Photography and videography have come a long way in Nepal. While many do it as a hobby, it has also become a bread earner for a lot of youth in the country.
People like Sisan Baniya, who makes videos for a living, have become role models that young people want to emulate. But, how does one choose the right camera? What are the cameras that are available in Nepal? Out of those available, how does one choose the correct one? Don’t worry. We have you covered.
Here, we have a list of cameras that you can consider if you are in a dilemma over what to choose:
1. Canon 90D
Canon’s 80D has been very popular in Nepal thanks to its versatility in capturing both photos and videos relatively easily. However, now with the launch of the 90D, it is likely that people will soon switch to this camera as it offers more features, more control and can be used by both a beginner or a more experienced user.
Design wise, it is similar to its predecessor with a few minor tweaks here and there. But, when it comes to image quality, it is a no-contest. With a new 32.5-megapixel sensor, the 90D is Canon’s highest-resolution APS-C DSLR release and stands out when it comes to its competitors. Its image quality, especially at lower ISOs, is excellent. It shows a lot of detail and gives the user tonal adjustment flexibility. Its performance at higher ISOs is still not up to the standards for low-light photography.
The dedicated phase-detect autofocus system is the same as before, but, thanks to the camera’s updated metering system, the 90D now offers face-detection even when using through-the-viewfinder focusing. The camera is a bit fast too as compared to its predecessors.
The Canon 90D is not perfect, but it is a fantastic camera which is capable of taking great photos, shooting high-resolution videos and sports an excellent autofocus feature.
An ideal camera for those who have already entered the Canon world…
Price: Rs 200,000 (With a kit lens)
2. Canon 7D Mark II
The 7D Mark II is a camera for those interested in sports or wildlife photography. Some might say that there are better cameras in the market due to its modest 20 MP camera, but for shooting a sporting event, not many cameras come close in the price range. Its weather-proofing gives the user the opportunity to shoot in the harshest of conditions. Along with that, its superb autofocus captures moving subjects very sharply.
Its frame rates are quite good and the image quality even at high ISOs is commendable. It is perfect for shooting a game of football under the floodlights. Canon has worked hard on this camera as the level of noise has also been controlled well.
There are some drawbacks too. Given how good the camera is, it still does not shoot 4K videos and has a fixed rear screen which can cause problems if you want dynamic shots. But, given it is an old model, you can disregard those drawbacks.
It is a camera for people who want to capture images quickly. There are better options than this, but if you want a fast and responsive DSLR for sports or action photography, this is a good choice.
Price: Rs 258,000 (with a kit lens)
3. Canon 5D Mark IV
Released in 2016, the 5D Mark IV has been the go-to camera for most professional photographers in Nepal. That is because the camera is reliable, versatile and performs very well. Its 30-megapixel sensor can still compete with the new models released by both cannon and its competitors. The use of Dual Pixel Raw technology coupled with Canon’s DPP software gives users the ability to fine-tune the area of maximum sharpness during post-production.
The reason why many professional photographers use the Mark IV is its ISO range which can be expanded up to 100,000. That means focusing in the dark will not be a big problem anymore. It also shoots 4K videos and has a Dual Pixel CMOS AF for live view and video.
The 5D Mark IV is still very useful all-purpose full-frame DSLR. There are newer products in the market like Sony a99 II and the Nikon D810a but if you want to go for something that is tried and trusted, this is a safety camera to choose.
Price: Rs 344,000
4. Sony A7RIV
Sony has produced some great cameras in the past, but its full-frame a7R IV stands out from the rest. It is the company’s fourth-generation camera that is built around a BSI-CMOS sensor that produces 60-megapixel images. It comes with a pretty sophisticated auto-focus system with refined controls and promises robust build quality. In addition, there is a native sensitivity range of ISO 100-32,000 for both stills and movies. If necessary, the still range can be expanded to ISO 50 to ISO 102,400. Sony has again combined a high-resolution sensor with an impressive autofocus system along with Sony’s much-hyped and highly-regarded Real-time Eye AF.
Thanks to that, many professional photographers say this is the best camera if you are into printing your works and selling it. As photographs, the videos from the a7R IV are excellent. It can capture 4K videos at bit rates that can go up to 100mbps. Great if you are into videography…
This is a solid camera. It is light, handy and ideal for not just landscape and portraits but can be used for sports, action and commercial photography too. If you are looking for an all-round camera and have been using Sony products, this is one that you should consider.
