OUR GUIDE TO SELECTING A PROFESSIONAL DIGITAL (DSLR) CAMERA
CONTINUING EDUCATION THE UNIVERSIT Y OF THE ARTS | 320 S. BROAD ST. | PHIL ADELPHIA, PA | CS.UARTS.EDU
OUR GUIDE TO SELECTING A PROFESSIONAL DIGITAL (DSLR) CAMERA
WHEN PURCHASING A DIGITAL CAMERA, there are a number of features and factors to consider. Each camera has its own unique mix of technical specifications – that is, how it is built and what is inside. This goes hand-in-hand with usability, or how well the camera matches your intended use. Important features for most photographers include the quality and speed of the autofocus system, sensor size, sensor megapixel count, and the camera’s performance in various shooting scenarios.
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OUR GUIDE TO SELECTING A PROFESSIONAL DIGITAL (DSLR) CAMERA
MEGAPIXEL COUNT
AUTOFOCUS Autofocus is an important feature of digital cameras. Cameras with well-designed autofocus systems dramatically improve the likelihood of successful photos. Many of the cameras included in this recommendation guide were chosen for their outstanding autofocus systems. Note that some autofocus systems bring a single image into focus, while others allow the camera to track a moving image and capture a burst of images that keeps that image in focus throughout the whole burst.
SENSOR SIZE Digital camera sensors come in a range of sizes including (from smallest to largest) 1” sensors, APS-C sensors, and full-frame sensors (the same size as a 35mm film frame) – each with a different impact on images. Larger sensors provide better detail and low-light image capture, making them ideal for shooting dark scenarios and spaces. The cost is significantly higher for full-frame sensor cameras: they generally start at around $2000. A benefit of smaller sensors, like an APS-C sensor, is that smaller sensors allow for more compact camera bodies, making them preferable to some photographers for their portability – even at the expense of detail. For more information on sensor size, HERE IS A HELPFUL WEBSITE.
Megapixels describe how many pixels the camera sensor has to record light, and the more megapixels, the greater the light-recording capacity. In combination with sensor size, megapixel count determines how well a camera will perform in low-light situations as well as how much fine detail it can capture (e.g. the texture of fabric or brushstrokes on a painting). The current minimum on most non-smartphone digital cameras is 16 megapixels. This number provides a high level of detail and prints to an image size of roughly 16” x 12”. Most cameras in this recommendation guide start at 24 megapixels – offering a tremendous amount of detail and a generous print size of up to approximately 20” x 14” before quality is dramatically sacrificed.
CAMERA SIZE + SHAPE Digital cameras come in many shapes and sizes, offering a variety of shooting and transport experiences. The ideal camera grows with a photographer without hindering their ability to make the kinds images they want to make. Compact cameras are great for photographers on the go who want minimal bulk or added weight. DSLR cameras are larger, but offer more image and exposure control via added wheels and dials. The DSLR’s larger size translates to added sturdiness, but also the need for a carrying bag for transport.
NO CAMERA WORKS PERFECTLY FOR EVERY PHOTOGRAPHER, SO UNDERSTANDING KEY DIFFERENCES WILL MAKE YOU A SAVVY BUYER. You may onsider renting a camera for a few days. Renting gives you a feel for operation and handling without the financial commitment of a purchase. Many sites also rent individual lenses so you can test drive them or use them enhance your work for a specific situation or short period of time. We recommend the following rental houses: LENSPROTOGO.COM, BORROWLENSES.COM , and LENSRENTALS.COM.
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INTERCHANGEABLE LENS CAMERAS FOR AROUND $500
SONY A6000 The compact SONY A6000 offers a great set of features for a around $500. Its autofocus works well for fast-action moments like birds flying, kids running, and even action sports. The camera also features a viewfinder – uncommon for compact models, and notable for making bright light shooting situations more pleasant and accurate. The SONY A6000’s 24-megapixel APS-C sensor offers 20” x 13” prints straight out of the camera. This is a great middle-ground camera for capturing stunning detail even in low-light situations.
PROS • • • • •
Great Autofocus Compact camera size Electronic view finder for photographing in bright light Good video controls Great for fast-moving action (captures 11 frames per second in continuous shooting)
CONS • Middle-of-the-road lens. Serious shooters should consider purchasing additional lenses. • Small size (may prove challenging or uncomfortable, particularly for larger hands)
WHO IS THIS CAMERA RIGHT FOR? The SONY A6000 is a solid fit for the family photographer, the on-the-go photographer seeking a blend of portability and edge, and photographers who want the option of shooting video. It offers well-rounded features, which also make it a great camera for learning.
