So, you have decided to purchase a digital camera. Let me make a few remarks and comments on this matter, in the hope that they will arouse your interest and bring you some benefit.

A digital camera almost completely corresponds to the definition of a “new technology” product, almost all of its elements were developed and put into production in the very recent past. The only exception, although with some stretch, can be considered the optics of the camera, in digital "SLRs" it is possible to use interchangeable lenses of professional "film" cameras. Not even 20 years have passed since the first digital cameras appeared on the market, in 1991, the Kodak DSC100 saved pictures to a hard drive, the external unit of which weighed 5 kilograms. Today, all digital cameras record data on flash memory, the types of which are already quite unified, and it is not difficult to purchase the necessary model or adapter for reading information, a card reader. So, when buying a digital camera, this characteristic can be ignored. All cameras have built-in memory, but it is not enough to store a large number of captured frames, you still have to buy an external memory card, and there is only one piece of advice here - the more capacity it has, the better.

In general, it is possible to classify digital cameras by price today starting from $100. Unlike film "soap dishes", it is not easy to find a digital camera for sale below this price. I will assume that this niche is occupied by the built-in cameras of mobile phones. To take a quick picture "for memory", for viewing on the screen of a mobile phone or computer, these cameras are quite capable. If a person wants to hold a traditional photograph in his hands, he acquires a “real” camera. What should I pay attention to when buying it? The main parameter, as it happened, and quite rightly, is the number of megapixels of the matrix. It is assumed that the larger this number, the better, “sharper” the image will be.

But this rule is valid only up to a certain limit, the "clarity" of the image depends on many other characteristics. camera matrices, its size, photosensitivity and others. An increase in the number of pixels on the matrix leads to an increase in the so-called signal-to-noise ratio. Less light falls on each pixel, because the light-sensitive area of ​​the pixel itself becomes smaller, and accordingly, the strength of the electric charge that the digital converter of the camera reads will also be smaller. Therefore, when familiarizing yourself with the characteristics of the camera, you should definitely pay attention to the size (surface area) of the matrix itself. With an equal number of pixels, a camera with a larger sensor should be preferred. With the same size matrices and with a number of pixels of the order of 6-7 million, paradoxically, the best pictures will be taken by a camera with fewer pixels, especially when photographing is done in a room where there is less light. Of course, this is all true with the equality of other technical characteristics of the device, and even for devices from the same manufacturer. In addition, the number of pixels on the matrix does not match the number of pixels in the resulting image, pay attention to the characteristic: "The number of effective megapixels of the matrix", it can differ very much, by 2-3 units, from the total number of pixels. But we can say that for amateur and semi-professional photography, a camera with 5-6 megapixels is quite acceptable, it will allow you to get very good photos of A4 size (standard sheet of writing paper). An important characteristic of a camera matrix is ​​its light sensitivity. It is measured in units (ISO), from 50 to several thousand. Almost all modern cameras allow you to change this parameter. High light sensitivity when shooting in the daytime, in sunlight is undesirable, and modern cameras reduce it automatically. Manual change is useful for filming with unusual, special tasks.

Canon A510 noise histogram compared to Canon A75 (1/2.5" sensor and 1/2.7" number of pixels are the same)

Another important element of the camera is lens. Good professional photo optics can be several times more expensive than the camera itself. The main parameters of the lens are the focal length, Zoom and aperture. Please note that with a high Zoom value (ultrasound), in some conditions, lower quality images are obtained. The characteristics of lenses and their influence on the resulting images will be discussed in a separate article.

camera viewfinder happens optical and mirror. On good digital cameras, an LCD display has become almost mandatory. SLRs are more complex in design, more expensive, for professional shooting. They display the picture that will be in the photo, make it possible to accurately select filters, and so on. There are several semi-slang terms: “pseudo-mirror” and “half-mirror”. The former only resemble the shape of SLR cameras, the latter contain a prismatic mirror inside the camera, but do not allow the use of interchangeable lenses.

An important parameter of the lens and camera is the presence of image stabilization. Eliminates interference caused by hand shaking. Image stabilization can be done in several ways.

Optical Image Stabilizer

The stabilizing element of the lens, which is movable along the vertical and horizontal axes, is deflected by the electric drive of the stabilization system at the command from the sensors so that the image projection on the film (or matrix) fully compensates for camera vibrations during exposure. As a result, at small amplitudes of camera vibrations, the projection always remains stationary relative to the matrix, which provides the picture with the necessary clarity. However, the presence of an additional optical element reduces the aperture ratio of the lens.

Moving sensor image stabilizer

In this system, the movement of the camera is compensated not by the optical element inside the lens, but by its matrix, fixed on a movable platform. Lenses are getting cheaper, simpler and more reliable, image stabilization works with any optic. This is important for SLR cameras with interchangeable lenses. Matrix-shift stabilization, unlike optical stabilization, does not introduce distortions into the picture (perhaps, except for those caused by the uneven sharpness of the lens) and does not affect the aperture ratio of the lens. At the same time, matrix-shift stabilization is considered to be less effective than optical stabilization.With an increase in the focal length of the lens, the effectiveness of Anti-Shake decreases: at long focuses, the matrix has to move too fast with too large an amplitude, and it simply ceases to keep up with the “elusive” projection.In addition, for high accuracy, the system must know the exact value of the focal length of the lens, which limits the use of old zoom lenses, and the focusing distance at close range, which limits its work in macro photography.

Electronic (digital) image stabilizer

With this type of stabilization, approximately 40% of the pixels on the matrix are assigned to image stabilization and do not participate in image formation. When the video camera shakes, the picture "floats" on the matrix, and the processor captures these fluctuations and makes a correction using spare pixels to compensate for the picture shake. This stabilization system is widely used in digital video cameras, where matrices are small (0.8 Mp, 1.3 Mp, etc.). It has a lower quality than other types of stabilization, but is fundamentally cheaper, since it does not contain additional mechanical elements.

If you plan to take artistic shots, pay attention to the camera's exposure characteristics, also called "shutter speed". For filming, say, the starry sky, for example, a very long shutter speed of the order of several seconds is necessary.

Well, when choosing a camera, batteries and batteries are of no small importance. In addition, today manufacturers consider it their duty to provide a camera, a device for creating a static picture of reality (“stop, a moment, you're fine!”), A microphone and a video recording function. Here, as they say, we will do without comments.

A digital camera is a very convenient thing in order to capture the most memorable moments of life. Digital cameras allow even practically unprepared people to create excellent, and even artistic, pictures. I know cases when a person, having become interested in digital photography, even started doing it professionally, changed his specialty, providing his family with a good income. The advantage of digital cameras lies precisely in the simplicity, in comparison with chemical photography, of creating pictures. If your means allow it, you can easily become the owner of a very good device for photographing, and most importantly, quickly master the intricacies of this activity.

No matter how long you have your digital camera, there is always something to learn. And if you've just bought your first DSLR, the learning curve can seem incredibly daunting.

But this should not scare you and discourage you from working. In this article, we'll help you get the most out of your DSLR by explaining some of the key features found on almost every model.

Learning camera functions and controls early on in your exposure to photography will help you avoid some common mistakes, which will make your photos look better and more beautiful.

Front panel of the camera body

1. Red-eye reduction lamp

To prevent red-eye from appearing in the frame, you need a light source that will compensate for the glare from the flash. This lamp is such a light source. The lamp also acts as a handy self-timer countdown indicator.

2. Focus ring

In auto focus mode, this ring rotates until the camera focuses on the subject. In manual focus mode, you can turn the ring yourself and focus on the desired shooting point.

3. Zoom ring

Rotate the ring clockwise to zoom out and get a wide angle shot. Turning the ring counterclockwise will bring the subject closer and give you a close-up of the subject.

4. Flash button

When shooting in semi-automatic or manual mode, you have the option to turn on the built-in flash. To do this, click this button.

5. Focus mode switch

Here you can set the AF (autofocus) mode if you want the camera to focus on its own. You can also switch to MF (manual focus) mode, in which case you will control the focus yourself. In manual focus mode, you can use the autofocus points in the viewfinder to tell you exactly what your camera is concentrating on.

6. Image stabilization switch

IS (Image Stabilizer) lenses are designed to prevent blur caused by camera shake (especially noticeable when you focus on a distant subject). Nikon lenses have a similar VR (vibration reduction) switch.

7.Built-in microphone

Most cameras like the Canon 500D (pictured above) can now record video. Audio for these videos is recorded through the built-in microphone.

8. Depth of field and preview button

By clicking on this button, you can see what your frame will look like with these settings.

Rear panel of the camera body

1. Exposure compensation button

In. While in manual mode, hold down this button and rotate the main command dial to open or close the aperture.

2. Focus point selection

Press this button and then rotate the channel selector to select the camera's AF point to use.

3. Exposure lock button

This button allows you to lock the exposure. You can also use it to zoom out when viewing a picture on the LCD monitor in playback mode. It also allows you to focus the camera when using Live View.

4. Live view

Click here to see what the camera will capture on the LCD screen. The newest cameras have a Live View feature that eliminates the need to view the scene through the viewfinder.

5. Four control buttons

These buttons allow you to navigate through the camera's menus and submenus. Also, each button allows you to get into a specific settings menu. Thus, the buttons provide quick access to popular functions such as WB (white balance) or AF (autofocus).

