The Wonders of Compact Cameras

Not too long ago, compact cameras were used by most people to take snapshots of family members and daily activities. Professional photographers and amateurs dislike compact cameras because of the low quality images and limited functionality. Now, compact cameras have changed a lot and have been very sophisticated, especially in the digital era where the digital technology has advanced by leaps and bounds.

Although small in size, compact cameras are able to produce well exposed photos although the image quality could not rival those produced using DSLR cameras. But what we need to keep in mind is that sometimes the absolute image quality is not top priority. Despite some obvious drawbacks of compact camera, they do have many advantages over DSLR cameras.

Compact camera is also known as point and shoot camera or pocket camera. Compacts are invented so the average people can take photograph easily and comfortably. It was in such sense that they were designed to be small with simple functions to be as user friendly as possible.

Compacts do not operate using reflex mirror and pentaprism like those used in the DSLR camera system. Therefore compact cameras can be built at a smaller size with less cost.

Unlike the DSLR camera, the lens on a compact camera is not interchangeable. However, a compact camera usually is equipped with a zoom lens that is adequate for normal usage.

Nowadays, compacts are becoming more sophisticated and of higher quality. Many professional photographers have shown interest into compacts when manual controls have been incorporated, meaning the user can adjust the aperture, shutter speed and ISO manually. This allows light exposure to be controlled at higher accuracy. Furthermore, prestigious high-end compacts offer some DSLR level features such as manual focus control, wide maximum aperture, a hotshoe for external flash, recording in RAW format and larger sensors.

High performance compact cameras were built with specifications similar to DSLR cameras. Users of the compact cameras can manually control the adjustment for aperture, shutter speed, ISO and many more.

The down side of compact camera

One of the main disadvantages of compact cameras is the size of its sensor. At this time, the size of most compact cameras is much smaller compared to those used in DSLR cameras. Therefore, the images recorded using a compact camera are usually not suitable to be enlarged excessively as some details can go missing. The smaller sensor also causes the image to be more noise-prone compared to that from a DSLR, especially when higher ISO is used and the image is viewed in high magnification.

This photo was recorded using a DSLR camera to achieve maximum detail. To capture images of scenery or architecture like this, DSLR cameras are more suitable since usually the photos are meant to be displayed big. Using a large and heavy camera is not a hassle in this situation because the photographer is not required to carry the camera around too much. (Photo by Hasnuddin Abu Samah)

But you should keep in mind that this limitation is not a big issue if you are not planning to showcase the image in a large size. Another thing you need to consider is weather exposing minute detail is important to you.  This depends of the kind of photo and for what purpose it will be used. For example, if we plan to record an image for fine arts, sometimes sharpness and details are not major priorities. The same goes if we want the photos to be used in web pages where high resolution in not required- images from compact usually suffice.

Another weakness of compacts is the degree of efficiency and response speed of the controls.  Adjusting the parameters in compact cameras is rather cumbersome and sluggish, especially when using them in fully manual mode. This is due to the layout and size of the buttons are not as ergonomics as in DSLR. So, to shoot photos and to work fast, compacts are not suitable. Otherwise this would not be an issue.

Compacts also suffer from shutter lag where there is a slight delay (in millisecond) between when the shutter is pressed and the moment where the image is captured by the camera. This is a serious problem when capturing action shots or other images where timing is crucial. But this should not be an issue if we are photographing subjects that do not require split second timings.

Most compact cameras employ contrast detect autofocus as opposed to DSLR’s phase detect system.  The lens moves back and forth through trial-and-error until the sensor reads an image which gives the highest contrast. This is relatively slower than phase detect which utilizes dedicated autofocus sensors to establish the different phases’ converging point, which is a more straight forward process.

Other disadvantage of the compact camera is that the lens is not interchangeable like the DSLR camera. This means the user of a compact camera has to be satisfied with the limited choice of field of view and focal length. However the modern compact camera is often equipped with a long ranging zoom that covers wide angle to short telephoto. To most users, the focal length and zoom range in compacts are sufficient. So if your work requirement does not require lenses with extra ordinary focal length, the zoom fixed on a compact would suit nicely.

Advantages of compact cameras

The main advantage of a compact camera is its small size hence the light weight which makes it easy to be carried around. This is probably not desirable for certain tasks but it is very useful when you wish to take photos for a long period of time or when you need to move a lot. When taking photos during a travel, having a compact camera is a bless due to its small size and  light weight.

