Good for photos with great detail especially in low light or with moving subjects. In a fraction of a second the camera can focus on the subject of your photo. The lens is removable so that you can use different lenses with different features.

There is a wide variety of SLRs used by both professional and amateur photographers. You can choose a model which suits your photography needs – from a simple model right up to a professional model with a full range of functions.

A full-frame camera has an image sensor 24 x 36mm which is the same size as a 35mm film frame and is larger than most DSLRs which have smaller sensors – many are called APS-size (because they equate to the size of an APS film frame) or others are Four Thirds.

Full-frame has several advantages. They use the full angle of view for which a lens is designed so there is no "field-of-view crop factor" which happens with non full-frame DSLRs.

As sensor size increases, the depth of field will decrease for a given aperture (when filling the frame with a subject of the same size and at the same distance). If you use the same lens on a small-sensor camera and a full-frame camera, and shoot from different distances so that the field of view is the same, the full-frame sensor image will have less depth of field.

Another great advantage is the quality that can be achieved. Full-frame sensors generally have larger pixels which make them more light sensitive and gives them the potential to produce lower image noise and have a higher dynamic range.

You can shoot at higher ISO settings with less visible noise with full-frame sensors than with APS-sized sensors.

The extended version of a compact camera is the compact system camera which has the ability to use interchangeable lenses. These cameras are handier than an SLR but still offer a variety of picture taking opportunities. The camera produces a high quality image as well as offering the option to control how your photos will appear. A major advantage of compact system cameras is that the interchangeable lenses for these cameras are usually lighter than an on an SLR but at the same time giving you the same sharpness.

Compact system cameras are often used by photographers who do not want to walk around with a big SLR but demand high quality results.

If you prefer not to concern yourself about apertures, shutter speeds and ISO values you might want to consider a compact camera. These are simple, lightweight pocket-sized cameras that let you easily create beautiful photos. The camera automatically focuses on the subject and you do not have to understand the technicalities. The fixed lens compact camera also brings with it the advantage that you do not have to carry around a big camera bag.

There are compact cameras at very affordable prices and the compact camera is often used by the photographer who simply wants to take beautiful pictures. If you should want something with more features and be able to set shutter speeds, apertures and ISO values, then perhaps you should think about one of the high-end compact cameras. These are slightly more expensive but have much more extensive facilities.

With a rangefinder camera, the composition is determined by framing the scene in the viewfinder. Because the viewfinder is in a different place to the lens, both parts of the camera "see" a different picture. The viewfinder actually has two lenses in it, and through the use of a mirror in the viewfinder, two images of the same subject are shown and when a ring is rotated on the camera both images eventually coincide. At the moment the image comes into focus, the picture may be taken.

The different perspective seen from the viewfinder compared with the lens is called parallax and needs to be allowed for while shooting with a rangefinder camera. It is especially noticeable when taking photos of subjects close to the camera – else the final picture may be quite different from that intended.

A rangefinder camera has no mirror system like an SLR so these are very quiet cameras to use, ideal in situations where noise is a factor. Because a rangefinder camera has few moving parts, these cameras are relatively light and built to last a lifetime.

Medium format cameras have a sensor larger than 24 x 36mm (full-frame), the largest size in most SLRs for example. Because of the larger sensor, there is a greater surface area for additional pixels and the results are astonishing: these sensors, which provide incredible detail, often have more than 30 megapixels. With such a high number of megapixels there is less visible noise in the result which makes it possible to produce larger prints than with a SLR.

Medium format cameras are primarily used by professional photographers and come in various shapes and sizes.

A distinction is made between two types of cameras: the single-lens and the twin-lens cameras. With a single-lens model the view that the photographer sees is the actual view that will be shot. In a twin-lens model there are two lenses on the camera, one that is “seeing” the actual view and another which is used for composition and focusing. Because there are two lenses on these cameras, when shooting at close distances the effect of parallax may occur because the camera lens is “seeing” a different view than that which the photographer sees through the viewfinder.

Special underwater cameras are made with a dust and waterproof body to prevent water getting inside. They have special seals which prevent water ingress. This makes it possible to photograph the marvellous and mysterious underwater world without worrying about water damage to the camera.

