How to choose an inexpensive SLR camera. How to choose a camera? Camera ratings and reviews. How to choose a DSLR camera? How to choose a digital camera

In a SLR camera, the image in the viewfinder is formed using a system of prisms and mirrors, that is, you see what directly enters the lens. It's like you're looking through a lens. The viewfinder of a compact camera is much simpler and does not allow you to accurately determine what will ultimately end up on the matrix.

Someone will ask: “Why a viewfinder? My point-and-shoot camera does not have a viewfinder, but it has an LCD display that performs the same functions.” The fact is that on a bright sunny day, especially if the sun is behind you, it is very difficult to see anything on the LCD display. The viewfinder of an SLR camera, as it were, isolates your eye from bright light and allows you to accurately assess the subject of photography.

The system of prisms and mirrors, which allows you to look directly through the lens, is just one of the advantages of SLR cameras over conventional cameras.

Another advantage of a DSLR camera is the ability to change lenses. Lenses for macro photography, wide-angle lenses for interior photography, and telephoto lenses for sports photography are available.

In addition, the sensor of a DSLR camera is much larger than that of a compact camera. The quality of photographs and the level of noise or grain in the image directly depend on the size of the sensor. Thus, the quality of photos taken with a 10 megapixel reflex camera will be significantly higher than the quality of photos taken with a 10 megapixel point-and-shoot camera.

Where is the best place to buy a DSLR camera?

We recommend buying a DSLR camera in large stores household appliances or in photo stores. Here they will not only tell you which SLR camera is best to choose, but will also help you choose the necessary accessories and accessories. In addition, in the store you have the opportunity to evaluate the weight and ergonomics of the camera.

If you are buying a camera from an online store, then remember: if the offer is too good to be true, then most likely it is a scam. There are many unscrupulous sellers on the Internet. Some sell cameras that are not new or refurbished, cameras without a warranty, cameras with incomplete accessories, or just an empty box. Don't buy a DSLR camera online if the price is significantly lower than in other stores. In addition, before purchasing from an online store, it is better to check the rating of the seller’s website on the Internet.

Which brand of camera is better to buy?

Approximately 85% of SLR cameras on the market are from Nikon and Canon. The rest of the market share is occupied by cameras from Pentax, Olympus and Sony. These are all excellent manufacturing companies that have been developing and selling cameras for decades, starting with the era of film cameras. Sony produced cameras under the Konica Minolta brand. The cameras from these companies are of approximately the same quality. The difference lies in the price and availability of accessories.

On the Internet, on amateur photography forums, there are often disputes between Nikonians (Nikon supporters) and Kenonians (those who believe that you can only shoot with Canon). However, photographs taken with Canon or Nikon are practically the same in quality. And at a photo exhibition you won’t hear phrases like “what a beautiful landscape shot on Nikon,” or “you can feel the magic of Canon in this photo.”

As for the quality of pictures, it depends not so much on the brand, but on the characteristics of the camera, which will be discussed below, and on the skill of the photographer. It should be noted right away that even a very expensive professional camera will not make you a good photographer.

Megapixels

Almost all DSLR cameras for beginners are equipped with an 18 megapixel sensor. The number of megapixels determines the size of the photo that can be printed from your photo. 18 megapixels is enough to print photos of any reasonable size.

Calculating the size of a photo is quite simple. Among the technical characteristics of the camera is the maximum resolution of the photograph. For example, for the Canon EOS 1200D it is 5184 x 3456. Divide this by 100 (the number of pixels per centimeter) and we get 51.84 x 34.56 cm with a resolution of 100 pixels per centimeter. And this is the size of a photograph printed at high resolution, 100 pixels per centimeter - almost museum quality.

However, most often you will print pictures of 10x15 cm or 20x25 cm. Therefore, for you, as a novice photographer, almost any entry-level SLR camera will be suitable.

Thus, the number of megapixels is certainly an important characteristic of the camera. However, this is not the indicator that should guide you when choosing a camera. All modern DSLR cameras have a sufficient number of megapixels.

SLR camera sensitivity (ISO)

The higher the camera's ISO sensitivity, the lower light levels you can shoot in. If you usually shoot outdoors in daylight or indoors with a flash, then you don’t need to pay much attention to this characteristic.

Light sensitivity is important if you plan to photograph action, sports, nighttime street scenes, or indoors where the use of flash is prohibited.

Most DSLR cameras have a sensitivity range of ISO 100 to 12800. ISO 100 is used in bright light, and ISO 12800 is used in low light. Keep in mind that even though a camera can shoot at a very high ISO, this does not mean high quality photos in low light levels.

When you take photos at high ISO settings, your photos will appear grainy and noisy. Cameras with a top ISO of 12800 allow you to take noise-free photographs at ISO 3200. If photo quality at high ISO values ​​is important to you, we recommend that you look at reviews and testimonials on the Internet. The quality of low-light images may vary greatly depending on different models SLR cameras.

Display

The display of a DSLR camera should be large, high resolution and bright. On the display you will view photos you have already taken and change camera settings. Some amateur photographers use the display instead of a viewfinder. However, it should be borne in mind that in bright sunlight it is very difficult to use the display.

Number of frames per second

This characteristic shows how many pictures the camera can take when shooting in multi mode. The number of frames per second is important if you plan to shoot sports or animals.

Sensor size

DSLR cameras have different sensor sizes. From the standard APS-C, which most DSLRs are equipped with, to the so-called full-size sensor. We recommend using simple rule- “the larger the sensor, the better.”

Full-size sensors have a number of advantages, but they can only be found in expensive semi-professional and professional cameras.

Cleaning the sensor

One of the unpleasant side effects the ability to change lenses on the go is due to contamination of the sensor. This manifests itself in the appearance of blurry spots in photographs. Fortunately, most modern DSLR cameras are equipped with a self-cleaning system for the sensor.

Lens

The lens is the most important accessory of a DSLR camera. If you have some money left over after purchasing a DSLR camera, we recommend purchasing a higher quality lens.