The photo of a staff of Shinkansen bullet train captured in Hiroshima, Japan using a compact camera. This camera is very suitable for travelling or back packing overseas.(Photo by Hasnuddin Abu Samah)

The small size of a compact does not stand out and attract attention of the people around you. This feature is very useful for photographers who involve in street photography. By using a small concealed camera, the presence of the photographer is often not noticed and would not be bothered, hence allowing him to photograph his subject in a more natural state. This way the photographer can approach his subject comfortably. Here, the small size becomes an advantage for a specific purpose.

Other advantage of the compact camera is its relatively cheaper price compared to DSLR cameras. If we are not looking at certain features on a DSLR camera, why spend on one? It is much better to purchase a compact camera at fewer prices as long as it fits our needs. Even if we already own a DSLR camera, a compact can serve as a good backup camera or to be used when it fits a certain purpose.

Modern compact cameras are equipped with better features from time to time. High end compacts are continuously being designed with additional technologically advanced features and narrows the gap between compacts and DSLRs.

The application of compact camera

We have already understood the features, weaknesses and strengths of compact camera. We should take note that a certain weakness of the compact camera is not a weakness if it is not relevant to a certain task or need. For example, having a small sensor is not considered a weakness to a photographer who has no intention of publishing his work in high resolution. Therefore the weaknesses of a compact camera should not be taken as issues if they do not pose as problems to our work. It is best to focus and fully capitalize the many advantages of a compact that are not offered by DSLR cameras.

It is not the intention of this article to suggest that compacts are better than DSLR cameras. The main thing is we need to realize that sometimes compacts are more suitable to be used than DSLR cameras in some situations. For most photography enthusiasts and professionals, compacts are used only for specific purposes and they also keep a DSLR camera for other kind of photography.

Due to its light weight, compact cameras are suitable when you are out shooting for a long period, especially when you need to move a lot or walk to get the shot. One example is when you are taking a stroll in a foreign city during an abroad travel.

This kind of camera is also suitable when we are doing trekking activity in the forest or while hiking. For such outdoor activities we would definitely spend a lot of energy for locomotion, not to mention hauling a heavy rucksack. To add up the weight with a DSLR camera would increase the burden. Therefore a compact camera is very suitable in this situation. However this ultimately depends on what you are planning to do. If you need high quality photos that give the best details, then DSLR is the way to go.

This photo was taken at the summit of Mount Kinabalu, Sabah, Malaysia using a compact camera. Climbing such mountain is very taxing on the body. Therefore, a lightweight compact camera is an excellent choice for companion. (Photo by Hasnuddin Abu Samah)

Compact cameras are light due to its small size. Small cameras have their own benefit. They do not stand out and attract attention. Some photography assignments require us to photograph human subjects which are not acquainted in an unfamiliar place. When we use a compact camera, the people around us normally do not pay much attention to our presence and we would not be perceived as a professional photographer, instead we don the image of a tourist or a casual snap shooter.

There was a case where a press photographer masqueraded as a commoner with a compact camera and was allowed to a restricted area whereas other photographers were barred from entering. He managed to get good photos using the compact while the rest, armed to the teeth with DSLR equipment, didn’t get a single shot.

Compact cameras are priced less than DSLR cameras. If you are interested in photography but still cannot afford a DLSR camera, you can get a compact at a much lower price. Compact cameras also offer various interesting features which are often enough to start your exploration in photography. To learn the basic of photography such as shutter, aperture, ISO, white balance and composition, you can often do so with a compact camera.

Because of its low price, compact cameras are also very useful as a second camera beside your DSLR camera. Compacts can be used as a backup camera in case your DSLR breaks down. Other than that, even if you already have a DSLR camera, a compact may be a more suitable camera when you are just taking family snapshots or going out travelling.

Due to lower price, compacts are often the camera of choice for those who are venturing into underwater photography.  The underwater housing for compact cameras is much cheaper than that of DSLR cameras. By using compact the risk is less if an accident happens where the housing leaks and causes damage to camera.

Compacts are much simpler than DSLR cameras. The controls on compacts are limited and not as intricate as DSLR cameras. But not everyone or every task requires sophisticated specifications. Sometimes all we need is just a simple camera to take simple photos.

