With the spread of smartphones, it has become commonplace for everyone to have a camera in their pocket at all times. The camera apps installed in smartphones are getting more and more features, and the technology has improved so much that anyone can easily take decent pictures.
The advantage of smartphone cameras is that you'll always have in your pocket a decent way to take photos, but since the camera sensor size is limited, and they're so reliant on software (auto-sharpening, auto-exposure, etc.), for those who want to take higher-quality pictures and have more control over settings, we recommend Digital Single-Lens Reflex (DSLR) cameras!
In this article we will introduce the advantages of DSLR cameras even for photography beginners, and explain some points to consider when choosing a camera, along with the top 5 popular Japanese camera manufacturers!
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What Can You Do With A DSLR?
When you hear a term like "DSLR Camera", many people may have the impression that it is difficult to use. However, since DSLRs have Auto and Semi-Auto ("Priority") modes, even beginners can start taking better photos straight away. Beyond that, if you decide to learn more and become a hobbyist photographer, there are plenty of free resources online to help you take control and make the most of all your camera's features!
- Captures higher quality photos than smartphone cameras
- You can take photos with a blurred background ("bokeh")
- You can change lenses to take special shots (e.g. telephoto, wide-angle and Macro)
- High-quality Autofocus allows you to capture fast-moving subjects
- Since many DSLRs are equipped with Bluetooth, you can transfer photos to your smartphone on the spot
- You can shoot normal, ready-to-upload JPG photos, or you can shoot Raw if you want to try editing and enhancing your images (or shoot both at the same time!)
DSLRs make all of the above possible! If you are no longer satisfied with the look of your smartphone camera's images, we encourage you to try a DSLR. Plus, if you choose a model with Bluetooth, you can take a picture and immediately share it online, just like with your smartphone photos, which is great.
Points To Consider When Choosing A DSLR
Cameras are great for all seasons and in any situation, but since there are a variety of products from different manufacturers, it can be difficult to decide which product is best for you and what the differences in functionality are when purchasing one.
Therefore, we would like to introduce some points to consider when searching for your perfect DSLR camera!
1. What Do You Want To Photograph?
The first point is What do you want to photograph?
If you just want to take everyday snapshots, no matter which camera you buy, you will be able to take pictures of satisfactory quality. On the other hand, if you want to try some special photography, there are some features to look for.
If you want to photograph a moving subject (e.g. sports, kids, animals, etc.), we recommend purchasing a model with fast Continuous shooting (many photos-per-second), and reliable Continuous Autofocus!
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If you're interested in Macro Photography (taking close-up photographs of tiny things like insects or flowers), a camera with a high-resolution sensor, focus-stacking options, and a pull-out/adjustable monitor could be a good option.
If you expect to shoot in dimly lit situations (like at night, camping, or an aquarium), a camera with a large sensor size and good ISO performance is ideal to see what other cameras can't. Cameras with large "Full Frame" sensors used to be very expensive, but in recent years many reasonably priced cameras have appeared, so be sure to check them out!
2. Consider The Body Size
The second point to consider is How big is the camera body?
There are two main types of professional-style cameras these days: DSLR cameras and Mirrorless cameras. True DSLRs have a mirror system inside to let you see the light from the lens with your own eyes, so are typically larger and heavier. In comparison, Mirrorless cameras have a more compact body, often making them convenient to carry around in your bag.
It's worth thinking about how you'll use your camera when deciding on the body size - will you just take your camera to specific events to take photos, or will you be carrying it around as you walk or travel?
3. Check The Continuous Shooting Capabilities
The third point is the Continuous Shooting capabilities, also known as Burst Mode.
As mentioned above, when photographing moving subjects (such as sports, animals or kids), it is essential that the camera has a full Continuous Shooting function to take rapid-fire photos so you don't miss the action.
Most entry-level models can shoot around 7 photos per second, but stepping up a level, many DSLRs and Mirrorless cameras can shoot 10-15 frames per second (perfect for non-professional users), or on the very high end even up as extreme as 120fps depending on settings (but this isn't necessary for most users, and it takes a LOT of storage space)!
4. Check The Buttons and User Interface
The fourth point to consider is the buttons and user interface.
Entry-level model cameras typically have simple control dials, but higher-end cameras typically have more detailed controls, included user-programmable buttons to quickly access different advanced features.
If you are new to photography, it might be best to start with simpler controls to streamline the photo-taking experience - it can be all-too-easy to accidentally change something, or jump into a menu you weren't expecting until you know what to expect!
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On the other hand, if you know your way around complicated camera menus and settings, or you've decided it's time to study up seriously for your new hobby, then a model with buttons to access advanced functions might be the choice for you.
Thankfully, in addition to buttons, touchscreens are also a common occurrence, which can help with navigating menus and settings. Many models also have screens that can fold, flip, or tilt out from the body, which can be extremely useful to see what you're shooting when you're camera is in an tight or awkward position!