The quality of photographs, clarity and autofocus speed directly depend on the lens. Some even recommend buying a cheaper body without a lens and purchasing an expensive lens separately.

There is a huge selection of lenses on the market for different purposes and tasks. There are also lenses from third party companies such as Sigma, Tamron and Tokina. Lenses from third-party companies are somewhat cheaper and are not much inferior in quality. However, if you purchase a lens from another manufacturer, you should be aware that the autofocus (AF) system may not work properly or at all.

Most DSLR cameras come with an 18-55mm lens, which allows you to shoot both landscapes (18mm) and portraits (55mm). For additional lenses, we recommend purchasing a wide-angle lens. If you plan to photograph sporting events or wildlife, you'll need a 70-200mm telephoto lens.

Fixed lenses are also available for sale. focal length, usually 50 mm. These lenses don't have a zoom (you'll have to use your feet), but they do have best quality optics than zoom lenses for the same price.

Some lenses are equipped with Image Stabilization (IS) or Vibration Reduction (VR). These systems improve image quality in low light levels without the need for a tripod.

Photoflash

Most DSLR cameras have a built-in flash, which is quite suitable for indoor or outdoor photography. However, this flash does not have enough power and, despite the presence of a red-eye reduction system, red eyes sometimes appear in photographs.

External flashes, which are mounted on top of the camera, do not have these disadvantages. They are more powerful, which makes it possible to shoot from a greater distance. In addition, external flashes are equipped with a rotating head, which allows you to illuminate the subject with light reflected from the ceiling or wall. And because they're mounted on top of the camera, the light source is further away from the lens, greatly reducing the likelihood of red-eye.

Which DSLR camera should a beginner buy?

Below is a list of the most popular DSLR cameras for the beginning photographer.

Canon EOS 1200D Kit 18-55mm DC

A good and inexpensive camera for a beginner. The matrix resolution is 18 megapixels, which makes it possible to take photographs with a resolution of 5184x3456 pixels. The ISO sensitivity range is from 100 to 12800 units. The camera is sold complete with an 18-55 mm lens.

Canon EOS 1300D Kit 18-55mm IS

The camera is equipped with Wi-Fi and NFC modules, which makes it much easier to transfer photos to a laptop or mobile device. In addition, this model is equipped with an optical image stabilizer, which prevents blurring during long exposures. Matrix resolution is 18 megapixels, ISO range from 100 to 12800 units.

Nikon D3300 Kit 18-55mm AF-P II

The matrix resolution of this camera is 24 megapixels, which allows you to take photographs with a resolution of 6000x4000 pixels. ISO range from 100 to 12800 units. The sensor of this model is slightly larger than that of the above-mentioned cameras. Includes 18-55mm autofocus lens.

Modern digital technology manufacturers offer a wide selection of SLR cameras. The appearance of such cameras was an important event. It made photography a truly mass hobby. In addition, the prices for cameras are quite affordable. As the cost of digital technology decreases, many people ask the following question: “How to choose a SLR camera for a beginner?” This semi-professional technique allows you to take better pictures than a compact point-and-shoot camera.

Before making your choice, you need to study the recommendations of experts. This will help you be prepared for the marketing tricks of manufacturers and buy really worthwhile equipment.

How to choose the right SLR camera? First you need to understand how it differs from other models. This camera consists of two main parts. One of them is the “carcass”, and the second is the attached optics. Thus, a DSLR camera provides the ability to use a removable lens.

Crop or full frame

How to choose a good DSLR camera? The first step is to decide on a suitable format. This can be a full-frame matrix or a trimmed version (cropped). How to choose an inexpensive SLR camera for a non-professional who does not intend to earn money by filming? For such buyers, it is preferable to choose a model with a reduced matrix. Such equipment, first of all, has a lower price. In this case, the cost of not only the “carcass”, but also the optics, plays a role.

As for the full-format matrix, it is not so easy to use it to get high-quality images if you put cheap lenses on the body. The printed photographs will show flaws that are almost invisible on the crop.

By purchasing a less expensive option, you can use the savings to purchase various accessories. Sooner or later you will still need to buy them. In addition, purchased additions by “inheritance” can be transferred to a new “carcass”. Of course, for those who have no financial constraints, it is preferable to spend 150-200 thousand rubles on purchasing a full-frame DSLR. As for cameras with a 35 mm matrix, you can find no more than one or two semi-professional models from each manufacturer. That is why a detailed study of cameras is recommended for those who choose cropped equipment.

Manufacturer

How to choose a good DSLR camera? When purchasing equipment, you should pay attention to the manufacturing company. The most popular companies offering semi-professional SLR cameras are Nikon, Canon, and Sony. They are followed by Olympus, Pentax and Samsung. Of course, the technique of the top three leaders is preferable. But if the buyer’s budget is limited, you should take a closer look at equipment from less famous manufacturers.

If you are interested in SLR cameras, how to choose the best model? Reviews from numerous customers indicate that Canon equipment is the leader in the quality of the resulting images. It is worth keeping in mind that the price of photographic accessories from this company is one of the highest. But in terms of ease of use, such a camera is inferior to Nikon and Sony brands. By the way, the cameras of the last of these manufacturers have a stabilization system inserted into the body. This allows you to significantly reduce the price of optics designed for cameras.

But be that as it may, the quality of the images obtained from the cameras of the top three is approximately the same. Therefore, if you do not know how to choose a DSLR camera, you should focus on individual preferences.

Sensitivity

How to choose a semi-professional SLR camera? Many people believe that one of the main characteristics of a camera is the resolution of the matrix. However, this is not quite true. To print an A3 size photo, 10 megapixels is enough. Matrices produced by modern manufacturers also give higher values. However, there is a certain pattern. An increase in the number of pixels with the same matrix sizes leads to a decrease in their size. This causes a negative effect. It is expressed in the noise of the matrix at high ISO values. Manufacturers are trying to mitigate this nuisance with various noise reduction algorithms, as well as high-speed processors and other tricks.

