When diving into photography, the choice of equipment can significantly influence your work’s quality and creativity. Understanding the different types of cameras available is crucial for every photographer.

Color Experts International, Inc. is a renowned photo manipulation and graphic design service provider. CEI boasts more than 30 years of experience in the image editing industry serving the top global brands including Adidas, Nike, Puma, Apple, Samsung, Tommy Hilfiger, Hugo Boss, etc. The company provides simple but effective solutions to the photographers, e-commerce companies, advertising agencies, web design companies, magazine publishers, printing companies, etc.

Whatis focal length oflens

So if you forget about having a lens there for a moment and you're just looking at a scene, roughly speaking, if you put a 50mm lens onto your full frame camera, it is going to give you roughly the same field of view.Now it's not exact, but it's kind of close enough.

What does mm mean for lensnikon

This way, you’ll find a camera that not only meets your requirements but also inspires you to explore the world of photography further.

If you’ve been asking yourself that question then you are in the perfect place, as today we’re going to be talking about what all the numbers on your camera lens means, and how you can use this information to decide which lens might be best for you.

That's because you have a different sensor size and it magnifies the scene. So you can take this exact same 85mm lens, but pop that on to a crop frame camera, then it's going to behave differently.

Bridge cameras are designed to fill the gap between compact point-and-shoot cameras and more advanced DSLRs or mirrorless cameras. They are called “bridge” because they incorporate features from both ends of the camera spectrum. Bridge cameras have a smaller sensor and use electronic viewfinders (EVFs) or simply a rear LCD screen for composing shots.

Instant cameras bring the joy of instant photo printing, allowing you to see the physical photos minutes after taking them. This category of cameras combines the capture and development processes into a single step. Instant cameras are celebrated for their simplicity, the unique aesthetic of the prints, and the physical connection to the memories they provide.

What does mm mean for lensphotography

Action cameras are compact, durable, and designed for capturing high-quality video and photos in extreme conditions. They are typically ruggedized, waterproof, and offer a wide-angle lens to capture as much action as possible. These cameras are built to withstand shocks, drops, and immersion in water.

In this blog, we’ll explore different types of cameras, helping you understand their specialties and what makes each one stand out. Knowing these various types is the first step towards mastering the art of photography. Let’s dive in and discover the camera that’s perfect for you.

Choosing the right camera involves balancing your needs, preferences, and budget. Remember, the best camera is the one that you’ll enjoy using and that serves your creative vision. Take the time to research, and if possible, test different cameras before making your decision.

What will you be photographing? Different subjects might require different types of cameras. For instance, wildlife and sports photography often benefit from DSLRs or mirrorless cameras with fast autofocus and the ability to change lenses.

Look for features that match your photography style, such as manual controls, image stabilization, autofocus speed, and video capabilities. Wi-Fi connectivity, waterproofing, and GPS can be useful depending on your needs.

So for example, if you were using a 35mm lens on a crop frame camera, you're going to take 35 - that's the focal length of the lens - and then you're going to multiply that by 1.5 if you use Canon or 1.6 if you use Nikon.

The camera is your tool to capture moments, tell stories, and express creativity. With so many different types of cameras available, it can be overwhelming to find the one that suits your needs best. From the camera on your phone to professional-grade equipment, each type offers unique features and possibilities.

So the photographer in the same position for both of these images. One was taken with a 35 and you can see, we can see more in the frame. For the one that was taken with the 85mm, you can see that everything seems more zoomed in, it's pulled closer to the frame.

Now I've actually got an extra little freebie for you that I think you'll love and will totally help to put all of this into perspective of how each lens will perform and what it can be used for. It’s my FREE Which Lens Kickstarter guide, and in that you'll get loads of image examples using different focal lengths so you can see what each one brings to the table. Plus you'll get some suggestions on which best lenses or focal lens you can use for different types of shots! Totally free and totally worth it. Go here to grab your copy!

However your Zoom Lens, because it has that two numbers, means you can move the zoom ring to zoom in and zoom out and you can go through that whole range of focal lengths.

So if you've been looking at lenses online, or maybe you already have your lens and you just don't understand what all these numbers actually mean, stick around. as by the end of this post, you'll know exactly what the numbers mean and you'll know how your lens is going to perform!

So let's take that 85mm and we're going to multiply that by 1.6 (let's assume that we have a Canon!) and that's going to give us an equivalent focal length of 136.

And if you're using a crop frame camera, tell me what the equivalent focal length is and let me know what your maximum aperture is - It's a great little exercise just to make sure that you understand everything we’ve spoken about today!

Toy cameras, often characterized by their simple construction, low fidelity, and plastic lenses. These cameras are beloved for the distinctive, often unpredictable effects they produce, such as light leaks, vignetting, and pronounced grain. Brands like Holga and Diana are iconic in this category, celebrated for turning perceived flaws into artistic virtues.

Consider whether you want the flexibility to change lenses. DSLRs and mirrorless cameras offer a wide range of lenses for different photography styles. While compact, bridge, and some action cameras come with fixed lenses.

What does mm mean for lenscanon

Consider the total cost of ownership. It includes not just the camera body but also any additional lenses, batteries, memory cards, and accessories you might need.

Consider how much time you’re willing to invest in learning to use your camera. Some prefer the simplicity of point-and-shoot cameras. While others may want the control offered by DSLR or mirrorless models.

Now here is an example of that for you. So here is an example of an image taken with a 35mm lens, and then one with an 85 mm lens on the same camera.

