How To Be A Travel Photographer – Choosing a Camera Part 2
How To Be A Travel Photographer – Choosing a Camera Part 2
Okay so let’s buy a camera. You’ve already decided whether you’re going to go with the DSLR or a mirror–less system. But which camera? Which brand? Which model? There are many things the factor when trying to figure out which brand or model you want. A major factor can be something like price. Or it could be because you like features. Or perhaps you just like the way it feels. Maybe it’s all about the technology. Maybe we can look at these little further.
Sensors
So the last article we talked about whether to choose the point-and-shoot, DSLR or mirror– less system. I’m assuming you’re going with the DSLR or mirror–less system. This next factor is something that every guy likes to look into and that’s the technology behind cameras. When we are talking about technology we simply mean the sensor. Everyone says the bigger the sensor the better. Let’s talk about what that means. There are many kinds of sensors to worry about. The three main kind are full frame sensors, APS-C sensors, and Micro 4/3. But what do all of these mean?
Full Frame
Let’s start with a full frame sensor. A full frame sensor is a full sensor design off of a 35mm camera. The sensor is as large as a sensor would be if you were shooting with a 35mm camera. Full frame sensors are commonly used by higher end DSLRs. Some of the benefits of a full frame sensor include higher pixel density, and no crop factor to worry about. What higher pixel density does is gives you more pixels when you take a picture. But this is great for his long exposures without having a lot of dots and less noise. Another benefit of a full frame sensor is that you can shoot with wide angles without worrying about cropping out some of the Image. Some of the drawbacks of a full frame sensor is the cost factor. Full frame cameras tend to a cost a lot more.
APS-C
Another kind of sensor is an APS-C sensor. And APS-C sensor is a smaller sensor than a full frame sensor. It is used by mostly DSLRs but not limited to mirror-less cameras. Some of the benefits of an APS-C sensor is that it is cheaper. The drawback to this sensor is the sensors have a bit more grain and grit at lower light situations as well as longer exposures. Also is a crop factor of 1.5 to 1.7 depending on the brand of camera. Crop factor is the zooming on the image compared to a full frame camera equivalent (Nikon/Sony 1.52x, Canon 1.62x and Sigma 1.7x).
Micro 4/3
The last sensor we will talk about is the micro 4/3 senses. Micro 4/3 sensors of the smallest of the sensors we will be talking of. They are about one quarter of the size of the full frame sensor. Micro 4/3 sensors tend to be used, but not limited to, mirror-less system cameras. The drawback of Micro 4/3 sensors is that they tend to be a bit more gritty and grainy during long exposures and low light situations, but many companies have tackled this problem compared to earlier models. The big drawback is the depth of field is not as shallow, meaning the blurring of background is better on the full frame sensors over the micro 4/3 sensors. The benefits are they are much cheaper, especially for the lenses because everything is smaller and they are very lightweight. This is why I switched to a Micro 4/3.
Thinking In Price
Price is a HUGE factor of making your big decisions. There are plenty of factors when looking into the price of a camera. As mentioned in the post for part 1 DSLRs tend to cost more than most other cameras. But Beginning level DSLRs start at a cheaper price of of $450 but lack more features (which will be mentioned later) and tend to use an APS-C sensor.
As for full frame cameras are the most expensive as they start at the price range of $1500 and go up in price from there.
Nikons tend to cost more for DSLRs than Canon, but tend to carry different features. Sony is a great alternative to price compared to Canon or Nikon
Cheaper than DSLRs are the mirror-less cameras, which start in the $200 range and some profession level ones starting $900
Some of the leaders are Sony who tend to use an APS-C sensor compared to Olympus and Panasonic who use a Micro 4/3 sensor. Those three are the main leaders. Since Olympus and Panasonic both use Micro 4/3 sensors, they also have interchangeable lenses between brands. Also in the game is Fuji.
Features
Features are something to consider when buying your camera. A swiveling rear viewer could be great for getting angle and shot that you desire like on some of the mid range DSLRs from Canon and a lot of the Lumix series have. Other features to consider. Some cameras have touch screen controls, which is great for those who compose on a screen. Some cameras have stabilization built into the camera which allows a person to save money on the lenses which can gain more price for the optical stabilization. The key to all these features is to make sure you are getting the features you want for the kind of photography you are taking.
How Does It Feel?
Lastly, do some research. Read the reviews on the cameras you are interested in. Check out what other people are saying about the camera. But do not just go by the reviews or what I am telling you. Some one may suggest a camera to you and after you buy it, you realize it is too heavy for you, you do not like where the buttons are set and can not stand the viewer. That is why it is important to try the camera out before buying. Head on down to your local camera store and just ask to see the cameras. Take them for a test drive and see how they feel in your hand. Play with the buttons and see if they are easily accessible to your. The worst is buying a camera you can not stand using.
Conclusion
With so many cameras to choose from there are many factors to consider. Finding the right prices is key, but also knowing what you want in features in technology. Don’t forget to test drive the camera out, so that it feels right for you. Do you have questions about a specific camera? Feel free to ask. Leave a comment below, send me a tweet on twitter, or post on my facebook. Heck even send us a message. Let me know so I can help. Happy travels 
Erick Redcloud
A partially blind Graphic Designer, Freelance Travel Photographer, Artist, Buddhist and Vegetarian who loves to travel. Erick loves traveling by being with the locals and going off the beaten path. He is the founder and owner of Pathlesstravels and loves inspiring others to follow their dreams, whether it is to travel or something completely different. He started Pathlesstravels to hone is photography skills and to meet amazing people, and to help a friend break into journalism. Check out his photography at his link.
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One comments on “How To Be A Travel Photographer – Choosing a Camera Part 2”
Nice tips Erick! We use a micro 4/3 and I have to admit it’s pretty good for traveling for its weight and still good quality photos. We need to get more lends though.