6. Self-timer

This button allows you to change the shooting mode on the camera and set the timer shooting.

7. Play button

The play button allows you to view the pictures you have taken.

8. Delete button

The button with the universal trash can symbol allows you to delete files that you, while viewing on the display, decide to get rid of.

9. Menu button

Pressing this button will give you access to a wide range of menus and submenus where you can change the settings to suit your requirements.

Top panel of the camera

1. Built-in flash

When you're shooting in low light, the built-in flash can help you get a decent shot. In some modes, you will need to turn it on manually. In scene modes, the flash fires automatically.

2. Shutter button

This button is required to take a picture. By pressing the button halfway, you will be able to focus, or activate auto focus. When fully pressed, the camera will take a picture.

3. Main dial

Rotating this dial allows you to manually set the camera's aperture or shutter speed.

4.ISO button

By pressing this button you can adjust the ISO sensitivity. You can then use the main command dial to increase or decrease the ISO level. You also have the option to set the ISO manually using the appropriate menu item.

5. On/off button

This will allow you to turn off the camera when not in use (although it will automatically go to sleep after 30 seconds of inactivity).

6. Mode dial

On the mode dial, you can set the desired shooting mode. The disc contains all possible scene modes, semi-automatic and manual mode.

7. Hot shoe

Using a SLR camera, you will have the opportunity to install a flash as an additional light source. An external flash is usually more powerful and easier to control.

Top reasons to buy a versatile 35mm lens

The history of luxury 35mm lens goes back to the early days of photography. This is one of the best lenses ever made, with a brilliant focal length that can be applied to any photograph. Whether on a full frame or cropped camera, this lens has its own added value.

35mm optics dominate not only in the world of photography, but also in cinema. In the days of film cameras, "35mm" was the width of the film used. Later, this format was adapted for photography and has not lost popularity since then.

During the First World War, 35 mm was widely used in Leica cameras, which were mainly used for outstanding military shots.

And now, let's look at the various factors that speak in favor of this lens.

Why is a 35mm lens useful?

In this article, we list the top reasons why you should get a 35mm lens if you don't already have one:

· This is ideal for shooting while walking, if you want to photograph everything you see.

· It is much more versatile than any other optic option. It also outperforms the 50mm lens as it gives you a wider and more varied perspective.

This type of optics gives a fairly wide-angle coverage on a full frame, as well as on a camera with a “cropped” matrix.

· At f/1.4, this lens is the fastest lens in its category and lets in a lot of light when wide open. Therefore, it is good when shooting in difficult conditions with insufficient lighting.

· The 35mm focal length draws you in to your subject. Therefore, it is suitable for both street photography and portrait photography, when the subject becomes especially important.

· This lens can be enough for you to shoot landscapes.

· You can get close to your subject with this lens because the minimum focus distance is much shorter than other lenses with a focal length range above 35mm.

· It is a miniature lens with a low weight, which means it will not burden you too much, and you can almost always take it with you.

· Such a lens, as a rule, is the most frequently used and quickly self-sustaining.

· With an aperture of f/1.4, it allows you to create excellent portraits with wonderful bokeh.

· Has a large maximum aperture, is sold at an inexpensive price and has a multi-purpose application.

5 things you need to know about DSLRs

Buying a camera is the most important choice for every photographer. This article provides 5 criteria to help you choose the camera that is right for you. It will be about the resolution of the matrix, shooting modes, user interface, and much more that you should know when choosing.

The world of photography has reinvented itself with the advent of digital technology. Gone are the days when only the elite could do photography, people with big money. Now almost everyone can afford to buy a camera.

There's a lot to be said for the convenience of compact cameras, but for optimal image quality and limitless creative possibilities, a real semi or professional camera is the way to go.
The rise in popularity and affordability of SLR cameras is fueling fierce competition among major camera manufacturers such as Canon, Nikon, Pentax and Sony.

This state of affairs is extremely beneficial for consumers, as camera manufacturers strive to constantly improve their product by introducing new innovative features into cameras that increase their performance and improve image quality, while making DSLRs easier to use. But what are the key factors to consider when choosing a camera? This is what we will talk about today.

Benefits of SLR cameras

The advantages of DSLRs over more compact cameras are numerous and varied - first of all, this is the size of the image sensor. Many compact cameras can have the same or even more megapixels than a DSLR, but resolution per se is not the key to image quality, so don't forget that!

Image sensors in DSLRs are physically larger than in compact cameras, and this makes a significant difference in image quality. First, a larger sensor means more pixels, which individually capture more light. This in turn greatly reduces the digital image noise and graininess that can occur when shooting at high ISO speeds.

Secondly, the larger sensor allows for shallower depth of field, which means you can get beautiful bokeh and nice background blur that will look great in macro photography and portraits.

Another important advantage is that the DSLR allows you to see the world through the lens as it will later be in the picture.

Ideal Camera

A DSLR is more comfortable to use, manual zoom and focus rings on the lens allow you to focus with much greater accuracy and get the shot you were aiming for.
In addition, when you buy a SLR camera, you open up a whole world of possibilities and discoveries, you get a whole system. You will have the opportunity to buy and change lenses, and various accessories that will make the creative process more enjoyable and productive. On the other hand, when buying a compact, you limit yourself to only one camera, which in a year, at most, will not be enough for you.

Today we will take a closer look at the main fundamental differences between different types of SLR and compact cameras, as a result of which, you can make the right choice when deciding on the type of camera you want to purchase.
Body design and new features of SLR cameras.

Most DSLRs are built on the basis of their predecessors, but unlike previous models, the new models offer many innovative improvements.

Shooting modes

All DSLRs generally have the usual set of modes, which includes auto, manual, aperture priority, shutter priority, and modes appropriate for different types of scene. So-called scene modes are available on cameras designed specifically for beginners, such as the Canon EOS 60D and Nikon D3100. The same modes are available on compact cameras. Mode selection most often occurs through the wheel on the top of the camera.

LCD display

The LCD display is important not only for accessing the menus of a digital camera, it is also the main way to view footage, to check the accuracy and sharpness of the frame.
Relatively inexpensive cameras such as the Canon EOS 1100D often have a low LCD resolution of around 230K pixels, while high-end models such as the Canon EOS 60D can have a resolution of 1,040,000 pixels.

Mirror

The main difference between a DSLR and a compact is that a DSLR has a mirror assembly that reflects the image from the lens up into the optical viewfinder, allowing you to see a very precise focus and zoom position.

Autofocus
More autofocus points allow you to focus on the subject as accurately as possible, while such cameras have several points that allow you to track randomly moving objects in continuous autofocus mode.

Inexpensive models of SLR cameras usually have nine or eleven autofocus points, while more sophisticated models have more autofocus points. For example, the Nikon D800 has 51 focus points.

ISO sensitivity

Sensitivity has improved a lot with many DSLRs in recent times. The maximum ISO level has been increased, which means that you can now photograph in low light conditions much more productively. Increasing the ISO makes the sensor more sensitive to light, allowing the camera to capture even the weakest of the sun's rays without having to use slow shutter speeds.

The higher the ISO value you use, the higher the sensitivity, but as the sensitivity increases, the level of digital noise increases. Older models such as the Canon EOS 1000D typically top out at 1600 ISO, while modern models such as the Canon EOS 1100D provide much higher ISOs, around 6400 in the standard range, expandable to 12800 ISO.

Professional full-frame models such as the Nikon D4 allow you to shoot at up to ISO 24,800. Improved sensors, combined with advanced image processors, make it possible to take great photos with little noise, even at high ISO settings.

Number of megapixels

The number of megapixels is often the first criterion that not very experienced amateur photographers pay attention to when purchasing their camera. In fact, resolution does not play the first role in choosing a camera.

What resolution is desired? The first SLR cameras were equipped with matrices with a resolution of about 6 megapixels. This seems to be an extremely low resolution compared to today's standards, but even this was enough to get decent A3 photos.

To date, the smallest resolution among DSLRs is 12.1 MPix. and its latest full-frame model, the D800, features a 36.3 megapixel sensor.

A few years ago, Canon had cameras with the highest resolution, but now the company is playing catch-up with other companies, cameras with APS-C sensors have a resolution of 12.2 megapixels. (for 1100D) up to 18 MPix. (in the 600D, 60D and 7D), the full-frame camera is equipped with a 16.1 megapixel sensor (in the 1D Mk IV), as well as 22.3 megapixels. (for the new 5D Mk III).

However, Nikon's flagship D4 full-frame DSLR costs around £5,000 and has a resolution of "only" 16.6 megapixels.

creative cropping

Higher resolution images allow you to crop the image as much as you like. For example, if with a telescopic zoom, you didn’t get the object as large as you wanted, having a camera with a high resolution matrix, you can crop your picture without losing quality, thereby bringing the object closer.

In this case, another problem may arise, this is the quality of the optics. If the quality of the camera lens is not high enough, you risk getting chromatic aberration (color fringing) in your image.

File sizes

The high resolution of the photos speaks of the large weight of the images, especially if you are photographing in RAW format. For example, RAW images taken with the EOS 600D or 7D can be around 25MB, while an image of the same format taken with the Nikon D90 and D300S will be around 10MB.

