Once you get a bit more passionate about photography, you will quickly encounter the term “wide angle camera”. A wide angle camera can have countless benefits for the results you obtain as a hobby photographer. So, let us introduce you to the wide angle camera, point and shoot cameras, and other important information you need to know moving forward.
What Is The Best Wide Angle Point and Shoot Camera?
There are a couple of wide angle cameras that require your attention. However, you will find that most cameras provide you with an option to add a wide angle lens these days. So, it is often best to choose a sturdy camera base before you look at lenses. There are various options nowadays, which can vary in price considerably. Let’s take a look at some of the most used options among hobby photographers.
Which Point And Shoot Has The Best Image Quality?
As even hobby photographers are getting more informed about the features a good camera needs, even the compact camera needs to be on point these days. To give you a quick overview of the best ones at the moment, we have lined up the options you must consider as a hobby photographer below.
1. Canon Powershot ELPH 180
The Canon Powershot is one of the best compact cameras out there at the moment, which is no surprise considering the manufacturer of this camera. It comes with an 8x optical zoom and an image stabilizer. While that does not rival a powerful zoom lens on a DSLR, the zoom range and additional image stabilization does deliver some outstanding images.
The image quality of the Canon Powershot is helped greatly by the 20.0 megapixel CCD sensor and the DIGIC 4+ image processor, which are also used in some of the higher end Canon cameras. The Canon Powershot also allows recording of 720p HD video, so this is not just the best compact camera for family photography.
We must also mention that the Canon Powershot has smart auto intelligence. This consists of various settings, which are automatically selected using the Smart Auto function. In other words, you do not have to adjust the settings of your camera or switch out a lens like you would in a DSLR, as this camera does all the settings for you. So, the Canon Powershot may look simple, but it packs quite a punch!
2. Panasonic Lumix DC-ZS70K
The Panasonic Lumix is often referred to as the gold standard of point and shoot cameras. There are many reasons for that, so let’s delve right into all the reasons why this camera is a smart choice.
With the Panasonic Lumix, you have 4K video right at your fingertips. The camera enables you to capture 3840 x 2160p video. That is four times more than regular HD! And with an outstanding built-in 24mm x30 optical zoom lens, you can capture beautiful photographs with minimal effort.
If 4K video and an outstanding built-in zoom lens with outstanding zoom range aren’t enough, then you can also count on the electronic viewfinder. With the Panasonic electronic viewfinder, you can easily capture perfect photographs in brighter light, capturing a sharp image every time.
3. Sony Cyber-Shot HX80
Another wonderful camera with lots of versatility is the Sony Cyber-Shot. This camera incorporates all the complicated features of a professional camera into a point and shoot format, including amazing zoom and fast photo shooting.
To ensure your photos comes out as sharp as possible, the Cyber-Shot uses its impressive ZEISS optics and an Exmor R CMOS Sensor. It also has wireless connectivity, which means you can easily hook it up to your smartphone or computer if needed.
4. Canon PowerShot G9 X Mark II
As you may have noticed in our overview already, some point and shoot cameras can be very impressive. This also applies to the G9 X Mark II. To find out why this camera is so outstanding, let’s take a closer look at the features.
The Canon X Mark II has a slim design, which makes it very portable and lightweight. Still, despite the lighter weight and the compact design, you can still count on some powerful photography technology. This includes the DIGIC 7 image processor.
With the DIGIC 7 image processor, your images can benefit from powerful noise reduction at even the highest ISO settings. As a result, you can capture crisp images in almost all light situations. The technology also caters to better tracking and detection, which rivals some of the more advanced cameras out there. So, the X mark certainly does not have to bow down to the more expensive camera options out there.
What Is A Wide Angle Camera?
A wide angle camera is a camera that has been equipped with a wide angle lens. This unique kind of lens has a smaller focal length compared to normal camera lenses. Because of the smaller focal length, it is able to incorporate more of the environment than a regular lens could. So, it is no surprise that wide angle cameras prove especially popular among real estate agents and landscape photographers.