Another option is to use a separate underwater housing, which allows for just about any compact or SLR camera to be used up to 40 metres under water to shoot great pictures. There are underwater housings for many different types of cameras.

Most buttons on the camera also remain accessible when using the underwater housing, so it is possible to alter all settings and functions whilst underwater. Special flashguns can also be purchased to illuminate the underwater world as the light fall-off underwater is quite dramatic.

Lomography is a unique and playful way to create special photographs. Lomography followers use simple analogue cameras to take pictures to achieve various special effects.

Each camera has its own character and gives a special effect. There are cameras with a fisheye lens for ultra-wide effects, Colorsplash cameras with a built-in colour wheel for choosing amazing colour effects on your photos, or cameras with 8 different lenses to shoot 8 frames in succession. With Lomography you can really go in any direction you want.

Please note that you need Lomography camera films to take your photographs. Whereas with a digital camera you can adjust the ISO settings on the camera, with analogue film you decide which film you want and it has a predetermined ISO speed. Keep this in mind when choosing your films.

With video cameras you can capture moving images. These cameras are often typified by their elongated appearance with folding screen to enable you to see what you will shoot. Thus, the camera fits easily in your hand and gives you complete control over your settings.

Things you should look for when buying a video camera are:
- Resolution: The higher the resolution, the more detail your videos will give. Most video cameras today have full HD support which gives maximum detail. However, the higher the resolution, the larger your files are so you need more storage in the camera for those files.
- Zoom range: if it is important for you to get close to your subject, then zoom range is a criterion which should be high on your list.
- Memory: Some video cameras have a built-in hard disk. But if you want to use optional SD memory cards, do not forget them when you order your camera. 55 minutes of Full HD filming can easily fill an 8GB memory card.

Professional video cameras are mainly used in professional video productions. These cameras are usually larger than a regular video camera and are often used for filming “over the shoulder”.

In addition, professional cameras have even higher resolution light sensitive sensors and better processing systems, so that images with higher quality are produced. In addition they have more options for connecting accessories.

Action cameras enable you to film while you are involved in sports activities whilst, at the same time, keeping your two hands free. In these circumstances action cameras are ideal. Action cameras are compact video cameras that can very easily be fitted to a helmet, on your cycle handlebar or on the dashboard of your car. This lets you create videos of your sports activities when you need to keep your hands free. Most action cameras film in Full HD and therefore offer great quality. They are waterproof and shock resistant and thus can be used for numerous applications.

To make shooting fun and easy and to take your videos to a higher level, there are many types of video accessories available for your camera - extra batteries, chargers, camera stabilization systems, microphones, lights or extra memory. In this menu you can find everything you need for making filming easier and more enjoyable.

Standard lenses are lenses in which angle is most consistent with the angle of vision of the human eye – it is neither an expanded nor contracted view. This makes these lenses suitable for a variety of situations and subjects. Due to their 'standard' character, these lenses are not suitable for special situations - for example, if you want to get very close to subjects, a standard lens will probably not be sufficient to achieve your goal.

Telephoto lenses are designed to bring a subject closer than it apparently is – they are commonly used in sports or wildlife photography. These lenses are often also used to 'isolate' the subject from their background. This means that your subject is in focus with the background out of focus which highlights your subject.

Telephoto lenses generally have a focal length of at least 100mm and go up to 800mm or so, and they are especially suited for portrait, sports and wildlife photography.

Wide angle lenses, as the name suggests, give a wide viewing angle to capture more of a scene than a standard lens. Therefore, these lenses are very suitable for landscape, architectural and interior photography, where it is important that much of the area is captured in the frame.

Macro lenses are used to photograph very small subjects where the size of the subject in the photograph is greater than life size (1:1). In most non-macro lenses the point of closest focus is still a long way from the lens so you often cannot get close enough to the subject to capture it as large as you want. With macro lenses the point of closest focus is much closer so that photographing small subjects such as insects is easy.

Most macro lenses are fixed focal length and the most common focal lengths are between 50mm and 100mm. The great benefit of them is that they can also be used for general photography, as they can focus from infinity right down to 1:1 on a single rotation of the focus ring.

With creative lenses you can change the area of sharpness in your photos. Because these lenses have different characteristics to regular lenses, it is possible to bring very specific parts of your photo into focus. This can be a very creative technique and a way of creating images impossible to do with any other lens.

