Jessops Site Sections
Compact System Camera Buying Guide
Bridging the gap between the point-and-shoot compact and the professional digital SLR, the Compact System Camera (CSC) delivers a whole new level of advanced technology and sophistication to the world of photography. With interchangeable lenses for an artistic shooting range that spans ultra-wide to telephoto, they're ideal for taking photography to the next level.
The CSC is smaller and easier to use than a digital SLR yet offers comparable power, image quality and creative benefits, with interchangeable lenses for an artistic shooting range from ultra-wideangle to telephoto.
Key to the success of the CSC is the removal of the reflex mirror mechanism which is found in the digital SLR. Not only does this cut down on noise when the picture is taken, meaning the image is clearer, more vivid and much less grainy, but it also means the camera body can be significantly smaller in size, which is good news for those looking to achieve great photography on the go.
Another clear benefit of the CSC is its ability to accommodate a large digital sensor of the size that would normally be found within a digital SLR. In a compact camera, the digital sensor is relatively small, which means that fine detail starts to suffer in poor light conditions. By using a larger sensor, however, image-quality remains high with low noise levels in all but the dimmest light.
The hallmarks of the CSC are simplicity and versatility. For those who want to achieve exceptional results with minimum effort, the easy-to-use controls and intelligent automatic features deliver the goods. At the same time, these innovative cameras offer amazing levels of creativity for those who want to take control over their photography.
Look out for popular digital SLR features including Live View, high ISO levels and fast frames per second shooting rates.
SLR flexibility in a compact size
All the benefits of a full size DSLR in a smaller more compact
form. If you want to upgrade from your current compact camera,
Compact System Cameras offer a whole new world of stunning image
performance and deliver the flexibility to grow your system as your
Photography blossoms.
For existing digital SLR users, compact system cameras offer the convenience of a small, lightweight kit that doesn't compromise your creativity or quality expectations.
Constant Live View
Constant Live View allows you to see directly on your LCD screen
what effect changing shutter speeds and/or apertures have on your
image - blurring waterfalls or producing defocused portraits now
becomes super easy.
Micro 4/3 v APS-C
Micro 4/3 v APS-C - improve image performance by using DSLR sized
sensors in smaller more compact bodies. By removing the mirror box
that conventional DSLR's utilise, CSC's can still offer DSLR
performance.
EVF - LCD and HD Video
EVF - LCD and HD Video - EVF's (Electronic Viewfinders) and LCD
offer the convenience of showing the full 100% of your final image
capture. Ensures your compositions deliver exactly what you have
framed. HD Video - Certain Compact Systems Cameras also enable you
to instantly record and review HD video at the touch of a button
offering you the flexibility of stills and high quality video all
in a stylish, compact package.
Watch the videos
What to look out for
Megapixels
As a rule of thumb, the higher the megapixel number, the higher
the image resolution - which gives better detail when printing
larger images. Photographers who want to maintain quality while
cropping pictures should also look for a high megapixel rating.
Constant Live View
Reveals the effects of aperture adjustment and other creative
controls on the image while framing it for the perfect shot.
AVCHD
A high definition video format developed by Sony and Panasonic,
which captures moving images in frames made up of 720 or 1080
lines. Gives brilliant results when played back on a high
definition TV.
Micro 4/3 Sensors
Small, fast lenses with full adaptability (via adapters- sold
separately). Offers vast selection of Olympus 4/3, OM system lenses
as well as legendary marquees such as Leica with their M range of
lenses.
APS-C
A larger sensor size than Micro 4/3 delivering unprecedented image
performance from a compact size but smaller than a full frame
sensor. Improved lower light performance without the normal 'noise'
that you would experience on a compact camera.
Body Stabilisation
Correction from camera shake takes place inside the camera, not
the lens. As a result, photographers can use a choice of lenses and
always benefit from anti-blur technology.
Frames per second
The number of images the camera can shoot every second. High 'fps'
rates are useful for photographing action.
Electronic Viewfinder
Conventional camera-to-eye image preview, ideal for bright
conditions. Available as a seperate attachment on some compact
system cameras.
Guide mode
Displays helpful options and tips on the LCD screen when required
to enable photographers to take better pictures without having to
refer to a traditional manual.
Built in sensor cleaning
A dust busting system that removes dirt, grit, hair and other
particles from the camera sensor, preventing marks appearing on the
final images. Ideal for multiple-lens users.
LCD screen size
The size of the camera's screen (in inches) on which images can be
viewed and reviewed.
Low noise processor
Advanced technology to reduce the grainy appearance of images (or
'noise'), especially when photographing in low light. Ideal for
shooting flash-free or in ambient light.
High definition movie
Captures movie footage, with each frame made up of 720 lines.
Brilliant results when played back on a high definition TV.
High ISO
ISO determines sensitivity of the camera sensor to light. At night
or in low light, a high ISO like 1600 helps you capture what you
see naturally. Can also reduce the need for flash when
photographing indoors.
RAW recording mode
A RAW file holds precise image data as captured by the camera
sensor without processing it in to a JPEG or other file format.
Ideal fr those who like using photo editing software.
Lens stabilisation
Reduces blurring causes by camera shake, compensating for movement
inside the lens before the image is captured. Also stabilises the
image viewfinder helping to identify the ideal moment to release
the shutter.
Card compatibility
Indicates the type of memory cards that can be causes in the
camera. By matching compatibility, cards can be swapped between a
camera, laptop or mobile phone.
Built in flash
Adds flexibility to yur images ideal for fill in flash and
freezing action.
At Jessops we have an extensive range of CSCs to choose from, including exclusive models such as the Samsung NX5 and the Olympus EPL1 in blue. What's more, we offer first-class service and all the advice you need to get started - so there's no better place to begin your CSC adventure!
Share/Bookmark