What's The Difference Between A DSLR And A Mirrorless Camera?
These days there are two main types of professional-style photo cameras: DSLR cameras and Mirrorless cameras.
Apart from the above-mentioned size difference, both have their benefits and disadvantages, but how are they different?
Digital Single-lens Reflex (DSLR) Camera
First, the DSLR camera. Originally, Single-Lens Reflex (SLR) cameras used a mirror to let you see what would appear on your photo film. Nowadays, DSLRS still use the mirror design, but instead of film we typically use Digital sensors, changing the SLR into the DSLR.
DSLRs come with a wide variety of interchangeable lenses, allowing you to customize your equipment loadout for many different styles of photography.
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A key advantage is that you can easily visualize the final result because you are looking directly at the subject through the viewfinder. However, because of the mirror system inside, DSLR bodies are large and heavy, and if you have to carry replacement lenses, you will have to carry a lot of luggage, which is a bit of a problem.
Mirrorless and Bridge Cameras
Next, we will explain Mirrorless cameras and the related Bridge camera design. As the name implies, the main difference between Mirrorless cameras and DSLRs is that there is no mirror system inside. Instead, you view the image in an Electric View Finder (EVF).
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Since mirrorless cameras do not have this mirror assembly, their bodies can be much smaller and lighter than DSLRs, but can still use interchangeable lenses. On the other hand, Bridge cameras are mirrorless cameras that cannot change lenses; instead they have one permanently attached lens that can change zoom, meaning they can be even smaller than both DSLRs AND Mirrorless cameras!
If you need a camera to carry around while traveling, a Bridge camera could be a great option for you. However, while size and weight can be benefits, especially since you don't have to carry extra lenses with you, the image quality and included features are not as extensive as in the other types of camera.
Shop Compact Bridge Cameras
Top 5 Recommended Camera Manufacturers In Japan
Various types of Japanese-made digital single-lens cameras are available from various manufacturers. Even if the products look similar at first glance, if you look at the details, you will find that each one has different performance, so be sure to check carefully and find the one that suits you!
Now, we will introduce the top 5 Japanese camera manufacturers that are recommended for camera beginners to buy. We also explain the important points for each company, so please compare them carefully.
[5th Place] Olympus
The fifth most recommended camera manufacturer is Olympus.
Olympus currently sells compact mirrorless cameras equipped with a Micro Four Thirds (MFT)sensor. These cameras can be perfect for taking pictures of landscapes when you travel, but the small MFT sensor size means it won't perform quite as well in dark conditions. Some good news is that they can be paired with lenses made by Panasonic as well, so you have even more options!
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[4th Place] Panasonic
The fourth recommended camera manufacturer is Panasonic.
Panasonic specializes in mirrorless cameras. There are two types of sensor models: the large Full-Frame (FF) and the smaller Micro Four Thirds (MFT). Both types can use a variety of high-quality interchangeable lenses both from Panasonic themselves as well as other manufacturers such as Leica, Sigma and more. Panasonic's cameras are also well-known for their high-quality 4K+ video capabilities, so could be a great choice if you want to try out video too.
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[3rd Place] Sony
The third most recommended camera manufacturer is Sony.
Sony makes both DSLRs and Mirrorless cameras. Both types have full-fledged models equipped with Full-Frame and smaller APS-C crop sensors, but since they are the first manufacturers to create mirrorless cameras, they focus more on their Mirrorless camera range. Another strong point of consideration is Sony's reasonable prices.
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[2nd Place] Nikon
The second most recommended camera manufacturer is Nikon.
Nikon is a manufacturer that primarily focuses on DSLR cameras. They make many models equipped with Full-Frame and smaller APS-C crop sensors, and manufacture a wide range of models, from high-end professional use to beginner-level. Although there are few mirrorless models, this manufacturer is often recommended for those who want to take photos of nature and landscapes with crisp colors.
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[1st Place] Canon
The number one recommended camera manufacturer is Canon.
Canon has a wide lineup of DSLR and Mirrorless cameras. With a particular focus on DSLR cameras, there are many models for beginners; examples such as the "EOS Kiss M", "EOS 9000D", and "EOS X9i" are very popular. You can choose your favorite camera from a variety of models, and many people love the colours Canon cameras capture, with many models being popular for photographing people, making this manufacturer the number one recommendation for beginners.
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Summary
If you want to level-up beyond a smartphone and start taking photos with a full-fledged camera, the industry-leaders are all Japanese companies, so we recommend considering their many offerings! Whatever your intended use, their cameras are perfect for recording and capturing both casual moments with family and friends, and photos of beautiful scenery while traveling.
This time, we have introduced popular Japanese camera manufacturers that beginners should definitely refer to. What do you think? All the manufacturers have plenty of great-performing models to choose from, so find your favorite one and take the best photos to capture beautiful moments and places in your life.
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