This means not only that your memory card will fill up faster, but also that the camera may run more slowly when shooting continuously.

Noise level

Very often, camera manufacturers supply their camera with a high-resolution sensor, while the physical dimensions of the sensor are insufficient, as a result of which the matrix does not capture much light, and grain appears. Especially strongly, noise begins to appear when shooting at high ISO values.

By developing the latest sensors and image processors, manufacturers strive to minimize noise levels.

Capturing video with a camera

Until recently, video recording was only available on compact cameras. With the advent of Live View, which allows you to take pictures using the LCD rather than through the viewfinder, means more and more DSLRs boast high definition (HD) and video capabilities.

Evolution

The functionality of the first SLR cameras was quite narrow. Video recording, in general, initially appeared on more professional models such as the Canon EOS 5D Mark II, and only eventually began to appear on the entry-level Nikon D3200 and Canon EOS 650D models.

Considering how quickly video recording capabilities have evolved among other companies, Sony has lagged a little behind in terms of the level of its cameras, precisely in this parameter. But models like the A580 and SLT A55 have taken the company to new heights, and now Sony's products can compete not only in image quality, but also in video quality.

HD formats

DSLRs have improved with the times, so cameras released a year or two ago tend to offer high quality video and 720p resolution. The 720p format is progressive, that is, each frame is created through one pass.

By comparison, at 720i (interlaced), a frame is created by scanning two alternating lines (half-frames). The latest cameras are usually capable of recording Full HD high-definition video at 1080p resolution.

Frame frequency

A range of frame rates, including 24, 25, 30 and 50fps (frames per second), allows you to create video files that are as good as those created on a camcorder. The video quality can meet the standards of film and television around the world.

This is becoming especially important as DSLRs are increasingly being used to shoot professional video for TV commercials and video clips. Considering that the size of the sensor increases, which means that background blur becomes more noticeable, then operators can achieve excellent depth of field in their videos.

sharpness

One of the main problems that arise when recording video on SLR cameras is autofocus. To create the clearest possible video, good tracking autofocus is essential. The Canon EOS 650D is the first entry-level DSLR to offer fast, accurate autofocus when shooting video.

Viewfinder

A good viewfinder is essential for taking beautiful photographs. It is important not only for accurate photo composition, but also for greater accuracy when it comes to adjusting focus.

pentamirror

Cheaper entry-level DSLRs like the Canon 1100D and even some of the more expensive models, including the Canon EOS 650D and Nikon D5200, use a penta-reflex viewfinder. They are cheaper to produce and lighter in weight than pentaprism. Such a viewfinder is created from a set consisting of three separate mirrors.

The main disadvantages of penta-mirror viewfinders based on digital SLR cameras is that the image they convey is slightly darker and more gloomy, and may lack image contrast a little. Of course, this does not affect the quality of the created image, but simply distorts the picture that you see through the viewfinder. Without knowing about such distortions, you may not fine-tune your camera, and as a result, get an image that is not what you expected to see.

Pentaprism

The pentaprism viewfinder is considered the best viewfinder for cameras for a reason. More expensive and professional cameras are equipped with a pentaprism viewfinder, such as Canon EOS 60D and EOS 7D, Nikon D7000 and D300s, and all full frame cameras such as Nikon D600 and Canon EOS 6D.

The pentaprism viewfinder is made of five single-sided glass blocks, the pentaprism reflects the image onto the mirror twice, creating an accurate image of reality. A pentaprism viewfinder is relatively heavy and more expensive than a pentamirror viewfinder, but you get higher quality and brighter images as a result.

Electronic

For compact cameras that do not have a built-in optical or electronic viewfinder (EVF), a special electronic device is often used, thanks to which an external viewfinder can be connected to a camera such as Olympus.

Additional slot EVFs, most often of the hot shoe type, the mount is located on the top of the camera, such a viewfinder is often quite expensive, its cost is around £150 (up to £200). Another disadvantage of an external viewfinder is that it cannot be used simultaneously with an external flash that attaches through the same hot shoe.

Review

Ideally, the field of view should be 100%, meaning you see the image through the viewfinder the same size as it would be captured on the camera, but often not. Many viewfinders, especially cheaper ones like PentaSLRs, tend to only give 95% of the field of view, so you won't be able to see everything that ends up in the photo.

In practice, this is not a big problem, you can even find some advantages in this. So, you will always have a little extra space around the edges, which can come in handy when leveling the horizon (rotating the image a few degrees)
Good, pentaprism viewfinders give about 98% of field of view, and the best ones provide full 100% field of view.

Zoom

Of great importance is zooming, and the possibility of maximizing the approximation of the image. For example, the Canon EOS 550D only offers a 0.87x magnification, while the Canon EOS 7D gives a direct zoom of 1.0x.

Performance

Photographs of moving objects, or in sequential shooting, it is very convenient to shoot in continuous shooting mode, so this criterion is also important when choosing a good camera. In addition, a high frame rate can be very useful in portraiture, allowing you to capture a fleeting facial expression.

Continuous Shooting

By switching the camera to continuous shooting mode, the camera will continue to shoot as long as you keep your finger on the shutter button. Memory buffer limitations limit the ability to record images. Cameras such as the Canon EOS 1100D and Nikon D3100 can only shoot three frames per second, while flagship cameras such as Canon's EOS-1D X are capable of up to 12 frames per second (or 14 frames per second if shooting in JPEG format).

Mid-range cameras such as the Canon EOS 7D are capable of shooting at 8 fps, while the Nikon D300S shoots at 7 fps, this speed can be increased to 8 fps by attaching the optional MB-D10 Battery Grip.

Computing power

To have the highest possible shooting speed, cameras must have high processing power so that they can process all the images in rapid succession. The imaging chips in the latest cameras tend to be much more powerful than those in older models. Some cameras, such as the high-speed Canon EOS 7D, are actually equipped with two image processors, giving them even more performance.

Characteristics of digital cameras

Consider some of the main characteristics of digital cameras.

Matrix

Matrix- this is a set of light-sensitive elements - pixels. Each pixel of the matrix responds to light hitting it - it produces an electrical signal that depends on the intensity of the incoming light. Knowing only the intensity of light in pixels, you can get a black and white picture.

To get a color image, each pixel is covered with one of three filters: red, green or blue, in accordance with the RGB color scheme. In this scheme, all other colors are obtained by mixing the three primary colors. That is, shooting in RAW format, we will get a file in which each pixel will be one of three colors. When shooting in JPEG and TIFF formats, the camera calculates the color in a given pixel using the cells adjacent to it. The matrix has two important parameters that affect image quality.

Matrix resolution. Measured in megapixels. For example, if the camera's matrix has 4 Megapixels (Mp), then this means that the matrix consists of 4 million pixels (cells). The higher the resolution, the more fine details the camera can capture in the picture. However, chasing megapixels is not worth it. For example, 1 megapixel is enough to print photos of 10x15 cm. The best choice would be a camera with 3-5 megapixels, it will be possible to print photos up to A4 format (20x30cm).

Matrix size. Popular camera models use matrices with linear dimensions from 1/1.8 to 1/3.2 inches. In the first case, the matrix is ​​larger.

The large matrix provides the following benefits:

can register more light (can render more shades)

less "noisy"

Thus, if we compare two matrices 1/1.8 and 1/3.2 with the same number of pixels (for example, 4MP), the first one will be the best, since 4 million pixels are located on a larger area, and, therefore, such a matrix will give the best picture ( better quality and less noisy). In another case, when two matrices with the same linear dimensions but a different number of megapixels are compared, for example, 6 and 7, preference should also be given to the first one, since this will not only save money, but also get better images in the future. Note: This is true when comparing sensors of the same manufacturer or the same line of cameras, as different manufacturers may have different types of sensors with incomparable characteristics.

Sensor sensitivity (ISO). It varies from 50 to 3200. High sensitivity values ​​allow you to take a clear picture at dusk or even at night, although digital noise is inevitable at high sensitivity values.

Lens

It is thanks to the lens that light enters the camera and an image is formed on the matrix. The quality of the resulting image largely depends on the quality of the lens - clarity, sharpness, lack of distortion, etc. The important elements of a lens are the lenses and the diaphragm. Lenses are responsible for the nature of the light, and the aperture allows you to control the amount of this light. By closing the aperture to the minimum values, we can reduce the amount of light entering the matrix.

Main characteristics of the lens

Aperture is the maximum aperture value. The larger the lens aperture, the better and more expensive the camera. Under the same lighting conditions, a lens with a larger aperture allows you to shoot at faster shutter speeds.

Usually the lens marking looks like this: 5.8-34.8mm 1:2.8-4.8. The first pair of numbers is the focal length (the distance from the front lens of the lens to the sensor). The second pair of numbers are the corresponding aperture values ​​of the lens. For example, here at 34.8mm (at the maximum zoom) the lens has aperture of 4.8. The smaller the aperture number, the better. A lens with characteristics of 5.8-34.8mm 1:2-3.2 would be considered faster.

