With the advent of smartphones, investing in a camera for a hobby naturally seems like a wrong move. It is, however, anything but. Because when it comes to moments as good as your wedding anniversary, your child’s first walk, or your first trip to the Northern Lights, they deserve a high-resolution device with unlimited photographic abilities that can capture the right details for you – and add it into the trove of beautiful memories. Now, we’re not asking you to jump into a DSLR immediately; you can start by easing your way into photography with these cameras.
For photography – Nikon Z5
Behind every award-winning (or in this era, Instagram-worthy) picture, tons of effort go into its composition, lighting, and timing, to name a couple. With the Nikon Z5, however, getting that golden shot is seemingly effortless no matter where the user is on his photographic journey.
This is because the full-frame mirrorless camera, for one, packs a five-axis vibration reduction technology that allows you to capture subjects or landscapes at any shutter speed—and in every light situation—without the stability and composure of a tripod. The Z5, for another, allows users to set various shooting settings, such as aperture and ISO according to world-class photographers’ cheat sheets in custom profiles, and access them in their photography session just by turning a dial.
SAFRA members can purchase a Z5 and receive free gifts worth up to S$533. Promotion ends 31 August 2021. More information here.
For videography – Nikon Z50
Don’t get us wrong, the Nikon Z50 is as capable as its aforementioned relative in producing quality pictures. With its DX 16-50mm f/3.5-6.3 and DX 50-250mm f/4.5-6.3 vibration reduction (VR) kit lens, the Z50 might even be better than the Z5 as it has that added versatility in capturing a range of shots.
What makes Z50 stand out more, though, is its ability in shooting videos. The light and compact mirrorless camera can not only film in up to 4K30p resolution, but also 120fps slow motion at 1080p all across the full sensor width, rather than a cropped version that some cameras do. The Z50 is also packed with video features like the Timelapse Movie mode which does what its name suggests, as well as video trimming on the camera itself.
SAFRA members can purchase a Z50 and receive free gifts worth up to S$533. Promotion ends 31 August 2021. More information here.
For hybrid – Sony a7C
Whether it is for photography or for videography, the Sony a7C is a suitable companion for both.
For the former, the vintage-looking camera features a 24.2MP full-frame sensor that can quickly capture high-resolution imagery with minimal noise; boasts an ISO range of 100-51200 (expandable to 50-204800) that handles challenging lighting environments, and incorporates a five-axis in-body image stabilization so shooting stills and videos with a tripod or a gimbal is unnecessary. Not to mention, a7C also has reliable and fast autofocus functions that can keep pace with moving subjects, and even moving eyes.
For the latter, the a7C can film 4K up to 30 fps for videos, and up to 120 fps for slow motion videos. Headphone and microphone jacks are included so users can record and monitor audio directly through the body—and with its Multi-Interface Shoe technology, the audio will, more often than not, be crisp, clean, and clear.
SAFRA members can purchase an a7C + GP-VBT2PT grip at a discounted price and receive a free NPFZ100 battery. Promotion ends 31 August 2021 and is applicable to all Sony Stores except for Sony Store, Changi Airport and Sony Store, Online. Refer here for more information.
For value for money – Sony RX100 VII
The Sony RX100 VII might be the smallest camera in this line-up, it is by no means weaker than its counterparts. (In fact, its pocket-friendliness is one of its assets.)
In essence, the RX100 VII possesses a one-inch image sensor, a versatile 24-200mm (35mm equivalent) zoom range, a 20fps continuous burst mode shooting, a built-in image stabilization, and relatively similar autofocus technologies as those above. Not to mention, an integrated flash and a flip-up LCD screen well-suited for shots that require an extra eye. Thus, whether you’re looking for a photography or a videography tool, the RX100 VII is more than capable of doing the job.
SAFRA members can purchase a RX100 VII + VCT-SGR1 grip at a discounted price and receive a free camera case. Promotion ends 31 August 2021 and is applicable to all Sony Stores except for Sony Store, Changi Airport and Sony Store, Online. Refer here for more information.
Featured image: Shutterstock
