The modern selection of digital cameras is amazing. However, most buyers still do not really know what criteria should be used to choose this type of equipment, which is so necessary in every family. Each of us has probably heard the magic words “megapixels”, “zoom”, “matrix”, but few know what they actually mean. Because of this, many people, when buying a digital device, succumb to various advertising baits and persuasion from sellers. How to avoid getting into trouble - how to choose the right camera?
Resolution
It is this parameter that is measured in megapixels, the number of which is often mistakenly considered by many to be almost the main indicator in the question of how to choose a digital camera.
What is a pixel? This is the smallest element of the camera matrix, in other words, the minimum point that has a certain color, from which the image consists. Megapixel- that's a million pixels. It is natural that the number of pixels determines the quality of the image - the more of the first, the sharper the second. The resolution of an image on a computer screen is the number of pixels it has vertically and horizontally. Accordingly, the higher the values of these numbers, the higher the quality of the image.
This is where marketers come in, assuring the average buyer, who is looking for an answer to the question of how to choose a good camera, that the more megapixels a camera has, the better it is. But everything is not so simple - the specified characteristics (number of megapixels) mean only the maximum photo resolution, which can be obtained when shooting with this camera. But what quality these photographs will be depends on other parameters (for example, lens quality, matrix size), which are most often kept silent. Therefore, in cheap amateur digital cameras, an increase in the number of megapixels above 5 will not be visible in the photographs.
Thus, to view photos on a computer screen and to create standard photographs measuring 10x15 cm for a family archive, a digital camera with 3 megapixels is sufficient. A camera with 5 megapixels will give you the opportunity to print high-quality photographs on A4 photo paper, and a 7-megapixel camera will even allow you to acquire small photo posters. The largest number of pixels in a digital camera at the moment is 12. However, it’s not worth chasing exclusively this parameter when trying to choose the right camera - especially if you don’t know exactly why you need it. There are other, equally important indicators that need to be paid close attention to.
Matrix
The quality of the matrix is of great importance in the question of how to choose a good camera. It is this device, which is a plate, that contains light-sensitive elements - pixels, and it is on it that the image is formed. The more matrix size, the more light hits each pixel - accordingly, the higher quality the image will be.
Matrix light sensitivity– also an important factor, which is measured in ISO (ISO200, ISO400). The higher the indicator of this parameter, the better. It is better not to pay attention to cameras with an ISO rating of less than 100.
You can check the quality of the matrix in the following way. Take several photos in a row, then shoot either a completely white or completely black background (by pointing the camera at a white sheet or closing the lens). Once in image view, zoom in on the last photo as much as possible. Study it carefully, moving across the entire field: no white dots should be visible on a black background, and no black dots on a white background. If you find such points, refuse to purchase this digital camera.
Lens aperture
Those who want to know how to choose the right camera may also be interested in this indicator. The aperture parameter indicates how much the lens aperture opens, respectively, how much light gets inside it. This parameter becomes especially important if shooting is carried out indoors, in the dark, from a long distance.
The aperture parameter is indicated as f/number (f/2.0, f/4.0), where the number indicates the part of the lens focal length to which the aperture opens. Thus, the smaller this number, the greater the aperture, and accordingly, the greater the shooting opportunities will be.
Zoom
Zoom (magnification) of the lens is also a fairly important parameter and many often think about it when answering the question of how to choose a digital camera - but in most cases they are confused with the concepts.
Zoom is the difference between the minimum and maximum focal length. Concerning lens focal length, then the opinion that the larger it is, the better the pictures are obtained is incorrect. Too long a focal length will create a problem where you can't fit everything you want to capture into the frame. Ideally, the minimum focal length should be no more than 24 mm, and the maximum focal length should be no less than 85. True, most modern digital point-and-shoot cameras have 30x90 (3x zoom).