Price: Rs 450,000
5. Nikon D850
Many say that D850 is a camera that has finally stood up to all the marketing hypes Nikon normally puts into its new releases. It offers similar things that its predecessor the D810 offered. But, it is better, has better megapixels, better frame rates, better ISOs and 4K videos. It has also got a better weather-shield body. Its has also got a tilting touch screen.
The 46-megapixel sensor that the camera offers is a big plus for landscape photographers who print the images they capture. The autofocus is excellent too as it offers fast burst shooting as well. Many argue that this is the best camera that Nikon has produced, especially for landscape photographers. If you think you ave passed the beginner phase and are ready for the next step, this is a camera that you should get your hands on. Its closest rival is the Canon 5D Mark IV, but this camera has better resolution, continuous shooting speed and – crucially – full-frame 4K video.
Price: Rs 375,000
6. Panasonic Lumix S1R
Not many people use Panasonic in Nepal. But, if you talk to the ones who do, they will tell you why it is better than Canon or Nikon.
Panasonic’s latest Lumix S1R is the newest member in the full-frame mirrorless camera family. It is great in low light and with a 47-megapixel sensor; it offers great resolutions too. It also shoots videos in 4K at 60 fps which is a first for a full-frame mirrorless camera. The camera also offers a multi-shot high-resolution mode which produces images well beyond the sensor’s native resolution. However, you will need a tripod for that.
Its build is also impressive as it comes with a magnesium alloy construction and weather-sealing technology can make its dust and moisture resistant and freeze-proof down to -10 degrees. Perfect for trekkers who like hiking around the high hills of Nepal…
Even though it offers features its competitors do not, the S1R is not a must-have. It is a bit more expensive than the camera around, which might want you to re-think from buying this. But, once you start using it, it is highly likely that you will love this piece of art.
Price: Rs 430,000
7. Sony A6000
A lot of photo and videographers in Nepal have been using mirrorless cameras by Sony. Like the Mark IV, this too is an old model, but it is still as competitive as it was years ago. Even though it has a few drawbacks, the A6000 is probably the best budget mirrorless camera in the market.
It comes with a sharp 24-megapixel sensor which can compete with any other camera that comes within its price bracket. Its AF is also still relevant. Apart from that, Sony, with this camera, started to produce the most interesting compact system cameras. Its images are sharp and beautifully saturated.
The fact that the camera is only bettered by a few models that too only in a few areas makes it a camera that should be under your consideration. If you like shooting videos, sadly this camera does not support 4K, but apart from that, this camera punches way above its weight. If you are a beginner, this is the camera for you.
Price: Rs 58,000
8. Canon 200d MII
This is the best camera for beginners. It is cheap, has all the necessary features and is handy. The 24-megapixel sensor and cutting-edge DIGIC 7 image processor which has increased its ISO to 51,000 sets itself apart in its price range. Like the Sony A6000, this also does not have 4K video recording, but that should not be a deal-breaker. It is equipped with wifi and Bluetooth.
Canon’s new guided shooting mode is perfect if you are starting off in photography. It is so easy to use; many photographers have said that even a kid can use it. There are a few drawbacks though. Unlike other Canon models, this one does not have the fast processor, nor does it have that sharp flexible auto-focus. But still, a great camera to get started…
Price: Rs 47,000
9. Nikon D 3500
Nikon’s D3500 is another great entry level DSLR. New and beginner-friendly, this camera is adored by photography students and people who want to get into photography. It is light and fast and designed keeping in mind that beginners will be buying this. It has got a built-in guide mode that will help you learn the basics. Its 24-megapixel sensor is as good as any mid-range cameras available in the market. It also has a good 5 fps continuous shooting speed whereas its rivals can only manage around 3 fps.
Shooting in low light with higher ISOs is not recommended, but if you are into travel, pick this light camera and go hiking in the hills. It is light and very easy to use. It is important to note that when choosing a camera for beginners, you should make sure it is straightforward, easy to use, affordable and good. They do not have to be cutting edge. D3500 is not cutting-edge, but it will help you be good enough to get a camera that is cutting-edge.
Price: Rs 53,000