Focal length. The focal length determines the angle of view of the lens and how far it "sees". For digital cameras, the focal length is also given in 35mm equivalent. This is due to the fact that the diagonal of the matrix is ​​less than the diagonal of the 35mm film frame, that is, the matrix does not cover the entire field of the frame, from which the concept of increasing the focal length (Focal Length Multiplier) arises. For different cameras, this factor ranges from 1.3 to 1.6. Viewing angle. Directly depends on the focal length. Approximately corresponding to the viewing angle of the human eye is considered a lens with a focal length of 50mm. Lenses with shorter focal lengths are wide-angle lenses, those with longer focal lengths are telephoto lenses. Photo 1 shows a variant of the photo of St. Isaac's Cathedral taken with a lens with a focal length of 20mm (wide), and photo 2 shows the same cathedral, shot at 80mm (telephoto).

Zoom (zoom). The zoom of the lens is calculated very simply: for this you need to divide the larger focal length by the smaller one. For the camera mentioned above, the zoom is 34.8/5.8=6. As indicated by the manufacturer. If the camera is equipped with a lens without zoom, then its focal length and aperture are indicated on it: for example, 20mm 1: 2.8. The larger the zoom of the camera, the more complex its design, and the manufacturer has to find a compromise between cost and quality. Therefore, ultra zooms (6-12x) usually give a worse picture compared to moderate zooms (up to 3x).

Image stabilizer. The image stabilizer is designed to combat the so-called "shake" effect - caused by hand shake when photographing at sufficiently slow shutter speeds or at a large zoom.

Stabilization options:

Optical stabilization. It is based on the fact that a movable stabilizing element is built into the lens, which bends the path of light in the right direction. Also in the lens there are sensors that control the movement of this element. As a result, with slight vibrations of the camera, the projection of the image onto the matrix always remains motionless. However, it also has its drawbacks:

Reduced lens aperture

Rising cost

Canon has developed Image Stabilizer (IS) for its lenses, such as the Canon A570 IS. Nikon has a similar system referred to as VR.

anti-shake. In this stabilization technology, unlike optical stabilization, the matrix itself is the moving element. The main advantage of this approach is the independence of stabilization from the lens, so such stabilization can work with any optics. Konica Minolta was the first to develop such stabilization. The most striking example of a built-in antishake is a new product from Sony - the Alpha DSLR-A100.

Viewfinder

The viewfinder allows you to see the future picture before pressing the shutter. In digital compact cameras, it may be completely absent; its role is played by a display on which an image is formed in real time. Viewfinder can be:

Optical

Mirrored

Electronic

The mirror viewfinder is considered the best. It allows you to see the real area of ​​the frame without distortion. That is, the photographer sees through it exactly what in a moment will turn out to be a photograph.

The optical viewfinder is just a through hole in the camera body and does not correspond to what the lens sees, if only because it is offset by some distance relative to it, but in this case the display comes to the aid of the photographer.

camera display

On compact digital cameras, the display allows you to see the picture as it turns out in the photo and see in advance the shortcomings in the composition, shadows, lighting (some cameras can show a histogram of the future image in real time). On DSLRs, the display can be used to view shots already taken. Also, the display serves as an interface for controlling the camera, so the larger and brighter it is, the better.

Flash

Typically, each camera is equipped with a built-in low-power flash that can illuminate the foreground. Flashes are also equipped with various red-eye reduction functions, etc. In professional and semi-professional cameras, there is also a contact for connecting an external flash - a hot shoe. External flashes allow you to achieve much better results in all genres of shooting.

Possibility of manual settings

An important condition for obtaining high-quality photos is the presence of manual settings in the camera. Namely, the possibility:

Adjust aperture

Adjust shutter speed

Set white balance

Change the sensitivity of the matrix

Other settings

The presence of these adjustments allows you to fully control the shooting process, because even the fastest camera processor may not know the intent of the photographer.

How to choose a SLR camera

With the advent of digital cameras, photography has become a truly universal hobby. And lately, as prices have dropped, SLR cameras have become available to many, which allow you to get better pictures than compact cameras. With the growing interest in semi-professional models, many people have a question - how to choose a SLR camera? In the article, I will try to give recommendations, following which you can make the right choice and focus on the really important aspects, and not on the marketing tricks of camera manufacturers. First, a little about the SLR cameras themselves. Their main difference from other models is the ability to use removable lenses, i.e. the camera consists, as it were, of 2 parts - the “carcass” and the attached optics. In this article, we will talk specifically about choosing a carcass, but in any case, buying a DSLR also implies lens choice.

SLR camera - body and lens

Full frame or crop

The first question to consider is whether to choose a full-frame sensor or a cropped version. On the this moment for a non-professional (a person who does not earn money with a camera), a model with a reduced matrix is ​​\u200b\u200bpreferable. First of all, because of the lower price, and here not only the price of the carcass plays a role, but also the optics. On a full-frame matrix, it is difficult to get good photos using inexpensive lenses. there you can see all the flaws that will be almost invisible on the crop.

In addition, the “saved” money can be spent on the purchase of accessories that will be needed sooner or later, and then they can be “inherited” to a new carcass. Of course, if you are not on a tight budget and are willing to spend about 150-200 thousand rubles, then buying a full-frame SLR camera is preferable. The choice of cameras with a 35mm matrix is ​​now limited to 1-2 semi-professional models from each manufacturer, so further discussion will be more useful for those who choose a model with a crop.

Manufacturing firm

The first echelon of manufacturers includes Canon, Nikon and Sony (thanks to the purchase of Konica-Minolta). They are followed by Pentax, Olympus and Samsung. I would advise you to choose a camera from 3 leaders, but if your budget is limited, you can also look at less famous manufacturers.

Canon is the leader in photo quality. At the same time, the cost of photographic accessories of this company is the highest, and the ease of use loses to cameras, Sony and Nikon. An additional advantage of Sony cameras is the stabilization system built into the carcass, which significantly reduces the price of optics for these cameras.

Sony Alpha Ecosystem

In any case, the quality of photos from the cameras of all three manufacturers is quite close, so the choice here is a matter of individual preferences. I shoot Canon, but if I took the camera now, it would probably be Sony α.

Marketing megapixels and real sensitivity.

For many, matrix resolution is one of the most important characteristics when choosing a camera. I want to say that this is not entirely correct. In order to print an A3 photo, 10 megapixels is enough. Modern matrices give even higher values. But with the same matrix size, as the number of pixels increases, their size naturally decreases. As a result, the noise of the matrix increases at high ISO values. They try to defeat this trouble with more sophisticated noise reduction algorithms, faster processors and other tricks.

Comparison of Canon 450d and 500d sensor detail and noise at ISO 800

Noise reduction algorithms almost always blur the picture. And we get a double-edged sword - on the one hand, increasing the resolution of the matrix increases detail, on the other hand, noise reduction "eats" the details. Therefore, when choosing a camera, first of all, look not at megapixels, but at the quality of photos at high sensor sensitivity values.

Price and class of the camera.

Almost all manufacturers produce three lines of non-full-frame cameras: entry-level cameras, amateur cameras and semi-professional models. Entry-level cameras are the poorest in terms of technology. This truncation is often compensated by automatic modes with tips for novice amateur photographers. At the same time, their price is comparable to advanced soap dishes. I would not advise taking such models, unless, in case of financial difficulties, but inapplicable desire to buy a DSLR. The reduced price in this case does not justify the reduced functionality.

Consumer cameras are the best option for buying your first camera when you are not yet familiar with all the possibilities of digital photography. The relatively low price and compact size make these models a good choice for people who travel frequently. Usually such cameras are brothers of older models in smaller cases.

Semi-professional cameras are the choice of a person who is already quite familiar with photography. Their main trump card is convenience. Oddly enough, but the larger the camera, the more convenient it is to shoot. In addition, semi-professional models usually have improved ergonomics compared to younger ones. Usually they have additional controls for quick access to certain settings.

I am using a Canon 40D with a Canon EF 24-105 f/4L IS USM lens

In this case, the main selection criterion is, perhaps, finances, because. as the class grows, both the characteristics of cameras and their cost grow. It should be mentioned that here it is already necessary to take into account the cost of the lens. For example, it is better to take an amateur camera model and a high-quality lens than a semi-professional one with whale optics.

This completes the theoretical part of choosing a camera. I will talk about the practical aspects of choosing a camera in an article about checking the camera when buying. I also highly recommend reading the articles. about what is kit and how to choose a photo store.

p.s. Dear visitors, I do not sell cameras, so I can only tell you some points that I know from my experience and based on my common sense. I will be happy to help you with the choice of camera or lens, but this will be nothing more than my personal opinion.

Now many people can afford to buy a SLR camera. My take on this is that if you don't know the basics of photography, buying expensive gear won't improve your shots.

The topic of choosing a camera, probably, has always been and will be relevant. Time passes, technology changes, old materials written on this topic become hopelessly outdated. The general principles remain unchanged, but a huge number of nuances makes us look at the problem of choice differently. Purpose of the article What is the best camera- dot the i's in the matter of buying a digital camera, given the current market situation. The article is primarily aimed at beginner amateur photographers, but I'm sure the article will be useful for experienced users as well.

Where to start choosing the "best" camera?

First of all, you must determine the range of tasks for which the camera will be used. Tasks can be completely different and you need to come to terms with the fact that there is simply no absolutely universal camera. There are only cameras that are suitable for solving certain tasks or not suitable. For example, to go on a picnic with friends, it is not at all necessary to bring a professional DSLR there (although there are enthusiasts), an inexpensive soap dish or even a smartphone is quite enough - after all, photos from such events, as a rule, do not go beyond social networks and home photo albums. In this case the best camera there will be one that is always at hand.