It must be remembered that There are two types of zoom: optical and digital. Digital zoom, at its core, is nothing more than the usual stretching of a picture, in which quality is lost. But optical zoom, which is of no small importance, is an increase in the image obtained as a result of changing the focal length of the lens. Therefore, when choosing a camera, you need to pay attention to the optical zoom, and not use digital zoom at all - you can successfully cut out and enlarge an element of a picture on a computer.
Lens quality
Having familiarized yourself with the data about the lens of a particular camera, you, however, will not yet receive a guarantee that you will now certainly know how to choose a good digital camera. After all, having the same aperture ratio and focal length (zoom), lenses, nevertheless, can differ quite significantly in quality. Photos taken with a digital camera with a bad lens will be fuzzy and blurry, with colored edges.
Unfortunately, such a parameter as lens quality is not indicated in any instructions for a digital camera. Therefore, in this matter, the determining factors are reviews from camera users, which you can read on any forum for photography enthusiasts.
Camera class
All digital cameras are divided into three groups: amateur – costing up to 400 USD, “semi-professional” (for more “advanced” users) – costing from 500 to 1200 USD. and professional – costing from 1000 USD. and practically ad infinitum, because For such cameras, additional professional lenses, flashes, tripods, etc. must be purchased.
You shouldn’t start right away with buying an expensive professional camera - most likely, you will be able to get by with it. Perhaps the best option is to start with a good quality amateur camera, then move on to a semi-professional version. Well, if photography fascinates you so much that it becomes your profession or the main hobby of your whole life, you can take a closer look at the third option.
Company manufacturer
All companies producing digital cameras can be roughly divided into two groups. The first group includes companies with a narrow specialization that produce exclusively cameras (Olympus, Nikon, Canon, Fuji, Kodak, etc.) The second group includes companies engaged in the production of electronic equipment in general (Panasonic, Sony, Samsung, etc.). )
How to choose a digital camera, taking into account the manufacturer? Expert photographers recommend choosing cameras from the first group, without denying, however, that some products of the second group also deserve attention and are capable of competing with world leaders in the production of photographic equipment. This once again confirms the fact that you need to focus not only and not so much on the name of the company, but on the characteristics of a specific camera model.
Memory cards
A digital camera usually comes with a memory card. Pay attention to its volume: it is usually quite small, so you will have to immediately purchase a larger card.
Which memory card capacity optimal? This issue must be approached from an individual point of view. It all depends on factors such as the frequency of shooting, the format and resolution of the images, and the parameters of the digital camera. Depending on the listed components, the same memory card with a capacity of 512 MB can fit either 200 photos or only 50. In general, it is better not to save on a memory card, so as not to overpay later by purchasing another larger one, and when purchasing, pay attention to cards with a capacity of 1 GB or more - then you probably won’t have any problems.
It is also important memory card type. There are both universal memory cards that can work compatible with several models of digital cameras, and memory cards designed exclusively to work with a specific brand. Thus, Compact Flash and Secure Digital (SD) cards are compatible with various camera models, and formats such as Memory Stick (Memory Stick Duo, Pro) and xD-card are intended for use in cameras of specific brands (Sony and Olympus, respectively).
When purchasing a memory card, be sure to check its compatibility with your camera - it is possible that the memory card will not work correctly with a particular camera model.
Nutrition
Most digital cameras have the ability to be powered by AA (rechargeable) batteries - you can buy them anywhere and do not have to look for an outlet in a place where this is difficult to do. However, there are also cameras that use lithium batteries - it is not possible to charge them without an outlet. By the way, it would also be a good idea to check the battery life - and not only learn about it from the instructions, but also take an interest in reviews on amateur photographers forums.
Camera test
If you want to know how to choose the right camera for yourself, be sure to give your digital camera a kind of test before purchasing. Hold it in your hands, take several pictures in different modes, pay special attention to the autofocus performance (sharpness and clarity of the picture in motion) and shooting speed, familiarize yourself with all the functions it has. Some hardware stores offer the option of printing photos on site - take advantage of this offer to evaluate the image quality. An important criterion is the ease of use of a digital camera - it should be comfortable for you to hold and carry it, press all the buttons, and use all the capabilities of the camera to the maximum.
