In the face of the omnipresent propagation of smartphones, we have all grown accustomed to encapsulating our memories through the lenses of our handheld devices. The act of extracting a smartphone at any given moment to capture a snapshot has become a commonplace occurrence. With the persistent amplification of built-in camera features and rapid technological advancement, we can execute fairly commendable shots even without professional photographic knowledge.
One of the merits of smartphone photography is the convenience of being able to use the device for capturing images anytime and anywhere. The drawback, however, lies in the fact that the size of the camera is limited, and it depends on software processing (automatic sharpening, automatic exposure, etc.), which somehow restrains the enhancement of image quality. If you aspire to capture exclusive and highly qualitative photographs, and crave more ideas and inspiration for settings and styles, it is highly recommended you consider utilizing a digital single-lens reflex camera (DSLR)!
This article aims to illuminate numerous benefits of using a digital single-lens reflex camera, which can be readily learned even by non-professional photographers. We will also provide key criteria to consider when electing a camera and introduce the five most popular camera brands on the Japanese market.
Together, let’s delve into the world of professional camera brands, as well as the diverse types and advantages of SLR cameras!
Unlock the five paramount benefits of digital SLR cameras!
Digital SLR cameras may initially appear to be somewhat intimidating, but they are incredibly beginner-friendly! Digital SLR cameras come equipped with built-in automatic and semi-automatic modes.
You merely have to press the shutter button to shoot in full automatic mode. This empowers even novices to effortlessly take stunning photographs. If you harbor an inkling of curiosity for photography and wish to evolve into an amateur photographer, there is a plethora of free resources online. These tutorials will guide you on how to easily master your camera!
Enhance the quality of your pictures: With an SLR camera, you can take shots that are multiple times sharper than smartphone images.
Background Blur: Want the subject in your image to stand out? Adjust the aperture, and you will achieve the background blur effect.
Change lenses at will: Want to shoot distant objects, large scenes, or minute details? Simply switch the lens, and you can shoot however you fancy.
Capture Dynamics: The auto-focus speed is lightning fast. Even a swift-moving dog can be clearly and accurately captured.
Bluetooth Transmission: Have you taken a photo and want to share it on social media right away? Connect it via Bluetooth, and your photo will be transferred to your phone in a blink of an eye.
Diverse Formats: In addition to the usual JPGs, you can also shoot in Raw formats, which provides ample room for post-processing.
A digital single-lens reflex camera is an intuitive and simple tool to make photography look natural. If the picture quality of your smartphone camera no longer suffices, you should give a digital SLR camera a try. It will open up an entirely new visual world for you. Our recommendation is to start with a DSLR camera with Bluetooth functionality. Now you can not only enjoy the joy of photography, but also share your best shots quickly and easily, like with a smartphone.
Main criteria when selecting a digital single-lens reflex camera
Cameras are products that shine in all four seasons and in every imaginable context. However, given all the brands and models on the market, it can be a headache to make the right choice. It is often hard to decide which product is most suitable, and what the differences in functions are. Fear not, we will guide you into finding the perfect DSLR camera for yourself!
Let’s together look into the factors we need to consider when choosing the ideal digital single-lens reflex camera for ourselves!
- What are your primary shooting scenes?
Firstly, ask yourself, what do you want to capture with your camera? Do you want to document daily life or do you want to try more specialized shooting techniques?
If you only want to capture daily life, most cameras on the market can meet your needs. You can pick out any camera and it will deliver satisfying shots. However, if you want to try out certain photographic styles or special scenes and images, you will need to look for a DSLR that fulfills special functions.
For instance, if you want to shoot moving objects (e.g. sports events, kids, pets, etc.), we recommend you choose a DSLR model with the capability for fast continuous shooting (multiple shots per second) and continuous auto focus!
But if you are interested in macro photography and want to take close-ups of insects or flowers, a camera with a high-resolution sensor, focus-stacking, and an adjustable display would be your ideal pick.
If you often shoot in low-light environments, like at night, on camping grounds or in aquariums, a camera with a large sensor and excellent ISO performance will capture images that would be unreachable for other cameras. In the past, cameras with full-frame sensors were a costly choice that deterred many people. However, over recent years, many affordable options have appeared on the market. If the cost-performance ratio is right, it is definitely worth considering these!