Evidently, wide angle lenses need to be of a specific size to be classified as a wide angle lens. 35mm or less is considered as a wide angle lens. These lenses are available in prime and zoom versions. Let’s look at the difference!
Prime Lens
The prime version has a fixed short focal length. When you operate a camera with this kind of prime lens, you will have to move a lot more, as you need to get closer to your subject. On the flip side, most prime lenses are considerably lighter and cost less than their zoom equivalents.
Zoom Lens
Contrary to the prime version, the zoom lens has a focal length that can be changed depending on your needs. So, you could take a wide range of photographs with various levels of zoom with a single lens. On the flip side, a zoom lens can be a lot heavier than a prime lens. They can also be quite expensive, so you must be willing to invest if you want a decent lens for your camera.
Can Wide Angle Lenses have Different Widths?
Now that we have covered the different types of wide angle lenses that can be added to a camera, we also need to look at the actual width of them. It is important to distinguish between standard wide angle, wide angle and ultra wide angle. So, let’s take a look at the options that are out there for you.
Standard Wide Angle Lenses
The standard wide angle has been determined between 24mm and 35mm.
Wide Angle Lenses
The width of the wide angle lens has been determined between 16mm and 24mm.
Ultra Wide Lenses
The ultra wide lenses are all lenses that are smaller than 16mm.
Since there are various widths available, you may wonder what the best option is for you. Even though every lens has its own benefits, beginners just need to remember that lenses between 16-35mm are the most popular.
Are There Different Types Of Wide Lenses?
We already defined the width of lenses, but we have not discussed the types yet. To truly understand what wide lenses can do, let’s have a look at the most common wide lenses and what they are used for.
Fisheye Wide Angle Lenses
The fisheye lens is a wide-angle lens. It provides a view angle of 180 degrees, which gives you quite the field of view. Because of the wide field of view, they also provide some lens distortion.
Some cameras have fisheye lenses built into them. One of them is an action camera called the GoPro, which often benefits action photography. You can also purchase fisheye lenses from brands such as Canon. You can find options between 6mm and 8mm.
Rectilinear Wide Angle Lenses
The rectilinear wide angle lens is characterised by a faint barrel distortion, which can be more pronounced on certain lenses than others. However, the effect it creates is not as dramatic as the fisheye; this because these lenses does not provide a full 180 degree view.
Now, rectilinear lenses can come in various focal lengths, including the Sigma 8-16mm that is commonly used for cropped-sensor cameras. If you are looking for a decent all-round rectilinear option, then the Canon EF 28mm f/1.8 USM and Canon 24mm f/1.4L II. When you look through these lenses, you will notice that some are more expensive than others. So, you may want to consider budget before you pick up a rectilinear lens for your collection.
Tilt-Shift Wide Angle Lenses
These lens types interact with perspective distortion, which can often occur in wide angle lenses. They basically take your rectilinear effect just a little further by providing a much larger image.
One of the biggest advantages is that you can independently move the plane of focus, which is not possible with all lenses. As you can move horizontally as well as vertically, it enables you to make converging lines parallel and vice versa.
The only true downside of the tilt-shift lens is that they can be quite expensive. For beginning photographers, this kind of lens is almost completely out of their price range. However, if you make the move to fine-art photography, you may want to consider investing in this kind of lens.
There are countless tilt-shift lenses out there, but one of the better lenses that will give you value for money is the Canon EF TS-E 17mm. While it is quite the expensive option, it does come with its own sub-wavelength structure and a super spectra coating that can minimise ghosting and flare. You can also count aspherical and UD lens element to the benefits, which can minimise chromatic aberrations a great deal. And, with a floating internal focus mechanism, you can get excellent images no matter which range you are using.
The Canon EF TS-E 17mm is an excellent option, but as we mentioned they can be expensive. Fortunately, there are some more affordable options out there you can start out with. You can always upgrade later.
What Are Point-And-Shoot Cameras?
Point-and-shoot cameras are also referred to as compact cameras. Point and shoot cameras are designed for simple operation. If any additional features are present in a compact camera, they will be heavily automated. So, anyone who likes to take photos but does not want to worry about fine-tuning a million different settings can find their perfect camera in a regular point and shoot.