CONTINUING EDUCATION | THE UNIVERSIT Y OF THE ARTS | PHIL ADELPHIA, PA | CS.UARTS.EDU | ( 215 ) 717-6006
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INTERCHANGEABLE LENS CAMERAS FOR AROUND $500
PROS • • • •
Great JPEG files straight out of the camera Low light images look good Touchscreen interface Traditional DSLR style body – a little sturdier than a compact camera
CONS • Autofocus lags behind some competitors • Heavier than a compact camera
CANON EOS REBEL T6I The CANON REBEL T6I offers a traditional DLSR body with interchangeable lens system, and a powerful 24 megapixel APS-C sensor. Its low-light capability is on par with other cameras in this price range, and the touchscreen makes it great to handle. The autofocus in the CANON REBEL T6I lags behind some comparable models, but still performs well in most situations. Note that the CANON REBEL T6I can’t track an object through the frame while shooting, like the SONY A6000 can. However, this camera produces beautiful printerready JPEG files that are also easily shared online.
WHO IS THIS CAMERA RIGHT FOR? The CANON REBEL T6I shooters seeking a traditional DSLR feel with beginner DSLR controls. It has one dial, which can make manual control a bit cumbersome to learn – but certainly workable after a bit of practice. The semi-automatic modes make this an excellent camera for taking great photographs on vacation or at family events.
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INTERCHANGEABLE LENS CAMERAS FOR AROUND $500
FUJI X-T10
PROS • • • •
Great autofocus system Discreet shooting – very quiet camera Small camera body makes it easy to take everywhere Great color renditions
The FUJI X-T10 offers a unique shooting experience, similar to shooting with a traditional rangefinder from years past. Its mirrorless camera system allows for a small, light body that will feel familiar to traditional 35mm film shooters. While the camera only has a 16-megapixel sensor, FUJI X-T10 utilizes a unique sensor technology that makes it on par with a traditional 20-megapixel sensor. The placement of the controls gives users easy access to the most important controls (shutter speed, aperture, and ISO) for great, on-thego shooting with a wonderful autofocus system.
CONS • Video quality is very poor • Not weather-sealed
WHO IS THIS CAMERA RIGHT FOR? The FUJI X-T10’s size and quiet makes it a great pick for street shooting – that is, photographing inconspicuously around a town or in a city. The camera is a quality choice for individuals interested in travel photography or photojournalism, and for anyone who wants to easily bring a camera everywhere.
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INTERCHANGEABLE LENS CAMERAS FOR AROUND $1,000 - $1,200
NIKON D7200 The NIKON D7200 boasts the best autofocus system at this price range, and is competitive with pro models priced upward of $2000. It allows you to shoot without having to worry about fiddling with settings. Even more, all of the essential controls are directly in front of the photographer, providing an ease of use that also matches that found in pricier models. With its advanced autofocus system and the ability to capture six frames per second, the NIKON D7200 is a great camera for documenting life’s high-speed moments. It’s built around a traditional DSLR body, and offers a strong dynamic range when photographing in high contrast situations like sunsets or in dark rooms with bright windows or lights. It also performs beautifully in low-light settings.
PROS • Autofocus system comparable to pro-models (fast and accurate for tracking objects while continuously shooting) • Impressive low-light sensitivity • Easy to use controls • 24 megapixel sensor (offers tremendous detail and lowlight capabilities)
CONS • Video is okay (not as good as some other cameras) • Sturdier construction on the camera also means extra weight
WHO IS THIS CAMERA RIGHT FOR? With above-average low-light performance and impressive autofocus, the NIKON D7200 is a smart option for anyone starting a photography business. It is suitable for many situations including still life photography, weddings, events, and portraits. The NIKON D7200 is a little heavier than some cameras in its price range, and therefore less suited for travel photography or scenarios where mobility is important. If you’re looking for a Nikon that weighs less but produces comparable results, try the D5500. The D5500 offers a less sophisticated autofocus, but retains many of the other advantages of the NIKON D7200.
CONTINUING EDUCATION | THE UNIVERSIT Y OF THE ARTS | PHIL ADELPHIA, PA | CS.UARTS.EDU | ( 215 ) 717-6006
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INTERCHANGEABLE LENS CAMERAS FOR AROUND $1,000 - $1,200
PROS • Great color right out of the camera • Improved autofocus compared to other Rebel series cameras • Well-placed controls for on-the-go use • Decent video quality
CONS • Battery life with the Rebel T6s is shorter than other cameras, so if you plan to shoot all day, bring a few spares.
CANON REBEL T6S The CANON REBEL T6S is an upgraded version of the CANON REBEL T6I featuring better autofocus and easier controls. For experienced Canon users, the camera will feel like a modern take on an old friend. The CANON REBEL T6S has a 24-megapixel sensor that provides large prints right out of the camera featuring beautiful color. The JPEG files look good and are ready to use. The CANON REBEL T6S also utilizes a 24-megapixel camera, providing tremendous detail recording and very good low-light recording capabilities.