Focal length oflensformula

So I do want you to bear that in mind when people are talking about focal length of lenses. If you have a crop frame camera, remember to do that multiplication by 1.5 or 1.6, and that will show you how how that particular lens focal length is going to perform on your camera.

Psssst! Don’t forget to grab your Which Lens Kickstarter guide underneath the video - it will take the video to a whole new level :-)

So that’s focal length explained - but how can we tell just by looking at the focal length number how that lens is going to perform on our camera?

What you need to do is take the focal length of the lens, and then multiply that by a number. That number is either going to be 1.6 if you use Canon or 1.5 if you use Nikon.

Now if I look again on my Zoom Lens (the image on the right) the 16 to 35mm, you can see it's got 1 and then it's got 2.8. So the maximum aperture of this lens is F2.8.

So when you just have the one number, for example, an 85, it's got one fixed focal length. If you want to get closer or further back, you'd go and have to move your feet! It's fixed at that focal lens.

If you want to get an idea of how different focal lengths perform, then be sure to download my FREE which lens kickstarter guide - it has examples of images taken at different focal lenghts, along with a guide about what you might want to use each one for.

What does mm mean for lensreddit

So that was just with one focal length. But you may have a zoom Lens, in which case you're going to have two different numbers separated to by a dash.

What that simply means is if you zoom in, you are going to get a different maximum aperture than if you zoomed all the way out.

Drone cameras are attached to unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), offering the ability to capture photos and videos from the air. These cameras have revolutionized photography and videography by providing access to aerial views. Modern drones are equipped with high-quality cameras capable of shooting in high resolution.

But if you are new to photography, the chances are you're NOT shooting with a full frame camera. You probably have a crop frame camera and that gives a world of difference on to how your lenses are actually going to perform!

Where will you be photographing? Consider the environments in which you’ll be shooting. Outdoor adventurers might prefer durable and portable action cameras. While travel enthusiasts may find bridge or compact cameras more convenient.

Cameralens mmchart

If I took a 35mm lens and popped that onto a crop fame camera, it's going to look more “zoomed in” than it would on a full frame camera.

Compact or Point and Shoot cameras are small, lightweight, and designed for simplicity and convenience. They feature a fixed lens, which means you can’t change lenses like you can with DSLR or mirrorless cameras. However, they’re incredibly user-friendly, often coming with automatic settings for focus, exposure, and flash.

So here's what I'd like you to do now. Go and grab your lens (or have a look at the one online if you haven't got one yet) and in the comments below, let me know what the focal length is.

Now the aperture number is normally just written along the side or on the rim of your lens, and you'll see that it's got 1: 1.8 on lens below on the left, meaning that it has a maximum aperture of F1.8.

Smartphone cameras have revolutionized the way we think about photography. Integrated into mobile phones, these cameras combine convenience with increasingly advanced technology. With each new model, smartphones are equipped with better sensors, lenses, and software enhancements that rival traditional cameras.

Cameralensdistance chart

Larger sensors generally provide better image quality, especially in low light conditions. DSLRs and mirrorless cameras often have larger sensors than compact or phone cameras.

A smaller number will means you will have a wide angle lens, which means when you look through the view finder, everything will seem further away.

Selecting the right camera can be a daunting task given the vast array of options available. Here are key factors to consider when deciding on the right camera for you:

360-degree cameras are designed to capture a full spherical view of the surrounding environment in a single shot. These cameras utilize two or more wide-angle lenses to record overlapping images. 360-degree cameras are popular for virtual tours, immersive videos, and creating content for virtual reality (VR) applications.

Consider how willing you are to carry a heavier and bulkier camera. If you travel a lot and prefer not to be weighed down, a compact camera or high-quality smartphone camera might be ideal.

Film cameras capture images on photographic film, a process that predates digital photography. Despite the prevalence of digital cameras, film photography has experienced a resurgence in popularity. Film cameras range from simple point-and-shoots to sophisticated SLRs and medium-format cameras.

Pinhole cameras represent one of the most basic forms of photography. Lacking a lens and any complex mechanical parts, pinhole cameras offer a pure and direct form of image-making. The resulting photos are characterized by their infinite depth of field.

Now on some lenses you will actually see that you have two aperture numbers, and what that means is that you have a variable aperture lens. You'll normally find that on your zoom lenses.

On the other hand, if you have a number that is LESS than 50mm, so 35mm, 24mm or 16mm, then that is going to give you a view that is wider than the naked eye.

Mirrorless cameras, as the name suggests, lack the mirror mechanism found in DSLRs. This design allows them to be smaller, lighter, and often quieter than their DSLR counterparts. Mirrorless cameras use an electronic viewfinder (EVF) or simply the digital screen on the back to display the image directly from the sensor. This setup enables real-time preview of exposure, white balance, and depth of field.

That’s it from me today, I hope that this answered your question about what all the numbers on a camera lens actually mean, and how you can use this information to see which lens is right for you!

Now this number refers to the focal length, which is simply how much off the scene you are going to be able to see when you look through the viewfinder. A larger number will give you a telephoto view, which simply means that when you look through the view finder, everything will seem closer to you than it would the naked eye.

So any LARGER larger than 50 mm, so for example, 85mm, 135mm, 200mm, they are going to give you a more zoomed in look. The larger the number, the more zoomed in it's going to appear.

DSLR cameras are among the most popular choices for both amateur and professional photographers. These cameras use a mirror mechanism to reflect light from the lens to an optical viewfinder. DSLRs support interchangeable lenses, providing flexibility to shoot in various genres.