What is a compact camera? Who and when to use?

If you are looking for a simple, easy-to-use camera for recreational shooting, a compact camera is the right choice. Let’s learn about compact cameras with lassho.edu.vn in the article below!

1. What is a compact camera?

A compact camera is a pocket-sized compact camera, also known as a “point and shoot”, or travel camera , fixed-lens camera, or non-removable lens camera. Features of compact cameras:

• The machine is small in size.
• Lenses are not replaceable.
• Beautiful and fashionable design.
• Using simple.

You can take your compact camera anywhere, easily and conveniently.

2. Compact camera features and models

Compact camera with small size, shooting modes are pre-installed in the machine . You just need to raise the camera and shoot. These modes are fully set up for functions such as exposure, white balance, focus,…

In some cameras you can manually adjust some parameters such as aperture, shutter speed as well as zoom,… Compact cameras do not have a viewfinder , so you can preview the image on the camera screen. .

With the development of smartphones, compact camera manufacturers are increasingly improving the quality and adding more features to compact cameras. Currently, compact cameras are divided into two separate lines: affordable compact cameras and high-end compact cameras.

Budget compact camera:

• Most compact cameras on the market are affordable, low-priced.
• The machine does not come with accessories, most shooting modes are automatic, you can adjust a few parameters but have to go to the settings in the menu.
• The machine is beautiful, compact without a viewfinder and the image quality is at an acceptable level.
• The machine is suitable for you to take photos of entertainment without paying much attention to the quality of photos such as family, travel, daily life, snapshoot.

High-end compact camera:

• The high-end compact has a larger size, attaches an EVF electronic viewfinder but the lens is still fixed, some types can replace the lens.
• The machine also gives users more control and setting parameters.
• Although the image quality is better, the bulky machine greatly reduces flexibility.
• This is a hybrid camera between the professional series and the everyday camera, suitable for beginners to professional photography.

3. Pros and cons of compact cameras

Advantage:

• As mentioned above, compact cameras are very compact, stylish and beautiful , many cameras are even smaller than a smartphone, so you can easily take them anywhere.
• Compact cameras are easy to use , almost anyone can take pictures with a compact camera. You just need to pick up the camera and shoot.
• Another advantage of compact machines is that the price is quite affordable , suitable for people with low incomes.

Defect:

• Compact cameras use small sensors, so the image quality is not as good as DSLR or Mirrorless cameras. The image quality of the compact series is only for entertainment photography , cannot be enlarged to print pictures or make photo books because of poor image quality.
• Since the shooting modes are automatic, you can’t interfere with the image quality, or want to express your creativity. If you are aiming for a professional photography path, a compact camera cannot help you.

4. Some notes when buying a compact camera

Sensor size

Sensor size is an extremely important thing, most decisive to image quality. The larger the sensor size, the better the image quality.

Like the Canon G1X with its 1.5-inch sensor, one of the largest among compact cameras, the image quality is not much inferior to other professional cameras.

Lens

The lens of a compact camera is not replaceable , so when buying a camera you must pay attention to the possibilities that the lens can bring to you.

To optimize image quality, as well as balance cost, a camera with a 4x-6x optical zoom lens is a good choice.

Image stabilization

The anti-shake feature is very important if you have to shoot in low light, or when the shutter speed is slower than 1/60s .

LCD/ViewFinder

A good LCD monitor will help you accurately evaluate the image taken , especially when you do not know much about professional parameters. Preview images with various settings to capture the best shot.

In some machines, the screen has the ability to rotate and flip to help you capture many angles, even take a selfie like a smartphone.

The battery

Compact cameras use LCD screens, so they consume a lot of battery . If you need to shoot for a long time, you need to bring backup batteries .

AA batteries and Lithium batteries are two commonly used batteries. However, Lithium batteries are lighter and more durable , so they are used more on today’s compact cameras.

5. Famous compact camera brands

The leading reputable camera manufacturers such as Sony, Nikon, Canon, … all have compact camera products in the low-cost and high-end segments for you to choose from.

Sony – Japan

Sony is a familiar name from Japan, a guarantee of product quality , not only famous for electronic products but also in the field of camera production, Sony is always ranked in the top of the world.

Two outstanding compact camera products from Sony are the Sony CyberShot DSC-HX90V and the Sony CyberShot DSC-WX500.

Nikon – Japan

Nikon is a multinational company founded in 1917 in Tokyo, Japan but a subsidiary of the famous technology group Mitsubishi. Nikon is famous for its DSLR line , but in the budget travel camera segment, this is also a notable brand.

Some Nikon compact cameras such as Nikon COOLPIX A300, Nikon AW 130, Nikon Coolpix P900,…

Canon – Japan

When it comes to cameras, it is impossible not to mention Canon, a very famous camera manufacturer for everyone. Canon’s products range from professional cameras to affordable compact cameras.

Some notable Canon compact cameras such as Canon Powershot G1X Mark III, PowerShot SX620 HS, Canon IXUS 285 HS, Canon SX 430 IS,…

Pentax – Japan

Pentax is one of the largest optical and photographic equipment manufacturers in the world. Pentax cameras of good quality and stylish design bring more options to customers.

Pentax compact cameras such as Pentax MX-1, Pentax Q,…

The above article gives a brief introduction to compact cameras, hopefully it will help you in finding a suitable camera!