Which Camera Do I Need: Digital, Mirrorless & Instant Cameras
Let’s celebrate World Photography Day by snapping up high-quality pictures with the latest cameras. Every year, on August 19th, World Photography Day celebrates the history, science, art and craft of photography, uniting photographers, and wannabe photographers all around the world. Whether you’re looking to upgrade, buying your first ‘proper’ camera to move away from your smartphone, or want something for the kids to experiment with, we’ve got our top pick cameras to help you find the perfect one. Digital SLR cameras, Mirrorless cameras or Instant cameras, check them out below.
What are Digital Cameras (DSLR)?
Digital SLR Cameras are characterised by the use of a mirror to direct the image from the lens to the viewfinder. This mirror flips up when you take the shot, allowing the light to hit the image sensor. What you see in the viewfinder is a preview. DSLR Cameras typically offer professional versatility as they are compatible with many lens types.
Best for: experienced and professional photographers as DSLR cameras enable more manual control to achieve professional results
What are Mirrorless Cameras?
As their name suggests, Mirrorless Cameras don’t use a mirror and so what you see in the electronic viewfinder or LCD touchscreen is a live view of what you are shooting. When compared to Digital SLR cameras, mirrorless cameras are much smaller in size and weigh less thanks to the absence of the mirror.
Best for: beginners, travellers, and content creators thanks to its compact and lightweight size and simple-to-use design
What are Instant Cameras?
Instant Cameras use a self-developing film which creates a chemically developed print shortly after the photo has been taken. Simple to use, Instant Cameras have easy controls to enable quick and fun shooting that just require a ‘point and shoot’ technique. Next-generation Instant Cameras may have more settings such as film and image effects, a selfie mode or mirror as well as Bluetooth connectivity to wirelessly connect to and print smartphone images.
Best for: kids, families, beginner photographers and for sharing and capturing events such as parties, road trips and weddings
DSLR vs Mirrorless vs Instant Cameras: A Quick Comparison
|
Digital SLR Cameras |
Mirrorless Cameras |
Instant Cameras |
|
| Operation |
An internal mirror flips up to direct the image from the lens to the optical viewfinder |
The absence of the mirror means the image sensor projects what will be captured on the electronic viewfinder or LCD screen |
A self-developing film which creates a chemically developed print shortly shooting |
| Usability |
Manual camera controls |
Simple, intuitive camera control |
Point and shoot technique, with some models offering semi-advanced controls |
| Design |
Traditional design, heavier than Mirrorless |
Compact and lightweight, travel-friendly |
Light and durable, ideal for users of all ages |
| Suitable For | Experienced and professional photographers | Everyone, including beginners, content creators and travellers | Kids, families, beginners |
Our Top Picks
Digital SLR
CANON EOS 200D MARK II DIGITAL SLR CAMERA + 18-55MM LENS KIT
High Performing & Compact
One of Canon’s lightest DSLR cameras on the market, the EOS 200D Mark II is also the easiest camera to use, making it suitable for beginners. The EOS 200D Mark II hosts a range of functions and features that photographers of all levels will appreciate:
- 1MP CMOS Sensor
- 5 frames per second continuous shooting
- Guided Display Mode helps you learn as you shoot
- Eye detect autofocus
- 3” Vari-angle touch LCD screen
- Film recording in HD, Full HD and 4K resolution + 4K time-lapse
- Self-portrait mode with 5 levels of skin smoothing
- Shoot and share instantly via the Canon Camera Connect App
Mirrorless
NIKON Z 6II MIRRORLESS CAMERA + NIKKOR Z 24-70MM F/4 S LENS KIT
All-Around Performance
Achieve great stills and videos in all types of environments with the high-performing and weather resistant design of the Nikon Z 6II Mirrorless Camera. Photographers of all experience levels shooting a range of subject and scenes will benefit from the camera’s functions:
- 5MP CMOS Sensor
- High-speed continuous shooting of 14 frames per second
- 273-point hybrid autofocus (AF) system
- Eye-detection and animal-detection AF
- Built-in camera vibration reduction (VR) and Sports VR mode
- Video recording in 4K Ultra HD at 60p
- Dual card slots, supporting CFexpress (Type B) and UHS-II SD cards
- Weather sealed body to keep dust, grime and moisture out
PANASONIC LUMIX GH6 MIRRORLESS CAMERA (BODY ONLY)
Tiny Tech, Mighty Spec
Great photography and videography performance combines with mobility and rugged design that makes Panasonic’s Lumix GH6 perfect for anyone on the go. Suitable for use in all types of weather conditions, achieve a beautiful range of results with the camera’s high-quality features:
- 2MP LIVE MOS Sensor
- High-Resolution mode with 100MP images
- Built-in 7.5 stops of image stabilisation (I.S)
- 5-Axis Dual I.S.2 when used with tripods and gimbals
- C4K (Cinema 4K) 120p, all without crop
- Other video recording options: C4K 60p, 4K 120p, Full HD 240p and 5.7K 50/60p
- Supports recording in Apple ProRes HQ
- OLED viewfinder and a free-angle touch LCD
- 5GHz Wi-Fi and Bluetooth 5.0 connectivity
- Double memory card slot enables recording on both CFexpress Card and SD Memory Card
- Splash, dust and freeze proof down to -10°C
Instant
FUJIFILM INSTAX MINI EVO INSTANT CAMERA (BLACK)
Your World is Your Studio
The Instax Mini Evo lets you indulge in a reimagined instant photography experience. Point, shoot and enjoy many ways to personalise your prints. Best of all, the Instax Mini Evo can also print smartphone images, providing greater creative versatility, right in the middle of your hands. Fall in love with instant photography again:
- 100 creative expressions with 10x lens effects and 10x film effects
- Lens effects include: Normal, Soft Focus, Mirror and Fisheye
- Film effects include: Vivid, Pale, Monochrome and Retro
- Micro SD card slot
- 3” TFT colour LCD screen
- Built-in selfie mirror
- Traditional or enhanced images with the ‘instax-Natural mode’ and the ‘instax-Rich Mode’
- Bluetooth connectivity and compatible with the instax mini Evo app
- Use the app to:
- print smartphone photos
- save images from the instax to your smartphone
- remotely control the instax via your smartphone
More Cameras to Love
With many brands, models, and colours available, finding the right camera might not always be an easy task. Then there’s the task of deciding which camera type is the perfect match. Our Cameras Buying Guide will help you figure out which is best for your photography and artistic needs. And once you’re ready, you can browse all the cameras on the link below.