Which Is Better, DSLR Or Point And Shoot?
This is a difficult question to answer, as both DSLR and point and shoot cameras have their own set of advantages. For example, point and shoot cameras are generally more compact and do not weigh a lot, making the more portable. You also do not have to worry about switching out lenses and the price is quite good too.
On the flip side, DSLR cameras are more likely to provide better image quality, can be adapted to meet the environment and give you more control as a photographer. At the end of the day, you must decide which benefits are most important to you.
One way to determine which camera is best for you is by making a decision between a separate lens and a built-in lens. If you don’t like the idea to switch out lenses to get the best zoom, then the compact camera will be your recommended option. However, if you are thinking about superior zoom and do not mind switching out lenses to get the right zoom result, then the DSLR might be the best option.
Video is usually not a determining factor when it comes down to choosing between the DSLR and compact, as even the compact options come with video these days. Video quality can be somewhat impacted if you choose a cheaper model, but the difference is not massive.
If you want superior video, you may want to consider a dedicated video camera instead. Evidently, they also come with their own zoom and video image capabilities, but that’s a whole other topic to discuss.
Finally, if you are thinking about a decent camera for family photography, you may want to stick with the compact option. Compact options provided advanced features, but remain within a family’s budget. They are also smaller and therefore easier to carry around, which is a great feature to have for those family days out.
1. Canon EOS Rebel
Canon creates some of the best cameras in the world, so it is no surprise they start our list of great wide angle camera options. The Canon EOS Rebel is compatible with a great deal of lens options; this includes the 58mm wide angle lens and 2x telephoto lens.
The internal mechanism of the Canon EOS Rebel is impressive too, which is needed if you want outstanding photos with a wide angle lens. It comes with a 24.1 MP APS-C CMOS sensor and the much-desired DIGIC 4+ image processor. As a result, you can count on high-resolution photographs that are crisp clear and with reduced noise. Considering this camera also has a powerful processor, you can also count on a continuous shooting feature!
2. Canon EOS Mark II
The Mark II is one of the most expensive recommendations in this overview, but it does provide countless features in return. So, let’s delve right in.
When you have quite the lens selection at home, the Canon EOS Mark II is bound to deliver. It features an autofocus with 45 cross-type focus points, which means your lens choice will deliver in dark conditions as well as lighter ones.
One of the more interesting features with this camera is that it has a built-in GPS tracker as well. What this means is that you can track your location, including where you shoot certain photographs. If you are into nature photography, this is one of the features you should get this camera for.
Like most advanced camera options these days, the EOS 6D Mark II also contains bluetooth. It can easily make a connection to all kinds of smart devices, which in turn enables you to upload your images and 4K video at a drop of a hat.
When you choose the Canon EOS 6D II, you can also use the photo companion application, provided by Canon. This particular app can be quite useful for hobby photographers, as it provides a treasure trove of knowledge in minimal time.
- Canon EOS 6D Mark II DSLR Camera Body Comes With all Canon Accessories + Full CANON USA Warranties
- Featuring 26.2MP Full-Frame CMOS Sensor, DIGIC 7 Image Processor, Full HD Video at 60 fps; Digital IS, Built-In GPS, Bluetooth & Wi-Fi with NFC. Dust and Water-Resistant; Dual Pixel CMOS AF and Movie Servo AF; 3″ 1.04m-Dot Vari-Angle Touchscreen LCD
- Premium Ritz Camera Bundle Includes: Canon EOS 6D Mark II DSLR Camera Body, Vivitar Battery Grip for Canon 6D MKII, Vidpro 4-in-1 USB SD Card Reader/Writer,
Final Wide Angle Point And Shoot Tip
Wide angle point and shoot is something that takes a little time to master, especially if you are combining both skills together. With this, it is important to remember that the results you obtain can be somewhat dependent on the equipment you use. This does not mean you have to purchase the most expensive lens or camera from the start.
Choose a more affordable option to begin with and build your photography collection over time. Not only will this help you master image quality, it also allows for more experimentation with various lenses and allows you to develop your own style.
