Camera Comparison

does your camera really matter?
This is a comparison among 4 different types of digital cameras - a semi-professional dSLR, an entry-level dSLR, an advanced compact, and a point-and-shoot - of varying costs. This comparison attempts to elucidate whether the type and/or cost of digital camera used to take a photo makes a significant impact on the final photo assuming proper adjustments in aperture, shutter speed, exposure, etc and post-editing. 

Camera: Nikon D80 

Type: semi-professional dSLR
Lens: Nikon AF-S DX Zoom Nikkor 18-55mm F/3.5-5.6 G ED II
Megapixels: 10.2 MP
Cost: $1100

Camera: Olympus E-410 
Type: entry-level dSLR
Lens: Olympus Zuiko Digital 14-42mm 1:3.5-5.6 ED
Megapixels: 10 MP

Cost: $600 


Camera: Konika Minolta dImage Z6 
Type: advanced compact
Lens: Built-in 
Megapixels: 6 MP
Cost: $200


Camera: Canon Powershot S100 Digital Elph 
Type: point-and-shoot
Lens: Built-in 
Megapixels: 2 MP

Cost: $50 



Aperture: F/5.0
Shutter Speed: Auto - 1/30
ISO: 100
Exp +/-: 0.0
White balance, Tone, Sharpness, Color, and Saturation: Auto
Flash: Off
Post-editing: Curves on GIMP for contrast

Aperture: F/5.3
Shutter Speed: Auto - 1/60
ISO: 100
Exp +/-: 0.0
White balance, Tone, Sharpness, Color, and Saturation: Auto
Flash: Off
Post-editing: Curves on GIMP for contrast

Aperture: F/5.0
Shutter Speed: Auto - 1/80
ISO: 100
Exp +/-: 0.0
White balance, Tone, Sharpness, Color, and Saturation: Auto
Flash: Off
Post-editing: Curves on GIMP for contrast and color

Aperture: Unavailable
Shutter Speed: Unavailable
ISO: 100
Exp +/-: Unavailable
White balance, Tone, Sharpness, Color, and Saturation: Unavailable 
Flash: Off
Post-editing: Curves on GIMP for contrast and color


Overall similar results among all cameras. This comparison does not provide a clear-cut answer to whether your camera really matters. Acknowledge the underlying confounding factors such as megapixels, brand, etc, that may affect the results. It is up to you to use this comparison with other resources to come to a final conclusion.  


Similar favorite photos taken using each camera

photo taken by camera from left to right: Nikon D80, Olympus E-410, Konica Minolta dImage Z6, Canon Powershot S100 Digital Elph 


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