Are you one of those who, when you start researching technological advances, navigate between astonishment, boredom, weariness and astonishment among so many terminology and English names with dubious translations? Have you rolled your eyes at the words best EVIL cameras either bridge camerasamong other?
Well, many of us have gone through that, many of us have given up on the second paragraph of reading between loud yawns; many of us, so expert in photography, have ended up recommending his new camera to our best friend, “one-anyone-because-all-are-fine”, all so as not to have to dive into so much absurd terminology. I’m wrong?
What if I told you that, in general, by knowing four types of camera you are up to date with almost everything that exists on the market today?
Compact cameras -> Bridge cameras -> EVIL cameras -> SLR cameras
In this order, from “less professional to more”, in quotes, because there is always one in its branch so good that it manages to be better than the simplest in the next group (not everything was going to be so easy), but in a generic way these These are the four groups that should be familiar to you when it comes to identifying the type of cameras. Each one with its subgroups, with its larger or smaller sensors, and with its peculiarities of brand, design, megapixels, etc.
Today we will focus on the two intermediate ones, since I imagine you already know the compact ones, and if not, take a look at this article, which also offers you a list of the 10 “best”, and we have dedicated them to the SLRs more than one blog post.
bridge cameras
Let’s start with the Bridge cameras.
What is a bridge camera?
The cameras Bridge Also known as “advanced compact cameras”, they are those that represent a step further in performance and quality than the classic compact.
Their sensor is bigger, so its size also increases with respect to the latter. However, they are still cameras relatively small and of little weight (from about 300gr. to 650 gr.) in relation to SLRs, for example (and taking into account that it is the complete weight, with zoom included). Their optics are not interchangeablealthough they come equipped with an integrated zoom with a good focal range and good brightness.
They offer, also by difference with the “classic” compacts, less automated modes that allow you to control speed, diaphragm or ISO, as well as the possibility of shoot RAW and the use of different semi-manual and manual modes.
His camera nickname Bridge either Bridgerefers to his intermediate range between compact and SLR cameras, both in performance and price (always generalizing).
Who are Bridge cameras for?
The bridge cameras are aimed at amateur users that they look for comfort and versatilitysince they are complete cameras, which do not require a major investment (their zoom covers most everyday situations), they allow to work in a highly automated way (so they do not require much photographic knowledge) but at the same time they allow the evolution of photographic learning through a more advanced stage such as mastery or knowledge of semi-manual or manual modes.
Recommended bridge cameras
Here are some recommendations for Bridge cameras:
Sample photos taken with Bridge cameras
Here are some images taken with Bridge cameras:
What is an EVIL camera?
EVIL cameras are named for their acronym in English: Electronic Viewfinder Interchangeable Lenses, acronyms that already give us an approximate idea of the type of camera that we are going to find, although that is not all 😉
EVIL cameras are mirrorless cameraswhich allows them a Body plus compact and discreet than a SLR and a lower weight than these. In fact, the Bridge and the EVIL are very similar in volume and weight, always depending on the objective that is incorporated into the EVIL.
Their sensor is considerably larger than the compact and the Bridge, and it is increasingly similar to that of the DSLR, so many EVIL models are able to compete perfectly with a SLR.
They have interchangeable optics just like any SLR camera, although they do not have as much variety as DSLRs. However, some come with the possibility of using an adapter that allows them to use reflex lenses.
Though they started with very high pricesevery day more brands join the “fashion” of the EVIL, and competition and constant improvements, make new models appear with multiple improvements and lower prices.
They also have all the “advanced” functions of a SLR: Automatic, semi-manual and manual modes, ISO control, RAW files, etc.
Advantages of EVIL cameras compared to Bridge cameras
- Larger sensor and therefore better image quality.
- Retains similar size and weight.
- Interchangeable optics.
Disadvantages of EVIL cameras compared to Bridge cameras
Advantages of EVIL cameras compared to SLR cameras
- smaller size and weight.
- The absence of a mirror reduces the trepidations associated with its movement.
- The absence of a mirror makes them less “vulnerable” mechanically.
- They have the same modes (manual and semi-manual as a SLR).
- let see live on screen the results of the image at the level of exposure and depth of field (focus) in a similar way to the Live View of SLR cameras.
- The design is very careful; “enter by sight” 😉 .
- They are quieter.
If you are more into video, here it is very well explained by Fran Oteo:
Disadvantages of EVIL cameras compared to SLR cameras
- The sensor is usually smaller than in SLR cameras, although are becoming more and more alikeespecially the high range of these EVIL compared to some low or medium range SLRs.
- Less variety in optics and/or accessories than SLRs, although many models have adapters to make them compatible with their own brands’ lenses.
- System of contrast focusless precise and slower than the one used in SLRs (focus detection system).
- Some models do not have integrated viewfinderwhich for some may be inconvenient.
- Price: Some models can be much more expensive than a basic or mid-range SLR, although the benefits of one and the other must always be compared, since sometimes the difference is “worth it” and others not so much.
Who are the EVIL cameras for?
Just as not all SLR cameras are aimed at the same photographer profile, it is also difficult to generalize about EVIL cameras, since they cover a wide range of models, qualities and prices. However, in general, we can say that they are cameras intended for advanced amateursthat they seek good quality with comfort and design, and with a host of advanced features at your disposal.
They are cameras that invite that you participate in the photographic process just like you should do with a SLR, no automation, please 😉 . They are very valuable to put them in automatic!
So if you think that a Bridge is not enough for you and a SLR seems cumbersome or unusable, if you spend the day photographing with your Smartphone and you have gotten used to framing through the screen, this may be your ideal type of camera. .
Recommended EVIL cameras
If you have been wanting to take a deeper look at some of the ones you can find on the market, here are a few recommendations of EVIL cameras, very good, and from different ranges for you to take a look at.
Gallery of images taken with EVIL cameras
And in case the explanation didn’t work out for you, here are a few images to whet your appetite, all taken with EVIL cameras:
conclusion
If you are looking for versatility over quality, you like photography but without getting too complicated, you don’t want to change lenses, etc., your best option is a Bridge camera with a zoom that adapts to any situation.
On the contrary, if you want quality without weighing you down, if your thing is travel and adventure, if you want a partner always go with you and not ask many questions, the EVIL is your camera 😉 For Street Photography, portrait, landscape, whatever comes your way. It weighs little, it is discreet and every day they are better and have less to envy to the SLR.
That’s all, I hope this article has been useful to you when it comes to shedding some light on this curious world of nomenclatures and code codes that sometimes leads us headlong in photography. If so, I would love for you to share it with whoever you think can take advantage of it on Facebook, Twitter or Google +. And, as always, thank you 😉