A Stringer or a freelance photographer/videographer is not someone who writes great novels. Nor are they on Oprah Winfrey’s top reading books. Their media tells the story. The stories then become relatable to people who pick up a magazine, a newspaper, or visit social media websites.
The life of a Stringer is a run-and-gun life. They must be able to travel light with various types of cameras and accessories. When you make a career out of quickly capturing life events your tools and equipment must be the best in the industry.
Hand-held mirrorless and DSLR digital cameras are designed with an electronic shutter. For this reason, they are much lighter and smaller in size and weight. Also, all digital cameras are designed with lots of accessories and special-effect options. For example, freelancers can attach shoulder mounts, monitors, mics, tripods/monopod, etc.
Not only do hand-held cameras take perfect photographs, they can also record high-definition videos. Multimedia features are a time-saver for Stringers who must shoot quickly and move onto the next feature story.
Several run-and-gun cameras can connect to Wi-Fi and Bluetooth devices. With this capability, freelance journalists can quickly share photos with news agencies. A great advantage in the design of mirrorless cameras is the CMOS transistor chips.
This technology has helped hand-held mirrorless/DSLR digital cameras to become more affordable and it also gives the camera a longer operating life. As a Stringer, you need cameras that will last as long as you do. Let’s take a look at popular mirrorless and DSLR camera brands that help to tell photo stories in the hands of Stringers and freelance photographers/videographers.
Sony Alpha a7 III Mirrorless Digital Camera
The Sony Alpha a7 III Mirrorless Digital Camera is a full-frame innovation. It is an innovative hand-held camera. It will help Stringer journalists capture their storyline because of its durability and its small powerful size. The Sony Alpha features a long-lasting CMOS sensor that gives freelancers high-resolution videos and stills. When freelancers are in an environment that calls for quiet, the Sony a7 III provides a noiseless shot and faster picture-taking results.
The a7 III provides hundreds of photos before you need to recharge the camera. This means that you can shoot all day to give your clients more photos and news-worthy videos. When Stringers are on the run, this compact camera can take photos with its fast autofocus performance. In other words using the Sony Alpha guarantees that you will get paid for every photo you hand it.
This Sony mirrorless camera helps professional photojournalists take jiggle-free videos and crisp still photos. Stringers can shoot with one hand while zooming in to capture that perfect image even in low light environments.
To make sure that your hard work is noticed, partnering with the Sony a7R III and its 4K,35mm format gives you detailed footage. Additional benefits are its direct replay technology that eliminates the need to post-process. This camera will save you time! It is the real deal in the field!
Canon EOS 90D DSLR Camera
The Canon EOS 90D DSLR Camera is the quality tool that a Stringer did not know was needed. When photojournalists are trying to take a photo that tells a story the Canon 90D is your quality tool to help you achieve the winning shots. This top quality DSLR camera is fast and accurate due to its full-frame or “crop” technology. Crop technology helps Stringers get the photo they need, at the moment it happens, with speed and accuracy.
The CMOS sensor or aka crop innovation is extremely effective when freelancers are trying to capture fast action while also focusing their shots. The Canon 90D features a “smart” face and eye detection system to properly crop your photos that are unplanned. There are many situations in the field when a freelance photojournalist must grab a shot before it dissolves. This camera does that by producing money-making professional images.
The Canon 90D DSLR Camera is very durable. Especially when you need to throw it in your pocket or bag until you get to your next shot. A freelance photographer/videographer will enjoy the fruits of their labor with this camera. This Canon camera gives you shutter speed at 10 frames per second for still shots. You also receive 11 frames per second during live events. These benefits will allow you to have your photos quickly accepted by your clients.
Nikon D7500 DSLR Camera
News stringing photography and videography requires professional skills. This is because news outlets and other professional organizations demand consistent high-quality products. To achieve this end, freelance photographers must use tools and equipment that will yield memorable and lucrative results. The Nikon D7500 DSLR Camera is hard to beat when used in the field. Its shutter function captures perfect stills and movie-style videos.