For professional purposes, the requirements for technique vary considerably depending on the genre of shooting. To shoot a reportage, you need a high burst speed and the ability to take pictures handheld in low light, for a landscape - maximum clarity and depth of colors, for a portrait - high-quality reproduction of skin color and the ability to get a beautiful background blur, for macro photography - the ability to focus on very close object, and so on. Naturally, all these possibilities cannot be realized in one camera with a single lens. Thus, choosing the best option for a camera is always a compromise between the capabilities of technology, its size, ease of use and price.

Classes of digital cameras

One of the main criteria by which cameras are divided into different classes is physical size of the matrix. It is not measured in megapixels, but in millimeters (or inches). It is this parameter that has a decisive influence on the quality of photographs - color reproduction, noise level, dynamic range. Traditionally, it was believed that DSLRs and mirrorless cameras have a large matrix - this is good, while soap dishes have a small matrix - bad. Now this division is very conditional, since many compact cameras have matrices comparable in size to amateur DSLRs and mirrorless cameras.

Conventionally, digital cameras can be divided into several classes.

entry-level amateur cameras

The vast majority of digital cameras costing up to about 20 thousand rubles fall under this category. The electronic filling of all these devices is almost always comparable in their characteristics, the difference is in the lens and additional functions, often not directly related to photography.

The characteristics of compact cameras "on paper" can look very convincing - more than 20 megapixels, 20-30x zoom, ISO sensitivity range like a professional SLR, a bunch of all sorts of chips and lotions - Wi-Fi, GPS, NCP, FullHD, 4K and etc. But in reality, everything is not so rosy. The main trouble with these devices is that their characteristics are fully manifested only in "greenhouse" conditions, for example, outdoors with good lighting. As soon as the sun goes behind a cloud, the quality of the photos is noticeably reduced, and even if we try to shoot in a semi-dark room, we are in for a quiet horror in the form of digital noise (ripples in the pictures), distorted colors and degraded detail.

Cameras with small sensors do not know how to blur the background, because of this, the picture looks flat, it is difficult to achieve volume transfer on it. Sometimes there is a special "blurred background" mode in soap dishes, which programmatically determines the objects of the foreground and background and adds an artificial blur to the background. But like all software, this mode does not always do it efficiently and beautifully.

A soap dish will be the best choice if you do not set yourself creative tasks - you just buy a "photo recorder", which is always at hand. In this case, it is better to prefer a camera with an increased optical zoom ratio in order to have a more or less versatile tool. There is no point in buying the cheapest digital compacts with 2-3x zoom, since they have no advantages over smartphones. Soap dishes with a 5-10x zoom are still sold at the very least, but there is simply nothing to advise among them.

If you really need a compact camera with a really good zoom, then you should understand that if the size is not the most compact, the photo quality will be the same “soapy”, because the matrix is ​​the same as in simple models.

Another scourge of superzoom compacts is their short battery life. To minimize the dimensions, the manufacturer supplies the camera with a compact small-capacity battery, from which the lens mechanics, image stabilization, flash, and, in fact, the rest of the electronic stuffing, must work. With a small number of “on / off” cycles, you can really take 400-500 photos in a short period of time, but if you turn on the camera before each shot and then turn it off, then the best you can count on is 200 frames on a single battery charge. The only advantage of such cameras is their versatility.

To decide to buy a device with a "superzoom" you need to have good reasons and a firm belief that you need exactly 50-60x zoom. The topic of choosing a superzoom has been taken out. If we talk about the best manufacturer of soap dishes, then in this niche there is not much difference between them. Choose a device with a 10-20x zoom from Sony, Nikon, Panasonic, Canon, Olympus. The quality of the photos they will have is the same, the difference is only in appearance.

Some entry-level cameras have a full range of manual settings. This is primarily aimed at those amateur photographers who want to learn how to photograph, however, the value of manual settings for such cameras is often greatly exaggerated. The presence of a programmable exposure mode (P), as a rule, covers 99% of the needs of an enthusiastic amateur photographer - verified from our own experience.

If you want to do artistic photography, I strongly recommend not to mess with "small-matrix" cameras. The picture quality will be acceptable only outdoors in daylight. When lighting conditions deteriorate, the quality of photographs deteriorates rapidly. Photos from these devices are difficult to process in Photoshop, because even with minor manipulations with brightness, contrast, saturation, artifacts begin to appear - color distortion, increased noise level, "steps" on smooth color transitions.

Cameras for advanced amateurs

This niche is the most diverse, it contains at least three subgroups, in varying degrees, competing with each other in terms of their capabilities.

"Top soap dishes"

These are compact devices with an oversized matrix and non-replaceable optics. According to their declared characteristics, they seem to be inferior to entry-level amateur devices (see above) - they have fewer megapixels, the zoom ratio rarely exceeds 3-5 times, sometimes they have worse video capabilities, but they do their job more honestly and with better quality - and namely, they provide better detail and color reproduction than entry-level devices. All this is due to a larger matrix and a better lens.

Among the top compacts, in my opinion, Sony and Panasonic are the most successful, but there are interesting options from Canon, Nikon and other manufacturers.

Another advantage of the "top" compacts (as well as all the groups listed below) is the ability to shoot in RAW format. What is RAW, we will briefly analyze a little later, but for now, just take my word for it - this is a very useful feature for which you can sacrifice the zoom ratio, rotary / touch screen, not to mention the "trendy chips" such as Wi-Fi, GPS, etc. .P.

"Top" compacts take excellent pictures during the day on the street, indoors with them you can also achieve acceptable photo quality. The merit of everything is a higher-quality matrix of an increased size (from 1 / 1.7 to 1 inch) - the larger, the better, but also more expensive.

Almost all compacts of this class can shoot in RAW. The presence of the RAW format opens up great opportunities for stretching photos to an acceptable level of quality. The only limitation is that most devices in this niche are not able to provide beautiful and powerful background blur (bokeh) where it is needed (for example, in a portrait or when shooting close-ups). To "make bokeh" in photographs, you need a device with an even larger matrix and a fast lens. For more information on choosing an entry-level or advanced point-and-shoot camera, see the Best Compact Cameras article.

Mirrorless

Mirrorless cameras are essentially the same "top" compacts, only with interchangeable lenses. The main advantage of mirrorless cameras is their "consistency". In fact, this is a constructor in which the "carcass" acts as a basic element and you can hang a lot of interesting things on it. Another question, this "interesting" costs extra money, and often its cost is many times higher than the cost of a carcass :)

The matrix of mirrorless cameras is several times larger than that of amateur compact cameras - from 4/3" (Micro 4/3) to "full frame" (36 * 24 mm). This gives great advantages in the form of a large margin of light sensitivity, better color reproduction and more freedom when working with depth of field.Where amateur soapboxes turn the image into a mess of pixels, mirrorless cameras provide quite acceptable image quality.Those who mount a fast lens with a fixed focal length, for example, 25mm / 1.4, get even greater advantages. 50mm / 1.8 - with them, shooting indoors turns from torment into pleasure.The whale lens does not differ in large aperture and in some cases healthy limits the possibilities of using the camera.

If we talk about manufacturers, I would recommend first of all to look towards Sony, Panasonic, Olympus, Fujifilm. These manufacturers entered the "mirrorless" niche earlier than others and, in this regard, their choice of additional lenses and accessories is wider than that of the "catching up" - Canon and Nikon.

A modern mirrorless camera is a fast, reliable and functional device that is not inferior in image quality and speed to SLR cameras (and in some ways even surpasses them) and at the same time is much lighter and more compact. The main disadvantage of most mirrorless cameras is that in the pursuit of compactness, many physical controls (buttons, wheels) are often replaced with software ones (menu items). Since the functionality of mirrorless cameras is very high, the menu becomes multi-level and complex - this makes life difficult for the photographer if you need to photograph something in non-standard conditions, when the standard settings and presets cannot provide the correct result. But this is more the exception than the rule. In my opinion, if you need a device "for every day", a mirrorless camera will be the most practical solution.

Having at my disposal a Canon EOS 5D reflex and an Olympus E-PM2 mirrorless, I prefer the latter on most trips and light walks, as well as for amateur home shooting. The quality of the Olympus images suits me personally, especially if the whale lens is changed to a fast fix. This is despite the fact that the E-PM2 model belongs to the most budget class of mirrorless cameras. The mirrorless camera does a great job with landscape photography - color reproduction, dynamic range at a quite decent level.

SLR Cameras

SLRs- devices in which a shutter with a movable or fixed mirror is used, through which the picture that the lens sees is projected into the viewfinder. This design has an advanced age, however, it has very successfully taken root in digital.

In terms of image quality, DSLRs do not have advantages over mirrorless cameras, since their matrices are the same, however, SLR cameras have their own advantages: the ability to use fast phase autofocus (although modern mirrorless cameras have also learned to use it), low power consumption in standard mode (when shooting through viewfinder, not on the screen). Another advantage of DSLRs lies in the large number of accessories available for sale (including in the secondary market) is truly huge. DSLR lenses are generally less expensive than comparable mirrorless lenses (keep this in mind if you plan to grow and develop).

