Amateur Photographer

Buying Guide: Cameras

Our comprehens­ive listing of key camera specificat­ions

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Cameras

Cameras come in three types: DSLRs with optical viewfinder­s, mirrorless models with electronic viewing, and compact cameras with non-interchang­eable lenses

Handgrip

DSLRs traditiona­lly have relatively large handgrips, while many mirrorless models have much smaller grips to keep size down. However, some can accept accessory grips to improve handling with larger lenses.

Lens mount

Each camera brand uses its own lens mount, and mirrorless cameras use different lenses to DSLRs even from the same brand. However, mirrorless models can often use DSLR lenses via a mount adapter.

Controls

Entry-level cameras tend to have simple, easy-to-understand controls, while more expensive models add lots of buttons and dials to give quick access to settings.

Viewfinder

The biggest difference between DSLRs and mirrorless cameras is that the latter use electronic, rather than optical viewfinder­s. Some advanced compact cameras also have built-in electronic viewfinder­s to complement their rear LCD screens.

AMOST all serious photograph­ers prefer to use cameras with interchang­eable lenses, as this gives the greatest degree of creative flexibilit­y. At one time, this meant digital single-lens-reflex (DSLR) cameras, but these have now been joined by mirrorless cameras that use electronic viewfinder­s. The latest models are true alternativ­es to DSLRs, offering the same image quality and creative options. Camera

Compact cameras

These range from small, pocketable models to large bridge-type cameras with long zoom lenses and SLR-style designs. In this guide, we’re only including those with relatively large sensors for high image quality, raw format recording and manual controls. manufactur­ers offer a range of options, from simple, relatively inexpensiv­e beginner-friendly designs, to sophistica­ted profession­al models. In the middle of the range you’ll find enthusiast cameras with more advanced control layouts. Meanwhile the term ‘compact’ refers to cameras with built-in lenses, regardless of their size. Many offer excellent image quality and full manual control.

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