The types of cameras and their evolution

The evolution of the camera is so captivating that we are sure you would like to have a poster like this in your home, right? (U.S. too). The truth is that since their invention in 1826, cameras have done nothing but improve, incorporate new functions, give rise to the appearance of more professional photographic lenses and set trends in photography. New types of cameras have even appeared, such as the 360º camera or the action camera.

In addition, a great love for instant cameras has arisen, which today we find analog or digital.

But what other types of cameras are there? Of course, in this note we do not forget compact cameras, bridge cameras or SLR cameras.

But there is more. So if you are looking for a particular camera or you don’t know which one is the best for you to buy, here we tell you what the characteristics of each one are.

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Index

1. Compact camera
2. Bridge camera

3. Reflex camera

4. Mirrorless camera
5. Medium format camera
6. 360 camera
7. Action camera
8. Instant camera

Due to their easy handling to take pictures, compact cameras are the most conventional and popular on the market, but also the most limited. They are small and super light, so they can be transported without problem.

They are automatic, their objective is fixed (not interchangeable) and they have a zoom of between 4 and 10x. In addition, they have a very small sensor, which explains the quality of the images. Some compact camera models have some manual settings for recording video and connecting to the Internet.

This type of camera because it is known, colloquially, as “point & shoot” (point and shoot). They also have the nickname “pocket camera” (our parents often take them on trips).

Although they were very popular at the time, today compact cameras have been overshadowed by most smartphones that have cameras of a higher quality. Despite this, now there are high-end compact cameras that offer an image quality above a mobile because they have a larger sensor.

There are also ultra-compact cameras, which are characterized by being thinner.

Compact cameras 2020:

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This type of camera is like the evolution of compact cameras. Or rather it is in the middle of a compact camera and a reflex camera. Hence it is known as a bridge camera, bridge camera or superzoom camera.

The main difference from a compact camera is that the bridge camera has a larger size, so it has more attributes built in: a more powerful zoom and a digital viewfinder.

Although it has a non-interchangeable lens (like a compact one), it offers higher image quality, is faster and allows you to modify the aperture or the exposure time. Also, some models, such as the Canon PowerShot SX70 HS or the Nikon Coolpix P900, have a zoom that exceeds 60x.

If you are a photography hobbyist looking for more than just a compact camera, a bridge camera is the one for you.

Bridge cameras 2020:

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It is the camera that every photographer needs to meet their needs, as it offers good image and video quality due to the size of its sensors. This type of camera is called SLR because they have an internal mirror that helps us to know what the photograph will be like as it is shown on the lens.

The best thing about a DSLR camera is that it has automatic and manual modes. And if we talk about lenses, those of the SLR cameras are interchangeable. You can change a wide angle lens (58mm) for a telephoto lens or for a wide angle (18-35mm).

In addition, its functions allow you to take photos according to type: portrait, landscape, pets, babies, etc. Another plus point is its ergonomics, since it fits easily in the hands and its buttons are accessible.

With this camera you can play with the focal length. To do this, you will have to play with the shutter and the diaphragm. A tip: if you set the camera speed to bulb or bulb and use a lamp of any color, you can paint with light. The results will be surprising.

SLR cameras 2020:

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The mirrorless camera, also known as a CSC (Compact System Camera) or MSC (Mirrorless System Camera) camera, is a mirrorless camera and a pentaprism (prism-shaped glass that is part of the optical system of the viewfinder of a reflex camera). This camera is characterized by being lighter and more compact than a reflex camera. Although in reality, we could say that it has the best of a compact camera and a reflex camera.

A mirrorless camera allows you to see how the photograph you are going to take at that moment is going to look, thanks to its digital viewfinder screen (something that could not be done with a reflex camera).

Regarding its resolution, we must say that a mirrorless camera offers a good image quality. While it is smaller than a SLR camera, that doesn’t mean it compromises on image quality.

In fact, another of its advantages is its size. The mirrorless camera is small in size like its lenses, making it easy to carry. Also, if you are looking for a lightweight camera to record good quality video, a mirrorless camera can be a great companion. Most of them offer 4K resolution, have automatic focus and can be mounted on a stabilizer without problems. It is also very effective when it comes to burst shooting, since its mechanism has no moving parts.

Some of its disadvantages are its battery consumption (being an electronic camera consumes more battery); the feeling of grip (it can become uncomfortable due to its size); and the use of menus (it may take time to shoot).

Mirrorless cameras 2020:

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This type of camera is used in the professional field. Professional photographers with a medium format camera are mostly in fashion and advertising. The reason? A medium format camera offers images with a resolution of 60 megapixels. This is because its sensors are better than those of the DSLR camera, that is, they exceed 24×36 mm.

It is a camera manufactured on a smaller scale and only by a few brands: Hasselblad, Leica, Fujifilm or Pentax. Another of its cons is its high price. Being a professional camera par excellence, it can cost between $ 3,500 and $ 40,000.

Generally, a medium format camera is for static use (to be used in a photo studio). However, that is changing due to recent models of medium format cameras that are mirrorless and portable. For example: the Hasselblad X1D II 50C.

Medium Format Cameras 2020:

Would you like to move through your photos and videos? Well, you can do that with a 360º camera and virtual reality glasses. This type of camera allows you to view photos and videos in a similar way to Google Street View.

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And, as the name implies, it captures 360-degree panoramic images and videos around your subject. They are easy to transport, their size is very small compared to other cameras. In addition, they can be placed on helmets or drones. They are very versatile.

Some 360º cameras are waterproof, allow you to broadcast live and view images in real time. The size of the photos and videos will depend on the number of sensors the model has.

In terms of image quality, the Insta360 One R offers 12MP photos and 5.7K videos, while the LG 360 Cam allows you to take 13MP photos and make 2k videos.

360 cameras are widely used by YouTubers and audiovisual content creators. Hence its popularity. However, keep in mind that this type of camera needs to be mounted at a fixed point, otherwise it may be sensitive to movement.

360º 2020 cameras:

An action camera is ideal if you practice adventure sports or travel a lot. A very good example of this type of camera is the GoPro brand. Its size helps you to wear it while doing some kind of extreme action.

In general, they are very resistant to shocks, splashes, and you can even submerge them in water. In addition, several models allow you to record in 4K. Brands such as Polaroid or Sony have made highly recommended action cameras or action cams. What you can achieve with this type of camera is amazing.

Action cameras 2020:

A camera that reminds us of bygone times, but allows us to print photos with a retro style when taking them. Instant cameras have gained traction in the market lately, reminding us of the classic Polaroid cameras.

Today, thanks to technology, instant cameras not only print photographs, they also offer the possibility of connecting to the Internet to upload photos to social networks or connect to a mobile phone via bluetooth; as well as choosing the photo you want to print, adding filters, storing photos to print later and choosing between several modes: auto-exposure, double exposure, selfie, portrait, etc. Although this does not mean that analogs have disappeared from the market. For many, analogs are still their favorites.

Instant cameras 2020:

Well, which of all these cameras would you choose? Remember to choose your camera based on what you want to do with it. For example, if you want to specialize in portrait photography, it would not be worth buying a camera, a compact camera or an action camera, but a reflex camera.

But wait, don’t go yet …

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