Sony's Cyber-shot lineup offers a range of compact cameras that combine convenience with advanced features. They often feature impressive zoom capabilities and innovative technology. Notable compact camera is the RX100 VII Compact Camera.

Focal length also relates to field of view (also called angle of view) because changing the focal length changes the field of view – I’ll explain more about how the field of view and focal length of a lens interact with each other in greater detail below.

Can you help me understand why a lens advertised as 60 mm f2.8 macro is described as 120mm and equivalent to 35mm focal length? I am completely bewildered.

A major benefit is flexibility. You can change lenses to suit any situation—whether it's a vast landscape, a detailed close-up, or fast-moving action. DSLRs also give you a range of manual controls. You can adjust settings like aperture, shutter speed, and ISO, giving you full creative control.

From the traditional allure of film cameras to the futuristic potential of drones, the world of cameras encompasses an astonishing variety of options. Whether you're an aspiring photographer seeking manual control or a casual shutterbug embracing smartphone convenience, there's a camera type tailored to your needs.

Types of cameraPDF

Super telephoto lenses have very different focal lengths, ranging from 300mm and beyond. When considering focal length and field of view, crop factor is incredibly important because you can gain significant amounts of reach using a crop sensor like Micro 4/3rds.

As technology continues to evolve, so too will the possibilities, expanding the horizons of visual storytelling for generations to come.

There are great apps and websites that allow you to calculate depth of field for a given focal length, aperture, subject distance, and sensor.

Focal length in photography comes up far more often than focal distance, which is an entirely different property of a lens. Focal distance is related to focal length but is not dependent on it.

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This concept can be complicated when the crop factor and the field of view come into play since we began to ask what is the equivalence of the focal length of a lens using it in a camera with a different sensor format.

They're especially good for travel photography, adapting easily to different environments, whether it's rough terrain or busy streets.

As you can see, the focal length we choose affects the final image. Also, the field of view and lens distortions fundamentally affect the type of photography you do.

Nikon's COOLPIX P series offers bridge cameras with impressive zoom capabilities. They are known for user-friendly features while still offering advanced control options.

Focal length and depth of field are different properties of both a lens and sensor but are somewhat related. Depth of field is how much of a scene is in sharp focus. How narrow or wide the depth of field is, is an interaction between focal length, sensor size, subject distance, and aperture value.

By taking the crop factor of a specific sensor and multiplying it by the field of view, we get the field of view as if it were viewed in the 35mm standard.

These super long focal lengths are usually more expensive but they allow to capture subjects from a very far distance like in sports and wildlife photography, and to shoot other genres like deep astrophotography.

Bridge cameras blend simplicity with advanced features, ideal for those transitioning from compact cameras to something more sophisticated without the complexity of DSLRs. They offer a mix of manual and automated controls, allowing adjustments like exposure and focus which sharpen photography skills through practical use.Notably, these cameras boast powerful zoom lenses, enabling shots from wide landscapes to distant wildlife without lens changes. This flexibility encourages creative experimentation in composition and perspective.Overall, bridge cameras are gateways for enhancing photography skills, providing a balance of ease and advanced capabilities, suitable for continuous learning and creativity without heavy investment in professional gear.

They're super easy to use and perfect for quickly capturing high-quality photos, especially during spontaneous moments.Because they're small and portable, compact cameras are ideal for travel or daily use. You can easily slip them into your pocket or bag. Plus, modern compact cameras come with advanced features like image stabilization and Wi-Fi.

One key to understanding focal length is recognizing how the look of the image changes using lenses with different focal lengths. Using a wide-angle lens, foreground elements are emphasized while background elements are pushed even further away, looking smaller than they really are.

Lens focal length is a surprisingly nuanced topic! A simple physical measurement leads to so many considerations that go into how an image is composed. From the angle of view to depth of field, no aspect of a photograph goes untouched.

Apart from the definition of focal length in photography as the measurement in millimeters from the lens to the image sensor, focal length has a direct impact on the angle of view, which is a static property of the lens in question but is impacted by the sensor crop factor.

I emphasize that we get the field of view because again, lens focal length is inherent to a lens. A 25mm Micro 4/3rds lens has a 50mm full-frame field of view. However, it remains a 24mm lens with the distortion properties of a 24mm lens; it’s not magically a 50mm lens.

In a world where sharing moments through pictures is key, cameras are our trusted friends. They help us capture moments, preserve memories, and spark creativity.From the classic appeal of DSLRs that make you feel like a professional to the convenience of smartphone cameras that are always within reach, there’s a camera for everyone. Photography offers a diverse range, catering to every style and preference.