SLRs have taken root in the field of professional photography - for professional photographers, it is important not only the number of functions of the camera, but also the ease of access to them (it's easier to press a button than to climb the menu every time!). And the autofocus of advanced DSLRs in difficult conditions works faster and more accurately than mirrorless ones. The main disadvantage of a DSLR is its size and weight, although some models are very compact and comparable in size to top compacts (for example, Canon ESO 100D). If this drawback is not critical, the purchase of a DSLR is fully justified, otherwise it is better to look towards mirrorless cameras.

Among the manufacturers of DSLRs, Canon and Nikon traditionally share the palm, I recommend considering these manufacturers first of all. Not because Sony and Pentax DSLRs are bad - not at all! The question is that over time you will want to buy a new lens for your camera. If you have a Canon or Nikon, you can buy a lens at any photo store (after finding out where it is cheaper) or used on Avito. Sony has a worse situation - optics, in principle, are on sale, but the range is smaller and prices can be higher. Pentax - a separate song! The devices themselves are very interesting, but to find the right optics for them on sale, you need to try very hard.

DSLRs are record holders for battery life, since the matrix "turns on" only at the moment the shutter is opened. For other classes of cameras, the matrix always works to transfer the picture to the screen. DSLRs also have a LiveView mode, in which the camera works like a "soap box" and shows the picture not in the viewfinder, but on the screen. At the same time, energy consumption increases accordingly.

Cameras for enthusiastic amateurs and professionals

This niche is also very diverse. The main characteristic feature of these devices is the presence of some unique features for which people are willing to pay 2, 3 and even 10 times more than for middle-class equipment. Everyone has different requests - someone needs a full-frame sensor (mostly professional portraitists, landscape painters, wedding photographers), someone cares about the image component (most often, wealthy people, for whom the main criterion in choosing is "so that the camera is pleasant to hold in hands" - it is for them that compact stylish "image" devices are created).

Full-frame cameras provide the best image quality, which is why they are very popular among professional photographers and photo-advanced amateurs. If earlier this niche was dominated by Canon and Nikon DSLRs, now mirrorless devices are beginning to penetrate it. Sony Alpha A7 is the first swallow, a full-frame mirrorless camera for a sane cost for a full frame. The "vintage" Leica is a fashion device "for the rich", however, it has a full-frame sensor and quite good photographic capabilities.

The screenshot was taken when the dollar cost 33 rubles :) Now the cost of such a Leica is from 600 thousand rubles. I will modestly keep silent about the practicality of such an acquisition, for the price of one Leica M carcass you can buy a professional Canon or Nikon DSLR with a professional lens (or even several).

If you aim for a full frame, keep in mind that its capabilities are fully realized only with high-quality optics, which can cost comparable to the camera, and sometimes much more. Buying a full frame for amateur home shooting is not the most practical investment. If you are a beginner, it is better to buy simpler equipment, and invest the difference in price in photography training. If you have photographic experience and the desire to improve yourself, a full-frame camera will be a great tool in your hands!

Added on 05/15/2018

Recently, one of the readers made a remark to me that I did not consider in this article another category of professional equipment - medium format cameras. I must say right away that I am a little far from this topic and have only superficial knowledge about this technique. Medium format cameras have an average matrix 1.5 times larger than a "full frame", their own fleet of optics and additional equipment. The cost of a full-fledged kit for shooting in a "medium format" can exceed the cost of a new foreign car, so it's no wonder that the demand for this technique, even in the professional niche, is small compared to the same full-frame DSLRs.

Shooting on a "medium format" is characterized by slowness, the use of slow shutter speeds and strongly (by "cropped" standards) clamped apertures. The reward for this will be images with tremendous detail (40-50 megapixels and more), perfect perspective transmission (since 50 mm on a medium format is a very wide-angle lens), and if you want to blur the background, then you can do wonders.

Conclusion. Which camera is right for whom?

So, it's time to draw a line under all of the above. Let's try to summarize the most typical options in a table. The options are "basic", depending on your preferences, they can be combined with each other. The table shows the approximate models of cameras that are suitable for this role. Sometimes I referred to entire families of cameras. I did not have a goal to list everything that fits - just designate a class of equipment, among which you need to look for options.

On this, I think, we can finish. Good luck with your choice of camera and more good pictures!

About my help in choosing a camera

Until recently, I provided a consultation service on choosing a camera according to your criteria. Now I am her do not provide. In view of my busy schedule, I no longer have the opportunity to regularly get acquainted with the latest in the photo industry, attend presentations and exhibitions of new products. Therefore, the maximum that I can offer you is to look again at the table above, determine the selection criteria from it, and with these criteria go to a specialized photo store, in which sellers, as a rule, understand this topic. Seeking help from a professional seller is just as normal as using the services of a real estate agent, servicing a car not in a garage on your own, but in a good car service. For the extra charge that is included in the cost of goods in the Canon, Sony, Fujifilm, Olympus, etc. brand store, you get professional advice. If you don’t want to pay for a consultation, figure it out yourself and buy in the online store, find out a lot of new things, and even save money :)

56266 Photography from scratch 0

In this lesson you will learn: Types of cameras. The main characteristics of modern cameras. Learn more about sensors. Let's talk a little about megapixels. We will tell you how to choose a camera.

In the first lesson, we examined the principle of operation of a digital camera and what basic elements it consists of. Let's define the main types of digital cameras and their types. I must say right away that the separation of some of the cameras is quite clear, but there are views, the boundaries between which are blurred and conditional. Nevertheless, we will try to classify in sufficient detail.

Consider the main types of cameras:

• Compact cameras. Small in size, the vast majority with fixed lenses and automatic settings for shooting modes. The types of compacts are discussed in more detail below.
• SLR cameras. The principle of operation is described in detail in the first lesson, it has a mirror in front of the sensor and the ability to change lenses, which provides various possibilities for use. SLR cameras are classified by the size of the matrix, as well as amateur and professional. We will also talk more about DSLRs below.
• System cameras. Also compact cameras, but with interchangeable lenses. They do not have a mirror.
• medium format cameras. The matrices of these cameras are larger than 35 mm wide films. We will not consider these cameras within the framework of this course, this is clearly not an amateur segment, and the price for them can have a bad effect on the psyche))).
• Special cameras. Used for aerospace photography, astrophotography (shooting of the starry sky), underwater photography, in extreme environmental conditions, panoramic cameras, etc. Of interest to the amateur are protected cameras with a wide range of operating temperatures, the ability to shoot at shallow depths and can withstand drops from a small height.

Now consider the types of the above types of cameras.

Compact cameras. Compacts can be divided into three groups:

1. fully automatic compact digital camera
2. with advanced settings management
3. prosumer cameras

Fully automatic compact camera is the name of small, light cameras. In the people they are called "soap dishes". The main task of a digital soap dish is to simplify the process of taking a photo as much as possible. The lens and the camera are a single unit, that is, lenses cannot be changed. Such a camera is positioned by manufacturers as "Point & Shoot" or "Point and shoot". It is understood that you just have to compose the frame and press the button. The automation will make all the necessary settings for you, if necessary, turn on the built-in flash.

This is a very easy to use camera with a minimum of settings. However, it still allows you to control some settings, such as switching preset shooting modes: portrait, landscape, macro, etc. In the manual settings mode, you can adjust the ISO, white balance, turn the built-in flash on and off, and sometimes adjust its power. This type of camera allows you to get good quality pictures only with sufficient lighting, for example, in the daytime on the street or in open areas. In difficult lighting conditions, it is very difficult to get a beautiful picture using such a camera. Cameras of this type usually use cheap optics. The price of simple cameras is minimal.

With manual settings. Cameras of this type are intended for those who are no longer satisfied with the limited settings of a fully automatic camera. Here, in addition to fully automatic modes, it is possible to control the shutter speed and aperture settings. This is achieved by using shutter priority (S or Tv), aperture priority (A or Av), and manual mode M (Manual).

All this allows you to take high-quality photos in more difficult conditions, as well as create various creative effects already during shooting, without the use of post-processing. However, in order to get a good picture with manual settings, you need to know how they work and develop certain skills in applying them in various situations. The lens has a more complex design. The price category of such cameras has the greatest variation.

Among compact cameras with advanced features, we note the popular group of cameras with a large range of lens focal lengths, the zoom of which is calculated in tens or even hundreds of units - this superzooms. There are superzooms among automatic compact cameras. The quality of the work of these cameras and the feasibility of their acquisition, we will consider in our next lesson on lenses.

Prosumer cameras designed for serious, advanced amateur photographers. These cameras can take professional pictures. They allow you to shoot in RAW format, have automatic and manual settings for shutter speed and aperture, and support high-speed burst shooting. Various attachments and filters are available for such cameras. The built-in flash is much more powerful, and many models have a hot shoe that allows you to use external flashes, as well as connect remote flash control systems.

Such cameras, as a rule, have a larger matrix, better lenses, a very advanced system of settings, in which a novice photographer may well get confused. They allow you to get much better photos in a variety of conditions. Such cameras are often purchased even by professional photographers in order to be able to get high-quality photos when it is impossible to carry a backpack with a SLR camera and lenses, and you also need not to attract undue attention to yourself. The price of such cameras is comparable to the price of entry-level SLR cameras, and sometimes exceeds them.

