TYPES OF CAMERAS
Introduction and Learning Objectives
Introduction
This topic discusses types of camera that we can use in photography. In
photojournalism the camera is the major tool. A journalist in this field
should be able to understand different types of the camera and areas
in which they are suitable
Learning objectives
By the end of the lesson, they student should be able to:-
• Identify the types of camera
• Discuss uses of the different of cameras
Definition
• A camera is a device for recording
visual images which may be in the form
of pictures or videos.
• A camera is a light proof box fitted
with a lenses and having functions and
features and a menu (buttons, dials,
levers, menu functions and other
accessory options) that allow light into
a sensor for image formation, retention
and production)
Digital and Film cameras
• There are generally two variables of everyday consumer cameras :
film-based cameras and digital cameras.
• A film camera generally records images on 35mm film whereas the
digital camera registers images on a charge- coupled device (sensor)
where it stays for seconds before it is transferred onto the camera
memory or a removable memory card.
• The film camera is the traditional method of photography whereby
the film is loaded and later unloaded when it is used up.
• The film method involves developing into negative and printing in the
darkroom.
Advantages and Disadvantages of Digital and
Film cameras
• With film camera there is greater assurance if the film is fixed
property, there photography is in the camera
• Pictures from film cameras are more readily accepted as evidence in
lawsuits than pictures from digital cameras. Digital camera pictures
are believed to be highly susceptible to manipulations
• The processed negatives could be stored for several years (film
camera)
• Digital camera is susceptible to vagaries of faults from weather, drop
and so forth.
Advantages and Disadvantages of Digital and
Film cameras
• In spite of these great advantages of the film camera, the
digital camera is gradually edging out film based cameras
from the market as more consumers use more digital
cameras.
• The digital camera allows for ease of use.
• It excludes the laborious process of loading and unloading
films.
• It also takes away the process of developing and printing.
Advantages and Disadvantages of Digital and
Film cameras
• With a digital camera, you could view your take and retake it if you
are not totally satisfied.
• With digital camera, you could equally print pictures in seconds with a
photo printer.
• With the digital camera, you could do minor editing such as cropping
and sizing of your picture on your camera or you could transfer your
pictures onto a computer and optimize the almost limitless world of
the digital darkroom through the use of softwares like Photoshop,
Macromedia Fireworks and so forth.
Types of Cameras
1) The 35mm or SLR-Single Lens
Reflex camera
• Type of camera that allows you to see
through the lens you look in the view
finder-"what you see is what you get”
• The most professional cameras are
SLRs
• Image seen in the view finder is formed
by taking in light from the lens, which is
reflected to an eye level viewfinder by
a mirror and a prism so that the user
sees exactly what the film will register
Types of Cameras
• Examples of SLR cameras
Nikon F5 Fujita 66
Pentax K1000
Types of Cameras
• SLRs often have detachable
lenses that allow you to choose
how close to the action you want
to be
Features of SLRs
• SLR allow for control over:
shutter speed, aperture, film
speed, focus point,
magnification, add on flashes,
remote releases
Type of Cameras
• 2) DSLR -Digital Single-Lens Reflex Cameras
• Just like SLR, these cameras allow light to enter the camera through the
shutter and reach the sensor
• The view finder allow you to see through the lens with the help of the
mirror and prism
• There are two main types of DSLR camera: full frame and Crop sensor
models
➢Full frame cameras have a sensor the same size as a single 35mm film
camera.
➢Crop sensor models have a smaller sensor size, but these are still much
larger than sensors in compact camera and phones
Types of cameras
• The two most popular brands of DSLRs are Canon and Nikon
• Each has an extensive range of cameras to choose from.
• They provide advanced manual controls, interchangeable lenses, and are
popular among professional photographers.
• Common Features: Interchangeable lenses, large image sensors, optical
viewfinder, manual controls, HD video, customizable, control setting
• Digital camera records the information on the image sensor rather than the
film
• Digital cameras are more widely used than film cameras by
photojournalists
Types of cameras
• Examples DSLR
cameras
• The Nikon D850,
Canon EOS6D Mark
II, Nikon D750, the
Canon EOS 5D Mark
IV, the Nikon D3500
or the Canon EOS
4000D
Nikon D850
Types of cameras
3) Mirrorless Digital Cameras
• The difference between DSLR and Mirrorless Camera is that digital
mirrorless cameras, as the name suggests, have no mirror
• When you look through the viewfinder, you see a small electronic
screen (electronic viewfinder)
• That is, they use digital displays or electronic viewfinders for framing.