The algorithms necessary to reduce the noise effect blur the picture. And then it turns out to be a double-edged sword. By increasing the resolution of the matrix, the manufacturer achieves an increase in detail, and noise reduction helps to “eat up” the details.

So, if you are interested in DSLR cameras, how to choose? Reviews from numerous users advise that when purchasing, pay attention not to megapixels. It is worth making sure that the images are of good quality when you set the matrix sensitivity to high values.

Autofocus and image stabilization

How to choose a DSLR camera so that it suits the photography enthusiast in every way? Attention should be paid to autofocus. In good cameras it works at high speed, because the quality of the image depends on this device. dynamic shooting. Catching a decent shot is not an easy task. Especially if the shooting is done, for example, on a football field at the moment of an attack on the goal. Autofocus speed depends on the algorithms. And each company has its own. Autofocus can be located either in the camera or in the lens. The image quality of both options is the same.

When choosing a camera, you should pay attention to the presence of an image stabilization system. It will allow you to take high-quality images that will not have any blurry areas. The system works in cases where the photographer’s hands are shaking. Image stabilization can be built into either the camera or the lens. Which option is preferable? It is better if the stabilization system is located in the camera itself, because lenses are a replaceable part.

Case and memory

When choosing a SLR camera, the necessary criterion is comfort in its use, as well as ease of maintenance. Therefore, before purchasing, you should hold the device in your hands and familiarize yourself with its menu. The buttons on the camera should be located conveniently for its future owner.

Photos need to be stored somewhere. Therefore, you will have to buy an additional memory card. The optimal volume is 32-64 GB. When purchasing, it is important to pay attention to the class of the card. The higher it is, the better the data transfer speed.

Battery

The camera will need to be recharged. In this case, the battery capacity should be as high as possible. The battery life of the camera can be significantly increased. To do this you will need to use a battery pack. It will allow you not to miss shots that are important to you. It is best if the camera is equipped with a battery. It is more reliable than AA batteries and also holds a charge much longer.

Lens

Human perception of the surrounding world occurs through the eyes. The camera reflects everything around it through the lens. This element in mirror technology is one of the most significant.

Therefore, in modern cameras it is made removable. Different variants lenses will allow you to get high quality pictures in any environment. So, wide optics are needed for nature photography. Architectural objects will also work great with it. Ultra-wide lenses are used to create expressive panoramic shots. Capture digital technology and small objects. To do this you will need to purchase a macro lens.

Camera class and price

How to choose the right SLR camera? Modern manufacturers produce three lines of full-frame cameras. The name of each of them corresponds to its purpose. The lines are represented by entry-level cameras, amateur equipment, as well as semi-professional models.

How to choose a DSLR camera from the options offered on the consumer market? To do this, you need to correlate your financial capabilities with your existing desires. As for entry-level cameras, technologically they are the poorest. They try to compensate for the truncated nature of such cameras with automatic modes that contain tips for photography beginners. The price of such cameras is on par with the most advanced point-and-shoot cameras. If funds allow, it is not advisable to take such models of SLR cameras. It is worth keeping in mind that the lower price of these models does not justify their reduced functionality.

If you don't know how to choose a mirror digital camera, then focus your attention on amateur models. This is the best option for a beginner who is not familiar with all the intricacies of digital technology. All models of amateur cameras have reasonable prices. Their compact size allows you to take the camera with you on any trip.

What if you are good enough at photography? Then it is advisable to focus on the third model option - a semi-professional camera. Its main trump card is convenience. Moreover, oddly enough, as the size of the camera increases, it becomes easier to use. Semi-professional camera models are designed with improved ergonomics. As a rule, they have additional features in the form of controls that allow you to quickly move from one setting to another.

How to choose a semi-professional SLR camera? The main criterion in this case is only finances. It is worth remembering that as the class increases, and, accordingly, the price, all the characteristics of the camera improve. The cost of optics should also be taken into account. For example, an amateur camera model with a high-quality lens will be a better purchase than a semi-professional camera with a “whale”.

Tip of the iceberg

How to choose a DSLR camera? Of course, modern manufacturers offer their customers professional cameras with a full frame sensor. This technique is much more reliable and stronger than its younger brothers. It is protected from moisture and dust and has a long shutter life. All these factors affect the weight, dimensions, and cost of the camera.

Beginners in photography should not buy such equipment. The fact is that professional cameras are not equipped with automatic settings. It is believed that the photographer has a lot of practice and can independently use the powerful potential inherent in such cameras. This technique is also suitable for serious amateurs who want uncompromising image quality.

Choosing a Canon camera

Beginners are advised to look at amateur cameras of this brand. In 2014 they are represented by thirteen models. How to choose a Canon DSLR camera? Before determining which model is most suitable for you, it is worth reviewing comparative characteristics the entire line of cameras. The Canon 70D is considered the best of them. You can verify this by viewing the device settings. The camera has a rotating touch screen and has the ability to shoot quickly. Additionally, you can shoot excellent quality video on it. The Canon 70D camera has an excellent focusing system.

If you have limited financial resources, the most suitable option would be a Canon 1100D amateur camera. It is equipped with a standard lens and costs around four hundred dollars.

If you want to purchase an advanced amateur camera, then the Canon 6D would be an excellent choice. This is the best camera of this brand in the full-format line.

Choosing a Nikon camera

It is believed that this company places the main emphasis in its work not on the commercial capabilities of new models, but on their quality. Therefore, it is not surprising that Nikon supplies optical parts for scientific and medical equipment. The company produces glass that is considered the best. Of course, the company's digital cameras are also leaders in quality.

How to choose a Nikon DSLR camera? Modern cameras of this type have excellent ergonomics. This applies even to the most simple options. In addition, mirror Nikon cameras work at high speed, have matrices with excellent resolution and are equipped with an intuitive menu.

The manufacturer has already released a whole line of cameras, and a potential buyer will need to understand the diversity of this technology before deciding on a model.