Fisheye lenses are lenses with ultra short focal lengths and therefore an extremely wide angle of view (up to 180°). When you shoot photographs with a fisheye lens you can capture everything which is to your left and right – a true panorama image, but with a distorted perspective.

There are two types of fisheye lens – a circular fisheye which takes in a 180° hemisphere and projects it as a circle within the frame. The other type is the full-frame fisheye that enlarges the image circle to cover the entire rectangular frame.

A characteristic of this type of lens is the distortion of the image – straight lines appear convex, dramatically so with the circular fisheye.

A Tilt & Shift lens (also known as a perspective control lens) is a special kind of lens where it allows the photographer to control the appearance of perspective in the image.

They are often used to avoid convergence of parallel lines, such as when photographing a tall building, which otherwise would exhibit converging vertical lines, especially using a wide angle lens. Using the tilt mechanism, you can ensure that the whole subject remains in focus or only a certain part of the subject. The shift mechanism can straighten distorted vertical lines.

Because of the combination of the tilt and shift mechanism, you have complete control over vertical lines and depth of field. Tilt & Shift lenses are primarily used by landscape and architectural photographers, who can straighten distorted vertical lines, and product photographers who needs complete control over depth of field.

Full-frame lenses are specifically developed to use the full potential of a full-frame camera, and they match the field of view exactly. Conversely, a cropped-sensor DSLR (with a 1.5 crop factor) for example will see a 14-24mm as a 21-36mm, or a 200mm as a 300mm.

The lenses made for full-frame cameras can be used on cameras with APS sized sensors but not vice versa. Lenses designed for cropped field of view camera cannot be used else the rear element will touch the inside of the camera.

In general full-frame lenses are made primarily for the professional, although as more inexpensive full-frame cameras are made that is becoming less true.

Lenses for rangefinder cameras.

Lenses suitable for medium format cameras.

Lenses suitable for compact system cameras.

To make shooting fun and easy and to take your photos to a higher level, there are many types of accessories available for your lens. In this menu you can find everything you need for making photos easier and more enjoyable.

External flash units allow you to illuminate your subject in a different way than is possible with the standard flashgun on your camera. Using an external flash, “red eye” will become a thing of the past. There are many different types of flash units, each with a different application.

There are generally four different types of flash units:

- Handle-mount flash units
- Compact flash units
- Macro flash units
- Slave flash units

Handle-mount flash units
You will often see handle-mount flash units being used in professional) photography. You can attach them alongside the camera and they are often equipped with a swivel head so you can adjust the angle of the flashlight. The advantage of that is that you can prevent unwanted harsh shadows behind your subject by bouncing the flash light off the ceiling for example.

Compact flash units
A compact flash unit is one you can fix directly on top of your camera and they often have a swivel head. As with the handle-mount units, using this type of flashgun makes it possible to indirectly illuminate your subject. More advanced models take into account the focal length of the lens you are using and adjust the flash output accordingly.

Macro flash units
Macro Flashes, also called ring flash units, are designed for macro photography. These units mount on the front of your lens and form a ring around your lens. This results in a beautiful, soft illumination of your subject.

Because these flash units give a soft lighting, the macro flash is much in demand for portrait photography. You can easily recognise a portrait that was taken with a macro flash if you see a circle of light in the eyes of the model.

Slave flash units
A slave flash is a flash that is triggered when the main flash fires. Red eye will be prevented and your flash range will be drastically increased.

Complete flash sets or systems often consist of multiple flash units or lamps together with accessories. Many flash sets include tripods, flash heads, umbrellas and soft boxes.

So if you are looking for a solution such as this, then simply look at our complete flash sets, so you can be ready to pick out a nice set.

If you have purchased a number of external flash units and want to fire them from your camera, you need a unit which sends a signal to a receiver which is attached to the flash unit. In some cases, a lamp or a flash unit has a receiver built-in, so it does not need a separate receiver.

The moment you fire the shutter, the transmitter and receiver communicate with each other and the light sources will fire simultaneously, so that your photos are perfectly exposed.

Many units now transmit their signal wirelessly, but there are also sets that use wires – just watch out that you don’t trip over the wires!

