Fundamentals of Photography

An overview of different camera types and their technical aspects.

Compact cameras

Compact cameras are very popular with amateur photographers and tourists due to their universality, ease of use and compactness. They are characterized by their small size and light weight, which makes them ideal companions for everyday situations and travel. Most compact cameras offer sufficient image quality for general photography needs, making them an excellent choice for beginners and those looking for an uncomplicated solution for snapshots.

The most obvious advantage of a compact camera is its ease of use. They are usually equipped with automatic modes that take the technical decisions off the user’s hands and allow them to focus on the subject. Due to their design, compact cameras are often less expensive than their larger counterparts, making them an attractive option for the budget-conscious photographer.

However, a major disadvantage of compact cameras is their limited customizability. They rarely offer interchangeable lenses or advanced manual settings found in DSLRs and mirrorless cameras. This limits their versatility and makes them less suitable for specialized or professional photography tasks where comprehensive control over the final image is required. Image quality also often suffers from the smaller sensors and less capable lenses compared to more expensive cameras.

DSLR cameras

Digital single-lens reflex cameras (DSLRs) have long been the standard for professional photographers and serious hobbyists. They combine multiple customization options with high-quality components that deliver first-class image results. The biggest advantage of DSLRs lies in their modular nature; users can swap lenses, flashes and other accessories to adapt their camera to a variety of environments and requirements.

The variable versatility of the DSLR is remarkable. Whether it’s landscape, portrait, sports or event photography, there’s almost always a lens or camera setting that’s right for the job. This flexibility is complemented by the ability to manually control almost all aspects of image capture, giving experienced photographers the freedom to achieve the precise visual effects they want.

However, these advantages come with certain disadvantages. DSLRs are often significantly more expensive than compact cameras, making them a significant investment, especially when you consider additional lenses and equipment. In addition, they are heavier and larger due to their mirror system and more robust construction, making them less practical for those looking for an easily transportable camera.

DSLM cameras

Digital mirrorless system cameras, often referred to as DSLMs, have become increasingly popular in recent years, especially among photographers looking for high image quality in a lighter and more compact body. DSLMs combine many of the best features of DSLRs, such as the ability to change lenses and make extensive manual adjustments, but without the need for the bulky mirror mechanism. This results in a significant reduction in weight and size while maintaining image quality and flexibility.

The biggest advantage of mirrorless cameras lies in their speed and the efficiency of the autofocus system. By utilizing on-sensor phase detection, DSLMs offer a faster and often more accurate autofocus experience than DSLRs, making them particularly attractive for action, sports and wildlife photography. In addition, the elimination of the mirror allows for a more seamless integration of digital displays and electronic viewfinders, which provide real-time feedback of the image result and thus support more precise image composition.

Another significant advantage is the silent shooting that DSLMs enable. This is particularly useful in situations where discretion is required, such as weddings or wildlife photography. Despite these many advantages, the cost of high-quality mirrorless system cameras can be comparable to that of DSLRs, especially if you invest in premium lenses and accessories.

However, DSLMs also have their drawbacks. Some models can lag behind DSLRs in terms of battery life, as the always-on image sensor and electronic viewfinder consume more power. In addition, the range of lenses and accessories, although constantly growing, is not always as extensive as with DSLRs, which can limit the choice.

Overall, mirrorless system cameras offer an excellent alternative to traditional DSLRs by combining modern technology with user-friendly features that benefit amateurs and professionals alike.

The technology behind a photo

Basically, each of the camera models can be divided into three main aspects when choosing.

Image sensor

The heart of every camera is the sensor. A larger sensor can capture more light, which directly influences the quality of the image. Full-frame sensors are particularly popular with professional photographers as they offer excellent depth of field and low noise, even in low light conditions. Smaller sensors, found in many compact cameras and smartphones, are more limited in their performance, especially in terms of noise performance and dynamic range.

The difference in sensor size not only affects image quality, but also the choice of lenses. Lenses designed for full-frame sensors generally offer better optical quality, but are also larger and more expensive. In practice, this means that the choice of sensor is one of the most important decisions to be made when buying a camera.

Here is an example of the Nikon D70S CCD sensor.

Aperture

The aperture of a lens is decisive for controlling the incidence of light and shaping the depth of field. An open aperture (small f-value, e.g. f/2.8) lets a lot of light onto the sensor, which enables short exposure times and is ideal for taking pictures in low light. At the same time, it produces a shallow depth of field, which means that only a small sub-plane of the image is in focus, while the rest disappears into blur. This property is particularly valuable in portrait photography, where you want to blur the background to emphasize the subject. This is often used in a so-called bokeh effect.

A closed aperture (high f value, e.g. f/20), on the other hand, increases the depth of field, which keeps more of the image in focus. This is ideal for landscape and architectural photography where you want both foreground and background to be in focus. The choice of aperture therefore not only influences the exposure, but also the artistic presentation of a photo.

Shutter speed / Shutter

Shutter speed is another fundamental aspect of photography that determines how long the sensor is exposed to light. Fast shutter speeds are essential for freezing motion, such as splashing water or fast sports action. They also help to avoid camera shake, which is particularly important when shooting without a tripod.

Slow shutter speeds are often used in artistic photography, such as night shots or to blend movement, such as the flow of water in a river. In such cases, a tripod is essential to keep the camera stable and ensure a sharp image.

ISO / light sensitivity

The ISO value of a camera determines its sensitivity to light. A low ISO value (e.g. 200) is ideal for situations with good light, as it produces the least image noise. A high ISO value (e.g. 128000) can be helpful in dark environments, but results in more image noise, which affects image quality. Modern cameras have developed advanced technologies that maintain acceptable noise levels even at high ISO values, which greatly increases flexibility in different lighting conditions.

The correct ISO setting is critical to image quality and should be chosen carefully to achieve the best balance between exposure and image quality.

The three settings aperture, shutter speed and iso together form the so-called Exposure Triangle. London Photo Shoot has created your very nice graphic:

Conclusion

Choosing the right camera and understanding its technical aspects are crucial to achieving your photographic goals. Whether you prefer a handy compact camera for everyday moments or need the versatility and high quality of a DSLR for professional demands, each camera model has its strengths and weaknesses. The technology behind a photo, including sensor size, aperture values, shutter speed and ISO settings, plays a fundamental role in the way we capture images and record the world around us.

Compact cameras offer convenience and ease of use for everyday use, while DSLRs and mirrorless cameras offer greater control and higher quality for more demanding photographic tasks. The choice of aperture and shutter speed affects not only the technical quality of the images, but also their aesthetic impact by determining how movement and depth are represented in the image. The ISO value helps you to work in different lighting conditions, but requires a careful balance between light sensitivity and image noise.

Ultimately, the decision for a camera and the settings you choose should depend on your specific needs, budget and personal style. Mastering the technical aspects of your equipment will open up a world of creative possibilities and can significantly improve the quality of your photographic work. Photography is not only a technical skill, but also an art form that allows you to share your view of the world with others. Use the technology available to bring visions to life and tell the countless stories that surround you.