Among the compacts, it is worth highlighting rangefinder cameras. This type of camera is equipped with a rangefinder. The camera lens uses a separate optical viewfinder to adjust focus. Quite expensive branded cameras, I don’t think they are interesting for an amateur.

It is impossible not to mention cameras with fixed focal length lenses. Today it is the most promoted of the new types of cameras, the lens of which has a fixed focal length. Suffice it to mention such cameras as Sony RX-1, Nikon Coolpix A. A rather specific segment of prosumer cameras, also of little interest to a novice amateur, primarily because of the high price and narrow range of applications.

SLR cameras (DSLR)

This type of camera is used by professional photographers and advanced amateur photographers who need high quality images and full control over the shooting process. SLRs provide the user with full control over any parameters and settings. They have a large sensor, reaching the size of a film frame in professional models, 36 x 24 mm, which gives the highest image quality. A distinctive feature is the complete absence of a delay between pressing the shutter button and the shutter, which allows you to capture very dynamic events. The quality of pictures taken with such a camera is the best possible in digital technology today. With the exception of medium format digital cameras and digital backs, they are so expensive that they are not even available to all professionals, not to mention advanced amateurs.

"

SLRs" allow you to use a variety of additional equipment and change lenses.

Quite often, SLR cameras are sold without a lens (Body or “carcass” in photo jargon). But also often the camera is equipped with a relatively inexpensive universal lens. Such a kit is called a kit (from the English kit - a set or kit). A "whale" lens, as a rule, is of average quality and does not allow you to use all the features of the camera.

Therefore, to shoot in different genres, you have to buy and use different lenses. High-quality lenses that allow you to fully use the potential of the matrix are very expensive.

And finally, a new type of camera that appeared not so long ago: interchangeable lens mirrorless cameras. Or are they also called systemic. This type of camera has a sensor that is smaller or the same size as that of SLR cameras, but does not have a sighting mechanism using a mirror and pentaprism, which allows them to be significantly reduced in size. It is the small size and the ability to directly focus using the LCD or electronic viewfinder, as well as image quality that is not inferior to SLR cameras and the ability to change lenses, that explain the growing popularity of this class of cameras.

However, compactness also has its disadvantages: it is the difficulty of quickly controlling the camera, which is especially important in reportage, sports and holiday shooting, and the difficulty when working with heavy lenses. The cost of such cameras is comparable to the price of amateur-level DSLRs.

Cameras are professional and amateur. You may have heard of semi-professional cameras. I'll upset you right away - there are no such people. More precisely, they are - in the marketing brains of semi-sellers in their semi-shops :))). You can't be half artist or half engineer. Half-doctor Romanenko, however, became the hero of the TV series "Interns", but you definitely do not want to be treated by him. So - the camera is either professional or amateur! What is the difference? Amateur cameras differ from professional ones in the main characteristics: a set of shutter speeds, a set of functions, the size and quality of the matrix, ergonomics, button life and the number of shutter releases, burst speed, dust and moisture resistance, recording on several memory cards.

The differences will be as follows: the shutters of professional cameras are designed for more actuations, their body is made of metal (usually titanium), so it is more durable and heavier, they can shoot in any weather, they have a more capacious battery, and a viewfinder with almost 100% image capture, and added features that even a professional might not always need, for example, a shutter speed of 1/8000 s. Professional cameras are equipped with powerful and fast focusing systems and image processors. Most of the controlled functions for quickly changing shooting modes are placed on the buttons of the camera body, and not in the menu, as in amateur cameras. Some professional cameras do not have built-in flash it means shooting with an external "default" in the hands of a professional photographer (we will talk about the shortcomings of built-in flashes in one of our next lessons).

We have already mentioned matrices above - now a little more about their physical dimensions (do not confuse with the number of pixels). This is the most important feature of a camera! About 30% of the quality of your photographs depends on the matrix.

matrices(sensors) come in different physical sizes and this is very important, since the smaller it is, the worse the image will be. A full-format matrix ("full frame") is considered to be the frame size of a narrow-film camera - 24 x 36 mm. The reduction in the size of the matrix is ​​usually considered in multiples of the full format, and this is called the "crop factor".

So, if the matrix is ​​1/3 less than the full-size one, then they say that this camera has a crop equal to 1/3. This must be taken into account when choosing lenses for the camera, as they will differ. Lenses designed for cameras with 1/3 and 1 crop (that is, with a full-frame matrix) cannot be put on a camera with a 1.5 or 2/3 crop. Also, the actual focal length of most lenses will be equal to the focal length written on the lens multiplied by this crop factor. Simply, if you put a lens with a focal length of 50 mm on a camera with a crop of 1.5, then the real focus is 75 mm (it was “normal” - it became “portrait”).

The size of the sensor also affects such an artistic shooting technique as background blur (bokeh). Without going into details, we remember - the smaller the size of the matrix, the greater the depth of field - DOF (depth of field of the imaged space) and less likely to get bokeh.

The price of a camera directly depends on the size of the matrix used in it - the larger the size by one gradation, the price of the camera usually increases by an order of magnitude.

The matrices have other important characteristics in which they differ greatly, for example, some are very “noisy” in low light, that is, in low light conditions, clearly visible digital noise appears. Noise may appear in another situation, for example, when setting the sensitivity (ISO) from 400 units. and above, or with a long exposure.

The size of the matrix is ​​certainly a very important characteristic of the camera, but not all-encompassing. So, with the same number of pixels, the picture of a camera with a large crop (smaller size) will be noticeably worse than the picture of a camera with a smaller crop. That is, the pixel density is important. More about this, if you are interested, is described on our website.

These characteristics are perhaps the most important in digital cameras, but there are others that may be more important in certain situations. If you shoot any fast-changing events, then the speed of processing and recording frames is very important, as well as the ability of the camera to record files in RAW format (we will talk about photo recording formats later). For those who shoot in a studio with professional flashes, it is important that the camera can synchronize its shutter with these flashes, and not all cameras can do this.

Well, that's all about the types of cameras, in short. I hope this is clear and not too tedious. Shall we continue?

You already undoubtedly have a digital camera, but this information will be useful to you, because perhaps in the near future you will think about changing it to a more advanced model. Or maybe you are still facing a choice - how to choose from all this variety exactly the camera that you need?

The following digital camera selection criteria are based on personal experience. So, before you buy a digital camera, we recommend that you answer the following questions and make an appropriate decision:
1. What exactly is to be photographed?
2. What are your immediate photography needs?
3. How big is your photography and computer experience?
4. Do you have a specific brand of photography equipment?
5. What are the minimum performance requirements?
6. What funds can be allocated for the acquisition?

Let us now consider these criteria in more detail.

1. What exactly is to be photographed
Before purchasing a camera, you need to decide how it will be used. This solution will narrow down your search. The camera can be used to capture birthday celebrations, family vacations, or sports events. In the business world, photographs are taken with a camera for catalogs or information leaflets. Photojournalists use a camera to take pictures for news agencies and periodicals. The camera can shoot flora, fauna and landscapes of the surrounding nature, take pictures for photo exhibitions or reproductions of museum exhibits. A passionate amateur photographer just needs a good camera to unleash their own creative potential. All of the above application examples require a selection of different types of digital cameras. Therefore, knowing in advance the specific purpose of the camera, you can significantly narrow the search among the most suitable models for choosing.

2. Assess specific photography needs
With the quality of digital cameras, and hence the pictures, constantly increasing, and the prices of cameras becoming affordable, it is worthwhile to critically assess the immediate needs for photography. In particular, it is recommended to purchase a digital camera that can not only meet these needs, but also allows you to improve in digital photography as you master it. Buying a digital camera "overhand" will get you more value out of it in the long run. Although you shouldn't get too carried away.

3. How great is the experience of photography and working on a computer
Once it has been determined which photographs are required and what is supposed to be done with them, it is necessary to critically evaluate your own level of preparation. At the same time, it is recommended to take into account the following: how regular were the classes in photography, what cameras did you have to shoot, how much did you manage to master the terms, concepts and principles of photography and working on a computer. All these factors should also influence the choice of the type of digital camera. You should purchase a camera that best meets the level of training of its future owner. When choosing, for example, between a model of a compact camera with advanced features and a digital SLR, you need to find out for yourself how often you will need to use it. If it will only be occasional outings with a camera in nature, then it is best to opt for a compact model, since it is easier to master. If in the future a serious passion for photography is expected, then having accumulated valuable experience in photography, subsequently switch to a digital SLR camera.

4. Application of existing filming equipment
Deciding to purchase a digital camera is much easier if you already have a specific manufacturer's camera, lens kit, flash, or other accessories at your disposal. It should be remembered that most of the accessories of various brands - flashes, lenses, remotes and triggers - cannot be used on competitive cameras.

If you are buying a camera for the first time, for which, in order to reveal all its capabilities, you need to purchase a lot of equipment, you should evaluate the availability on the market and the price of these accessories.

