EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT EVIL CAMERAS (AND BRIDGE)

Are you one of those who, when beginning to investigate technological advances, navigate between amazement, boredom, boredom and stupefaction among such terminology, and English names of doubtful translation? Well, many of us have been through that, many of us have surrendered in the second paragraph of reading between yawning noises, many of us, so expert in photography, have ended up recommending our best friend looking for his new camera, " one-anyone-because-all-are-fine ”, all so as not to have to dive among such absurd terminology. I'm wrong? And if I tell you that in a general way, with knowing four types of camera are you up to date with almost everything that exists in the market today? Compact cameras-> Bridge cameras-> EVIL cameras-> SLR cameras In this order, from "less professional to more", in quotes, because there is always one in its branch so good that it manages to be better than the simplest of the next group (not everything was going to be so easy), but in a generic way these They are the four groups that should sound to you when identifying the type of cameras. Each with its subgroups, with its largest or smallest sensors, and with its peculiarities of brand, design, megapixels, and so on. Today we will focus on the two intermediates, since the compact ones imagine that you already know them, and if not, take a look at this article , which also offers you a list with the 10 “best”, and to the SLRs we have dedicated them More than one article in the blog.

WHAT IS A BRIDGE CAMERA?

Bridge cameras also known as "advanced compact cameras", are those that are a step in performance and quality than the classic compact. Its sensor is larger , so its size also increases with respect to the latter. However, they are still relatively small and light weight cameras (from about 300gr. To 650 gr.) In relation to the SLRs, for example (and taking into account that it is the full weight, with zoom included). Its optics are not interchangeable , although they come equipped with an integrated zoom with a good focal range and good brightness. They offer, also by difference with the compact “classic” less automated modes that allow to control speed, diaphragm or ISO, as well as the possibility of shooting in RAW and the use of different semi-manual and manual modes. Its nickname of Bridge or Bridge cameras , refers to its intermediate range between compact cameras and SLR cameras, both in performance and price (always generalizing).

WHO ARE BRIDGE CAMERAS AIMED AT?

Bridge cameras are aimed at amateur users looking for comfort and versatility , since they are complete cameras, which do not need more investment (their zoom covers most everyday situations), allows you to work in a very automated way (so it does not require too much knowledge photographic) but at the same time allows the evolution of photographic learning to a more advanced stage such as mastery or knowledge of semi-manual or manual modes.

WHAT IS AN EVIL CAMERA?

EVIL cameras are named for their acronym in English: Electronic Viewfinder Interchangeable Lenses, acronym that already gives us an approximate idea of ??the type of camera we are going to find, although that is not all The Evil cameras are mirrorless cameras , allowing them a body more compact and unobtrusive a reflex and weighing less than these. In fact, the Bridge and the EVIL closely resemble volume and weight, always depending on the objective incorporated into the EVIL. Its sensor is considerably larger than the compact and the Bridge, and increasingly resembles that of the DSLR, so many EVIL models are able to compete perfectly with a SLR. They have interchangeable optics just like any SLR camera, although they do not have as much variety as DSLRs. However, some come with the possibility of using an adapter that allows them to use SLR lenses. Although they started with very high prices , every day more brands add to the “fashion” of EVIL, and constant competition and improvements, make new models appear with multiple improvements and lower prices. They also have all the “advanced” functions of a SLR: automatic, semi-manual and manual modes, ISO control, RAW files, and so on.

ADVANTAGES AND DISADVANTAGES OF AN EVIL OVER BRIDGE CAMERAS

Advantage:

Greater sensor and therefore better image quality.
It retains similar size and weight.
Exchangeable optics.

Disadvantages:

Highest price

ADVANTAGES AND DISADVANTAGES OF AN EVIL OVER SLR CAMERAS

Advantage:

Smaller size and weight
The absence of a mirror reduces the trepidations associated with its movement.
The absence of a mirror makes them less "vulnerable" mechanically.
They have the same modes (manual and semi-manual as a SLR)
They allow you to see live image results on the screen at exposure level and depth and field (focus) in a similar way to the Live View of SLR cameras.
The design is very careful; "Enter by sight"

Disadvantages:

The sensor is usually smaller than in SLR cameras, although they are increasingly similar , especially the high range of these EVILs with respect to some low or medium range SLRs.
Less variety in optics and / or accessories than SLRs, although many models have adapters to make them compatible with the objectives of their own brands.
Contrast focus system , less accurate and slower than the one used in SLR (focus detection system)
Some models do not have an integrated viewfinder , which for some may be inconvenient.
Price: Some models can be much more expensive than a SLR of basic or medium range, although the benefits of both must always be equated, since sometimes the difference is "worth it" and sometimes not so much.

WHO ARE EVIL CAMERAS AIMED AT?

Just as not all SLR cameras are oriented to the same photographer profile, it is also difficult to generalize with respect to EVIL cameras, since they cover a wide range of models, qualities and prices. However, in general, we can affirm that they are cameras for advanced amateurs , who look for good quality with comfort and design, and with a series of advanced functions at their disposal. They are cameras that invite you to participate in the photographic process just like you should do with a SLR, no automatisms, please They are very valuable to put them in automatic !. So if you think that a Bridge falls short and a SLR seems cumbersome or unusable, if you spend the day photographing with the Smartphone and have become accustomed to framing through the screen, this may be your ideal type of camera .

RECOMMENDED EVIL CAMERAS

If you have been wanting to take a deeper look at some EVIL cameras that you can find in the market, here I leave you a few recommendations, very good, and of different range for you to take a look at.

- - Advanced range: Fuji X-T3 or Olympus OM-D E-M5 Mark II
- - Mid-range: Olympus E-M10 Mark-II or Sony a6000
- Start range: Olympus Pen E-PL8

GALLERY (OR IMAGES THAT ARE WORTH A THOUSAND WORDS )

And if the explanation has known you little, here are a few images to open your mouth, all taken with EVIL cameras

IN CONCLUSION

If you want quality without carrying weight, if travel and adventure are your thing, if you want a travel companion , or a serene life, but a camera that always goes with you and does not ask many questions, this is your camera for Street Photography , portrait, landscape, whatever comes your way. It weighs little, is discreet and every day they are better and have less to envy to the SLR. Of course, if yours is high speed, forget about EVIL, at least for the moment, we already comment on its “slowness” of focus on SLR. Apart from that, I don't know if the day when the SLRs are the ones that have much to envy these small-big EVILs and make sense of these malicious acronyms is very far away. That's it, I hope this article has been useful to you to shed some light on this curious world of nomenclatures and code codes that sometimes takes us headlong into photography. If so, I would love you to share it with who you think can take advantage of it on Facebook, Twitter or Google +. And as always, thanks