:08pm
Very good !! Thanks!

re: TLR
The advantage the TLR has over the SLR is that the mirror does not need to move out for the way in order for the image to be taken. This means that the camera does not suffer from the short delay of the mirror, and vibration caused by mirror movement
It is probably worth mentioning that modern DSLR's have a mirror lock up function when you need to avoid mirror bounce.

Maybe an additional paragraph describing DSLR's as they have features a film SLR does not. I.e.

Immediate image review via LCD
Significantly higher image capacity (more images on a memory card than a roll of film)
Significantly lower operating cost
Live view
HD video
In camera image processing options
Print direct from camera (plug into printer)

TOM
15-10-2009, 7:18pm
Due to a couple of requests, I am working on an updated version of the origianl post. I will try to add more detail to the each type of camera, although I do not intend to list every type of camera made. It should be up in the next couple of days.

Krzys
15-10-2009, 7:47pm
To make this comprehensive it is worth noting the Toy camera, Press camera, bringing in information about the ressurgance of Rangefinders with the digital Epson and Leica models and defining the difference between View cameras and Rail cameras. The difference between focal plane and leaf shutters is important as they allow flash sync at any speed. This could be added as a note and applied to the SLR section as the Contaflex is a leaf shutter SLR (With interchangable 35mm film backs!).

...and Pinhole!...why not :p

Ill contact you via PM if you don't mind me writing up some information the the slightly obsucre.

TOM
15-10-2009, 7:57pm
It certainly was never meant to be a comprehensive guide. That would constitute something more like a novel. That is why I mention view cameras, which are generally considered to cover most types of large format cameras such as field cameras and technical/monorail cameras.

TOM
15-10-2009, 9:31pm
It is probably worth mentioning that modern DSLR's have a mirror lock up function when you need to avoid mirror bounce.

That is true Kym, however the viewfinder will black out, so mirror lock up is really only practical for tripod use. Mirror lockup, whilst a good feature, is no substitute for the mirrorless TLR in conditions that suit such a camera.

jev
15-10-2009, 10:12pm
That is true Kym, however the viewfinder will black out, so mirror lock up is really only practical for tripod use.
Does LiveView ring a bell? ;)

TOM
15-10-2009, 10:16pm
yeah but i tried that on my d3, and i can't see the screen when i'm looking through the viewfinder.

jev
16-10-2009, 3:53am
yeah but i tried that on my d3, and i can't see the screen when i'm looking through the viewfinder.
The Nikon D500 or so has a screen that can tilt and swivel, can't it? That way you can turn it so you can use it the same way as a normal TLR. You just need to upgrade your D3 to a D500 - LOL. :D

TOM
16-10-2009, 6:31am
I'm hoping that my next DSLR will incorporate a universal remote function for my hi-fi system, and also TIVO. The ability to take photographs would be nice, but not essential.

hoffy
16-10-2009, 7:27am
Re MLU, interesting to note that its not just a function of Modern DSLR camera's. My Old Minolta SRT (originally made in the early 70's), also features MLU. It was implemented to allow lenses with a shorter registry distance to be used. On of its side benefits was obvious!

Good article TOM. Maybe mention the gadgets, but keeping the article generic and generalised is the best way to go (IMHO)

Kym
16-10-2009, 7:30am
I'm hoping that my next DSLR will incorporate a universal remote function for my hi-fi system, and also TiVO. The ability to take photographs would be nice, but not essential.

You can get digital camera's with built in projectors! :p
http://www.dpreview.com/news/0908/09080402nikons1000pj.asp

Nikon has unveiled the world's first compact camera with an in-built projector. The S1000pj projects images up to 40 inches in size with a VGA resolution and a maximum distance of 2 meters. The camera is supplied with a remote control and stand for ease of use. It features an optically stabilized wide angle 5x zoom lens (28-140mm equiv.), 2.7 inch LCD and a 12.1MP senso
So - yes - you can have it all, and they do take great photo's as well! :th3:
Fuji also have their new 3D camera. :lightbulb:

Seriously - technology convergence is happening!
Just look at the feature list on the latest iPhone.

hoffy
16-10-2009, 7:37am
You can get digital camera's with built in projectors! :p
http://www.dpreview.com/news/0908/09080402nikons1000pj.asp

So - yes - you can have it all, and they do take great photo's as well! :th3:
Fuji also have their new 3D camera. :lightbulb:

Seriously - technology convergence is happening!
Just look at the feature list on the latest iPhone.