5. Definition of minimum requirements
Before you go looking for a camera and compare prices, you need to find out the minimum camera requirements for your specific photography needs.
In this case, it is necessary to seriously define the mandatory set of camera properties. Defining properties of a camera:
. Matrix size and resolution in megapixels - what are required? We have already discussed this important issue above.
. Lens Capabilities - Fixed or interchangeable lens, how much should its focal length change, and can filters and lens attachments be used for close-ups and wide angle shots?
. Exposure Capabilities - Should the exposure be fully automatic or should it be possible to set the exposure manually?

Camera performance:
. Response time - how quickly does the camera respond to pressing the shutter button and how quickly can you take pictures (there is an article on the site that covers this point in detail)?
. Battery life and cost - how many shots does a battery charge last, how expensive is it, and is it rechargeable?
. Continuous Shooting - Do you need to shoot in quick succession?
. Dimensions - how important is the compactness and light weight of the camera?
. Lens quality. It is with the lens that the display of the real world in the camera begins. Therefore, its optics mainly (about 70 percent) determine the image quality.
Poor optics that do not effectively focus the image on the sensing element or cause chromatic aberration or image blur can negate the quality of all other components. If image quality is of paramount importance when choosing a camera, saving on a cheap lens is not advisable.
. Resolution in pixels. This indicator is advertised by manufacturers of digital cameras more than other characteristics. It's more correct to talk about pixel density. If you find it difficult to figure out the link above - why and how this parameter affects the quality of images, then just remember that you should not chase the insane amount of MP in the characteristics that camera matrices are packed with for the sake of marketers.
. Boot speed. After the camera is turned on, it takes some time for the control system to boot up and a ready-to-operate message appear. In different models of cameras, this time can range from a few milliseconds to several seconds. While waiting a few seconds for a digital camera to be ready to go may not seem like a big deal at first glance, it can actually miss out on a crucial moment of shooting.
. Shutter delay time. This property of digital cameras causes the most criticism from experienced users. This delay is the time between pressing the shutter button and actually taking the picture.
. Recording speed. When shooting with a digital camera, the data collected by the image sensor must be processed before it can be written to the digital media card. The duration of this operation also affects how long it takes the camera to take the next shot. To speed up the process of writing data, RAM is used here as a buffer memory, where images are temporarily stored before processing and writing to the card. This makes it possible to take more pictures while the previous ones are being processed. The amount of buffer memory, the format of the image and the file to which it is recorded, and the write speed to the memory card determine how long it takes the camera to take the next shot.
. Packet frequency. The size of the buffer memory mentioned above also affects the frequency of packets in the camera. It determines how many shots can be taken in succession before the camera has to pause to write data to the memory card. This figure should be taken into account if you intend to use the continuous shooting mode.
. Continuous shooting (frames per second). If photography is related to sports or journalism, then the number of pictures that can be taken per second by a digital camera is of decisive importance. This feature is useful even for amateur photographers, as it allows you to take a series of consecutive shots of moving subjects. Higher speed have professional models of SLR digital cameras.
. Viewfinders. Along with the zoom lens and megapixel resolution, the viewfinder also plays an important role. Therefore, you should consider its capabilities when choosing a camera. And since you have to devote a lot of time to composing shots using the viewfinder during shooting, let's look at the different types of viewfinders and their properties, based on which you can make the right choice.

LCD viewfinders. All digital cameras equipped with an LCD screen deserve attention. And in some models, this screen performs an additional function of the viewfinder, allowing you to review the composition before shooting it. The LCD screens of many cameras rotate and tilt by swivel to the body. The main disadvantage of LCD screens is that they are almost invisible in bright sunlight. LCD screens also consume a significant amount of battery power.

optical viewfinders. Optical viewfinders should be considered an important component of a digital camera. It is necessary to take into account the brightness, clarity and undistortedness of the image. Some camera models are equipped with a focusing wheel for precise viewfinder focusing. Glasses wearers can compensate for their shortcomings with the focus control knob.

scene modes. All digital cameras have automatic or program-set modes that make it much easier to set the correct exposure. Some models also have scene modes that are set in special cases where the camera's standard exposure may produce incorrect results. Typical scene modes in many cameras include portrait, night portrait, landscape, beach/snow, close-up, backlight, sports, and fireworks. Scene Modes save a lot of time for amateur photographers who are just taking their first steps in photography. More experienced photographers are advised to choose cameras with manual exposure settings.
. ISO value. It determines the sensitivity of the image sensor to light.
A similar indicator determines the light sensitivity of the film. For compact cameras, it ranges from 50 to 400 units, with many models automatically set to the best value for that type of camera. The more perfect the model, the higher this indicator. So, for some SLR digital cameras, the ISO reaches 1600 or even 6400 units. Therefore, if you plan to shoot depending on the available lighting conditions, or photograph moving objects in low light, then you need to pay attention to a camera with a high ISO sensitivity. Although some cameras have increased light sensitivity at lower resolutions. Therefore, it is recommended that you choose cameras that allow you to set a high ISO at the highest possible resolution.
However, it should be borne in mind that the higher the ISO sensitivity, the more noticeable the interference in the picture - noise.
. Shutter speed and aperture. In many digital cameras, semi-automatic aperture or shutter speed settings can be selected.
They allow you to partially set the required exposure, and the rest will be done by the camera itself. In the predominantly aperture setting mode, the amount of light that passes through the lens is controlled, and the shutter speed is automatically determined by the camera. On the contrary, in the shutter-priority mode, the duration of exposure measured in fractions of a second by the light of the CCD or CMOS sensor is controlled, and the aperture is determined automatically by the camera. Different exposure modes allow you to improve image quality or achieve specific visual effects.
. exposure compensation. If the analysis of the resulting image by the histogram (we will pay special attention to this parameter - a separate lesson) on the LCD screen shows that it turned out to be too light or, conversely, too dark, exposure compensation allows you to adjust the exposure and take a second shot without resorting to a special aperture calculation or excerpts. Such correction is usually carried out with an increment of the aperture value by a third or a half, as a result of which the exposure changes to a greater or lesser extent. For example, if you shoot a person standing next to a window and his face appears too dark on the LCD screen, then as a result of the correction, you can increase the exposure of the scene being shot.
. Tripod mount. Although not directly related to exposure controls, the tripod mount allows you to mount the camera in a stable position for slow shutter speeds.
You just need to make sure that the threads of such fasteners are metal and not plastic.
. Design and ergonomics. These are the last but not the least factors in choosing a digital camera. After all, if you need to shoot a lot, you will often have to hold the camera in your hands, wear it around your neck or over your shoulder and put your eye on it. Good design and ergonomics determine the ease of use, and therefore the pleasure of using the camera. Despite the prevalence of purchasing cameras via the Internet, you can truly appreciate the capabilities of the camera only by picking it up and checking it in operation.
The camera should have smooth, rounded shapes so that it is comfortable to hold in your hands. At the same time, the surface of its body must allow a firm and stable grip with the fingers. Thus, the design of a SLR digital camera should have a comfortable grip to the right of the lens so that the fingers are freely located on its body.
It is also necessary to check the reliability of the fastening of the covers for the battery and digital information carrier, to estimate the weight and overall dimensions of the camera.
Light weight is important for compact cameras, but for higher-end cameras, on the contrary, the extra weight is even useful, as it increases their stability during shooting.
How comfortable is it to look at the camera. Hold the camera up to your eye and see how comfortable it is to look through the viewfinder. In addition, it is necessary to check the sharpness, brightness and convenience of viewing the image in the viewfinder and displaying alphanumeric information (does the latter distract from viewing the image itself). Also make sure that the camera fits comfortably to your face when shooting.
Accessibility of camera controls. Study the layout of the camera controls, making sure it is rational and easy to use. If the camera controls are inconvenient to use, it is not recommended to purchase it. Review all the menu items, paying attention to the logic of their organization, the readability of the text, and the clarity of the names of the various properties. In addition, you should check how quickly the most important operating modes are selected, including displaying histograms or selecting scene modes, and evaluate the playback modes for ease of viewing images. Most models provide a quick preview of an image - a few seconds after it is taken, and some of them even allow you to set how long pictures are displayed on the LCD screen. It is also necessary to check the possibility of changing the scale of the image, scrolling it to assess the sharpness of the image and the correct composition, as well as fixing images in order to avoid their accidental deletion.

6. Which model can you afford

Once the search has been narrowed down to a particular type of camera, manufacturer, and key features selected, the costs need to be calculated. Recently, prices for digital cameras have become more affordable, although professional models are still quite expensive. If you have chosen a camera with interchangeable lenses, then you must also consider the cost of future purchases of an expensive fleet of optics and accessories for creative photography - flash, tripod, filters, etc.

Now that you are more clear about your needs - choose 2-3 cameras from a specific manufacturer. Once again, evaluate their characteristics, ergonomics, cost. And make your final decision.

Lesson results:

So, we examined the main types of cameras, their characteristics. We learned a little about sensors and megapixels, and how to choose a camera from all this variety.

Practical task:

1. Carefully study the terms mentioned in the lesson and try to remember them. In the future, we will often use them in our lessons. For this, the site also has.

2. Imagine that you are faced with the question of buying a camera, assess your needs, make a choice and talk about this painful process and its results on.

There you can also ask questions about the material presented.

In the next lesson #3: Photo lens. Device and principle of operation. What is lens aperture. Lens care. Fixed or zoom lens? What to look for when choosing and buying photo optics. Light filters.