Digital technology has changed photography forever. It's faster and easier now. But film cameras still have a special place for many. They give something digital can't—a hands-on, deep experience that pulls you into the moment.

Photographs taken with short focal lengths show distortion in certain elements; those closer to the foreground are magnified whereas all the elements in the background will show a diminished perspective.

Types of camerawith pictures

Hasselblad is a well-known name in medium format photography. Their cameras are often used by professionals and are synonymous with top-tier image quality and craftsmanship.

Whether it's 35mm, medium format, or large format, film photography makes you see things differently, both in the literal and figurative sense.With digital, you can snap away and get instant results. But with film, every shot matters. You have to think carefully before you press the shutter. There's no going back to delete or redo. This slower pace pushes creativity and precision, making each photo feel more intentional, more crafted.

For those who enjoy quick creativity and keeping memories close, instant cameras add a playful, personal touch. Each shot isn’t just a photo—it’s a fun and lasting memory.

GoPro is synonymous with action cameras. Their HERO series has set the standard for capturing extreme sports and outdoor activities, known for durability, compactness, and high-quality video. The HERO11 Black is leading the race.

Types of camerafor beginners

Hello Dan! I’m Mariam from Mauritius. I wanted to thank you for this deep explanation on focal length! I just bought my first camera and your article helped me so much!

Please note that lens compression is not related to the lens, but to the distance from the subject (Ex. You can achieve the same field of view and perspective shooting an element with a short focal length like 20 mm or cropping the same area from a 50 mm as long as both images are taken from the same distance).

When you look at the focal length of the lens in question and you see a number below 35mm, you know you’re looking at a short focal length.

Fixed lens camera focal lengths can also be multiplied by the crop factor of the sensor in order to compare it across formats. This is generally only important if you’re trying to replicate a look across focal lengths; i.e. you know you want a 135mm full-frame portrait style.

This guide will walk you through different camera types. Each one has something unique, and we’ll see how they fit various uses.We’ll break down their features so you can easily understand why they matter. This will help you decide which camera suits your needs best.

It’s important to consider that focal length is a static property of a lens that’s true regardless of crop factor; for example, a 16mm APS-C lens is a 16mm lens even if it has a 24mm equivalent field of view in a full-frame camera. We’ll see + in-depth info about this below.

Focal length is the physical measurement of distance between the lens and the imaging sensor when the subject is in focus.

Understanding your camera’s zoom ability helps you know what sort of pictures you can reasonably expect to take. Just like with an interchangeable lens camera (ILC), the camera will have a focal length range that tells you about the properties of the lens.

Telephoto lenses are those beyond 50mm. These lenses are also physically longer than wide and normal lenses. The field of view is smaller but you gain significant reach.

Macro lenses have the highest magnification due to their unique construction, which reduces the focal distance they operate within and allow you to focus in very close subjects.

By twisting the barrel of a zoom lens, you can adjust the focal length and field of view of your lens, which affects depth of field, distortion, and all other aspects of your image.

Renowned for its EOS series, Canon offers a wide range of DSLRs catering to photographers of all levels. Known for reliability and innovative technology, Canon DSLRs are a popular choice in the market. The Canon EOS Rebel SL3 is one of the most popular DSLRs in the market.

Instant cameras bring back memories, merging the old-school feel of photography with today’s convenience. You snap a picture, and within moments, it appears, right there in your hands. While digital photos often stay on your phone for ages, these offer something real—a picture you can hold, give, or hang up.There's a thrill in watching your photo develop right in front of you. Every shot is like a mini surprise. It’s not just about taking a picture; it’s about making an experience. You capture a moment, and in seconds, it's a keepsake you can hold onto.

Standard focal lengths range from 35mm to 50mm depending on the type of camera sensor. The field of view provided by standard focal lengths approximates the field of view of the human eye.

Focal distance is the distance between the subject you are focusing to the camera sensor. Lenses that can work at close focal distances have higher magnification (or reproduction ratios) relative to lenses that need you to stay far from the subject.

This means you can easily share your photos. If you want a simple and effective way to capture everyday moments, a compact camera is a fantastic option.

Understanding focal length in photography can feel a bit overwhelming when trying to account for all of the ways it changes the properties of an image. Below, I’ve outlined the focal length differences across the major fields of view.