If, after reading our article, you still do not despair of finding the answer to the question of how to choose a digital camera, take note of all of the above and go shopping. Happy shopping and great photos!
Today it is difficult to imagine the life of a modern person without a camera - the desire to capture bright moments, travel or valuable information forces one to wonder how to choose a digital camera, what characteristics are important to pay attention to, and which companies are better to give preference to.
Which digital camera is better?
For a person who has not encountered photographic equipment before, the abundance of cameras on the modern market can easily confuse. So, there is small and compact equipment that fits in the front pocket of a shirt, and there are huge oversized models with heavy weight and removable equipment. A separate issue is the variety of different brands, each of which releases a new model almost every year. How do they all differ, which company should you choose to get the best digital camera?
Digital point-and-shoot cameras
These cameras are the most budget-friendly, yet they are compact and convenient. But you should not count on the highest quality of photographs - the matrix size of such photographic equipment is small, sensitivity and other parameters also have small values. It is ideal for family everyday photography, travel, vacation. The best digital ones are often the following companies:
The optical zoom of soap dishes is often three or four times, in the newest models, for example, Nikon Coolpix S3700, eight times zoom. This same model and some others are equipped with Wi-Fi, which makes data transfers more convenient. For maximum ease of use, it is better to choose a model that is as new as possible.
This technique is an order of magnitude higher than point-and-shoot cameras, and the first thing that distinguishes it is a large optical zoom, a good large-size matrix, and high photosensitivity. A significant drawback that prevents these cameras from being included in the amateur or semi-professional lists is the stationary lens. It is impossible to change the lens in an ultrazoom; the only thing you can do is select macro attachments for high-quality shooting of small objects.
When deciding how to choose an ultrazoom digital camera, you should know that they are produced by such well-known companies as Canon, Nikon, Sony, Panasonic, Olympus, the best option is to compare price and quality. The rating of popular ultrasonics today is as follows:
- Canon PowerShot SX530 HS. A new model with 50x zoom, 16 MP matrix resolution, three-inch display, equipped with Wi-Fi for additional ease of use. Lens focal length 24-1200. The camera weighs only 442 grams, which allows you to take it with you to any events and long hikes.
- Nikon Coolpix B500. Three-inch rotating display, 40x magnification, matrix resolution 16 MP, focal length 23t - 900 meters. The weight of the camera is 541 grams. Equipped with Wi-Fi and Bluetooth.
- Nikon Coolpix P900. It features a huge zoom – the lens magnifies 83 times. Three-inch rotating display, 16 MP matrix, focal length 24-2000. The disadvantage is that it weighs a lot for an ultrazoom, 900 grams. The model is very expensive, suitable for photographing animals in the wild from a long distance. Equipped with Wi-Fi and GPS.
- Nikon Coolpix L340. A simpler and cheaper model. Magnification 28x, focal length 22-630, display 3 inches. Matrix resolution 20 MPx. Weight 430 grams.
- Panasonic DMC-FZ1000. Matrix 20 MPx, 3-inch display, 16x zoom, focal length 25-400. Equipped with Wi-Fi, capable of recording video with ultraHD resolution. An important advantage of this photographic equipment is the ability to shoot in RAW format. Camera weight 830 grams.
- Canon PowerShot SX60 HS. Matrix resolution 16 MPx, magnification 65 times, focal length 21 – 1365 meters, possibility of shooting in RAW format. Three-inch rotating display, camera weight 650 grams. Equipped with Wi-Fi.
- Sony RX10 III. One of the most expensive ultrasonics, characterized by moisture and shock protection. Shooting in RAW format, ultraHD video recording, Wi-Fi. Optical zoom 25x, focal length 24 – 600. Camera weight 1051 grams.