How to choose a Nikon SLR camera? For those who decide to get a camera that can take high-quality pictures, the best option would be the D3100. This model went on sale in 2010. It immediately gained great popularity. Among the Nikon brand SLR cameras, it became the first with which you can shoot videos of the highest quality. Nikon D3100 is extremely easy to use and guarantees its owner excellent image quality. It has a help mode that makes photography much easier. Compared to their predecessors, the D3100 cameras have reduced their weight somewhat, which in modern models now amounts to 0.5 kg without a lens. Many experts confirm the fact that this SLR camera has an excellent price-quality ratio.

For novice photographers, the company offers models such as the Nikon D3100 (cost - 17,000 rubles), which was mentioned above, as well as the Nikon D5100 (22,000 rubles). The D5100 now has a rotating display. In addition, the model has a high shutter speed.

Choosing a Sony camera

SLR cameras of this brand are produced under the Alpha brand. These models are intended for beginner photographers who want to purchase Sony DSLR cameras.

How to choose the right camera? One of the latest models is the Sony ALPHA SLT-58. It is easy to use and has a wide range of different functions. Beginning photographers will enjoy the camera's speed, which can capture five to eight frames per second, and the fifteen-point autofocus system with the latest Lock-on Autofocus feature. You can shoot video with a Sony DSLR. It is equipped with an improved video processor and has high sensitivity. The manufacturer has set a price for the Sony ALPHA SLT-58 model at $600.

One of the disadvantages of Sony SLR cameras is the short history of the company's production of such equipment. Allegedly, the company lacks practical experience in the production of optics. But such statements are unsubstantiated. In the field of SLR camera production, Sony is a direct follower of such an authoritative and world-famous photography company as Konica Minolta.

Who chooses SLR cameras and why?

Reflex camera(DSLR) is a camera with interchangeable lenses, the optical design of which includes a mirror that allows sighting directly through the lens.

Without going into technical details, let's just state a fact:

Today, the SLR camera is the technologically most advanced photography device, which is capable of providing the highest quality images in the most difficult conditions.

Therefore, SLR cameras choose:

• professional photographers
• amateur photographers who want a camera that produces the best quality images possible
• photographers who engage in creative photography and therefore need complete control over all shooting parameters
• photographers who require good quality images in low light.
• photographers who want to shoot good quality video with their camera

Buying a DSLR will not automatically make you a “cool photographer”, but if you are willing to learn and improve your skills, a DSLR will be for you best choice.

Features of choosing a SLR camera

Choosing a DSLR camera has its own characteristics.

When choosing a compact camera, you are simply buying another model. Today you can shoot with a Canon compact, in a couple of years you can painlessly replace it with a more recent model from Nikon or Sony. With SLR cameras the situation is completely different.

When choosing a DSLR, you choose not just a camera model, you invest money in an entire photographic system: the camera (body), lenses (glass), flashes and other accessories.

The usual scenario is this: at first you have little idea what type of photography you need a DSLR for, so you buy a camera complete with one (kit) or two standard lenses (double kit). Once you gain experience, you will want to equip your camera with additional accessories and buy, for example, a telephoto lens, a flash, a wide-angle lens, a polarizing filter, and so on. Your photo system will grow with you.

The camera itself (body) becomes physically and morally obsolete, and after some time you will have the desire to buy a newer and more functional model, but at the same time keep a fleet of optics and other accessories.

But a camera (body) of one brand will not work with lenses, flashes and accessories of another brand. You cannot attach a Nikon lens to a Canon body. Therefore, when choosing a DSLR, the photographer also chooses the manufacturer. In the case of a DSLR, you can “jump” from one brand to another, but it will not be economically profitable.

Choosing a DSLR camera in three simple steps

In fact, choosing a SLR camera, or more precisely, a SLR photo system that is best suited for you, is not very difficult. To do this, it is enough to follow the algorithm of three consecutive steps.

Step 1: Select your DSLR type

At the first stage of choosing a DSLR camera, you need to evaluate your experience in photography and (most importantly) your purchasing budget. By doing this, you can easily determine which type of DSLR is best for you.

Step 2. Analyze the ratings of the best DSLR cameras of the type that suits you

Once you understand what type of DSLR you need, you will immediately narrow the range of choices to 5-6 models that are recognized as the best DSLRs in their class today.

Step 3. Choose the right DSLR camera model

Now all you have to do is understand which DSLR camera parameters are most important to you, and take the final step - choose a specific DSLR model that will best suit your needs and suit your price.

What type of mirror should I choose?

In terms of parameters (and price), SLR cameras differ greatly from each other. At one extreme are entry-level DSLRs. On the other are top professional models. In price, these models can differ by an order of magnitude (that is, 10 times).

So the first question you need to decide is what type of DSLR will best suit your needs and budget.

Full-frame and cropped DSLRs

The most important feature of the class of a SLR camera is the size of its matrix.

The dimensions of the matrices of digital cameras are usually correlated with the dimensions of the frame of 35 mm film. The frame size of this film is 36×24 mm,

Digital camera matrices are characterized by a crop factor. The crop factor is the ratio of the diagonal of a standard film frame (diagonal - 43.27 mm) to the diagonal of the matrix.

If the crop factor is equal to one, this means that the matrix of such a camera has the same dimensions as a frame of 35 mm film.

If the crop factor is greater than one, then the matrix is ​​smaller than the film frame.

Based on matrix size, SLR cameras are divided into two groups:

CROPPED MIRRORS

The crop factor is in the range of 1.3-2.0

The most common matrices with crop factor are:
1.5 and 1.6 - APS-C format
1.3 - APS-H format
2 - 4/3 and Micro 4/3 format

Amateur and semi-professional SLR cameras are equipped with cropped matrices.

FULL FRAME MIRRORS

Crop factor = 1

The size of the matrix is ​​equal to the size of the film frame (full frame, FF)

Professional SLR cameras are equipped with full-frame matrices.

Professional, semi-professional and amateur DSLRs

The DSLR camera market is divided into three segments:

• amateur DSLRs– entry-level cameras for beginning photographers
• semi-professional DSLRs– cameras for experienced photographers
• professional DSLRs– cameras for people whose profession is related to photography.