- Consider the size and weight of the camera body
The second factor you need to consider is: “How large/heavy is the camera body?”
Currently, there are mainly two kinds of professional-looking cameras on the market: DSLRs and mirrorless cameras. True DSLRs have a mirror inside, which allows you to see the light coming in directly. Therefore, these cameras are generally bigger and heavier. In contrast, mirrorless cameras are compact and hence the first choice if you want to carry them around in your pocket.
When considering the size of the camera body, you should also think about how you will use the camera. Do you carry the camera only during certain activities, do you shoot while walking, or do you have to carry it also while traveling?
- How good is the camera’s continuous shooting function?
The third key criterion is the camera’s continuous shooting function, also known as continuous shot.
As we already mentioned, it is very beneficial to have a rapid continuous shooting function when you are photographing moving subjects, like sports events, animals or children. This allows the camera to continuously make uninterrupted shots, ensuring each remarkable moment is captured. Don’t miss out on any great moments anymore!
Entry-level cameras usually achieve a continuous shooting rate of up to 7 frames per second, which is already very good. However, many mid-level to high-end DSLRs and mirrorless cameras can offer a speed of 10 to 15 frames per second, which is more than enough for most amateurs. In optimum conditions, high-end models can even achieve a continuous shooting speed of up to 120 frames per second, which is quite impressive. However, for most users, this high speed is not necessary and a lot of storage space is needed to store these images.
- Is the camera’s control panel and user interface clearly designed?
In selecting your camera, the fourth aspect, the arrangement of buttons and the design of the user interface, must not be underestimated.
Entry-level cameras generally use intuitive and easy-to-operate dial arrangements, while high-end models offer more detailed and complex control options, including custom program buttons, allowing the user to quickly access a variety of complex and advanced photographic functions.
If you are a newbie in the world of photography or don’t need to make complex adjustments during use, a camera with simple and clear operation might be a better choice for you. This makes it easier to operate and prevents you from accidentally changing settings or entering confusing menus before you become familiar with camera operation. Conversely, if you are already familiar with complicated camera menus and settings, need precise adjustments, or already have a good understanding of professional photography and are ready to deepen your photographic skills, a camera with advanced function buttons might better suit you.
Additionally, many modern cameras, in addition to physical exterior buttons, also feature a touchscreen. This makes browsing menus and changing settings via the touchscreen more intuitive and convenient. Moreover, many camera models come with a flexible display that can be flipped or tilted. This allows you to easily check the shot image even when the shooting angle is limited or the position is inconvenient.
What is the difference between a single-lens reflex and a mirrorless camera?
Currently, there are mainly two types of professional cameras on the market: DSLRs and mirrorless cameras.
Apart from the size differences we already mentioned, both bear their pros and cons, but what exactly are the differences?
Digital Single-Lens Reflex Camera
Originally, the Single-Lens Reflex (SLR) camera used a mirror to show you the image that would appear on the film. Today’s Digital SLRs (DSLRs) have kept this mirror design but use digital sensors instead of traditional film. This has led to SLR cameras becoming DSLR cameras.
One of the main features of the Digital SLR (DSLR) is its interchangeable lens design. You can choose the lens according to your photographic needs and styles, which offers a lot of flexibility. That’s one of the reasons why many photo enthusiasts and professionals opt for a DSLR. A notable advantage of DSLR cameras is that you can directly see the subject through the viewfinder. This allows you to adjust the composition and shooting settings more intuitively, making it easier to achieve the desired shooting result. However, the complex mirror system inside the DSLR makes the camera larger and heavier. Plus, you have to carry spare lenses with you, which adds to the total weight of your gear. Therefore, it can be slightly inconvenient during long shooting sessions.
Mirrorless and Bridge Cameras
In the following, we would like to further elucidate the mirrorless camera and the associated bridge camera design. Bridge cameras are also referred to as quasi-single-lens reflex cameras. As the name suggests, the cardinal distinction between mirrorless cameras and DSLRs is that they do not incorporate a mirror system internally and must view the image via an electronic viewfinder (EVF).