WHO IS THIS CAMERA RIGHT FOR? The CANON REBEL T6S is a fit for photographers who want fast autofocus as well as natural skin tones straight out of the camera. Video is middle-of-the-road in terms of quality, so while it gets the job done, it doesn’t allow for high-contrast lighting situations.
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INTERCHANGEABLE LENS CAMERAS FOR AROUND $1,800 - $2,400
PROS • Unbelievable low-light abilities • Fast and adaptive autofocus system to help track moving images • High quality color renditions directly from the camera • RAW files have incredible dynamic range, offering files that can be edited many ways
CONS • Video capture is good, but controls when in video mode are limited
WHO IS THIS CAMERA RIGHT FOR? The NIKON D610 is a long-term investment. This is a camera you can grow with for many years, and you can make upgrades to it by purchasing or renting higher quality lenses.
NIKON D610 The NIKON D610 offers incredible detail, outstanding color renditions and a pro-style camera body with a full-frame sensor. It’s a 24-megapixel camera with outstanding low-light recording quality (best in class by many standards) and a very good autofocus system. The camera also features a very fast recording system, allowing for instantaneous burst shooting that guarantees you get the shot. The color in the files straight out of the camera is top notch, and video recording is decent, as well. This camera is a little heavier, as the build is sturdier than a NIKON D7200 or similar models. It’s a model that you can own for a long time and grow into over time by upgrading to higher quality lenses.
CONTINUING EDUCATION | THE UNIVERSIT Y OF THE ARTS | PHIL ADELPHIA, PA | CS.UARTS.EDU | ( 215 ) 717-6006
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INTERCHANGEABLE LENS CAMERAS FOR AROUND $1,800 - $2,400
PROS • • • •
SONY ALPHA 7 II The SONY ALPHA 7 II boasts innovative features that make it as fun as it is functional. Its in-camera sensor stabilization system produces incredibly sharp images at slow shutter speeds (even while shooting fast-moving objects), and its autofocus system is faster than most. Combined with its 24 megapixel full-frame sensor, the camera produces unsurpassed detail and overall stunning images. The impressive design of the Sony Alpha 7 II puts controls right at the photographer’s fingertips for easy access – with one drawback: said dials are small, which might deter photographers with larger hands, visual impairment, or who just favor larger controls.
Produces incredibly detailed images Small frame makes it easy to put in a bag and take on the go Great autofocus Captures video well, with lots of controls
CONS • Poor low-light recording when compared with similarlypriced cameras • Heavy its small body design
WHO IS THIS CAMERA RIGHT FOR? SONY ALPHA 7 II is a great camera for individuals with smaller hands, or who just want a smaller camera. The SONY ALPHA 7 II is also a solid choice for anyone looking to do travel photography – its small frame makes it easy to take anywhere.
Note that the Alpha 7 II’s well-built body is physically smaller than a traditional DSLR, but weighs just as much. Additionally, it doesn’t perform well in low-light situations.
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DIGITAL PHOTOGRAPHY CERTIFICATE AT THE UNIVERSIT Y OF THE ARTS
WE CAN HELP YOU REACH NEW PROFESSIONAL + CREATIVE HEIGHTS.
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DIGITAL PHOTOGRAPHY CERTIFICATE AT THE UNIVERSIT Y OF THE ARTS
DIGITAL PHOTOGRAPHY CERTIFICATE AT THE UNIVERSITY OF THE ARTS IN PHILADELPHIA Our DIGITAL PHOTOGRAPHY CERTIFICATE provides targeted skills needed in the field – camera techniques, digital editing, technical lighting and image output. As you enhance your technical knowledge, you will build an individual aesthetic – studying works by other photographers, creating thematic work and engaging with guest critics. You’ll learn about industry opportunities and take your images to new creative heights. The coursework culminates with a Capstone project and exhibition of your final work.
CURRICULUM TOTAL CREDITS: 25 (9 COURSES) DURATION: 3 SEMESTERS, OR VARIABLE
CORE COURSES | 19 CREDITS: Digital Photography I | 3 CR Digital Photography II | 3 CR Digital Media for Photographers – Lightroom | 3 CR Creative Digital Editing for Photographers – Photoshop | 3 CR Studio Photography | 3 CR Business of Photography | 1 CR Capstone Project: Digital Photography | 3 CR ELECTIVES | 6 CREDITS: Choose from the following:
Advanced Camera Techniques | 3 CR Advanced Digital Editing – Photoshop | 3 CR Experimental Photography | 3 CR Night + Low Light Photography | 3 CR Photographic Trends | 3 CR Photojournalism/Documentary Photography | 3 CR Portrait Photography | 3 CR Street Photography | 3 CR Travel Photography | 3 CR
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