ElectronicsPhotographyCameras

What is the best enthusiast camera type for photography?

5

Options
Considered

10

User
Recs.

Jun 26, 2019

Last
Updated

Here’s the Deal

5 Options Considered

Best enthusiast camera type for photography	Price	Last Updated
-- DSLR	-	Jun 26, 2019
-- 360-degrees camera	$299.85	Jun 16, 2019
-- Medium format camera	$2,289.00+	Jun 16, 2019
-- Mirrorless	-	May 12, 2016
-- Point and shoot	-	Jun 15, 2019

DSLR

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Top Pro

Wide variety of lenses

DSLR cameras have been the leading type of enthusiast camera for long enough that the lenses available for them cover virtually every possible usecase. See More

Top Con

Shutter noise

In order to take images, DSLRs have to move the mirror out of the way of the sensor. That movement creates a distinct sound that is not present in other types of cameras and the sound may draw unwanted attention. See More

InsightfulAtargatis's Experience

Having owned a “prosumer” compact, early mirrorless/CSC (first generation Sony alpha), and weighty, weatherproofed Canon at one time—the preference still falls with the Canon. It’s large, awkward, and often makes me want to not bring it places . . . but when I know I’m going to experience something memorable, it still goes with me, backache and all. For all the simplicity and user-friendly features—and superior image quality, to be honest—of the CSC, its user interface was cumbersome and its lens selection was minuscule (though the lenses were not), comparably overpriced, and exclusive. Adapter options seemed cumbersome, expensive, off-balance, and to miss the point entirely. My Canon has exceptionally speedy AF (and back-button focusing!) and its lenses heft are justified by weather-sealing which has served me well. It’s simple to make adjustments to settings through muscle memory alone. While the body has aged (released ten years ago) and noise reveals this, the performance leaves little to be desired, despite its lacking specs on paper. Never has the battery failed me in a day of shooting, and never did a utility like Lightroom fail to support new Canon raw images before those from my Sony mirrorless (or even Canon 1” P&S . . . worst option). See More

Top Pro

Greater on-body customization/control

Array of buttons, dials, joysticks allows for quick access to settings, often without moving eye away from viewfinder. See More

Top Con

Bigger bodies

Because DSLRs have to house a mirror, they are bulkier. See More

Top Pro

Wide variety of accessories

Everything from flashes to remote releases. Reputable third-party brands create accessories at competitive prices. See More

Top Pro

Batteries last longer

A bigger body allows housing a bigger battery. See More

Top Pro

OVF allows composing a shot without turning on the camera

Point and shoot

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Top Pro

Highly portable

Point and shoots are among the most compact cameras available. See More

Top Con

Can't change the lens

You are stuck with whatever comes with the camera. See More

InsightfulAtargatis's Experience

While there are excellent large sensor (even full frame), compact cameras out there, the cost and physical design limitations as far as providing variable focal range in a fast lens and small body are prohibitive. More importantly, the designs do not lend themselves to user growth, as upgrading entails replacement of both the body and lens as one unit. Regardless of one’s experience level, when approaching photography as a long-term activity, it is wise to choose a system with a large lens selection and focus primarily on the flexibility and quality of lenses while learning—begin with lenses that will work in many situations, go for fast primes or well-built zooms with fixed aperture, pay attention to mount for future upgrades—so the user can carry the lenses with them as they upgrade to more sophisticated bodies in the future. This strategy will also ensure maximum resale value when unloading old equipment. See More

Top Con

Less manual control

Top Con

Image quality ceiling is below that of other types of enthusiast cameras

Within a price range of about $1000 USD best point and shoot cameras can sometimes come close to DSLRs and mirrorless cameras in terms of image quality, but they don't offer anything comparable beyond that price point. See More

Top Con

Some P&S cameras lack a viewfinder making them difficult to use in bright light

A good number of P&S cameras forgo a viewfinder altogether so the only way to compose a shot is by using the LCD monitor on the back of the camera which can be difficult to use in bright light. See More

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