The other half is the size of the
digital sensor. Larger sensors are made up of larger pixels. Larger pixels
have qualities that are better than their smaller brothers. Qualities you
may find out you need to enter the market that's important to you.
Point-and-shoot cameras are almost
always made with smaller sensors and thus smaller pixels (think: 1/10th
the size of a 35mm negative). So while they may have a lot of pixels (8
million - or 8 megapixels -- is not uncommon) each one of those pixels
is extremely tiny.
SLRs, on the other hand, are always
made with a larger sensor (anywhere from 1/2 the size of, to equal to,
a 35mm negative). They may even have fewer pixels than the point and shoots,
but each one is significantly larger so therefore your image quality will
be better.
The Ideal Kit
The truth is, there is no such thing
as the "Ideal Kit". No more than there is an ideal mate, or an ideal car.
It's all subjective, and all dependent on what your goals are.
While I always have at least one
camera with me - I probably have a half dozen "kits" depending on what
kind of shooting I plan to do that day. So here are my camera preferences.
You, of course, will develop your own as you progress in your career...
My Point and Shoot I always have
a point and shoot with me. My favorite is an eights megapixel about the
size of a deck of cards.
While I can't make a 20"x30" fine
art print with it and most print stock agencies won't accept pictures from
this kind of camera, I can make beautiful 8"x12" fine art prints, and some
magazines will accept the file for use up to about 1/2 page photograph
(this is true for point-and-shoot cameras over five megapixels -- anything
less than that isn't considered salable quality).
Since there are a lot of different
(and equally great) makes and camera models out there, I'm not going to
tell you mine. It was simply the one that felt best in my hand when I was
at the store that day.
If you have big fingers, consider
the size of the buttons when you chose a camera. If you have other equipment
like a PDA, printer, or laptop that supports a certain type of memory card
over others, look for cameras that use that type of memory card. If you
travel a lot and want something you can put in your pocket, look at the
smaller models.
I suggest you go to a store rather
than order online because I think you need to hold the camera in your hand
before you buy it and flip through all the screens to see if you like it.
SLRs
SLRs. I have two of them. First a
large Canon pro model: the 1D Mark II and a smaller Olympus E-1, about
1/2 the size and weight of the Canons.
Both are considered professional
grade, which means they are ruggedly built and have a fair amount of water
resistance. I've shot with each of them in the rain, sleet, and snow, and
never had a problem. While the heavier Canon produces great quality digital
files (and I've enlarged many shots to 30"x40") it's very heavy and not
much fun to lug around. Moreover, I can never get a candid shot with this
camera. If I put my telephoto lenses on, I look like the pros you see wandering
the sideline at sporting events.
These days, the smaller Olympus E-1
sees most of the action. It's light enough to carry, not intimidating to
bystanders, and produces a file good enough for enlargements up to about
20"x30" for fine art. Stock agency images are also fine. For me, it's kind
of a "Jack of all trades, Master of none" camera. The larger Canon I reserve
for studio work, sports photography, and landscapes where I have a lot
of time and most shots are on a tripod.
My Advice...
It's very important to physically
handle multiple cameras before you buy. It isn't enough to Google all the
reviews and make your decision on the internet based on statistics. A camera
is like a pair of jeans. You've got to try it on before you buy and make
sure it fits. It needs to feel comfortable in your hand and the buttons
need to be easy to push with your fingers.
My Epson RD1
I have one last camera that sees
a lot of use. It's a type you won't hear discussed much because there is
only one manufacturer and one model made in the world and not much demand
from a consumer's point of view.
It's an Epson RD1, referred to as
a DRF, or Digital Rangefinder. If you remember the old Leica rangefinder
cameras, which were the first 35mm cameras and started the whole revolution
back in the 1930's, it looks just like that. It also takes interchangeable
Leica lenses, and I have a nice selection of those from the "old days".
It's small, unobtrusive, light weight,
and the lens-camera combination takes magnificent photos. The last time
I was in Paris at the AWAI photo workshop, I had the Canon and the Epson
and the Canon never made it out of the bag in 10 days of exploring the
city. It also has analog controls just like an old film camera. Almost
nothing is done with a menu and screen. This camera was made for zone focusing.
That's what makes it such a great street shooter where speed, silence,
and unobtrusiveness are required.
So which camera goes in my bag? I
always take the point and shoot and the Olympus E-1 with the following
exceptions...
The Canon 1D MkII is my sport shooter
and often my preference for landscapes; the Epson RD1 is for "street shooting"
when I want great results without being noticed.
[Rich Wagner, is a professional photographer
whose images hang in public corporations and private foundations from San
Diego to Boston and in homes from the Americas to the Far East.
If you’d like to learn how to travel
the world as a travel photographer like Rich… enjoying freedom & independence
to travel where you want… when you want… and get paid to do it… here’s
your chance: http://www.thephotographerslife.com/phc/ea
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