Every time we search the word 'camera' online we are bombarded with thousands of results, In this post I am going to help make your decision much easier. By going to go through all the options in the market Smartphones, Action Cameras, Point and Shoots and Mirror-less Cameras.
We are going to explore the use case scenarios, pros and cons of each type of cameras, As wells as different models available for that type in the market.
"The Best Camera is the one you have at your disposal at the moment "
- Casey Neistat
Mirror-less Cameras:
Mirror less cameras are probably the best option for anyone who wants to make the highest Quality videos, where the creator can use multiple lens to suit the content they are producing
Use Case:
Almost every big YouTuber shoots on Mirror-less cameras can be used to shoot any type of content from Vlogs to Short Films, but these cameras are not very portable.
Pros:
high bit-rate video codecs
Many Lens options
allows external audio sources
can also monitor audio
once you a buy lens you can use it on newer Cameras in the future if need be.
Cons:
Hard to Carry Around
Not Allowed in many Public Areas
Attracts many stares from strangers/ un-wanted attention
Good Lens are very expensive
need to choose between Quality and Portability
Options in the market:
Panasonic G85:
4k UHD resolution
Amazing Built in Stabilization system
Average Auto focus
Micro 4/3rds Sensor
Canon EOS M50:
Canon color science
Dual Pixel Auto focus
Only for people who want 1080p FHD output
4k is underwhelming
APS-C Sensor
Sony a6400:
Very Sharp 4k video
option of shooting in SLog 2/ SLog 3
Can shoot HDR videos
Fastest Auto Focus system in the world
APS-C Sensor
Action Cameras:
Action Cameras are rugged little beasts that are built to taking a beating, they offer Gimbal like smooth footage, there are many accessories available which allows the user to mount the camera in which ever possible way they want. action cameras can be used underwater as well.
Use Case:
they are most commonly used as helmet cams by Moto-Vlogers , Due to their small size they a very famous among Creators who make Travel content, Sports , POV Cams .
Pros:
Compact form factor
Loads of mounting options
Ultra wide field of view
Gimbal like stabilization
Cons:
Bad low light performance
Need adapters for external audio
Bad battery life
Low bit-rate files
Options in the market:
DJI Osmo Action:
One of the only action camera in the market that offers a selfie screen.
can shoot in 4k
offers a very easy to use user interface
Gets regular Firmware updates .
GoPro Hero 7:
hyper smooth 1.0
time wrap 1.0
4k video
Super-View
removable lens protector
GoPro Hero 8:
Hyper Smooth 2.0
Time warp 2.0
Super-view
Built in Accessory mounting system
Point and Shoots:
I grew up learning Photography on a point and shoot camera hence they have a soft spot in my heart. Point and Shoots as the name says are meant to just be pointed towards the subject/what ever u want to shoot and press the record button. They also offer manual mode for people who want it. they have a fixed lens with a pretty good zoom range.
Use Case:
Since they very easy to use many run and gun shooters love to use it . Very Popular among Vloggers and travel film makers .
Pros:
pocket friendly
Most offer Selfie Screen
Wide zoom range
Cons:
relatively expensive
can get outdated very quickly
small sensor size
Options in the Market:
Sony Rx100 M3:
cheapest option in the market which gives decent quality output
4k UHD
selfie screen
very old model but packs a punch
1 inch sensor
Sony ZV1:
Best Point and Shoot for YouTubers
High quality Built in Microphone
supports External Audio
Best auto Focus System
1 inch sensor
4k UHD Video
Canon G7xiii:
Canon Color Science
1 inch sensor size
4k UHD Video
supports External Audio
Smart Phones:
We all use smartphones everyday and are most probably reading this article on your phone. What we do not realize is that most smartphones that have been released in the recent years have very capable cameras built in them. The key Specifications we are looking for are 4k Ultra HD resolution, HDR, 1080p 120fps Slowmotion.
Use Case:
Smartphone cameras are the most easy to use and compact cameras available to consumers. Due to their portability they are widely used to make Vlogs , Travel videos , Live Streaming.
Pros:
Portability
ease of use
ability to directly upload to social media
can be used in malls and parks where traditional cameras are not allowed
offer many other features like the ability to edit
Cons:
Smaller Sensor size
Bad low light quality
Do not offer manual controls
Low Dynamic range
Options in the market:
iPhone 11:
Second generation Smart HDR
Cinematic Image stabilization
Quick Take video
Dual Camera Setup with one wide angle Camera and one Ultra Wide Angle Camera.
iPhone XR:
4k Video
Smart HDR
Cinematic Image Stabilization
Quick Take Video