• The electronic viewfinder displays what you are pointing your lens at.
• In recent years mirrorless cameras have gained popularity.
Types of cameras
Similar to DSLRs but without the
mirror mechanism, digital
mirrorless cameras are more
compact and lightweight.
Common Features:
Interchangeable lenses, electronic
viewfinder or digital display,
manual controls
What video on The Sony A7 Series are all mirrorless
https://youtu.be/p5PvHlk3yig cameras.
Types of cameras
4) The compact camera/Rangefinder/ Point and Shoot
• The compact camera are small, lightweight and most suitable for
occasional outings such as picnics and parties. It is also called the point and
shoot camera.
• Its highly portable and easy to use, however its limited in functionality
versality, for example you might be able to take shots of distant objects
• They have the zoom lens which give you convenience and flexibility
• A rangefinder is a type of camera where the viewfinder gives a basic
estimation of what the lens is seeing
• Most point and shoot cameras are rangefinders
Common Features: Fixed lenses, automatic settings, compact size, zoom
lens, small and lightweight
Types of cameras
Example of compact cameras
A Leica MP (rangefinder) Voigtlander Bessa (rangefinder)
An Olympus point and shoot
Types of cameras
Example of modern compact Lomography
cameras
• Lomography LC-Wide 35mm Film
Camera Set
• Konica Mermaid Big Mini 35mm
Point and Shoot Film Camera
• Konica C35 EF3 35mm Point and
Shoot Film Camera
• Konica Lexio 70 35mm Point and
Shoot Film Camera
• Canon Sure Shot 28/48 Autoboy/ Canon
New Sure Shot 35mm Film
Camera. PowerShot
G7 X
Type of Cameras
5) Bridge Cameras
• Bridge cameras bridge the gap between compact and DSLR cameras. They often
have powerful zoom lenses and more manual controls than compact cameras.
• They ideal for a start with when embarking on photography journey/career or
love for photography
• They look like but DSLR but are smaller, lighter and easy to handle
• The size of the sensor is not as big as in most DSLRs and mirrorless camera
• They have fixed lens and you cannot swap lens
• All bridge cameras have zoom lenses. The higher end models have zooms with an
incredible ranges, from very wide to ultra tele-photo
Common Features: Non-interchangeable zoom lenses, manual controls, versatile
zoom lenses
Type of Cameras
Canon Powershot SX70
• Canon PowerShot SX70 HS
(Family and Sports)
• Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX10
IV (Wildlife)
• Panasonic Lumix DC-
FZ1000 II
• Panasonic Lumix DMC- Sony Cyber-Shot
RX10 IV
FZ300
• Leica V-Lux 5
• Nikon Coolpix P950
Type of Cameras
• Canon PowerShot SX70 HS Panasonic LUMIX FZ1000
II
(Family and Sports)
• Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX10
IV (Wildlife)
• Panasonic Lumix DC-
FZ1000 II Nikon COOLPIX
• Panasonic Lumix DMC- P950
FZ300
• Leica V-Lux 5
• Nikon Coolpix P950
Types of Cameras
6) Film Cameras
• Use traditional film instead of digital sensors. Available in various
formats, including 35mm, medium format, and large format.
• Most film cameras work the same way DSLR do
• They do not have an electronic viewfinder or screen
• They have lens and shutter to control the light
• The film you load determines the ISO
Common Features: Film rolls, manual controls, various film formats
Types of Cameras
Canon
Examples of film cameras AE-1
• SLR film cameras are the most
common 35mm cameras
floating around.
• They include models like Canon
AE-1, Nikon F100, Pentax
Nikon F100
K1000, and Canon EOS
• Watch video about Nikon F100
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Types of Cameras
Watch video camera film
https://www.youtube.com/
watch?app=desktop&v=TCxo
ZlFqzwA
Types of Cameras
7) Instant Cameras
• Mostly developed by Kodak and combined camera and
darkroom in one box
• The camera develops and prints its picture in thirty seconds
to five minutes after taking the picture
• Popular for casual and fun photography.
