By Andrew Woodruff
Kevin Rabito presented a review of camera types, features, and purchasing criteria. Kevin does professional photography on a part-time basis, and he is a former President of Candlewood Camera Club.
The presentation continued beyond our usual ending time, mostly due to an abundance of questions from the audience.
Kevin suggested that we should consider a camera as a “tool”. Therefore, before considering what camera to purchase, we should start by asking ourselves why we want this “tool”. Do we want a tool that is simple to use, or do we want a tool that will offer many controls and features? What are our skill levels in being able to effectively utilize some more advanced controls? Do we want to increase our skills? And of course, how much do we want to spend? The answers to these questions will point us in the right directions.
Kevin described three categories of cameras that are available, in order of increasing cost:
- Point and Shoot Cameras
- Crossover Cameras
- Digital Single Lens Reflex (DSLR) Cameras
Kevin provided an overview of features to consider in a buying decision. He discussed the sensor sizes that are utilized in various types of cameras. He recognized that the number of megapixels in the image size is one of the most promoted features in camera advertising, but pointed out that the number of megapixels is not the whole story in defining the resolution of images from a camera. The sensor size, the optics, and even the internal software affect the resolution.
He also described camera sensitivity, measured in so-called ISO. While we may have been happy in 1975 to use 400 ISO camera film, modern digital cameras can typically provide ISO of 3,200 or 12,000 or even 200,000 for special applications.
Kevin also covered various other camera features, including shutter speed, exposure compensation, and camera metering modes.
Then he moved on to lenses. He provided a short course in f-numbers and focal lengths.
Kevin told us about the newest technology that has become available in cameras, including:
- built-in WiFi that transmits photos directly to a cell phone or computer
- mirrorless cameras that are similar to DSLR cameras and have many DSLR-like features, but in a smaller size
- add-on lens arrangements that attach to Android phones and provide better photos than are available directly from the phones
After reviewing our reasons for wanting a camera and studying the features of various cameras, Kevin recommended that we actually hold a selected camera in our hands before purchase. He warned against buying mail order without holding and trying the camera. Is it too heavy or awkward to hold? Are the control buttons and menu easy to use?
It was clear that many in the audience were thinking of camera purchases because there were many specific questions. We stayed late to hear Kevin’s answers to these questions
Kevin invited interested people to attend The Candlewood Camera Club and visit its website http://www.candlewoodcamera.org. This group meets on the second and fourth Tuesdays of each month, except in the summer. Kevin can be personally contacted at www.KevinRabito.com.