When choosing a DSLR camera, you need to understand the differences between these three categories to decide which DSLR will suit your needs and fit your purchasing budget.

Amateur SLR cameras

Amateur DSLRs are the lightest, most compact and cheapest.

Amateur-grade DSLRs are ideal as a first DSLR camera. They have many convenient functions that will help beginners quickly get used to it and get good results in the form of high-quality images..

Hobbyist DSLR cameras are a great tool for learning photography and improving your skills. They provide quality that will satisfy 80-90% of amateur photographers.

Semi-professional SLR cameras

Semi-professional DSLR cameras occupy an intermediate niche between amateur and professional DSLRs.

Specifications– number of megapixels, shooting modes, speed capabilities, etc. amateur and semi-professional DSLRs are almost the same. Semi-professional cameras are distinguished primarily by more advanced functionality.

• Image quality. At good conditions illumination, the difference between the picture from an amateur and a semi-professional camera will not be fundamentally different, however, in poor lighting, a semi-professional camera will provide much better quality.
• Performance. The higher the class of a DSLR camera, the faster it is. Performance consists not only in the speed of continuous shooting, but also in the speed at which information is written to the memory card, and in shutter lag (the delay between pressing the button and the shutter being released). The length of the burst also varies - on an amateur DSLR the buffer will fill up much faster (5-6 frames in RAW), after which the burst shooting speed will decrease by about 2 times. Semi-professional devices have a much larger buffer memory and their burst length is much longer.
• Accuracy. This means the accuracy of autofocus, exposure metering, and the ability to fine-tune color rendition. The higher the class of the camera, the more accurate its autofocus. This is especially true when using high-aperture optics, which provide a scanty depth of field. For an amateur DSLR, the use of such optics is an atypical task, so the requirements for focusing accuracy are more flexible. The same applies to exposure metering, white balance and other settings.
• Resource. This category includes the mechanical strength of the structure, the ability to withstand aggressive influences environment(moisture, dust, rain), as well as the life of the camera shutter. The vast majority of amateur equipment does not have dust and moisture protection. The main advantage that the durable metal body (or frame) of semi-professional models has is the ability to use “heavy” telephoto lenses.
• Ergonomics. Semi-professional models have improved ergonomics compared to amateur ones. They usually have additional controls for quick access to certain settings. For higher class cameras it is noticeable larger size optical viewfinder. This gives real opportunity use manual focus. On amateur DSLRs, the viewfinder is usually small and only allows you to compose the frame.

A semi-professional camera is most often chosen when one begins to evaluate photography by its creative component. This is the choice of a person who is already quite familiar with photography. The powerful functionality of semi-professional SLR cameras provides such photographers with opportunities for creative growth and for solving very serious professional problems.

Professional SLR cameras

Professional DSLR cameras with full-frame sensors are the tip of the iceberg. Professional equipment is stronger, more reliable, has dust and moisture protection, and also has a huge shutter life. Naturally, this affects the dimensions, weight, and also the cost of the camera.

Equipment of this class is designed only for experienced photographers and has practically no automatic settings. It is assumed that the photographer is very familiar with technical side photography and is able to tap into the powerful potential inherent in such cameras.

For a non-professional, buying a full-frame camera is not entirely justified. First of all, because of the higher price, and not only the price of the camera itself (carcass) plays a role here, but also the price of the optics. It makes no sense to buy a professional “body” without investing in good optics that will match the capabilities of the camera.

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  This book will help you choose
  camera in 30 minutes!

Technological progress does not stand still; every day photo and video equipment becomes more and more accessible to ordinary people. Of course, this was not always the case, because just two or three decades ago, photo and video equipment could only be used by professionals or people of very high rank.

But what we see now: almost every family has its own “family camera” at home, not to mention the individual owners of modern digital equipment. Cameras are changing at an amazing speed - almost every month we see new models and series of photographic equipment on the shelves. But the question still remains very relevant: which cameras are better - SLR or digital?

What is a SLR camera

SLR cameras are a huge step forward in the development of the photo and video industry. Yes, yes, it’s video work, since most Russian TV series of our time are filmed on modern SLR cameras (for example, Canon 7D). And this is quite justified, since photographic equipment is more compact and produces an image no worse than a huge professional video camera. Therefore, we can say with complete confidence that DSLR cameras are our future! Or not? Let's figure it out.

As a rule, knowing which SLR camera you use is a guarantee of getting a high-quality and beautiful photo. But pay attention to the fact that an ordinary digital point-and-shoot camera can produce images that are sometimes no worse than a DSLR. Even if we take the fashionable and current Gopro series camera as an example. It does not position itself as a DSLR camera (photos and video files are taken on Gopro in approximately the same ratio). But despite this, the fisheyes effect makes this little camera very popular.

The difference between a "DSLR" and a "digital"

There are differences, and they are significant. DSLR cameras are the fashion of the new century, but everything was different before. Previously, a person only needed 5 megapixels on an HP camera, and the first place was to capture a moment, and not beautiful shots of your cat. Digital cameras are a good budget option for people who use them once or twice a month (when friends come over, or when their daughter gets her hair cut).

Don’t be mistaken that if it’s cheap it means it’s of poor quality, this is not the case at all. Many digital cameras cost $300-500, have high-quality glass (lens) and other distinctive features (for example, they can easily shoot underwater). Therefore, digital technology has a lot of advantages, but if you want to engage in photography more professionally, then you should still think about buying not a digital camera, but that same SLR camera.

Classification of SLR cameras

The simplest classification of photographic equipment can be considered branding. Now there are quite a lot of companies producing photo and video equipment. There are quite a few of them, but probably the most common and famous brands are long-time rivals - Canon and Nikon. How is that Great War between Coca-Cola and Pepsi - a war without casualties, lasting for centuries. At the same time, it is quite difficult to say which SLR camera is cooler - Canon or Nikon. Yes, there are differences between them, but despite them, they remain at approximately the same level. If someone says that Nikon cameras turn the frame yellow, others say that Canon produces photos with a bluish tint.