Focal length can feel a little abstract when looking at one lens versus another. One of the easiest ways to understand focal length is to look at images that use the lenses in question! To wrap up, here are some focal length examples for you to consider:

Focal length comparisons are incomplete without the infamous crop factor discussion. Nowadays, we have APS-C, Micro 4/3rds, medium format, and full-frame, all of which use a lens focal length description centered around 35mm film gear. While this made sense when the digital revolution began, it’s often simply confusing to parse nowadays.

Leica has a rich history in film cameras. Known for precision and craftsmanship, their film cameras continue to be revered among enthusiasts and professionals.

Even with mirrorless cameras and smartphones gaining popularity, DSLRs remain a reliable choice for those who appreciate the craft and the depth they bring to photography.

Types ofcameras for film

Types ofcameras brands

As we step into normal focal lengths, which are closer to our human vision (like 35mm), this effect is subtle to invisible. However, once we hit telephoto angles of view, the background appears to be closer to the subject. This effect increases as your lens mm does.

Normal or standard lenses have a focal length between 35mm and 50mm in full-frame terms. When comparing across formats, they have a field of view that’s also equivalent to a normal lens. These lenses best duplicate how we see the world.

However, using a prime lens means that you have to physically move in order to create a given field of view. Which kind of lens is better is an age-old question and really comes down to your own personal preferences!

How focal length works is by describing each lens in terms of millimeters (lens mm). This description is a hard-physical reality of the lens in question, no matter the brand, format, or aperture.

Standard lenses or medium focal lengths are suitable for shooting many different genres like portrait, street photography, landscape, etc.

Compact cameras, also called point-and-shoot cameras, are great for photographers who prefer simplicity and convenience. These cameras have automatic settings and fixed lenses, so you don't need to adjust settings or change lenses manually.

10types of camera

With mirrorless cameras, photography becomes more intuitive and accessible. They're a favorite among both hobbyists and pros, pushing the boundaries of what's possible in capturing moments, anywhere in the world

Focal length is one of the main considerations when buying and selecting a lens. And understanding how focal length works is essential to capturing the photos you want. Otherwise, you’ll be choosing lenses with random angles of view that only serve to confuse you with choices.

So what are the mm in lenses? The key is to understand that focal length is calculated by measuring the distance from the optical center of the lens to the image sensor, and this distance is measured in mm. The longer the focal length, the physically longer the lens will be. Lenses with a wider view will have a shorter focal length and are physically shorter by comparison.

Film images often have a timeless feel. The little flaws and textures add charm. It’s not just about the picture; it’s about the whole process of capturing that moment, frame by frame.This slower method also makes us appreciate photography more. The feel of the camera, the manual controls, the click of the shutter—all of it adds to the experience. It’s fulfilling, almost artistic. While digital cameras rule the market today, film still attracts those who want something more. A mix of craft, nostalgia, and a certain uniqueness that only film can provide.

Mirrorless cameras are reshaping photography. They ditch the old mirror mechanism of DSLRs, making them lighter and more compact. This isn't just about looks; it changes how they work.

Types of cameraand their names

Focal length determines many of the characteristics of the photos you can take as well as the physical dimensions of the lens.

In practical terms, angle of view and field of view are used interchangeably in photography to indicate the way our cameras “see” the scene, and using a short focal length or a long focal length will change drastically the field of view or the amount of the scene that is photographed.

Camera zoom lenses allows to change the angle of view without moving and are more versatile than prime lenses. The downside is that maximum apertures are not usually as fast as the fastest prime lenses. For example, an f/1.4 zoom would be ridiculously expensive and massive.

The simplest focal length definition is a description of the distance between the center of a lens and the image sensor when the lens is focused at infinity.

The angle of view in photography is the area of the scene that is captured by the camera sensor. This area is described in degrees of coverage in front of the camera.

DSLR cameras are trusted tools, popular with both beginners and pros. Their key feature is a mirror system that directs light from the lens to an optical viewfinder. This lets you see exactly what the camera sees, helping you frame shots with ease.

Wide-angle lenses or short focal lengths offer a great opportunity for shooting landscapes, cityscapes, Milky Way photography, and Northern Lights photography.

Focal length touches upon many elements of the photography basics; composition, aperture, depth of field, and other aspects all shift when taking focal length into account! Each twist of the zoom ring or swap of a prime lens is a shift in the interplay of focal length and your creative vision.

Zoom lenses are what anyone who has ever picked up a camera in recent times is familiar with. In fact, they are so common that I often find non-photographers get baffled when I hand them a camera with a prime lens attached!

They use a digital viewfinder, giving a live preview that shows changes in real time—like exposure and focus. This means photographers can see exactly what the image will look like when they take it.