There are transmitters and receivers in all shapes and sizes. Some simply provide a signal, in other cases you tell the unit how powerful the flash light should be at the respective distance. If you want to find out more about the options then take a quick look at our section on transmitters and receivers.
 

A smartphone is a more versatile version of a normal mobile phone - everything you can do with a regular mobile phone (calling, messaging, etc.), you can also do with a smartphone. However a smartphone has features which are not available on an ordinary mobile phone.

Like a computer, a smartphone uses an operating system which allows it to run programs to extend its versatility. Many of these programs are in the form of applications (also called apps) which can be downloaded to the smartphone. There are thousands of these low cost apps available for just about any purpose.

The smart phones of today have such features as built-in Wi-Fi (which allows you to connect to the Internet using a local network) or to connect to the Internet using the mobile network (eg 3G). Many smartphones have a built-in GPS receivers, which allows them to be used as a route planner.

A tablet is best described as a small laptop or notebook computer, but thinner and lighter, without a keyboard, and with touchscreen control. Because it is compact and light it is easy to carry. They also have a much quicker start-up time than a normal laptop.

Tablets do not have the performance of most laptops and notebooks but they are excellent for many of the most used daily functions such as surfing the Internet, word processing, spreadsheets and many other useful programs. They have far better battery life than laptops so can be used for many hours before requiring recharging.

A major advantage of tablets over laptops is that tablets are optimized for reading digital books (eBooks) or eNewspapers and with their good battery life they are ideal for this purpose.

There are many accessories for smartphones or tablets – including carrying cases and sleeves to protect them whilst being carried, stands to hold them whilst being used, and a huge variety of books to help you understand more about what you can do with them.

There are also numerous cables and adapters for your smartphones and tablets to enable them to be connected in many different ways – for example, for charging, to transfer data and play audio and video on external devices.

Bags especially designed for compact cameras.

These bags are very handy and easy to carry. There are many different types and designs available, so there is something for everyone, so if you are looking for a handy bag for your compact camera then a compact bag is the right choice for you!
 

A holster bag is designed to transport and protect your DSLR. Because they have a broad top and narrow bottom to accommodate a DSLR with a lens, these bags look like a kind of snout.

A holster bag is a top loader, which means that the specific shape fits your camera plus lens with only one way in, with the lens down. This allows you to easily remove the camera from the bag by grasping the camera body and it is then in an optimal position, ready to capture your subject.

A holster bag is generally not large and can accommodate one body with attached lens and possibly an extra battery or other small accessories. There are also bags with a longer snout for a body with a larger lens. Holster bags are therefore an especially good choice if you do not have more than one combination on the road with you.
 

A sling bag is a cross between a backpack and a belt and it is worn over one shoulder with a strap that winds around the chest resting the bag on the lower back. Thus, a sling bag will not slip from your shoulder, which in turn benefits the comfort.

If you want to remove your camera, then pull on the handle. The zipper is placed so that you can easily access your equipment without worrying that it might fall out of the bag. A sling bag is a good choice for long walks and short trips.
 

A shoulder bag is a bag with a strap that you can carry over one shoulder. The big advantage of a shoulder bag is that you can get to your equipment without putting the bag on the ground. You access your equipment from the top of the bag, which is why they are sometimes called toploaders.

If you’re going out with a body and a lens or two, then a shoulder bag can be a good choice. But if the weight of the equipment is heavy then a shoulder bag may not be the best option because you may eventually suffer from pain in your back and shoulders because of the weight.
 

A backpack is an ideal means of transport if you plan to carry many different items. A backpack, in general, has more space than most other bags, so it is possible to bring more equipment. Because the weight is distributed over both your shoulders, you can carry a substantial weight without any discomfort in your back or shoulders.

Another big advantage of a backpack is that not only can you have your camera and accessories with you but many bags now have a space for your laptop, and there are lots of pockets for small items such as your keys, phone and paperwork.

So, if are you looking for a comfortable means of transport where you can walk for long distances and it must have room for all your equipment then a backpack is a good choice.

One tip is not to take a bag that is too large as if your equipment starts to "float" around in your bag, then that can lead to damage as the equipment knocks into each other.
 

A roller or rolling case is an ideal means of transport if you often make a trip with a lot of equipment and you don’t always want to carry the case.

