In my personal experience, I took this camera on a recent trip to Florida and was pleasantly surprised by its performance, considering its age and price point. While the autofocus capabilities are somewhat limited, the speed and accuracy were better than expected. The inclusion of a microphone input and the ability to record 1080p video at 30 frames per second make it a decent choice for video recording, especially at the $200 price range. However, it's essential to note that the autofocus in video mode is not very reliable, so manual focus is often recommended.
Despite its minimal buttons and customizable options, the D3200 feels comfortable in the hand, thanks to its deep grip. However, the grip is somewhat short, and even with small hands, your pinky may hang off the bottom. Nevertheless, it's a great option for those looking for an affordable camera that delivers decent photo and video quality.
- It features an APS-C sized CMOS sensor with a 1.5 times crop factor, giving it an equivalent field of view of 30mm with a 20mm lens.
- It uses the Nikon F-mount, which has a wide variety of first-party and third-party lenses available.
- The camera has a fixed 3-inch LCD screen (non-touch) and an optical viewfinder, as it is a DSLR.
- It can shoot photos at a rate of 4 frames per second and has an ISO range of 100 to 6400.
- The camera weighs 505 grams, making it relatively light and compact for a DSLR, but it lacks weather sealing.
The Canon 5D Classic is an excellent choice if you're looking for an affordable full-frame camera with exceptional image quality and a film-like aesthetic. However, it lacks modern video capabilities and may not be the best option if you prioritize compactness and modern features.
- It boasts a full-frame CMOS sensor with a one times crop factor, which is quite unique in this price range.
- The Canon 5D Classic is priced at around $250, making it one of the most affordable full-frame cameras available.
- The camera features a two and a half inch fixed LCD screen, which is low resolution and not particularly useful for anything other than navigating the menu.
- Like other DSLRs, it has an optical viewfinder and can shoot up to three photos per second.
- The ISO range is limited, from 100 to 3200, and it lacks a built-in flash.
- It's a hefty camera, weighing 895 grams, and has a rugged build quality with weather sealing.
- The 5D Classic uses compact flash cards, which is different from the more modern SD cards.
One standout feature of the Canon 5D Mark II is its compatibility with the Magic Lantern firmware hack, which allows for the recording of high-quality RAW video. This feature sets it apart from other cameras on the list and makes it an attractive choice for videographers looking to maximize video quality without breaking the bank.
- It features a full-frame CMOS sensor with a one-times crop factor, allowing for excellent image quality and versatility in low light conditions.
- It can record 1080p video at up to 30 frames per second and features a microphone input, making it suitable for video recording.
- The camera uses Canon's EF Mount, which offers compatibility with a wide range of Canon and third-party lenses.
- It has a three-inch fixed LCD screen, which, while not high resolution, provides decent visibility for composing shots.
- The 5D Mark II includes an optical viewfinder, characteristic of DSLR cameras.
- It can shoot up to 4 photos per second in continuous burst mode, suitable for capturing fast-moving subjects.
- The camera has an ISO range from 100 to 25,600, allowing for flexibility in various lighting conditions.
- It does not have a built-in flash, but it does feature a microphone input and HDMI output.
- The camera is weather-sealed, enhancing its durability and usability in challenging conditions.
- The 5D Mark II is relatively heavy, weighing 850 grams, which can be seen as both a positive and a negative, depending on personal preferences.
The A6000 is an excellent choice for those looking for a compact and versatile mirrorless camera with good image quality and video capabilities. It offers the advantage of a wide selection of compatible lenses and a relatively affordable price point. However, it does not have a microphone input for improved audio quality in video recording, and its build quality may feel less robust compared to some other cameras on the list.
- It features an APS-C size CMOS sensor with a 1.5 times crop factor, providing a good balance between sensor size and portability.
- It uses Sony's E-mount, which is compatible with a wide range of native Sony lenses and can also be adapted to use vintage or DSLR lenses with the right adapter.
- The camera is equipped with a three-inch tilting LCD screen that is not touch-sensitive but allows for flexible shooting angles.
- It includes an electronic viewfinder, a feature common to mirrorless cameras, which provides a live view of the exposure before capturing the shot.
- The A6000 offers a fast continuous burst mode, capturing up to 11 photos per second, making it suitable for action and wildlife photography.
- Its ISO range extends from 100 to 25,600, and it comes with a built-in flash.
- The camera is lightweight, weighing only 344 grams, and is compact, making it highly portable.
- Unfortunately, it lacks weather sealing, which may limit its usability in adverse conditions.
- In terms of video quality, it can shoot 720p at up to 120 frames per second for slow-motion video and 1080p at up to 60 frames per second, which is great for most video recording needs.
- The camera features a microphone input, enabling you to connect an external microphone for improved audio quality.
- It has USB and HDMI outputs for connecting external devices like monitors.
The Canon M50 is a well-rounded mirrorless camera suitable for both photography and videography, particularly for content creators and vloggers. Its excellent autofocus performance, user-friendly touchscreen, and 1080p video capabilities make it a solid choice in its price range. However, the limitations of its 4K video mode and the potential for limited lens selection in the EF-M mount should be considered when making a purchase decision.
- The camera can record 4K video at up to 24 frames per second, but there are some limitations and issues with autofocus and cropping in 4K mode, which may make it less ideal for video shooting.
- It uses Canon's EF-M Mount, which is a mirrorless lens mount. While there may be limited new lenses available for this mount, it's still possible to adapt various vintage or DSLR lenses to the camera.
- The Canon M50 boasts a three-inch fully articulating touchscreen, which is highly responsive and user-friendly, making it a great choice for vlogging and content creation.
- The camera features an electronic viewfinder for composing shots, providing versatility for different shooting conditions.
- It can shoot up to 10 photos per second, making it suitable for capturing fast-paced subjects like sports or wildlife.
- The Canon M50 has an ISO range from 100 to 25,600, offering good performance in low-light conditions.
- It includes a built-in flash, adding to its versatility for various shooting scenarios.
- The camera weighs 390 grams and lacks weather sealing, making it a compact and budget-friendly option, but not suitable for professional use in challenging conditions.
- The Canon M50 supports wireless connections, allowing for remote control and easy transfer of photos and videos to a smartphone.
- It excels in autofocus performance, particularly important for vlogging and video shooting.