While we do go into some depth here and there are some confusing elements surrounding the topic, I’m confident that by the end of this article, you’ll have a solid foundation on what is focal length and how it relates to digital photography.

Focal length differences are especially stark with wide-angle lenses. Each mm of width makes a visible difference, unlike telephoto lenses where it takes several mm to be easily noticeable.

4types of camera

These cameras are also versatile, packed with the latest tech. They offer better image stabilization, quick autofocus, and can shoot more frames per second. This is great for shooting clear photos in fast-moving situations.

In the relation between focal length and depth of field, when all other values are equal, short focal lengths (or wide angles of view) have deeper depth of field relative to long focal lengths (narrow fields of view). Thus, the longer the focal length, the farther the hyperfocal distance will be.

These lenses take on an expansive field of view that’s wider than what we normally pay attention to. An image taken with a 15mm lens will seem abnormally expansive, taking, for example, an entire landscape with ease.

Hi Anne, it totally depends on the sensor size of the camera. For example, if you’re using a Micro 4/3 sensor camera with the 60mm f2.8 lens, since the crop factor is 2x, it means that you’re cropping the image the double, so technically it’s like shooting at 120mm focal length. Hope it’s clear. 🙂

A prime lens can’t be adjusted and its focal length and field of view are fixed. The trade-off for flexibility in focal length is usually a wider aperture and better image quality because the prime lens can be optimized for its angle of view. Usually but not always; some top-quality zoom lenses nowadays are absolutely comparable to prime lenses in terms of quality for a given focal length.

Remember that if you tend to specialize in any type of photography, it’s crucial to understand how focal length affects your image so you can have a better idea of what sort of lenses you should be shopping with, as well as the impact they have on a subject and background. You can download my PDF photography guide to get more information about this.

Polaroid pioneered instant photography, and their modern instant cameras continue to capture the joy of immediate tangible prints.

Action cameras transform how adventurers capture thrilling moments. These devices, small yet tough, handle rugged conditions and fast-paced activities. Every leap and dash is captured sharply.GoPro leads this market, reshaping action videography. It boasts stabilization, excellent image quality, and easy use. GoPro cameras do more than record; they enhance storytelling.For activities like skydiving, biking, or surfing, action cameras are essential. They capture exciting moments, allowing you to relive and share them vividly. This blend of tech and adventure expands ways to explore and keep dynamic memories.

This allows you to experiment and craft images that are truly your own. Whether it’s a simple portrait or a complex scene, the control a DSLR provides helps you refine every shot.

Medium format cameras offer some of the best image quality available. Their sensors are much larger than those found in standard DSLRs or mirrorless cameras, leading to deeper and sharper images.The big difference comes from the size of the sensor. It’s often more than twice as large as a full-frame sensor. This extra size means the camera can capture more light, improving detail and cutting down on noise, especially in low-light situations. The result? Photos with a dynamic range and clarity that stand out.That’s why medium format cameras are a go-to in high-end fashion shoots, architectural photography, and landscape work. They capture colors with precision and fine details that matter a lot in these settings.Using these cameras also brings a different pace to photography. They encourage you to slow down and focus more on composition and detail. It’s not just about taking pictures—it’s about creating art.So, for professionals or serious hobbyists wanting to step up their game, a medium format camera can be a game-changer. It improves the quality of the photos and deepens the creative process, expanding what’s possible in photography.

Fujifilm's mirrorless cameras, part of the X-series lineup, are distinguished by their retro-modern design and renowned image quality. The integration of tactile controls and in-camera film simulations sets them apart as a compelling choice for photographers seeking both style and performance. We recommend the Fujifilm X-T5 Body Mirrorless Camera, it is the top mirrorless cameras in the market.

Hopefully, this article on explaining focal length has clarified some of the stickier aspects of the topic. Especially where they affect wide, normal, and telephoto fields of view.

For example, if I use a short focal length in portrait photography, parts of the body that are closer to me can be unflatteringly emphasized. On the other hand, in genres like landscape photography, it’s more common to see images taken with a wide-angle view, not only to capture the entire scene in a single image but to emphasize elements in the foreground.

A lens focal length that’s greater than 50mm is considered a long focal length. This view is narrower than the normal view we’re accustomed to when paying bare attention. An image taken with a 100mm telephoto lens will have a much smaller section of coverage than a normal or wide-angle field of view.

Photos taken with a long focal length look more “compressed” as compared to shorter focal lengths, and allow you to capture subjects from a farther distance without losing image quality.