There are many camera manufacturers in the digital imaging market globally and most of you may know two of the major manufacturers are Canon and Nikon. Whichever the manufacturer they are, they have a wide range of cameras cater for people in any levels. It usually divides their market by differentiating the camera sensor size, for example, entry-level cameras are advanced photo system type-C (APS-C) sensor and professional cameras are usually full frame format and may go up to medium format camera. With many types of sensors in the market, camera manufacturers market their cameras by focusing of the number of pixels, their individual microchip processor and the size of the LCD screen of their cameras. But how many pixels you actually need? If you print 4R photos (4 x 6”) regularly, take 300ppi (pixel per inch) into consideration, you will only need 1200 x 1800 pixels. Which takes only 2.16mp megapixels to print a 4R photo. An entry-level camera with 18mp is way more than enough to print a regular 4R photo. Therefore, don’t get mixed up by looking into the megapixels when buying a new camera. Yes, more megapixel may have more room for you to crop your image but it also means that more storage is required for the larger file size. So, compose your photos in camera by walking towards or away from your subject and you will still be able to capture high quality images without high megapixels camera. Not doubt that the larger the sensor, the better the camera performs in terms of bokeh (out of focus). For example, bokeh effect can be achieved easier and more pleasing to the overall image for larger sensor compared to a small sensor. However, smaller sensor can also create bokeh by zooming in your lens and focus closer to the camera. The bokeh effect achieved is very similar to a larger sensor camera. Does camera sensor size really matter? Yes, when capturing images in low light situations or managing huge prints. Larger sensors are capable of capturing more lights and handles ISO more better compared to a smaller sensor. Therefore, when printing large prints, it is ideal to use a larger sensor camera.
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A piece of equipment often overlooked by camera buyers. You will see most exhibitors at IT shows or COMEX giving out free tripod with almost every camera purchased. So just how important is it to get a good tripod? Tripod is an essential support for your camera for long exposure shots. It helps to keep your camera stable in most climate conditions. On top of that, time-lapse shooters may also love to use it, as they are likely to stay around in an area for couple of hours. At these situations, carrying a tripod with you will ease your shooting experience a lot. Last thing you want to happen is go home with a blurred image or wobbly time-lapse after spending so much effort and time has been put in. Cost of a tripod can vary from a couple of dollars to thousands. For general shooting such as taking landscapes or group photos, you will probably be fine with an average tripod. A cheap tripod can get the same job done. However, they may not last long and tendency to have weaker legs to support any cameras. They are probably lighter in weight and if you put a heavier camera on top of it, it can become top heavy and fall easily. When purchasing any tripod, take note of the maximum weight load of the tripod can handle. If possible, bring along your heaviest camera setup to the shop and test the tripod. Last thing you want to happen is thousands of dollar camera and lens dropping on the ground because the tripod cannot take the weight load. When choosing the right tripod, try to figure out your budget and do your research at different types of tripod brands available. Ideally, we would suggest carbon fiber tripod because it is lighter, sturdier and holds a good amount weight load. It will likely to cost more than aluminum tripod but it will last longer than them for years to come. |
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