However, precisely because mirrorless cameras lack these mirror components, their bodies are smaller and lighter than DSLRs. On the other hand, bridge cameras are mirrorless cameras that do not permit lens interchange. They have a permanently attached lens that can modify their zoom. Therefore, while maintaining high image quality and professional functions, mirrorless cameras are comparatively more portable and highly suitable for travel and daily shooting.
For those who primarily engage a camera for travel, a bridge camera could potentially be a highly appropriate selection. Their small dimensions, lightweight nature, and lack of need for additional lenses are their strengths, particularly the absence of additional lenses, but their image quality and capabilities are not as comprehensive as those of other camera types.
Five recommended Japanese camera manufacturers
There are multiple manufacturers in Japan that produce diverse types of digital SLR cameras. Even though these camera products might look similar at first glance, there are significant discrepancies in the details. Therefore, be assiduously comparative and discover the camera that fits you!
Below, we will introduce the top five Japanese camera manufacturers and recommend them for first-time camera buyers. Concurrently, we will also present each company’s individual peculiarities, enabling you to carefully compare and select.
【Fifth Place】Olympus
The fifth-placed camera manufacturer recommendation is Olympus.
The Olympus Corporation is a Japanese company specializing in optics and imaging. The products encompass microscopes, endoscopes, and other medical devices. Olympus compact cameras with Micro Four Thirds (MFT) sensors are the best choice. These cameras are very suitable for shooting landscapes during travel, but due to the smaller MFT sensor, they might perform a bit worse in poor lighting conditions. The good news is that they can be used with interchangeable lenses from manufacturers like Panasonic and are an ideal choice for video enthusiasts.
【Fourth Place】Panasonic
The fourth-placed camera manufacturer recommendation is Panasonic.
The mirrorless cameras of the Panasonic brand are extremely popular. They have two types of sensor models: large full-frame(F) and smaller Micro Four Thirds (MFT). Both types can be used with high-quality interchangeable lenses from Panasonic and other manufacturers like Leica and Sigma. Also, they have an excellent 4K+ video quality and are an ideal choice for video enthusiasts.
【Third Place】Sony
The third-placed camera manufacturer recommendation is Sony.
Sony manufactures both DSLR and mirrorless cameras. Both types have full-function models that are equipped with full-frame as well as smaller APS-C crop sensors. But as Sony was among the first camera manufacturers to produce mirrorless cameras, they have put more emphasis on the mirrorless camera series. Precisely for this reason, with its long history in the field of mirrorless cameras, reasonable prices, and high-performance devices, Sony has won the preference of photography enthusiasts.
【Second Place】Nikon
The second-placed camera manufacturer recommendation is Nikon.
Nikon mainly focuses on manufacturing DSLR cameras. They produce many models with full-frame sensors and smaller APS-C crop sensors, from high-end professional models to beginner models. Although the brand has few mirrorless camera models, Nikon is often found in recommendation lists for people who shoot vivid colors in nature and landscapes.
【First Place】Canon
The top camera manufacturer recommendation is Canon.
The Canon brand has several SLR and mirrorless camera series, many of which are very suitable for beginners, such as “EOS Kiss M”, “EOS 9000D”, and “EOS X9i”. Therefore, many people believe Canon is the best choice for someone buying their first camera because of its strong ability to capture colors in portrait photography.
Summary
If you believe that a smartphone no longer suffices to meet your shooting requirements and you wish to employ a full-function camera to take pictures, the above-mentioned Japanese companies would surely be included in your buying guide, because the leaders in the camera industry are companies from Japan. Regardless of what you want to shoot, be it delightful time with family and friends or the beautiful scenery on journeys, the cameras of these major manufacturers are very suitable for shooting and images.
In this article, we introduced some popular Japanese camera manufacturers that beginners can use as a reference. We hope it assists you. All these manufacturers have plenty of popular and hotly sought-after models to choose from, and we hope you find the one that you like the most, to record the most beautiful moments and beautiful scenes in your life.
onemall 
zhangzhen