They are also suitable for you to practice taking shots in a creative and unrestricted ways. Creative photos sometimes do not require complicated technical controls on the camera. Furthermore then using a complicated device, we tend to shift our focus to control the device instead of producing a creative and artistic piece of work. Compacts are also light and mobile, making it comfortable to be carried anywhere and this encourages you to practice photography composition while experimenting on creative techniques.

Images in the fine art photography sometimes do not require immense details but emphasize more on message, mood, composition and so forth. This photo was taken using a compact camera without the need for extreme details. (Photo by Hasnuddin Abu Samah)

The simple compact camera is also suitable as a tool to survey a location before a massively planned shooting is made. You do not need a high quality photo while scouting- the images from a compact would do just fine. While scouting you might need to walk a lot hence a DSLR camera will make you tired and subsequently takes the concentration away from the survey duty.

Simply put, compact cameras with the latest technology should not be taken lightly. Although there are still drawbacks, these cameras have significant advantages against DSLR camera. The bottom line is everything depends on the usage. For certain purposes the compact camera is better and more practical to be used compared to DSLR camera. They ride the technology wave and continuously being improved over time. We do not know how far they will rival DSLR camera. But for certain they will surely become better and better.

Original article from fototeacher.com/blog by Hasnuddin Abu Samah. Translated by Amir Ridhwan

To read more article in Bahasa Melayu, please visit - http://hellofotografi.blogspot.com/

The Lens That Suits You

“What is the best lens that I should buy?"- This is one of the most frequent questions I received. There is no definite answer to it. The best lens for anyone depends on his budget and photographic needs. There are many lenses for every brand, and each was built for a purpose.

To understand which lens you should buy, first of all you need to decide on what kind of subject you will photograph most. It could be landscape or portraiture or action sports or anything else under the sky.

Below are some types of lenses (according to focal length based on 1.5x crop factor) based on specific functionality.

1. Lenses in the range of 12mm-18mm are suitable for landscape and architectural photography.
2.  50-80mm lenses are suitable for portrait.
3. Macro lenses in the range of 60mm-105mm are the best for capturing the image of flowers and insects from close range.
4. 200-400mm lenses are meant for sports and wildlife.

Apart from that you will need to specify your budget for the purchase. If we simply want to know which lens is the best, then we probably hit it right by looking at the most expensive and that of the highest quality within its category.  It is generally accepted that expensive lenses have wide maximum aperture such as f/2.8. High quality lenses are often equipped with useful features such as image stabilizer to reduce the effect of vibration.  But these lenses are expensive. If they are beyond your budget or the features are hardly applicable to your needs then it is a good idea to look at cheaper alternatives.

For those who just started the hobby, it is sufficient to utilize the kit lens by practicing with common subject in the surrounding. Resist the urge to acquire additional lenses. Given some time you will discover which genre you are more drawn to and by then it will be a good time (usually after a few months) to start looking for a specific lens that will bring your works to a greater heights.

Some people prefer to portraiture, some like landscape better and there are those who are dedicated to macro. After you have recognized your personal preference, it is a good time to get a high quality lens which is meant for that particular genre. Your investment in the lens will be worthy as it shall accelerate your development within the field of your interest.

A person who often works with macro subjects, for example, needs to purchase a high quality macro lens at around RM3,000. On the other hand, for someone whose interest lies in wildlife photography, the ideal lens would be something like a 300mm f/2.8 which is priced around RM18,000, provided he can afford it and willing to.

My advice is to thoroughly evaluate your direction before purchasing a lens without being influenced by peers. It is unwise, at least from the financial point of view, to purchase a lens for showing off, or to keep up with technology development, or to be at par with friends. Before purchasing additional lenses, you should understand what kind of photograph you can to capture and whether the lens you intend to purchase can help you to produce it. Make full use of the lens you have chosen. There is little sense in purchasing a high quality lens but rarely use it. If you are not planning to use it often, might as well get a cheaper lens or a used copy. Even better if you can just borrow one from friends.

Original article from fototeacher.com/blog by Hasnuddin Abu Samah. Translated by Amir Ridhwan

To read more article in Bahasa Melayu, please visit - http://hellofotografi.blogspot.com/

What is the Best Camera Brand?

