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Camera Basics 3 "Select your Camera, Fascinating Old CCD Colors"

Updated: Aug 8, 2023


There are cameras of the past that can produce more realistic textures and tones of subjects that cannot be produced by current cameras.


  • The reason for this is the difference between the CCD sensor, which has a smaller number of pixels than the high-pixel CMOS sensor.

I'm sure they didn't care about high sensitivity and were particular about coloring.


An example of how old cameras can have a lot of charm.



D7100、ダイヤル、ファインダー


In the previous camera basics course 2, we talked about camera sensors.


In this blog, I will explain the points of choosing the camera necessary for starting photography, from old cameras to new cameras, including the appeal of film cameras.



In this article, I will continue to write if I can eliminate such hesitation even a little.


I refuse to say that everything is my point of view and dogmatic opinion.



I am a photographer based in Africa.

We also have extensive experience in camera sales in Japan.

What do you miss about being in Africa, near the station, and selling cameras?


Let's get to the point.

筆者自画像


 

SLR, mirrorless, what kind of camera is good to start with?



I want to start a camera! However, it is very difficult to choose the one that suits you from among the many cameras on the market.


  • I think some people are hesitant to start using a camera because they are not sure which camera they want to use.



For those who think "I want to start a camera!"



If there is anything in common,

I want to take beautiful pictures rather than taking pictures with my smartphone!

Impressively shoot with a single-lens reflex camera or mirrorless camera!

I think that's the point.


In fact, with single-lens reflex cameras and mirrorless cameras (mirrorless cameras with interchangeable lenses are referred to as mirrorless cameras in this article), you can create all sorts of expressions by changing lenses and using various accessories.


  • In addition, most cameras today have a video recording function, so not only photos but also videos can capture beautiful memories of the moment with movement and sound.


Also, even if you want to start shooting something with a vague camera,

  • Single-lens reflex cameras and mirrorless cameras that provide images with a three-dimensional effect that are completely different from smartphones.



Anyway, it might be a good idea to buy a camera that you like without thinking about anything.



However, I want to think carefully before purchasing expensive camera equipment.




 

Choosing a camera that doesn't have to be the latest model


フィルムカメラ、ニコンF3/T

You can take pictures with an old film camera! I can't shoot without a lens...



Most modern cameras have built-in high-performance autofocus, and the image stabilization function has evolved to higher performance.


Anyone can easily take pictures.


The large LCD screen is clear and easy to read.


  • As long as you have the strength to hold the camera and press the shutter, even a small child can easily take a picture in perfect focus.

  • It may not be an exaggeration to say that almost nothing is required technically in terms of taking in-focus photos.


Cameras are getting better and be




 

If you enjoy photography as a hobby, there is also an old camera


There is no doubt that the number of failed photos will decrease with new cameras, but if you enjoy photography as a hobby, you don't need that kind of performance.


This is because I think that learning the fun of photography through failure is the real thrill.


If you want to reduce failures even a little and get results, we recommend the latest model.


However, in order to operate a recent digital camera with too many functions, it is necessary to know the basics of camera operation and photography.

For the time being, there is no problem if you remember the setting to shoot in auto.



The main points of recent camera evolution are camera shake correction, autofocus performance, continuous shooting performance, and video performance, and image quality has been at a standstill for a long time.



However, apart from the high-sensitivity performance, the image quality has been more than sufficient for a long time.


Interestingly enough, old cameras using CCDs sometimes produce more impressive colors than those using the latest Seamos sensors.



ニコンデジタル一眼D200作例、一昔前のCCDの色

CCD, APS-C 10 megapixel realism


The color of the CCD, which retains the texture of a film photograph, is quite impressive.


It feels like there is actually a monkey there.


This color is hard to come out with the recent high-pixel cameras D800E and D850 using CMOS sensors.


The color comes out precisely because the CCD sensor has fewer pixels than today, and the focus was on color development performance rather than high sensitivity characteristics.



The D200 is a recommended camera that uses a 10-megapixel CCD sensor.