– this is high-quality photographic equipment for amateur, semi-professional and professional classes. A large light-sensitive matrix, a huge range of lenses to suit any request, and a mirror design allow you to obtain images of the highest quality with ultra-precise color rendition. To choose a good SLR camera, you need to clearly define your goals - either it will be high-quality shooting of family highlights, or professional work, and depending on this, select a model.
- CANON EOS 1DX. Recognized as the world's best DSLR reportage camera. Full-size matrix, shooting speed 12 frames per second, resolution 18 MPx. Such a camera is a real find for a professional, but for a family it is not at all advisable to buy it.
- NIKON D45. A new model with 51 focusing points, shooting speed 11 frames per second, matrix resolution 16 MPx. Thanks to its high photosensitivity, this device takes high-quality pictures without flash, even in the dark.
- CANON EOS 5D MARK III– the most popular professional reportage camera. Equipped with a new generation processor, 61 focusing points, shooting speed 6 frames per second.
- NICON DF. This camera is ideal for travelers, because the main advantage of this professional camera is its light weight, only 700 grams. It will also be appreciated by lovers of retro design. It is worth noting that it is “not modern” only in appearance - a touch screen, a good video finder, a magnesium body, and a good battery are proof of this.
- CANON EOS 6D. This is the most budget professional camera that allows you to get high-quality results at an affordable price. Inferior to the famous 5D MARK III in shooting speed - 4.5 frames per second.
- PENTAX K-3. This technique is semi-professional, since the matrix size is not full, known as “crop”, resolution is 24 MPx, 27-point focusing. The camera weighs 800 grams, the body is made of light metal and is protected from moisture and dust.
- CANON EOS 7D. It is included in the category of professional cameras, but it is accessible to amateurs. This camera differs from professional ones only in that it is a “crop” camera.
- SONY ALPHA DSLR-A390. A good amateur SLR camera with well-designed automatic shooting modes. Matrix resolution 14 megapixels, shooting speed 8 frames per second, good convenient viewfinder.
- NICON D 3300. An ideal model for a novice photographer, allowing you to delve into the specifics of photography without high costs and get beautiful, bright photographs.
- CANON EOS 1100D. Almost identical to the previous camera. An ideal model for a photography beginner, also good in quality. Its undeniable advantage is its light weight and is extremely popular.
Mirrorless digital camera
If choosing a compact digital camera with high performance is important to you, it's worth considering mirrorless cameras. Their peculiarity is that they are based on a high-resolution electronic video finder, and they work perfectly with any lenses. They do not have an optical video finder on the mirrors, this is their fundamental difference from SLR cameras.
This technique first went on sale in 2008; it is considered new, but its characteristics have proven itself to be excellent. Their important advantage over SLR cameras is their compactness and light weight, but the image quality, resolution, color rendition and sharpness are in no way inferior. But their price is also high.
Our rating will help you decide how to choose a digital camera with a mirrorless system:
How to choose a good digital camera?
Before you choose a high-quality digital camera and a modern one for your home, you should still understand its characteristics, only then will the purchased camera fully meet your needs. What should you pay attention to when reading the characteristics of photographic equipment on display?
Dimensions of the digital camera matrix
When wondering how to choose a high-quality camera, you should find out about the size of its matrix. This parameter is important when choosing high-end SLR cameras; it is determined by the size of the film frame and is responsible for image quality. The matrix of a digital camera can be full-size (36x24 mm) or with a crop factor (reduced in size).
Professional photographic equipment uses full-size matrices, which provides good image quality, higher photosensitivity and low noise levels. The downside is that it is very expensive, so unless you plan to do professional photography in specific lighting conditions, it is not necessary. All point-and-shoot cameras, cameras and SLRs of semi-professional and amateur level are equipped with a matrix with a crop factor.