Probably one of the most common question asked by someone new to this hobby is “What is the best camera brand?” In reality there is no clear cut answer to this question- everything actually boils down to individual’s needs and preference. However there are a few things to know which can help you out of this dilemma.

Many companies make consumer cameras. Some are rarely heard of since they focus mainly to a selected group of users. For example, the company Horseman and Sinar concentrate only in making view cameras and other high end cameras which are used by a handful of very specialized photographers.

Some brands are more recognized as makers of certain kind of cameras. Leica, for example, is more popular for its line of rangefinder (although they actually do produce DSLRs and compacts). Another example is Hassleblad which is renowned for making medium format cameras. These two brands are synonimous with exceptional quality and their prices far exceed that of the common DSLRs.

From the aspect of quality, Hasselblad can be said to be among the world’s best. Still it cannot be said to be the most suitable to most people due to its exorbitant price and size (and weight, of course). Although the quality is unquestionable, this camera is not necessarily the best choice for the average photographer.

Hasselblad medium format camera (photo from Hasselblad)

For DSLR cameras, the more well-known brands are Nikon, Canon, Sony, Olympus and Pentax. Other than sheer quality, the popularity of these brands is highly influenced by its local marketing strategy. For example, a camera might be very popular in Japan but hardly has significant presence in Malaysia. It is not necessary that the most popular brand produces the best camera but as a general rule of thumb, it is a safe choice to pick your first camera from a brand which is well known and has a larga user base.

Each manufacturer has its own pricing strategy. Usually the more expansive an equipment, the better it is. Apart from that, a brand brings along a certain prestige which is included in the pricing package.

Other than the quality of a camera, you should as well understand the reliability of the brand’s after sales service. Is the product difficult to be repairs? Is the process lengthy and reasonably charged?

Every company has their own mission and vision. Some are more advanced in technology, others may put more emphasis on quality while there are those who are more inclined to miniaturization.

Another important thing you should know is that each camera brand belongs to a unique proprietary system which is incompatible with the others. Equipment such as camera, lens and flash from one brand can only be fully utilized when used within the same brand. For example a Canon camera cannot use a lens made by Nikon (except by using an adapter, even then it is not fully compatible). In fact some equipment within the same brand cannot be used on a different model. Henceforth is it paramount that you understand each photography equipment that you plan to acquire will be compatible with what you already have.

Apart from being compatible within its own brand, cameras can utilize equipment made by a third party but based on the same system. Companies such as Tokina, Tamron and Sigma produce lenses for various camera systems. These are usually cheaper than comparable lenses made by the original manufacturer. Keep in mind to ensure the third party lens you are planning to purchase is of the same mount as your camera.

There are also third party manufacturers of flash such as Metz and Nissin which make models compatible with many camera systems such as Nikon and Canon.

Before deciding on which brand you are buying into, you should deeply consider how you are going to use it in the long run. Obviously once you buy into a system, you are bound into it. Every lens, flash and accessory you will eventually obtain must be compatible with the system.

In the span of a few years you will acquire an array of lenses and accessories for that system. Should you then decide to switch to another system, you may need to dispose your entire drybox content. You shall bear a loss and have to restart from scratch- purchasing each lens and accessory for your new camera all over again. It is usually not advisable to use more that one camera system at a time due to the high cost.

Another important matter which needs to be considered before purchasing a camera- it is advisable to get a camera from the same brand which most of your friends are using. This makes knowledge sharing easier especially on matters pertaining on the usage of the system. You can even exchange and test lenses and accessories with them when in need.

After comparing several cameras, you might face a situation where you need to choose between two cameras from different brand. After comparing the specifications, you probably decide that they are more or less similar. A way to release the deadlock is to just go with the camera that you like base on, perhaps, aesthetical or ergonomical reason. Here the final decision will be more prone towards the image carried by the exterior design of the camera. Ultimately this is the one factor which makes you love and be proud of the camera.

The question on what is the best camera brand has always been raised by those who just recently become interested in this field. The fact is each brand has its own strength and weakness. The choice is in your hand- make the decision based on your needs, budget and personal taste. Whatever brand you use, it is your skills that will reflect how good you are as a photographer.

Original article from fototeacher.com/blog by Hasnuddin Abu Samah. Translated by Amir Ridhwan

To read more article in Bahasa Melayu, please visit - http://hellofotografi.blogspot.com/