• Common Features: Instant film, simple controls.
Types of Cameras Polaroid
OneStep+
Example of instant cameras
• Polaroid OneStep+
• Polaroid OneStep+
• Fujifilm instax Square SQ6.
• Kodak SMILE Classic.
• Fujifilm instax Mini 9.
• Polaroid SnapTouch.
• Polaroid Mint Shoot + Kodak
Print. SMILE
• Lomo'Instant Square. ... Classic
• Polaroid POP
Types of cameras
8) Single Use Cameras
• Single Use Cameras also referred to as disposable cameras contain a
roll of factory-fitted colour film
• They have single shutter speed and fixed focus, built-in flash and are
sometimes water resistant.
• When fully exposed, a disposable camera is taken to a laboratory
where the film is extracted for developing and printing while the
camera is trashed for recycling.
• Single use cameras come handy for picnics and vacation but not for
serious photography.
Types of cameras
Examples of Single
use Camera
A Kodak Disposable camera
Types of cameras
9) Action Cameras
• Compact and rugged, designed for capturing action in extreme
conditions.
• Often used for activities like sports, biking, or underwater adventures.
Common Features: Wide-angle lenses, durable and waterproof designs
Examples: GoPro Hero13 Black, DJI Osmo Action 4, GoPro Hero11
Black, GoPro Hero 11 Black Mini
Types of cameras
GoPro Hero13 Black
GoPro Hero11 Black
Types of cameras
10) 360-Degree Cameras
• Capture panoramic images and videos in a full 360-degree view
perfect for outdoor photographer
• 360-degree view photographs are a choice for travelers, hikers and
adventures
Common Features: Multiple lenses for capturing a complete view,
often used for virtual reality content.
Examples: GoPro Fusion, Samsung Gear 360, Rico Theta 5, Insta360,
and the GoPro Max.
Types of cameras
Insta360 X4 360
GoPro
Types of Camera
11) Underwater Camera
• These are powerful cameras used by marine photographers
for taking pictures of the marine world.
• They are waterproof or water resistant with additional
features that enable them to survive the aquatic
environment.
• Some underwater cameras come with built-in electronic
flash while others require mountable flash which are equally
water resistant and can be detached when not in use.
Types of Camera
Examples of underwater cameras
• OM System Tough TG-7
• GoPro Hero 12 Black
• DJI Osmo Action 4
• Ricoh WG-80
• Insta360 X4
• GoPro Hero 10 Black OM System
• Panasonic Lumix FT7 / TS7
• Insta360 Go 3
Types of Cameras
12) Smartphone Cameras
• The smartphone camera has been the widespread choice of
photography for everyone
• Integrated into smartphones for casual photography.
• Continuously evolving with advanced features and computational
photography.
• Common Features: Fixed lenses, automatic settings, built-in editing
tools.
• Note: Each type of camera caters to different needs and preferences, so
choosing the right one depends on factors such as your photography
style, skill level, and intended use
How to Care for Your Camera
• Cameras can be likened to infants; they require great care and handling.
• This is due to their fragile components.
• A one-time drop on a hard surface could mean so much to the optimum
functionality of a camera.
• When properly handled, cameras can give longer service and better
outputs.
• Most professional photographers would safeguard their cameras like they
do their eyes.
• If you adopt this approach, you are likely to benefit of your camera for a
longer period.
Useful hints on how best to care for your camera.
➢Avoid leaving films in camera for a long period.
➢Remove batteries when the camera is not in use for a long period.
➢Keep out of reach of children.
➢Prevent cameras from dropping on or hitting hard surfaces.
➢Use a clean stuff when cleaning camera lens.
➢Keep camera from heat or moisture or extreme cold.
➢In the event of faults, take it to competent personnel only for repairs.
➢Read the user’s guide thoroughly when you buy or you are to use a new
camera since models vary.
➢Use leather strap where available to prevent camera from possible drop.
➢Keep from darkroom chemicals and other chemicals as well.
➢Never force any of the controls of your camera.