Those who are just getting acquainted with photography are interested in the question of what is ISO sensitivity in a camera. Many have noticed that in the description of professional equipment they always talk about high photosensitivity - this is the ISO parameter; the higher it is, the higher the camera’s ability to shoot in low light conditions. But remember - high ISO produces a lot of noise, so try to set the light sensitivity as low as possible in the settings.
If you are interested in how to choose a very simple and compact digital camera, automatic modes - “auto”, “portrait”, “landscape” - will suffice for you. If you want more from photography, choose a technique with manual modes that allow you to adjust exposure (amount of light), ISO number, and depth of field. All SLR and mirrorless cameras, as well as ultrazooms, are equipped with several manual modes.
Digital zoom in the camera
What is optical zoom in a camera? It is an increase in the image on the frame without losing its quality. For a family camera, three or four times magnification is enough; any point-and-shoot camera can provide this parameter. If you need an increase of 10 times or more, then you should pay attention to ultrazooms.
When choosing a DSLR or mirrorless camera, remember that a parameter such as zoom has nothing to do with the camera itself; in this case, it is the characteristics of the lenses. The camera itself will provide high-quality images with both a Fix (non-magnifying) lens and a reportage one.
The best camera for video
Today, almost every camera has a video recording function, ranging from budget point-and-shoot cameras to expensive SLR cameras. The only exceptions are professional SLR photographic equipment designed for high-end photography. To choose a camera for shooting video, please note that the number of megapixels indicated in the characteristics relates only to photos; video resolution is always lower. It is better to choose models with video recording in HD or FullHD resolution.
Which brand of digital cameras is better?
Summarizing the descriptions and ratings, we can safely say that the best companies producing high-quality digital SLR and mirrorless cameras are Canon, Nikon, Sony, Pentax. To choose a high-quality point-and-shoot camera or ultrasonic camera, you can add companies such as Samsung and Olympus to the previous list.
Selecting a Camera- often a difficult task. So how is it right? choose a camera? To begin with, let's define the structure and operating principle of a digital camera and the basic terms - for a better understanding of what the modern photo industry offers us.
It would seem that there is a huge selection of cameras, from different manufacturers, with different characteristics. You just have to go to the store and buy. But everything is not so simple; sometimes choosing a good camera is very difficult. We invite you to read our article on how to choose the right camera
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Light from the photographed object passing through the lens creates an image on the surface of the electro-optical converter - a matrix that turns it into electrical signals processed by the camera processor. The processor creates and writes a file to the memory card, which can subsequently be played both on the display of the camera itself and in external devices for obtaining images. In addition, the processor controls all camera systems. Dosing the amount of light (exposure) passing through the lens is done using the shutter, which opens for a given time (shutter speed), and the aperture, which regulates the intensity of the transmitted light.
It is a complex structured plate of semiconductor material, divided into millions of photocells sensitive to the primary colors: red, green, and blue (RGB). The location of these elements - pixels - can be different, corresponding to several systems, one of which is presented in the figure.
This is the so-called RGGB scheme, developed by Eastman Kodak employee Dr. Bryce Bayer, in which the number of green-sensitive pixels is twice as large as each of the others.
At the output of the matrix, an image signal is obtained containing 1/2 green and 1/4 each red and blue, which most closely matches human perception of colors. The number of photocells contained in the matrix generally determines the number of image elements - pixels in the resulting picture. Therefore, the greater the number of pixels the matrix contains, the higher the detail of the image. This is achieved by increasing the size of the matrix or increasing the pixel density while reducing their size. The range of light intensities perceived by the matrix (dynamic range) will determine the range of tonalities and color shades of the image. These factors, as well as the noise level, mainly determine the quality of the matrix.
Camera matrix
Matrices of different sizes can have the same number of pixels, and the ratio of the level of the useful signal to the level of inevitably present noise will be better for a larger matrix. This is especially noticeable when shooting in low light conditions, so the pursuit of megapixels is not always justified, and a camera with an 8MP low-noise matrix can surpass a 12-16MP camera in image quality.
