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Investing in a new digital camera can feel daunting. How do you decide which are the best cameras to select from? Should you buy a DSLR or a Mirrorless? What features should you be looking for? Do expensive cameras take better pictures?
With so many different types of cameras available, choosing one can be difficult. Our buying guides will help you choose the right model for your needs.
We have compiled an extensive library of articles and topics of the best digital camera models available today to help you refine your search. However, if you just want a top camera pick from the major brands here are some of the most popular options.
Arguably the best entry level mirrorless camera on the market today is the Sony A6500. It has an incredible sensor, great image quality, and excellent video features. With the ability to switch out lenses the image control and quality is a big step up from any smartphone camera out there.Â
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Learn MoreWhile there are lots of options in this category, the Canon EOS R6 is a solid full frame DSLR with a large sensor and fast autofocus system. It’s ideal for landscape and sports photographers. The low light performance has also gotten a boost with the newer generation of camera sensors.
With an updated release, the Olympus OM-D E-M1 Mark III becomes an even more versatile mirrorless camera that takes beautiful photos and records high-definition videos.
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Learn MoreThe digital camera has become an essential tool in our lives. Whether we’re taking pictures of family events, capturing memories on vacation, or just snapping selfies, these devices allow us to capture moments that would otherwise be lost forever.
While most people, including myself, will opt for the convenience of the camera on our smartphone, a DSLR or Mirrorless camera provides an enormous amount of image control that you don’t have otherwise.
 I don’t carry my Digital Camera with me all the time, but when I’m serious about getting some shots, I’m also not taking out my iPhone or Smartphone.
So while a DSLR might be more for special occasions, like birthdays, travel, or family portraits, it’s an amazing tool that makes it easy to improve your photos.
Digital cameras are more popular than ever before. In fact, according to eMarketer, global camera sales will reach $23 billion by 2020. This growth has been fueled by the popularity of smartphones, which now come with built-in cameras.Â
So if you have a camera on your phone should you consider investing in a DSLR or Mirrorless camera? And what makes them different from traditional point-and-shoot cameras or the camera on your phone?
DSLR and Mirrorless cameras use and offer many features that were previously only available on professional level camera models.Â
While point-and-shoots or camera phones are so easy to use that a child can operate them, they aren’t as good at taking pictures as a dedicated digital camera.
This is because digital cameras have more features than point-and-shoot models. These features allow you to adjust settings such as shutter speed, aperture, and ISO sensitivity. All of which allow you creative control over the quality and style of the image.
Think of a bicycle vs a car. Both are great forms of transportation and can get you from one place to another. The bicycle is much smaller and easier to move around and store. Though obviously a car has many features that a bicycle doesn’t.
Does this mean you shouldn’t own a car if you own a bicycle? Or course not. Both have different reasons for owning them.
Point-and-shoot cameras, similar to the bicycle, are generally cheaper than digital cameras, but they’re not nearly as capable. In fact, they often lack some of the features found on higher-end digital cameras.
While not as easy to use as a smartphone, most DSLRs are easy to get started with. Then you have the option to dive much deeper to adjust and refine the results and level of control you want.
Point -and-shoot cameras are designed to take pictures quickly and easily.
This also allows for an inexpensive option for people who just want to snap a few quick shots without having to worry about too much technical stuff.
However, there are other uses for a DSLR camera, beyond just taking photos. For example, you might use one to record a short video while also capturing a still, or even make a stop motion animation.
Then there are different types of photography. As long as you have a camera body with solid specs, you can switch from wide angle to telephoto lenses, to capture landscapes to wildlife photography.
While at one time it might have seemed strange for someone to have multiple pairs of shoes. Many people have a pair of shoes specifically for running, or just for formal occasions.Â
The same is true for lenses. A DSLR or Mirrorless camera allow you to have a set of lenses so you can cater to specific features of the types of photography you’re interested in.
While not true of everyone, many people end up getting a new phone about every 3 or 4 years. This can be good, since newer phones will typically have better cameras and image technology. Although with the current landscape, every phone is just trying to get closer to the specs of even a basic DSLR camera.
DSLR’s have a much longer lifespan. Models from over 10 years ago are still great cameras, especially if you’re looking for something that’s entry level.Â
Plus, the camera lenses are typically more important than the camera body. Buying a camera that has a broad and quality camera lens base is really important. Many photographers start with a lower end model and then upgrade the camera body while still using the same camera lenses.
