Still there are fans for digital cameras

A photographer shoots with a model to explain the fine features of a newly launched mirrorless camera.

For Filipino expat and professional photographer Gilbert Belleza, the annual foray to Gitex Shopper in Dubai means exploring the best digital camera. And for this year's edition, it means scoring the best compact system camera (mirrorless digital camera) he could buy.
When asked by Khaleej Times, why he paid big bucks (he bought a Sony a7 III Alpha Mirrorless Digital for Dh9,000) when he could get both the latest iPhone and Samsung smartphones with the money, he simply replied: "It's the picture (and video) quality that counts.
"True that smartphones are now amazing," he told Khaleej Times on Thursday. "But the pictures and videos are not as great and stunning as those taken by digital cameras," he added.
"Yes I paid more - actually three times more than the average smartphone - but for me, being a photographer, the most important thing is to be able to control the lens. Being able to zoom in and zoom out without losing picture quality is very important for composition and presentation," said Belleza, who works as a photographer-videographer at Wafi Mall.
"I know bloggers would say that it is more convenient to use a smartphone. But with my digital camera, I usually don't need much digital enhancement," added Belleza, who said he had bought at least two cameras in the past editions of Gitex and for his latest addition he bought this week.
Another photo enthusiast Aarone Marinas said he also preferred digital cameras than smartphones. "The battery of smartphones run out easily while compact digital cameras can typically take between 400 and 500 photographs per charge," he explained.
"Although I also use smartphone, especially when taking live videos for social media, but for action shots, I only use digital cameras," Marinas, who works as photographer for JK Sports, added.
"Only digital cameras can offer optical or sensor stabiliser that reduces shaking when taking fast-moving action shots," he explained.
"One drawback, however, when you go for a digital camera is the price - it's really more expensive than smartphones," added Marinas, who started as a photography hobbyist using an entry-level digital camera five years ago before venturing into more serious business in photography.
"But if you want to become a more serious photographer who would like to experiment with shutter speed and aperture and eventually develop your photography skills, it is always best to invest in buying digital camera and add to your bucket list a versatile lens," he added.
"Good thing, there is Gitex Shopper in Dubai every year. So my advice is to save and hunt for the best bargain," Marinas concluded.
angel@khaleejtimes.com

• UAE
• Dubai