FOR SALE: Complete Digital SLR, including many lenses....... Need to sell, upgrading to a mobile phone/camera [/sarcasm]

Maybe I am becoming jaded, but the more they bring out this gear, the more I resist and dislike it

Krzys
16-10-2009, 9:44am
I eat with an all purpose spork. The handle is actually a knife which doubles as a bottle opener, split in the middle for peeling potatos. It fits convienently into my swiss army phone.

Kym
16-10-2009, 5:08pm
Maybe I am becoming jaded, but the more they bring out this gear, the more I resist and dislike it

:rolleyes: :D

FWIW I don't have an iPhone or Blackerry or whatever - even though work will give me one. My phone is a phone - yes it has a few extra's but I rarely use them (ok, I do get work emails on it but that is directly work related)

But there must be a market for gadget phones, because Apple are selling heaps.

On the other hand we still have vinyl albums :th3: and I still have a rarely used film camera.

I do like technology, old and new, I even run a simulator for the first computer I ever used back from 1971 (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/IBM_1130). :cool:
But some things are a bit silly (camera/projector??) meh!

Technology convergence is a big subject; some things will work others won't.

jev
16-10-2009, 5:58pm
My phone is a phone - yes it has a few extra's but I rarely use them (ok, I do get work emails on it but that is directly work related)
I always frowned on the adds that enthusiastically told a certain mobile phone now supported VoIP connections... so that you could actually talk to others instead of just messaging them :confused013

Read an interesting article on the subject here (http://www.embeddedtechjournal.com/articles_2009/20091013_build.htm). Consumers don't seem to care for quality products anymore. Instead, if your product lacks the "wow factor", chances are you don't sell at all.

Kym
17-10-2009, 7:53pm
I've just updated the OP text based an an email from TOM - thanks!

OzzieTraveller
18-10-2009, 9:19am
G'day Tom
May I again congratulate you on this thread. In an earlier post I offered you some text ... here it is if you would like to incorporate it.

Start
With the widespread acceptance of digital photography, a new style of compact digital camera has been created. They are called the Ultra zoom [UZ] or Super zoom cameras and are characterised by a large zoom range. This type of camera was not around in the film camera days.

This genre of cameras covers quite a range from "fairly automatic and compact" to "quite extensive, almost SLR-like" in their features and technical options available to the user.

In most cases the lens offers a zoom range of greater than 10x ... often covering the 35mm to 350mm (35mm film camera equivalent), 18x zoom is popular, covering 28mm to 500mm equivalent, and some of the latest cameras in this genre offer 24x zoom, covering 28mm to 670mm equivalent.

All these cameras display the image "live" via an LCD screen on the rear panel, most also display the image live via an Electronic View Finder [EVF], which effectively is a miniature LCD screen built into the top of the camera body, just like an SLR's pentaprism.

The EVF is not as clear as an SLR viewfinder; it often has a "spotty" appearance from its 200,000+/- pixels, however the camera has true TTL viewing and metering, just like an SLR.

Camera controls provided to the user vary across the range of camera makers, most offering the same features as an SLR [P-A-S-M +auto], half-a-dozen WB options, various focusing & metering options, etc ~ although the extent of those features may not be as wide as an SLR. For example, while an SLR lens will offer a full range of apertures from say, F2.8 down to F22, the UZ camera may only offer an aperture range from F2.8 to F8, or perhaps F11.

Shutter speeds are better covered, with most UZ cameras offering a range from 15 seconds to 1/2000sec. Some UZ cameras will offer manual shutter speeds down to 60 if not 120 seconds duration. "B" for Brief-time long exposures is not usually found on these cameras.

One consistent feature is that all these cameras offer some form of Image Stabilisation.