This camera has a built-in autofocus system whose photos will impress your clients. The D7500 mirrorless camera is rugged and dependable with innovation that will last for years. Freelance journalists require equipment that they can depend on at a moment’s notice. For this reason they can bank on the D7500 by Nikon.
This Nikon DSLR camera takes image processing to a whole new level. Its capabilities can outperform many cameras in its class. For example, whatever your lighting environment is, the Nikon DSLR camera will handle your daily photography needs. It also features an 8 fps shutter speed design that is reliable at long distances.
To further help freelance photographers, this camera comes equipped with a wrist strap that stabilizes one-handed camera shots. Additional accessories that the Nikon D7500 can support are telephoto lens, teleconverters, and tripods. As a great DSLR camera by Nikon, it is a reliable innovative, multimedia industry tool. Also, inclement weather will not deter the great photos that can be generated because of its internal and external weather-resistant casings. Nikon is known for delivering technology and design that Stringers can count on.
Sony Alpha a6000 Mirrorless Digital Camera
Okay, if you are a Stringer in the field and you are using the Sony Alpha a6000 Mirrorless Digital Camera you are just showing off. The Sony Alpha is a hand-held camera that professional freelance photographers need when they must quickly pair their shots with other electronic devices.
The Alpha a6000 features a CMOS sensor aka “crop” that produces realistic images and high-resolution HD videos. This Sony Mirrorless Digital Camera is a light, comfortable, and durable hand-held camera. The camera is so expertly designed that it thinks it’s a street smart run-and-gun expert. Also, for comfort, you can affix a wrist strap or a lanyard strap to its side metal loops.
If your storyline takes place in a low lighted environment or a high-noon location, the Sony a6000 is your go-to camera. With its hair-trigger autofocus and automatic contrast detection technology, a professional Stringer can take lasting shots up to 11 fps. This is why this mirrorless Sony camera is a point-and-shoot high-resolution innovation. The Sony Alpha a6000 is also equipped with a variety of customized settings that will help to produce photos and videos that can be processed instantly.
Sony RX100 VII Premium Compact Camera
Who knew that this small pocket-sized camera could produce high-def photos and videos. As a Stringer, your livelihood depends on the products that you produce. Therefore, your tools and equipment become the personalized tools that accompany you everywhere you go. Granted, no one camera can do it all, but this camera will help you do your job well and outperform your competition.
In your photographic arsenal, you should have the Sony RX100 VII Premium Compact Camera. It features a pop-up LCD electronic touchscreen viewfinder. The viewfinder helps to provide high resolution and magnification for all your still and video shots. This small giant in the digital camera family has programmable settings that can be customized by you.
Freelance journalists require a variety of accessories with their run-and-gun digital cameras. This camera can support a customized stabilizer, table-top tripod, cables, memory cards, and external mics. Also, as a Stringer, suppose your assignment takes you out of the country? Naturally, you must pass through airport security. What better photographic/videography equipment is there than the compact Sony Cyber? Minimalism is the knick-name for the Sony RX100 and professional shots and videos are its endgame.
Mirrorless Endnote Tips
To get more out of your run-and-gun digital cameras, here are two minor tips for that perfect shot:
- Hand-held cameras can be subject to minor shaking while Stringers are recording. Simply, tuck your elbows close to your body and then lean against something while shooting.
- If your mirrorless or DSLR camera is not designed with a curved grip for your hand, then take as many photos with your card and sort out the best ones later. However, the mirrorless cameras noted above have built-in stabilizers, wrist straps, and autofocus.
The best benefit of using hand-held cameras is how they are built – light, small, and powerful. They are an inconspicuous professional tool that can take great stills and on-the-go videos. Keep one or two point-and-shoot cameras in your backpack and go get that photographic job.
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