Making that final decision about which camera to buy usually comes down to looking at the camera specs. You’ve searched the reviews for the cameras you’ve narrowed down in your search and you’re now trying to understand the difference of the details. In order to help you in your camera research we help breakdown what is most important in the camera specs.
In addition to providing you clear information about the most important camera specifications we also translate the information into real-world photography.
For each camera we review we’ll provide you with the following details so you can see how the camera you are interested in compares to what other technology is out there.
The sensor size of the camera arguable has the biggest impact on your images. Some people will start by talking about megapixels, and while is an important spec to factor into your decision, megapixels alone don’t give you the full ‘picture.’
The size of the sensor you select will determine what kind of crop factor you’ll experience while shooting. This also directly relates to what kind of lenses you need to pair with your camera.
Quick Camera Search
Quick Links - Camera Specs by Brand
Comparing Camera Sensor Sizes
The sensor size of the camera arguable has the biggest impact on your images. Some people will start by talking about megapixels, and while is an important spec to factor into your decision, megapixels alone don’t give you the full ‘picture.’
The size of the sensor you select will determine what kind of crop factor you’ll experience while shooting. This also directly relates to what kind of lenses you need to pair with your camera.
How Much Resolution Do I Need on My Camera?
As mentioned above, megapixels is an important specification to consider when selecting a camera, and it’s because it relates to image resolution. But what does all that really mean?
Translating all those millions of pixels into how something will look on your devices, as well as any prints or photo-gifts you plan to make is what really matters.
A good rule of thumb for any printing is you want 300 DPI. So we’ll help translate that to what size prints and images you can expect from your camera, while maintaining the best quality.
What the Heck is Pixel Size?
Though not really a mainstream spec people consider, and one that requires some calculation, the size of the pixels in your camera’s sensor play an important role in image quality.
In an effort to look “bigger and better” camera and smartphone companies continue to pack more and more megapixels into their cameras. What doesn’t usually change is the size of the sensor.
So if you have the same size sensor and more megapixels it’s obvious that you have to make the pixels smaller in order to fit.
It’s true it does allow you to get some additional resolution from an image but it also means that pixel that can’t capture as much information.
As you well know, photography is all about capturing light, so if the pixel size shrinks, there is less opportunity for it to gather light. This can play a big factor with low light and indoor shooting, and can be easily seen on smartphone cameras where image quality greatly suffers in low light.
Size and Weight Comparison
Using a camera in everyday situations is really important, because if it’s too big or too heavy you’re not likely to use it as much.
A quality DSLR or Mirrorless Camera is never going to be as small and convenient to carry around as a smartphone. Though it’s also not meant to be.
Although you also want to make sure you have a good idea of its size and weight in relation to other stuff you might carry around.
How Long Before I’m Going to Have to Change My Battery?
A camera is really only good if you can actually use it. So if your battery runs out then you’re stuck lugging around your camera until you can get the battery recharged.
Most camera specs list how many shots you’ll get out of a camera’s battery, but we go the extra step of helping you translate that to how long it’s going to last you. That way you can determine if you’re going to need to purchase that extra battery.
If you’re looking for some addition resources to learn more about important camera specs here are some good resources we’ve found.
Other Resources
Camera Specs Explained and Compared
How does the DSLR or Mirrorless Camera you’re interested in compare to other options? Each of the camera spec reviews below will help you translate the complicated camera specs into simple real-life situations so you can determine what’s best for you.
We help translate camera specs into picture performance.
So if you’ve been wondering:
- What specs you should look for in a DSLR or Mirrorless Camera?
- What are good specs for a digital camera?
- How many megapixels do you need and what does that translate to?
- Is my camera going to be good for the type of photography I want to do?
- How do the specs translate to image quality?
- What are the most important specs for a camera?
- How do my camera specifications compare to other cameras?
We’re hear to help you understand how to choose a camera based on the Camera Specs.
If after you’ve read the camera spec reviews, and still aren’t sure how to make sense of it all, don’t spend hours more searching, just ask us!
There’s no cost or commitment to you and we give thorough details to help make your decision easier. If you’re not sure where to start view some of our most recent content.
DSLR and Mirrorless Cameras - Specs and Reviews
Individual DLSR and Mirrorless Camera Spec Reviews.
Canon Camera Specs
Pair your Canon with the Perfect Lens
Choose a lens based on model or get a broader choice based on photography style.
Canon Lens Hub
Nikon Camera Specs
Pair your Nikon with the Perfect Lens
Choose a lens based on model or get a broader choice based on photography style.
Nikon Lens Hub
Sony Camera Specs
Pair your Sony with the Perfect Lens
Choose a lens based on model or get a broader choice based on photography style.
Sony Lens Hub
Fujifilm Camera Specs
Pair your Fujifilm with the Perfect Lens
Choose a lens based on model or get a broader choice based on photography style.
Fujifilm Lens Hub
Panasonic Camera Specs
Pair your Panasonic with the Perfect Lens
Choose a lens based on model or get a broader choice based on photography style.
Panasonic Lens Hub
Olympus Camera Specs
Pair your Olympus with the Perfect Lens
Choose a lens based on model or get a broader choice based on photography style.
Olympus Lens Hub Other Camera Specs
Find the Perfect Lens
Whether you are learning what makes a great lens or trying to narrow down your selection to the perfect choice we have you covered.
Related Articles
Camera Lenses Explained [Complete Guide to Understanding What Lens to Buy]
Lenses are what makes photography fun! This Camera Lens Guide explains the different types of camera lenses and what to...
Read More
How to Choose a Camera Lens
When choosing a camera lens remember the quality of your images is a direct result of the quality of the...
Read More
How to Choose a Memory Card For Your Camera
The two key features you should consider when choosing a memory card for your camera are the Speed and Capacity...
Read More