As the weight of a complete UZ camera is often less than the body-only of an dSLR, the UZ style of camera is very popular with people who want lots of options but who do not want to go to an dSLR with the extra bulk and weight of additional lenses.
end

Regards, Phil

Krzys
18-10-2009, 10:02am
Contax T, Ricoh GR, Nikon 35, Fuji Natura, Olympus Stylus Epic, Yashica T. Im sure you know of these cameras Tom. High end compacts that can produce better images than a high end SLR. The Contax T3 with its Zeiss glass for example. Magnum photographers are known to use these cameras when they don't wish to be identified, HCB aparently used the T3 in the last period of his life. A worthy note?: :th3:

djmoonlight
17-02-2010, 5:03pm
The smaller sensor has smaller pixels giving the camera a limited dynamic range, and a noisier image. Compact cameras usually produce images with a large depth of field, however some can produce narrow depth of field images with the use of their macro function.

TOM
16-12-2010, 11:10pm
A Basic Guide to Camera Types

Thought that this might be useful for beginners and might go into the beginners section. What do you think? It is not meant to be a definitvie guide and doesn't include every advantage and disadvantage of each camera. Have I left anything out that you think is important?........

Main Camera Types


Compact Camera

These cameras are, as their name suggests, compact and usually lightweight. In the digital versions, they have a sensor that is significantly smaller than the sensor of a 35mm sensor of a full frame digital slr (24mm x 36mm). This means the camera can be made a lot smaller than its larger cousins with a few drawbacks. The smaller sensor has smaller pixels giving the camera a limited dynamic range, and a noisier image. Compact cameras usually produce images with a large depth of field, however some can produce narrow depth of field images with the use of their macro function. In fact, macro on compact cameras is so good, that many professional wedding photographers use a compact during their shoots in lieu of a dedicated macro lens.

Film compact cameras were the main style of cameras purchased by consumers in the 70's and 80's, and with some of the more expensive compacts, could produce images comparable to the more expensive rangefinder and SLR cameras. This was due to the fact that they could accomodate the very same film as one might use in the afforementioned cameras.

Compact cameras have limited flexibility and the camera's operator may find the need to supplement or replace their compact for a camera with more control.


TLR Camera

TLR's are not as popular as they were in the 50's, 60's and 70's. TLR stands for Twin Lens Reflex and as the name suggests, the camera has two lenses of the same focal length mounted one above the other. This allows the user to see through the top lens, whilst the image that is recorded onto film, passes through the bottom lens. The lenses are coupled so that when focusing the image through the top lens, you are affecting the focus of the bottom lens. There are a few caveats that one must be aware of when using the TLR camera. Because of the slight difference in lens positions, when focusing on close subjects, the camera must be moved upwards to compensate for the parallax effect. You will also need to be aware that the depth of field in the top lens does not relate to the bottom lens. This is because the top lens is a designated viewing lens and does not have a diaphragm, hence the lens is always at its maximum and only aperture. The other thing to be aware of, which is soon overcome once you are used to it, is that the image is reversed in the waist level viewfinder.

The advantage the TLR has over the SLR is that the mirror does not need to move out for the way in order for the image to be taken. This means that the camera does not suffer from viewfinder black-out, and vibration caused by mirror movement. This is particularly useful when taking photographs "on the fly", and this made the the TLR particularly popular with wedding photographers. TLR's are medium format cameras that use 120 or 220 film. They are usually available with a standard 80mm lens however some manufacturers offered other focal lengths as well.


SLR Camera

SLR's are the most popular cameras today for professionals and amateurs alike. SLR stands for Single Lens Reflex, and as opposed to the TLR camera, the SLR uses just one lens. Their popularity for consumers is likely due to their ease of use, and for amatuers and professionals, they offer a versatile package that can provide them with adequate results for a large number of applications. The advantage of the SLR is that the photographer can view the scene through the lens that the image will be recorded through. This gives the photographer a direct view of depth of field (if the diaphragm is stopped down via the 'depth of field preview' button or lever), effects of filters mounted to the camera, and the field of view with any given lens attached. SLR cameras are available in small and medium formats, and digital and film are both available as recording formats. In the case of some medium format SLR's which can be modular in design, a digital back can be interchanged with a film back. Telephoto lenses can be used with ease on an SLR camera, and combined with their speed, this makes them popular for sports and nature photography. Modular medium format SLR's such as the Hasselblad V have a high sync speed making studio flash work a breeze and the higher image quality afforded by the medium format means that they were consider de rigueur for studio photographers over the last fifty years. Interchangeable film backs mean that film can be changed easily and fast.

