Before i begin my rant for today, I know i'm pretty bad at keeping up with my blogging duties periodically. I whole heartedly blame my graduate studies and research for this. every seems like a new form of head less chicken run towards the wrong direction... go figure..
Now ever since I gathered enough capital to purchase my very own DSLR camera, people have been asking the same question most often than many - " Why DSLR? What's wrong with point and shoots? Can't you just use your cell phone to take pictures? ". I must be honest some of these questions really bothered me to the point where i felt sorry for the person. It's all about the acquired knowledge and drive to learn something new that helps you differentiate between something that seems mundane to many.
I'm not going to spend time getting into the specifics and nitty gritty of the matter but explain things with some form of distinction as best as i can ( besides there are many photography blogs out there that do a much better job of explaining the basics - hint 'AdoramaTV' ).
I would break down camera types into 4 very specific forms ( excluding film ofcourse ):
1. Point and shoot
2. Mirror-less
3. DSLR (Digital Single Lens Reflex)
4. Smartphone
Now ever since I gathered enough capital to purchase my very own DSLR camera, people have been asking the same question most often than many - " Why DSLR? What's wrong with point and shoots? Can't you just use your cell phone to take pictures? ". I must be honest some of these questions really bothered me to the point where i felt sorry for the person. It's all about the acquired knowledge and drive to learn something new that helps you differentiate between something that seems mundane to many.
I'm not going to spend time getting into the specifics and nitty gritty of the matter but explain things with some form of distinction as best as i can ( besides there are many photography blogs out there that do a much better job of explaining the basics - hint 'AdoramaTV' ).
I would break down camera types into 4 very specific forms ( excluding film ofcourse ):
1. Point and shoot
2. Mirror-less
3. DSLR (Digital Single Lens Reflex)
4. Smartphone
Lets start with point and shoots. These are those multi-coloured miniature, metal boxes that is suited for vacation photography. It's meant to be convenient and quick for those who don't care about wide field of view or depth of field. Do not underestimate these little devices. I used a Sony Cybershot for years as i learned about ISO and shutter speeds. Furthermore it helped me learn how to frame a subject while keeping track of the rule of thirds.
The picture above is of my, very eccentric, dad when we visited Toronto 2 and a half years back. It's not much but i was very happy with its composition. Downsides, the background was too hazy and soft, the picture looks blown aout and under exposed for most parts and many many more ( I guess Lightroom can salvage some parts of this picture ). But i wont be wrong in saying that many professionals of today started their shutter happy journey with a point and shoot.
The picture above is of my, very eccentric, dad when we visited Toronto 2 and a half years back. It's not much but i was very happy with its composition. Downsides, the background was too hazy and soft, the picture looks blown aout and under exposed for most parts and many many more ( I guess Lightroom can salvage some parts of this picture ). But i wont be wrong in saying that many professionals of today started their shutter happy journey with a point and shoot.
Moving on to mirror-less cameras. This is one area of cameras that i dont really know much about, apart from the fact that it lacks a moving sensor element behind the lens making it much smaller in size that DSLR's. The only mirror-less camera i had the opportunity to work with was the Sony NEX-3. The picture above ( courtesy Roua Razak ) is an unedited JPEG from one of our outings last year.
Looking at the picture i'm just amazed at the relative clarity and contrast produced by default. I guess it could always be Sony being Sony. They have always been obsessed with their blacks being really black and it is very evident here. The colours too look very vibrant and it is very hard for me to differentiate between this and a DSLR. I guess professionals need the extra processing power, provided within a DSLR, along with a proper view finder. Plus DLSR's feel more comfortable and ergonomic in the hands.
Looking at the picture i'm just amazed at the relative clarity and contrast produced by default. I guess it could always be Sony being Sony. They have always been obsessed with their blacks being really black and it is very evident here. The colours too look very vibrant and it is very hard for me to differentiate between this and a DSLR. I guess professionals need the extra processing power, provided within a DSLR, along with a proper view finder. Plus DLSR's feel more comfortable and ergonomic in the hands.
Next up - DSLR's. I dont really think i should have to explain much here. If DSLR's weren't good at what it does, i wont be here writing a blog and showcasing my best work and portfolio on my own website right now. DSLR's are for people who take the art of photography and it edge a bit more seriously. People who have an eye for detail and technical know hows to balance shutter speed with aperture and ISO settings along with a pair of steady hands.
The picture above is probably one of my best from when i visited New York in July '12. It's different in the sense that even though you cannot see the cabs clearly you still know what it is. The picture is clear and crisp and this is exactly what a DSLR is good for. It helps you find the moment rather than just capture it.
The picture above is probably one of my best from when i visited New York in July '12. It's different in the sense that even though you cannot see the cabs clearly you still know what it is. The picture is clear and crisp and this is exactly what a DSLR is good for. It helps you find the moment rather than just capture it.
I will finally end with the most common forms of picture taking out there today and it's done with the help of a smartphone. The innovation of smartphones has meant that everyone capable of owning one also carries an instant camera in his/her pocket. 8 MP smartphone cameras are becoming very common with the ability to change ISO and white balance on the go. It has also helped people blog about their daily doings instantly via Facebook, Twitter or Instagram.
I cant carry my DSLR it bag every day so i have to make do with my cellphone and instagram to keep a record of anything interesting or worthwhile to take pictures of. It might not be the cleanest picture but it's still forcing me to frame and keep up with a subject like the picture on the left. It's defines the kind of work i am doing for my graduate research in a simple and quick way.
I guess what it all boils down to is that it does not matter which camera you're using, it's how you're using it and for what purpose you're using it. Photography is an expensive hobby but it's one that really helps calm me down after a rough week in the office.
cheers all..
-ABK
I cant carry my DSLR it bag every day so i have to make do with my cellphone and instagram to keep a record of anything interesting or worthwhile to take pictures of. It might not be the cleanest picture but it's still forcing me to frame and keep up with a subject like the picture on the left. It's defines the kind of work i am doing for my graduate research in a simple and quick way.
I guess what it all boils down to is that it does not matter which camera you're using, it's how you're using it and for what purpose you're using it. Photography is an expensive hobby but it's one that really helps calm me down after a rough week in the office.
cheers all..
-ABK