Here, a very important role is played by how to properly photograph with a SLR camera of a particular manufacturer. Since each organization wants to make its equipment unique, it often adds individual settings, or designs the image viewing window in its own way. This has a lot to do with accustoming a person (no matter how rude it may sound) to your technique, so that he gets used to one specific brand. Consult with professional photographers; it is unlikely that you will meet among them someone who has changed the company that produces photographic equipment several times. And if you do meet him, be sure to give us his contact information later - everyone should know about such a person.

Review of SLR cameras, the difference from them to cameras in the full-frame series

Cameras in this series are now at the very peak of their popularity, and there are a number of reasons for this.

This may well be influenced by the fact that DSLR and other APS-C format cameras have a very impressive competitor on the market - mirrorless cameras, which contain a combination of characteristics such as a budget-friendly price, as well as a shockingly compact device.

On the other hand, we can see that now SLR cameras are a desire to move closer and closer to a more professional segment, receiving filling from their older comrades. As a result, they become cheaper, and then move from the category of professional cameras to the more mainstream category of advanced cameras for amateurs.

Which companies produce full-frame cameras?

Throughout the entire history of photography, full-frame SLR cameras are the brainchild of only three companies - Nikon, Canon, Sony. Such cameras exist in only a couple of dozen models, and the last such camera was released back in 2004 by Kodak. Also, such cameras are very difficult to call “ budget option", since a camera of a similar format Leica M9 without a lens costs about one hundred and forty thousand rubles. Quite an impressive amount, isn't it?

How to take photographs with a DSLR camera correctly for a beginner photographer?

If you decide to start your photography career right away with a professional camera, then be prepared to encounter a number of difficulties and obstacles along the way.

First of all, it is worth mentioning that the camera itself will not give you the perfect picture in terms of composition and lighting. Therefore, to get good pictures, try to adhere to a few rules.

Horizon Rules

The DSLR is your window into real world, a similarity to your view and idea of ​​the world. Make sure that the horizon is not blocked in your photographs. The fashion of skewed space has been out of fashion for a very long time. Look at the street - you see all the objects directly, all the streets are located exclusively horizontally, and the pillars are vertical. It should be the same in your photo; if it’s difficult for you, then focus on straight lines in the viewfinder, this will help you a lot at the very beginning of your journey.

Also, emphasize the following rule: golden ratio. Mentally divide your horizons into 9 identical rectangles (by looking at three vertical and three horizontal lines). After that, highlight extreme points rectangle located in the very center. Done? Great! The whole point is that these four points (conditionally, of course) are the most favorable and convenient for perception for our eyes. So when you take pictures, pay more attention to them, it will help you a lot.

Manual settings on a DSLR

DSLR cameras are primarily distinguished by the fact that they provide the owner with the opportunity to completely build his future photo, starting from the light and ending with the focal point.

If you have never personally worked with SLR cameras before, we strongly advise you to start by reading as many tutorials and watching video tutorials as possible. In this case, pay most attention to such details as:
- diaphragm;

Excerpt;

Focusing;

All these values ​​can be adjusted even in the simplest and most inexpensive SLR camera; the size of these parameters is one of the main components of the price of photographic equipment.

Composition and proper framing

Finally, I would like to tell you that correctly setting the parameters of your camera is not everything. How to photograph correctly with a SLR camera directly depends on the correct construction of the frame. To understand this issue well, read about the types of composition (closed, open, and so on). And also pay attention to the close-ups and plans: targeted, general, medium (medium shot to the waist, medium shot to the chest), close-up and, finally, a detailed shot.

All these rules and recommendations will definitely help you take good quality pictures in the future. But don’t forget that rules are a very conditional thing, and sometimes it doesn’t hurt to break them properly. Therefore, experiment, because experiments will help you take high-quality and original photographs, which you can then send to a wide variety of exhibitions without fear.

The topic of choosing a camera has probably always been and will be relevant. Time is running, technology is changing, old materials written on this topic are hopelessly outdated. The general principles remain unchanged, but a huge number of nuances force us to look at the problem of choice differently. Purpose of the article Which camera is the best?- dot all the i’s in the matter of buying a digital camera, taking into account current situation On the market. The article is aimed primarily at beginner amateur photographers, but I am sure the article will also be useful for experienced users.

Where to start choosing the “best” camera?

First of all, you must determine the range of tasks for which the camera will be used. The tasks can be completely different and you need to come to terms with the fact that an absolutely universal camera simply does not exist. There are only cameras that are suitable for solving certain problems or are not suitable. For example, to go on a picnic with friends, it is absolutely not necessary to take a professional DSLR there (although there are enthusiasts), an inexpensive point-and-shoot camera or even a smartphone is quite enough - after all, photographs from such events, as a rule, do not go further than social networks and home photo albums. In this case the best camera there will be one that is always at hand.

For professional purposes, technology requirements vary significantly depending on the shooting genre. To shoot a report, you need a high speed of continuous shooting and the ability to take photographs handheld in poor lighting, for a landscape - maximum clarity and color depth, for a portrait - high-quality rendition of skin color and the ability to get a beautiful blur of the background, for macro photography - the ability to focus on very close objects. object, and so on. Naturally, all these possibilities cannot be realized in one camera with a single lens. Thus, choosing the best camera option is always a compromise between the capabilities of the equipment, 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 matrix size. It is measured not in megapixels, but in millimeters (or inches). It is this parameter that has a decisive influence on the quality of photographs - color rendition, noise level, dynamic range. Traditionally, it was believed that DSLRs and mirrorless cameras have a large matrix - this is good, while soap cameras have a small matrix - bad. Now this division is very arbitrary, since many compact cameras have matrices comparable in size to amateur DSLRs and mirrorless cameras.

Conventionally, digital cameras can be divided into several classes.

