5 Reasons Why You Shoulder Consider a Bridge Camera over a DSLR When Learning Photography
One of the biggest misconceptions often heard for people just starting out in photography is that you need a DSLR camera and nothing less - well this couldn't be any further from the truth.
Yes you get what you pay for when it comes to cameras but there is no standard as to what you need when starting out. There is also no such thing as a "perfect" camera and this is why professionals often have multiple cameras in their inventory because they each serve it's own purpose and each has it's pros and cons.
This is how camera manufacturers make their money and it unfortunately makes the general consumer walking into the store often overwhelmed and confused by the endless amounts of information and product out there. When judging a camera it's not just about the camera itself, it's also a combination of the quality of the lens and the sensor used in it.
Many people judge a camera by the number of megapixels that it has. Well I hate to say it but it is not all about the number of megapixels that a camera has, in fact megapixels have very little to do with it. Unless you are doing massive prints for a gallery, the majority of people should put very little emphasis on megapixel count. Instead, better advice - ignore it altogether.
So here are my top 5 reasons on why you should consider a bridge camera:
1. CONVENIENCE - People in the Equestrian world are busy, often have several things going on at once while being with the horses and a bridge camera will be the most convenient for you because it is an all in one, do it all camera. You grab and go, simple as that.
2. FORM FACTOR - When being compared to DSLR cameras, DSLR's are much bigger and heavier than bridge cameras. Although some models these days are quite slim and light, realisitically speaking, none are going to be able to slip in to your bag or purse. A bridge camera is nowhere near as compact as a point and shoot camera, but it will give you a lot more usability and functionality over a point & shoot camera and in a much lighter and smaller package than a DSLR camera package would. As a result of having a lighter and more compact camera, it will only encourage you more to bring your camera along with you a lot more often.
3. VERSATILITY - Bridge cameras are known for it's long reach because they have a really long lens. You can go from wide to telephoto (and vice versa) without ever having to change lenses, thus making the camera serve multiple purposes in terms of what type of photo you are trying to get. You will be prepared and ready to capture any type of shot at all times, so the chances of you missing out on a moment (because you didn't have the right lens on) is zero.
4. BUDGET - On a value for your dollar sense, you generally get more for your money over any other type of camera. Not only does it keep your wallet heavier but it gives you great piece of mind knowing what your final cost is because you do not have to spend more money on additional lenses, cases, bags, etc.
5. TECHNOLOGY - Camera technology evolves so quickly and has progressed so much over the past decade (or even five years) that today's top of the line bridge cameras come with top of the line 1" sensors inside them and they match (if not exceed) the picture quality and performance of entry level DSLR's of years past. This is why the market for the "bridge camera" has not died, if anything, it has increased in popularity and demand over the years. Bridge cameras have their place.
Majority of people today who buy a DSLR will only use the lens that comes with their bundle. Well the lenses found in these top of the line bridge cameras today are more often than not significantly better than any lens that you would get included in a DSLR bundle package.
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There, I hope by reading this that it helps you for the next time you are shopping for a new camera that there are options in terms of what "type" of camera you can go for and that perhaps a bridge camera just might be the best fit for you.