SLR's have interchangeable lenses which add to their versatility and creative possibilities, and there are a number of other enhancements that can make an SLR adaptable to different needs. These include vertical grips, various focusing screens, and filters. No other style of camera can accommodate a wider range of lenses as easily as the SLR camera. Small format SLR’s almost always include auto focusing or can accommodate lenses that autofocus in conjunction with the camera. This is an advantage in fast paced situations like a sporting event where your subject is on the move. Lenses for SLR’s require a retofocus design to accommodate for the mirror movement. This is challenging for the designer, and the lenses are more complex and larger compared to lenses that suit most other cameras types. High image quality, particularly in wide-angle and normal lenses is harder to achieve with SLR lenses. This is more noticeable when a lens' diagphram is opened to wider apertures. Although acheiving focus for SLR cameras is not as accurate on wide angle and normal lenses, longer focal lengths beyond 90mm are generally considered more accurate than a rangefinder camera.

No other style of camera can accommodate a wider range of lenses as easily as the SLR. All modern SLR’s feature TTL metering, and are usually at the cutting edge of technology due to their popularity.

The large influx in photography over the last six or seven years is largely due to the release of mainstream digital SLR's, or the DSLR. Nikon started the trend with the D1, which was the first mass produced small format DSLR at a reasonable price. The modern DSLR can be used by consumers and professional alike, and can be used as a very big point and shoot camera with auto focus and autoexposure and matrix metering, in full manual mode, or somewhere in between depending on your shooting preference. There are no shortage of DSLR's to choose from, and although some will offer specific advantages over others for specialised applications, most DSLR's of any brand will produce similar results at normal to moderate ISO's. DSLR's have features similar to those found on compact cameras, and some medium format and rangefinder cameras, such as Live View and on-board image processing. DSLR's can also incorporate the ability to capture high definition digtial video capture.

EVIL Camera

Electronic viewfinder, interchangeable lens cameras, or otherwise know as mirrorless interchangable lens cameras (MILC), are relatively new format of camera, yet the already command a 40% share of the market in Japan. They offer many of the advantages of an SLR or rangefinder camera, in a smaller package, and are superior to compact cameras in almost every way. Generally the size of a large compact, the EVIL camera has no optical viewfinder (that offers a TTL view and/or focus confirmation), and uses an LCD to disply the image as projected through the lens. Becuase there is no mirror in an EVIL camera, they can accomodate an even wider range of lenses than an SLR, including normal lenses used by rangefinders, TLR's, and view cameras (providing the appropriate lens mount adaptor is available). Because lens manufacturers do not have incorporate the retrofocus design that is required for SLR lenses, EVIL camera lenses can be made smaller and lighter.

This versatily makes the EVIL camera a great choice as a second camera, without having to double up on lens types. The small size of the EVIL camera makes them popular for people that want something more discrete and less intimidating than an SLR, or cheaper than a rangefinder camera. Their low weight and bulk, combined with their small lenses, often pancacke type, make them perfect for street and travel photography.

The lack of an optical viewfiner has its disadvantages however, making focusing in dynamic situations difficult. EVIL cameras use a different but slower autofocus system to most DSLR's, which also limits their performance for sport and other dynamic types of photography.

Sensor size for EVIL cameras vary, but most common is the Micro 4/3rd sensor, and the APS-C sensor. As yet, a full sized EVIL camera has not hit the market, however this is inevitable, and when the major companies such as Nikon and Canon start to produce EVIL cameras, prices should fall, and more lenses should become available. If the current trend continues, EVIL cameras will become the main format for amateur photographers.