Also, a roller case is a perfect solution when you travel with all your equipment - you want to ensure that your photographic equipment is safely transported in a robust case which is shock-resistant.
 

You want to ensure that your precious lenses are well protected from damage. The range of lens cases available match the focal lengths of the lenses e.g. a 400mm lens, or a 70 - 200 mm. 

Most lens cases can be easily attached to your main bag, so you can quickly remove it without opening the entire bag.
 

Laptop bags are designed to transport your laptop safely and securely

When you are looking to purchase a laptop bag be sure you buy it to suit the specific screen size you have i.e. if you have a 15 "laptop, then you should opt for a laptop specially designed for this size screen.

There are laptop bags in all different sizes, colours and designs. Choose the bag that you like the best!
 

A bag that you wear on your hip or waist is an easy way to carry a limited number of items. So if you want to go out with just a body and lens, then a hip bag comes in very handy!

Another big advantage of a hip bag is that you can easily access your gear, without having to put the bag on the ground. Because it is easily accessible you can grab something from your bag and still have both hands free to shoot.
 

Video bags are specifically designed to carry all your video equipment. These bags are generally large enough to take a professional camera, including all accessories.

Whether you’re golfing, hunting or conducting forestry surveys, knowing the right distance is essential and with a rangefinder you can measure the distance to your subject quickly and accurately.

With a rangefinder, it is important that it provides a good, sharp image and that it exhibits a stable image when you hold it. Especially on longer distances it is important that the distance meter is very stable.
 

With a microscope you can observe objects so that you can study them in great detail. You put an object under the microscope and using the objective you will see a huge magnification of that subject.

Since the development of the first microscope in the 16th century, technology has not stood still with microscopes. Whereas in older models it was only possible for the viewer to see what was under the microscope by looking through the objective, it is now also possible to connect the microscope to a monitor, so that the image that the microscope 'sees' is also visible to people watching the monitor. Microscopes of the latter kind are called "digital microscopes".
See our range of microscopes.
 

A night vision image intensifier is an electronic device for increasing the intensity of available light in an optical system to allow use under low light conditions such as at night, to facilitate visual imaging of low-light objects.

Traditionally, night vision image intensifiers were typically used in military applications. Today, photo-and videographers increasingly go out at night with such a device.

So night vision image intensifier is a good choice to take out at night to places where there is hardly any light. See our range!
 

An astronomical telescope, like binoculars, is an optical instrument to be able to see distant objects with increased magnification, but is designed specifically to see the moon and the stars so has an even greater degree of magnification.

A spotting scope is a portable telescope with added optics to present an image right way up, and optimized for the observation of terrestrial objects. When you need greater power than binoculars a scope is an ideal instrument.

A scope consists of two lenses, the objective and the eyepiece. It is the diameter of the objective lens (typically between 50 and 80 mm) which determines the light-gathering power and resolution of a spotting scope. Eyepieces are usually interchangeable to give different magnifications, or may consist of a single variable "zoom" eyepiece to give a range of magnifications.

When purchasing a scope you should note a few things:

The maximum magnification of the eyepiece
The larger the maximum magnification, the larger your subject will appear in the image

The field of view at 1000 metres
This is the field of view as a width in metres when you are 1000m away from your subject. It is sometimes indicated in degrees. A wider field of view is better for looking at wider expanses but for greater magnification the field of view will consequently be narrower.

 There are many different brands of scopes available, look at our catalogue to see which one best suits you.
 

A binocular consists of two lenses, eyepieces and prisms, allowing the viewer to use both eyes to view a magnified image of distant objects with an upright image.

A binocular is usually indicated by two numbers e.g. 10 x 50. The first figure is how much the subject will be magnified – 10 times in the above example and the second is the diameter of the objective lens in millimetres. The diameter of a telescope objective determines the "light gathering power" of the viewer. The larger the diameter, the more light can be gathered to form an image.

When magnification and quality is equal, the larger the second binocular number, the brighter the image as well as the sharper the image. An 8 x 40, then, will produce a brighter and sharper image than an 8 x 25, even though both enlarge the image an identical eight times. The larger front lenses in the 8 x 40 also produce wider beams of light (exit pupil) that leave the eyepieces. This makes it more comfortable to view with an 8 x 40 than an 8 x 25.