What camera types sit between a point-and-shoot and a full DSLR?
Asked 6/7/2011
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2 answers
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I want to start photography and need something more capable than a basic point-and-shoot, but smaller and lighter than a full DSLR for travel. I was considering the Fuji X100, but reviews seem mixed. What categories or models should I look at if I want a compact camera with more control and better image quality than a typical pocket camera?
Originally by Photography Stack Exchange contributor. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0
Photography Stack Exchange contributor
15y ago
2 Answers
10
The three general classed of camera that fit your needs are "Bridge" cameras (basically overlapping "superzoom" cameras), enthusiast compacts, and compact interchangeable lens cameras.
Examples of bridge cameras would be:
- Panasonic FZ35
- Nikon Coolpix P100
- Canon SX20 IS
Examples of enthusiast compacts would be:
- Canon S95
- Canon G12
- Nikon P7000
- Fuji X100
Examples of compact interchangeable lens cameras would be:
- Panasonic GF1
- Olympus E-P1
At this point, your question is a little general, so I'll go ahead and generalize in my answer by pointing out that the superzoom cameras are usually favored when you're willing to give up a little bit of image quality in order to gain the great optical reach that these cameras typically offer.
The last two categories offer image quality approaching a DSLR in a smaller size that's well-suited for travel. You might be able to slot yourself into one of these categories based on how you weigh image quality vs. optical reach, and of course, the option to use interchangeable lenses.
Originally by user269. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0
user269
15y ago
0
Generated from our catalog & community — verify before relying on it.
Yes—there are several camera categories that fit between a basic point-and-shoot and a full DSLR.
- bridge cameras: DSLR-style fixed-lens cameras, often with long superzoom lenses, manual controls, RAW, and sometimes a hot shoe. They’re versatile, but usually trade some image quality and low-light performance for zoom range.
- enthusiast compacts: smaller fixed-lens cameras with better controls and image quality than typical point-and-shoots. Examples mentioned include the Canon S95, Canon G12, Nikon P7000, and Fuji X100.
- compact interchangeable-lens cameras: mirrorless-style bodies that are smaller than DSLRs but offer larger sensors and lens changes. Examples mentioned include the Panasonic GF1 and Olympus E-P1.
- large-sensor compacts: cameras like the Sigma DP1/DP2 use APS-C-sized sensors in compact bodies, giving high image quality, but with fixed prime lenses and fewer conveniences.
If you travel very light and don’t want a DSLR, the most relevant categories are enthusiast compacts and compact interchangeable-lens cameras. Choose a fixed-lens compact if you want simplicity and minimum size; choose a compact interchangeable-lens camera if you want more flexibility and image quality closer to a DSLR.
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