Cameras in smartphones

In recent years, there has been a steady trend in the market - smartphones are slowly but surely replacing compact cameras. And there are good reasons for this:

• Smartphone always at hand
• The photo quality of most smartphones is sufficient for printing in a small format (for those who are used to doing this) and posting photos on social networks
• Built-in photo processing capabilities eliminate the need for graphic editor on PC
• Photos do not need to be printed - they are quite convenient to view on a smartphone
• The issue of photo safety is solved by connecting to cloud storage
• It is convenient to share photos - via the Internet and via Bluetooth

If you are going to take photographs “for home, for family, for friends”, the best choice will be a smartphone with a good camera, and this is no joke! The only drawback of the smartphone is the lack of zoom, although there are models with two lenses - one for general plans, the other for close-ups. Such devices are more expensive, but they successfully solve 99% of amateur photography problems.

Entry-level amateur compact cameras (point-and-shoot cameras)

Against the backdrop of the growing capabilities of smartphones, this class of cameras can easily be considered endangered. The demand for them continues “by inertia”, but, I think, within a couple of years it will completely disappear. Camera manufacturers understand this very well and are gradually curtailing the production of compacts. The only subclass that is still afloat is “superzooms”. These are compact cameras with 10-20x or more optical zoom. The only advantage of such cameras over smartphones is the ability to take close-up shots of distant objects.

The topic of choosing a superzoom has been discussed (at the moment it is a little outdated and needs to be reworked, however, general principles can be understood). If speak about the best manufacturer soap dishes, then in this niche big difference there is no between them. Choose a device from Sony, Nikon, Panasonic, Canon, Olympus. The quality of the photos will be the same, the only difference will be in appearance.

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

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

Cameras for advanced amateurs

This niche is the most diverse; it contains at least three subgroups, to one degree or another, competing with each other in their capabilities.

"Top soap dishes"

These are compact devices with an enlarged matrix and non-replaceable optics. According to their stated 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 rendition than devices primary class. All this happens thanks to a larger matrix and a higher quality lens.

Among the top compacts, in my opinion, Sony, Panasonic, and Canon are the most successful.

Another advantage of the “top” compacts (as well as all the groups listed below) is the ability to shoot in RAW format. We will briefly discuss what RAW is a little later, but for now, just take my word for it - this is a very useful feature, for which you can sacrifice zoom ratio, a rotating/touch screen, not to mention “fashionable features” such as Wi-Fi, GPS, etc. .P.

“Top” compacts take excellent photos outdoors during the day, and you can also achieve acceptable photo quality with them indoors. All credit goes to a higher-quality matrix of increased size (from 2/3" to 1") - the larger the better, but also more expensive.

Almost all compacts in this class can shoot in RAW. The presence of RAW format opens great opportunities for extracting photographs to an acceptable level of quality. The only limitation is that most devices in this niche are not capable of providing 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. More detailed information You can find information about choosing an entry-level or advanced point-and-shoot camera in the article The Best Compact Cameras

Mirrorless cameras

Mirrorless cameras are essentially the same “top” compacts, only with interchangeable lenses. The main advantage of mirrorless cameras is their “systematic nature”. This is a construction set in which the carcass acts as a base and you can hang a lot of interesting things on it - lenses, flash, video light, microphone, additional screen. Another question is that this “interesting” thing costs extra money, and the cost of the kit can be many times greater than the cost of the carcass :)

Modern mirrorless cameras have matrices ranging in size from 4/3" (crop 2) to "full frame". Lately Even medium format system cameras appeared. The cost of owning a system significantly correlates with the size of the sensor - the smaller the crop, the more expensive the optics. Sometimes noticeably more expensive!

If we talk about manufacturers, I would recommend first of all looking towards Sony, Panasonic, Olympus, Fujifilm. These manufacturers entered the “mirrorless” niche earlier than others and, therefore, their choice of additional lenses and accessories is wider than Canon and Nikon.

A modern mirrorless camera is a fast, reliable and functional device that is not inferior in image quality and performance to DSLR cameras (and in some ways 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 (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 he needs to photograph something in non-standard conditions, when standard settings and presets cannot provide the correct result. But this is the exception rather 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 DSLR Canon EOS 5D ("full frame") and a mirrorless one (Micro 4/3), I give preference to the latter for most trips and walks light, as well as for home amateur photography, and I can say that the technical quality of the photographs is that of a modern mirrorless camera no worse than a 13-year-old full-frame “dinosaur”.

SLR Cameras

DSLRs- devices that use a shutter with a moving or fixed mirror, through which the image seen by the lens is projected into the viewfinder. This design is old, however, it has taken root very successfully in the digital world.

DSLRs no longer have any significant objective advantages over system cameras, however, due to the large number of available optics, DSLRs are still in steady demand.

DSLRs have firmly 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 that of mirrorless cameras. The main disadvantage of a DSLR is its size and weight, although some models are very compact and comparable in size to top-end compacts (for example, Canon ESO 100D). If this drawback is not critical, buying a DSLR is completely justified, otherwise it is better to look towards mirrorless cameras.

Among DSLR manufacturers, Canon and Nikon traditionally share the palm; I recommend considering these manufacturers first. Not because Sony and Pentax DSLRs are bad - far from it! The question is that over time you will want to buy a new lens for your camera. If you have Canon or Nikon, you can buy a lens at any photo store (after finding out where it’s cheaper) or a used one on Avito. Sony's situation is worse - optics, in principle, are on sale, but the range is smaller and prices may be higher. Pentax is a different story! 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 when the shutter opens. For other classes of cameras, the matrix always works to transfer the image to the screen. DSLRs also have a LiveView mode, in which the camera works like a point-and-shoot camera and shows the image not in the viewfinder, but on the screen. At the same time, energy consumption increases accordingly.

If you try to look ahead, then in five years SLR cameras, if they do not disappear completely, then with a 90% probability they will leave the amateur segment - they will be “taken out” by system cameras. The professional niche will also see a decline in the popularity of DSLR cameras. It’s not for nothing that leading photo manufacturers have mobilized their efforts to produce full-frame system cameras and optics for them!

In light of the above, I advise you to think hard about the advisability of purchasing an advanced SLR camera for amateur use. In the secondary market, the demand for DSLRs has already noticeably decreased - used professional cameras cost as much as new amateur cameras, but no one buys them or is even interested. What will happen in a few years?

