It may seem like cameras are obsolete in a smartphone world, but the truth is that they will always produce better photographs. Here is why you then invest in one
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No matter which brand of smartphone you use and what camera it has, the images will never compare to an actual camera. The reason for that is simple, most phone cameras are working with limited space and tiny sensors. These sensors are not capable of absorbing enough light to produce crisp images like those from a camera. In comparison, the sensors on a camera are huge, which allow for more light and in turn, make photographs look great. Lenses are also another reason why shots from a camera look like they do.
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Unfortunately, cameras have a market image issue. Everyone thinks only professionals or hobbyists should buy them and they are unwieldy, complicated and very expensive. While that was the case a few years ago, cameras have got smarter and better. No longer do you have to carry a huge Digital SLR to get beautiful images. A mirrorless camera can produce similar results at a fraction of the cost minus the bulk. You can also switch lenses just like a DSLR. With this widespread adoption, even professional photographers are switching to mirrorless cameras. Mirrorless cameras are also great at shooting videos and some have even been used to shoot Hollywood movies.
Should you get one?
Buying a camera is not for everyone, here are some points you must consider before buying a dedicated camera.
Do you upgrade your phone only to get a better camera? If you do, then it might be a good idea to invest in a mirrorless camera instead. Not only do they have a longer lifecycle, they also have great resale value when compared to a phone. They are more durable and have better battery life, not to mention swappable batteries.
You don’t mind carrying another device just for photos. Part of the charm of a smartphone is its convenience, simply because it is always with us. We don’t have to think about it. However, if you are even slightly serious about the quality of your pictures you must consider buying a camera. Lots of mirrorless cameras these days can connect directly to your phone so you can upload the images as soon as you are done taking them. You can do the same for videos as well.
You are willing to do a bit of learning to improve your pictures and videos. Most mirrorless cameras come with preloaded modes and AI-driven scene detection just like our phones. This means you can just point and shoot if you need to. To get the best out of your camera, it is advisable to spend a few minutes learning its features. You can also learn the basics of photography that can improve your images dramatically. The same can be done for videos as well.
You want to start vlogging. If you are considering starting a video blog or a YouTube channel, your phone camera is not going to cut it for very long. A mirrorless offers the chance to attach an external microphone and a tripod to your setup. This makes it convenient to shoot quality videos.
You are a budding filmmaker. As mentioned, mirrorless cameras are already being used in movie production—this is mostly because they are small and easy to manoeuvre. You can also attach a very wide variety of lenses to them including vintage lenses using a converter. As they aren’t as bulky as film cameras, you can do all sorts of innovative shots especially if you combine the camera with a gimbal.
What are the disadvantages?
There are a few disadvantages when comparing a smartphone to a mirrorless camera.
They aren’t as discreet. While not as bulky and intrusive as a film camera or a DSLR, mirrorless can attract a bit of attention when compared to a phone.
Battery life isn’t as good as a DSLR. While a mirrorless has a clear advantage over smartphones in terms of battery life, a DSLR will always be more battery efficient. This is because a mirrorless relies on its screen to show what is being shot, whereas a DSLR uses a set of mirrors to do the same.
The built-in microphone is not the best. If you are planning to vlog with your mirrorless, you may need to buy an additional microphone to get crisp audio. This is also a problem with recording audio on smartphones as well.
Some accessories can be a little expensive. Depending on the setup you are going for, some accessories can be more expensive for a mirrorless camera than they are for a cellphone. For example, a gimbal for a phone will cost around R6,000 while a gimbal for your camera can cost more than R20,000. If you are looking to buy extra lenses, better mics, lights and more, the costs can mount up quickly.
Panasonic Lumix G7 4K
Rs 40,490 with lens
The G7 is a bit of an older model now but it is still reliable and works very well. This 16-megapixel camera can capture 4K video at 25fps and shoot stunning images. It’s got a 3-inch viewfinder at the back and it also has an OLED viewfinder which is an advantage when shooting in bright sunlight. Being an older camera, accessories and second-hand gear are very easy to come by.
Sony ZV E10
Rs 63,500 with lens
The ZV E10 is Sony’s version of a Vloggers camera. This is a 25-megapixel camera that comes with a tiltable 3-inch touchscreen. The focus here is on vlogging so the camera is great at focusing on faces and products. There is digital image stabilization built-in to the software for videos which while not as good as physical image stabilization does a good enough job. If you are not interested in switching lenses Sony also has a cheaper Sony ZV-1 which has similar features.
Olympus OM-D EM10 Mark III
Rs 53,990 with lens
The Olympus OM-D is a very good camera for the price. It has 5-axis image stabilization, a 16MP sensor and can shoot 4K video.
The 3-inch touchscreen at the back lets you access all its features; it also has a built-in flash and an electronic viewfinder. Olympus is known for its lenses so you have access to its entire range.
Fujifilm X-A7
Rs 57,000 with lens
This 24-megapixel camera is great for Vlogging, it comes with a lens kit and does 4K video. The 3.5-inch touchscreen LED can be angled in all sorts of ways letting you view it no matter what the shot. Unlike most mirrorless cameras, this one has a built-in flash.
Sony Alpha 6100
Rs 73,990 with lens
Sony Alpha is one of the most popular mirrorless camera brands out there. There are versions that are lower and cheaper than the 6100, unfortunately, they do not do 4K video. If you are purely going to stick to Full HD and photos it might be better to buy the cheaper models. The 6100 is a 25-megapixel camera that comes with a viewfinder as well as a 3-inch screen. It has WiFi that lets you share your images instantly with your phone. The lens mount adapters of this camera are cheap and easily available.
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