Nikon used in the above example, digital SLR D200 good second-hand goods are also on the market.


It is not suitable for shooting starry skies because it cannot shoot movies, the battery drains quickly, and the high sensitivity is weak, but it produces beautiful colors that are different from today's CMOS sensors.

It is a camera that can be used like taking a film photograph.

General photo shoot during the day





No matter what people say about the colors in the photo, trust your taste


The impression of color in a photograph that cannot be expressed numerically is different for each person who sees it.

No matter what people say, no matter what manufacturers say,


It's important to trust your sense of how you feel!


What is written in this blog also means "Don't take it seriously!"


The reason why I say this is that even if the camera is expensive or new, it does not necessarily mean that the color will be natural and beautiful.


As a photographer, what matters is how you feel!



A world of colors with no answers, colors that are perceived differently by each person who sees them.


It is not determined only by the dynamic range and the width of the color gamut.



 

To learn the basics of photography as a hobby, it is better to have minimal camera functions


When choosing a camera, knowing which features you need and which you don't need can greatly reduce the cost of purchasing a camera.


Conversely, if you choose something that has all the functions, the cost will jump up accordingly.



As mentioned above, even cameras from a decade ago or two ago can't take sufficiently beautiful pictures.



If you take pictures as a hobby, you want to set the camera yourself to some extent.


  • If you shoot with a model that does not have camera shake correction, you can know the importance of holding the camera.

  • If you have a SLR camera with a good viewfinder, you will find that manual focusing is not that difficult.

  • Setting the exposure yourself, focusing on it, and getting a good shot is another thrilling experience.


Also, blurring can lead to unexpected masterpieces.


I think that you can learn many things from the basics of photography, such as the relationship between shutter speed and aperture, through failed photos.


*Even though the camera is a little old, it is generally equipped with fully usable autofocus, auto exposure function, and camera shake correction, so it is not all analog operation.


 

If you want to keep the cost down for the time being, second-hand goods are also the aim


If you go to a used camera store, you will find many affordable high-quality used cameras on the market.


If you take second-hand cameras into consideration, you will have no trouble choosing a camera.

The price of second-hand products basically reflects the popularity, so if you choose a high-performance camera from a long time ago that is not popular, you can get a high-performance camera at a reasonable price.

It may be a shortcut to learn the fun of taking pictures economically, and the real thrill of photography.


It's an old digital single-lens camera, the rear LCD screen, and the resolution is low and not clear, but you can take clear pictures, so don't worry.



Depending on the model, the battery life may not be very good, especially with mirrorless models from a long time ago, so be sure to check thoroughly before purchasing.


After that, the manufacturer may not be able to respond to repairs, and even if it is possible, it will be terminated immediately, so we recommend that you choose a used camera by weighing the inconvenience around here.


※Note

  • Used cameras and lenses are full of attractive products that are irresistible for camera lovers. You may end up in a quagmire of second-hand goods, so be careful! Even if you intend to save money, you may end up spending more money.

  • If you become accustomed to going to second-hand camera stores, you will end up with more and more unused equipment.


I'm very careful about this, but when I'm in Japan, I end up stopping by second-hand stores and end up with a lot of equipment I don't use.





 

If you really want to enjoy photography, it is safe to buy the current product even if it is expensive.


In any case, the latest current product is almighty and is recommended because it can handle anything.


The charm of the latest camera


  • Current cameras basically have built-in high-performance autofocus sensors, even for mid-range cameras, which were the highest-end cameras of the past decade.

  • With the latest AI, it has a built-in high-precision autofocus that allows the camera to recognize and focus on the subject.

  • Even if it is a camera for beginners, the continuous shooting performance may be sufficient.

  • The camera shake correction capability is also surprisingly high, and in a sense it is no exaggeration to say that it is more difficult to take unfocused and blurred photos.

  • Manufacturer's warranty and repair can be done for several years even after sales are completed. Even if it breaks down, you can use it forever.