Just know that camera lenses aren’t really transferable between brands (at least not easily in most cases). Also, lenses designed for a DSLR camera model won’t fit a Mirrorless camera body, even if they are from the same camera brand.
Due to simple physics it’s not possible to have even the most advanced phone be superior to a quality DSLR or Mirrorless camera.
Point-and-shoot cameras are generally cheaper than digital cameras, but they’re not nearly as capable. In fact, they often lack features found on higher-end digital cameras.
Again, camera lenses are one of the major reasons you get such better image quality.
First off, a DSLR or Mirrorless will have a much larger senser than a phone camera. This sensor is what collects the light/image information. As a simplified statement, a larger sensor gives you better images.
The size and quality of the camera lens is what funnels the light to the camera sensor. Again, as a simplified statement, a larger lens allows for more light (aka: information) to get to the sensor.
So most camera phones do a lot of digital manipulation to the images in order to compensate for the limited senor and lens sizes that they can have.
For example, newer camera phones have a “portrait” mode, that artificially blurs the background and helps the subject stand out. While this technology will continue to get better, that’s a feature that cameras have had since back in the days of film photography.
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There are two main categories of digital cameras: mirrorless and DSLRs (Digital Single Lens Reflex). Both offer similar features, but there are some key differences between them.
A DSLR has an optical viewfinder, while a mirrorless camera does not. This means that when using a DSLR, you need to hold the camera up to your eye to see what you’re shooting. However, with a mirrorless camera, you can use the LCD screen as a viewfinder.
Most new model digital cameras, since about 2018, are mirrorless cameras because they offer some advantages with smaller size and improvements to optics. Although you can still get new or slightly used DSLR cameras.
In fact, most of the semi-pro, pro, and hobbyists will still have DSLR cameras since they have been around so long.Â
As of right now, if you were looking comparable DSLRs vs Mirrorless cameras, DSLR cameras would have better battery life and more lenses available.
Although with time this will change. And with the current market both camera types are great options.
Back to the level of control. Both Mirrorless and DSLR cameras allows you to control settings such as shutter speed, aperture, and ISO.Â
This means that you can adjust how much light reaches the sensor, allowing you to capture images with greater detail and style. You can use these features to shoot video, as well as stills.
This is one of the main reasons you see professionals at concerts, weddings, or other events using a digital camera as opposed to only a smartphone.
So should you just keep using your smartphone for everything or should you invest in a Digital Camera?
Well, that depends on what kind of photography you want to do. A DSLR or Mirrorless camera gives you more flexibility and allows you to take better pictures. But if you just want to snap a quick picture, then a smartphone might be enough.
You also should consider how often you want to take pictures. By “pictures” I mean an intentional image or moment you want to capture. As opposed to a ‘snapshot’ of something like a funny spontaneous moment or a quick selfie.
If you’re looking to capture special moments like vacations, weddings, birthdays, graduations, etc., then you’ll probably want to have a DSLR camera. Then just have your smartphone to snap photos of everyday life.
There are many different types of cameras available today, each with its own strengths and weaknesses.
So before you buy a DSLR or Mirrorless here are some key points to consider:
Strengths: High-quality images, Lots of image control, Interchangeable lenses, Improved Low-Light Performance
Weaknesses: Large bodies and lenses, Heavy, Expense
Looking for more…
Explore the top cameras by price, type, or camera brand.
We’ve found great camera models from all the major brands, Canon, Nikon, Sony, Fujifilm, Panasonic, Olympus, etc. The truth is they are all great brands. What’s most important is helping you understand what you need to focus on for the type of photography you enjoy. We breakdown the best photography gear based on these key decision points.
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Don’t forget that a camera may only be as good as the lens you put on it. Putting a cheap lens on your new camera can really limit the quality of your images.
It’s a bit like painting. Think of the camera as the canvas and the lens as the paint. The camera helps you capture and preserve the shot but it’s the lens that lets you select how it looks.
When you’re ready to buy the best lens for your camera check out our lists of the best lenses for DSLF & Mirrorless cameras. We have it broken down by the top camera models as well as type of photography.
If there’s camera gear you’re looking for that we haven’t covered yet feel free to reach out to us for advice on what to look for. You can also check out Amazon for some of the most popular Camera and Photo Accessories.
Whether you are learning what makes a great lens or trying to narrow down your selection to the perfect choice we have you covered.
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