Cameras for enthusiastic amateurs and professionals

This niche is also very diverse. home characteristic feature these devices - the presence of some unique capabilities for which people are willing to pay 2, 3 and even 10 times more than for middle-class equipment. Everyone’s needs are different - some need a full-frame sensor (mostly professional portrait photographers, landscape painters, wedding photographers), others need the image component (most often, wealthy people, for whom the main criterion in choosing is “that the device is pleasant to hold in your 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 advanced photography enthusiasts. If previously this niche was mainly dominated by Canon and Nikon DSLRs, now mirrorless cameras are also beginning to penetrate into it. Sony Alpha A7 is the first sign, a full-frame mirrorless camera at a reasonable price 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 a dollar cost 33 rubles :) Now the cost of such a Leica is from 600 thousand rubles. I will modestly remain silent about the practicality of such an acquisition; for the price of one Leica M body you can buy a professional Canon or Nikon DSLR with professional lens(or even several).

If you're aiming for 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 photography is not the most practical investment. If you are a beginner, it is better to buy simpler equipment, and invest the difference in price into learning photography. If you have photographic experience and a desire to improve yourself, a full-frame camera will be an excellent tool in your hands!

Added 05/15/2018

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

Shooting in “medium format” is characterized by slowness, the use of long shutter speeds and very (by “cropped” standards) clamped apertures. The reward for this will be images with colossal detail (40-50 megapixels and more), ideal perspective transfer (since 50 mm on a medium format is a very wide-angle lens), and if you want to blur the background, then you can work wonders here.

How not to go crazy when choosing a camera?

The time has come to draw some conclusions from everything written above.

If you need a photo recorder

Entry-level digital point-and-shoot cameras are a dying class of photographic equipment. For use as a “photo recorder”, the best choice would be a smartphone - Apple, Samsung, not the cheapest “Chinese phone” - Xiaomi, Meizu. These devices are always at hand and you will have much less chance of missing out. interesting point than with a soap dish, which you may “forget at home” or “which you are too lazy to take out of the case.”

If you want a full-fledged camera

If you want higher picture quality, but you are absolutely sure that you do not need interchangeable lenses, pay attention to premium compacts - cameras with non-replaceable optics and a 1" matrix from Sony, Canon, Panasonic. Their technical characteristics are very similar. The difference is in price usually determined by the capabilities of the optics - the better the quality of the lens, the more expensive the camera. If you have the opportunity to buy an expensive camera, it is better to do so rather than save money and then bite your elbows. Such cameras are very convenient for travel and business trips - they take up little space when folded space and easily fits into a pocket. The quality of photos is comparable to junior DSLRs. The quality of video is at the level of very good video cameras. The only negative is that due to its small size, the battery capacity may be small.

If you want to grow and develop, it is better to take a camera with interchangeable lenses. Any - mirrored, mirrorless. Before you settle on one platform or another, figure out how much the additional optics that will sooner or later be needed - a high-aperture prime lens, a telephoto lens - will cost. Among DSLR cameras, in terms of cost of ownership, Canon is preferable; among mirrorless cameras, the Micro 4/3 system (Olympus, Panasonic). Nikon, Sony, Fujifilm are technically no worse (and in some ways even better), but these systems are more expensive.

DSLR or mirrorless?

Amateur DSLRs are also practically living dinosaurs. The demand for them has been maintained by inertia since the times when cameras were divided into “soap cameras” and “DSLRs”. The stereotype “soap dish is bad, DSLR is good” was once firmly ingrained in the brains of buyers. When the first mirrorless cameras appeared, they were perceived more as point-and-shoot cameras, so at first they were not used in great demand, and there wasn’t much optics for them. Now, in terms of the number of available optics and accessories, mirrorless cameras, if not surpassed DSLR cameras, were at least equal to them. The same goes for functionality and technical characteristics.

In my opinion, the objective need to buy an amateur DSLR arises only if the amateur photographer already has a sufficient set of lenses, a flash, and some other accessories from an old device of the same brand that is broken/lost/tired/wants to update. In other cases, I recommend looking primarily towards system cameras.

About the matrix size

When choosing a camera, we are faced with the sensor format - Micro4/3, APS-C, FullFrame. Everything is simple here - the larger the matrix, the better the quality of the photos, but the cost of the system increases proportionally (and sometimes disproportionately!). The difference in photo quality between Micro 4/3 and APS-C is small in practice and can be solved by using slightly faster optics. In terms of prices in the amateur segment, everything is comparable.

The gap between APS-C and full frame more noticeable both in terms of noise and in artistic terms, but the prices for full-frame optics can be unpleasantly surprising.

Even if you close your eyes to the cost, full-frame cameras are not always the best choice. The crop factor plays into the hands of macro photography (allows you to shoot at a larger scale from the same distance). Telephoto lenses also “lengthen” in proportion to the crop factor. As for wide-angle lenses, it used to be difficult to choose a wide-angle for a cropped lens - there were few of them and they were expensive. Now there are no such problems - you can find a large number of"cropped" non-autofocus wide-angles, incl. on AliExpress, for example, (fisheye). Their capabilities are quite sufficient for amateur photography.

Which company should I buy a camera from?

Cropped mirrorless cameras from Sony (photo-video), Panasonic (photo-video), Olympus (photo), Fujifilm (photo) are optimal for amateur use.

For professional use (photo), full-frame DSLRs from Canon and Nikon are still preferable - mainly due to the large selection of optics. Among the system photo Cameras in the professional segment are popular with older Fujifilm models and full-frame Sony ones.

Professional videographers increasingly prefer mirrorless cameras from Sony and Panasonic, although many continue to use full-frame DSLRs for video.

About my help in choosing a camera

Until recently, I provided a consultation service on choosing a camera based on your criteria. Now I'm her I don't provide. Due to my busy schedule, I no longer had the opportunity to regularly get acquainted with new products in the photo industry, attend presentations and exhibitions of new products. Therefore, the most I can do is send a link to Yandex.Market with a selection of cameras with characteristics that suit your needs, final choice After you.