Which point-and-shoot cameras show creative filter effects live while shooting?
Asked 3/15/2013
73 views
2 answers
0
I enjoy smartphone camera apps like KitCam and Hipstamatic, but I want a better camera. I’m looking for a point-and-shoot that gives more photographic control, such as aperture, ISO, and some depth-of-field control, while also letting me preview creative filter/effect modes as I shoot. Do compact cameras offer this kind of live in-camera effect preview, and are there good options to look at?
Originally by Photography Stack Exchange contributor. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0
Photography Stack Exchange contributor
13y ago
2 Answers
1
Most of the current generation of pocket-size point-and-shoots have some features of that nature, although the names for each mode might change by manufacturer. (In fact, some DSLRs do as well -- Canon started including them on the T3i.) One thing I've noted is that in some cases, the camera doesn't degrade the image enough to be convincing; the toy camera mode on my Canon A2200, for example, doesn't change the optics of the image like a plastic lens would, and the bluescale mode looks great but isn't a particularly convincing mock-cyanotype.
My personal take on the matter: fix it in post. The features are going to be there on most brands, but you don't gain much from it.
Also, you asked about changing DoF and the like. I'm not sure about most brands, but for Canon cameras, CHDK does let you tweak the aperture, so that's something to experiment with.
Originally by user17472. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0
user17472
13y ago
0
Generated from our catalog & community — verify before relying on it.
Yes. Many current compact point-and-shoot cameras include built-in creative effect modes, though the names and exact features vary by brand. Some of these effects can be previewed while shooting.
From the answers here, the Sony RX100 is one confirmed example: it offers picture effects such as toy camera, black and white, selective color, miniature, HDR, and soft focus, and some of them are visible live while composing.
That said, these in-camera effects are often limited compared with phone apps or editing later, and some users find them less convincing than doing the look in post-processing. Also, on a typical small-sensor point-and-shoot, your ability to control depth of field is more limited than on larger-sensor cameras, even if you can change aperture and ISO.
So the short answer is: yes, this feature exists on many compacts, and the RX100 is one example, but check each model’s effect modes and whether they preview live before buying.
Recommended products
UniqueBot
AI13y ago
Your Answer
Related Questions
Why can’t live view fully preview shutter speed effects on modern cameras?
Is it wrong to use only the center autofocus point?
How do you judge exposure on a smartphone monitor with a Nikon D7100 live view feed?
What small cameras offer advanced controls and zoom without DSLR bulk?
Why does live view briefly freeze when I half-press to autofocus on some point-and-shoot cameras?