Rangefinder Camera

Rangefinder cameras came about early in the 20th Century and are still made and sold today. They are not as popular as they once were, but still have a loyal following with those photographers that can take advantage of the benefits they offer. Rangefinders are currently enjoying a resurgance due to availablity of digital version. A rangefinder camera has a viewfinder that can include a rangefinder, or these two can be separate as they are with the Leica IIIa. The basic principal behind the rangefinder is as follows: the photographer looks into the rangefinder/viewfinder and composes his/her image. The rangefinder portion of the viewfinder (usually a rectangle in the centre of the viewfinder) will show the image and a second ghost image. As the photographer focuses the lens, the two separate images converge, and when the photographer sees only one image, he/she knows that the image is in focus. This makes focusing fast and accurate. There is no mirror with a rangefinder camera, and combined with their small size , a photographer can hand hold a rangefinder camera two to three stops slower than an SLR camera. Where a photographer has up to a 100% view of the image with an SLR, a rangefinder can have a much broader view of the scene allowing the photographer to anticipate or see what is happening outside of the frame. Because of their small size and unimposing look, they are popular with street and event photographers where candid natural images can shine. When an image is taken with a rangefinder, there is no mirror black-out, so a photographer can see exactly what was happening when the shutter fired.

Rangefinder cameras are available in 135 format, 120/220 format, and also large format cameras such as those used by press photographers in the 30's, 40's, 50's and 60's. Due to the fact that rangefinder cameras do not have mirrors, lens manufactures do not have to allow for mirror travel, making the lenses smaller than similar focal length SLR lenses, and usually of a higher image quality.


View Camera/Large Format

The view camera is the ultimate camera for the photographer who wants complete control and creativity with their camera. A view camera is large and heavy, and generally promotes a slow thought out process prior to taking a photograph but they produce the ultimate in image quality and are still the standard camera used by professional landscape photographers the World over. A 'view camera' is a broad term used for most large format cameras, however they can be broken down into different types. There are rangefinder large format cameras, field cameras, and monorail cameras. They each serve a purpose for the photographer that chooses to work with the larger format. Because of the 'movements' available with a view camera, a user can overcome issues he/she would not be able to overcome with most other cameras. The user can tilt, raise, shift and swing the front and/or back of the camera (the 'standard'). These movements allow the photographer to control converging lines, and also to control the focal plane. For example, an architectural photographer may find a view camera essential to prevent buildings looking unnatural due to different focal lengths or camera angle vs the angle of the building, by adjusting the standard to bring lines back into perspective or parallel. A photographer can also use the movements of the view camera to maximise the depth of field so that he/she can get tack images front to back. This is called the Scheimflug Effect. Another benefit is to be able to take front on images of windows or mirrors without the camera appearing in the reflection.

The user will see the scene at the back of the camera on a ground glass, and because there is no mirror or pentaprism, the image will be upside-down, and reversed left to right. You will often see a photographer using a view camera with a dark cloth draped over his/her head to assist in seeing the image on the ground glass.

View cameras do not generally use roll film (unless using a medium format 120 roll film adaptor) and this makes them both expensive to shoot with (cost per sheet of film) with, but more versatile, as the photographer can develop each image differently as opposed to roll film where every image taken on the roll will be developed the same. A sheet of 8x10 film has over fifty times the surface area of a 35mm film frame or digital sensor!


SUMMARY

As you can see from the list above, there is great variety available to the photographer and having more than one camera in your bag can afford you some creative advantages. There is no camera that can do everything to the highest standard so it is important to realise the limitation of your cameras and lens combinations and to know in what areas they exceed.

John Witte
27-03-2013, 7:05am
Compact V DSLR, there are advantages with both. Compact you can place in your pocket and point and shoot quickly. I had a fijifilm E500 and was a great camara to use, nice and easy for the quick shot. Have a fiji s3400 at the moment and enjoying it. The only thing is it take a bit of time to focus for the first time and then very quick on the hop with fast moving shots, other than that it is a great camara to use with good depth of field and good colour contrast. Another advantace is it takes 4 AA batteries and when the recharables are flat, can use normal AAs to finish the day. Love the rapid shot mode on this camara which my compact did not have.

Rattus79
27-03-2013, 8:53am
A word of warning regarding View Cameras:

Once you put that black cloth over your head and peer into 6x5 inches of ground glass with a higher resolution then any LCD will ever manage (even being upside down) you WILL lust after one!! (until you see the price they go for and then your heart will break)