  • It has a full range of video functions, such as 10-bit log recording and slow motion, that were only available on professional machines until now.



A camera that has evolved too much, I feel a little lonely


The latest camera that even small children can easily take in-focus pictures.

who took the picture Even if it becomes

  • "It wasn't taken by a cameraman,"

  • "I was able to shoot because I have a good camera!"

  • "The camera caught it!"

Isn't it going to be like that?



It is the latest camera that has evolved so much that there is very little room for technical intervention, the ultimate camera that does not fail, and the ultimate camera that increases production efficiency.


We will continue to evolve in the future.



There may be a point that I have lost interest in the act of taking pictures. However, there is no change in the point of creating a photograph (image) that makes you think of something that has never existed before with your originality and ingenuity.



The most important point of a camera for enjoying photography as a hobby


whatever camera you use

  • A camera that you can enjoy yourself.

  • A camera that takes pictures in a dream

  • A camera you will fall in love with


No matter what people say, I think that such a camera is the best camera.


 

film camera



Although it is now in the prime of digital, you can also use a film camera.


The appeal is that you can get past front-line professional cameras at an exceptionally low price.


Film cost, development cost and other costs are required, but it is also good to enjoy the act of taking care of each frame.



A real thrill that can never be tasted digitally!



Since each photo is a cost, you will have to put your heart and soul into taking photos.



There are negatives, positives, and black-and-white films in film, and there are several film sizes, such as the type that uses general 35mm film, medium format (proney), and large format.


フィルム写真、トゥルカナ湖

With the middle 645, you can take 15 + (120) or 30 + (220)



The charm of film photography

  • You will develop an image before shooting, and you will be able to reliably set exposure, focus, angle, angle of view, etc.

  • You can't see the photos you've taken without dveloping them, so the image is formed in your brain, and a good image can be felt as a response the moment you take it.

  • The excitement you get when you look at the photos after the development process is completed is the real pleasure of using a film camera.

  • You will be able to take pictures one by one carefully, so you will be able to get a lot out of it.

  • With 35mm film, you can only take 36+ shots, but I think that you will be able to feel the weight of each of the 36 shots you take with all your heart.


With digital, 36 shots are over in an instant, but shooting 36 shots with film is quite difficult.




A completely mechanical camera that can operate without a battery, except for an exposure meter.




 

Taste of film photography


At first glance, film photography does not feel as impactful as digital photography.


The more you look at it, the more you can feel the subtle gradation that digital doesn't have, the taste that digital doesn't have, made from silver salt particles, and the warmth that doesn't stand out.


However, since the cost of film and development has soared these days, it will cost money...


I do not recommend it for beginners.


I haven't used a film camera in a long time, so when I looked up the price of film and the development fee for the first time in a while, I was surprised at the skyrocketing price.


I felt that it had become the ultimate hobby that cost money.

It's 2-6 times more expensive than when I was shooting with film, and even more.



ケニア少数民族、エルモロ族 プロビア100

Scanned and digitized photographs taken with Kenyan minority, El Moro tribe, positive film, Provia 100.


The output is digital, but I think you can see that it feels a little different from the photos taken with a digital camera.



These days, when film prices have skyrocketed,


It may be a good idea to use an old CCD camera instead of film, which is close to the color development of film.


With the D200, you can get a similar texture!






 



summary


In this article, we have summarized the information necessary for choosing a camera, such as the appeal of old cameras using CCD sensors, the appeal of film cameras, and the appeal of the latest cameras.



Basics of camera selection

  • If you want to enjoy photography life as a hobby, you don't have to be the latest camera

  • When considering used cameras, the range of camera choices expands greatly

  • Film photography is also good, but now that the price of film has skyrocketed, it has become unrealistic as a hobby.

  • If you don't want to fail anyway, the new mirrorless camera is recommended

  • If it is a current new product, it can be used safely for a long time in terms of future maintenance and repair.



Next time, I will consider whether a single-lens reflex camera is better or a mirrorless camera.










 

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