Therefore, when choosing a camera It is worth considering the size of the matrix used in its design, and not just paying attention to the resolution.
Digital camera processor
controls the image stabilization system, shutter and aperture operation, selects the best exposure and focusing mode (focusing) of the lens, processes a large flow of information coming from the matrix. Digital camera software allows you to use various exposure and focusing metering modes, such as matrix, spot, etc., use recorded software settings, reduce the noise level in the image, record photo and video files to a memory card and transfer them through the existing interface to external devices. The processor specs are consistent with the rest of the system and are appropriate for the camera's class, so there's no need to worry about this.
Digital camera software
The latest developments allow the camera to recognize people's smiles, take pictures of pets when they turn towards the camera, send files via the built-in Wi-Fi port directly to cloud services and social networks, and record Full HD video. Using the software services of modern digital cameras, you can directly edit images, create panoramic images from individual frames, add unusual visual effects, and much more. When choosing a digital camera, you should pay attention to the list of available functions, many of which are not only useful, but can also be decisive in your choice.
Digital camera lens
It forms an image on the matrix, and the final result depends on how high quality it is. Structurally, the lens consists of a system of optical elements (lenses), the number of which can reach up to one and a half dozen. The lenses of modern photographic lenses are made from high-quality types of optical glass and have a special multilayer optical coating that improves light transmission. All lenses are divided into two groups: lenses with a fixed focal length and lenses with variable focal length - zoom lenses, or zoom lenses. The multiplicity of changes in focal lengths is called the lens magnification, for example, a lens with focal lengths of 28 -140 mm is a five-fold (5×) zoom. The longer the focal length of the lens, the closer distant objects can be captured. Optical zoom should not be confused with digital zoom: the latter is a software solution that reduces the overall resolution of the image. Essentially, the camera frames the photo.
Classification of digital cameras- a thankless task for two reasons: it can be based on completely different parameters, and the emergence of new models and even categories disrupts a seemingly harmonious system. Therefore, we will start from consumer properties and go from simple to complex, briefly characterizing the categories of cameras and their purpose.
Budget compacts from the Snap and Shoot category are an inexpensive solution with a price of up to $100–200, which has a set of several shooting programs, a self-timer, a built-in flash, and automatic focusing. Low resolution display up to 3 inches in size, 1/2.3 inch matrix, three to four times zoom lens. An optical viewfinder may be present. The software will allow you to record video with sound and perform basic photo editing operations. If you try, you can find models with a 5-10x zoom, a macro mode, with an autofocus illumination function, with the ability to record Full HD video, face detection, a webcam, image stabilizer, and exposure correction. Some cameras can shoot continuously at a decent speed. In general, not so little for this class of cameras, especially since new models are constantly improving and providing more and more features. The main characteristic of cameras in this class is the presence of automatic focus and exposure, allowing you to take pictures immediately after turning on by pressing one button.
Camera Sony Cyber-Shot Camera Easyshare
Cameras of this class will be an excellent choice for those who are not going to delve into the process and want to get good results right away. Ease of use will be appreciated by all family members, from children to grandparents, and the quality of the resulting images will allow you to print them up to A4 size on a home printer or in a darkroom.
Ultra-compact digital cameras They are small in size and weight, allowing you to carry them in your pocket without experiencing any inconvenience; a lens design that does not increase the thickness of the body; stylish design, variety of colors. The technical characteristics of such cameras roughly correspond to the characteristics of cameras of the previous level. Often cameras do not have an optical viewfinder, instead of which they use a display of good quality. The size of the camera imposes limitations on lens performance and sensor size, which ultimately affects image quality, and the miniature controls require delicate handling. However, ultra-compacts, despite their miniature size, allow you to take good pictures and capture fleeting moments, being always at hand.
Camera Canon Red Ixus 125 HS Camera Casio Exilim
In addition to the usual functions, the ultra-compact camera can be used as a voice recorder and audio player. Because of their miniature and elegant appearance, such cameras are popular with women and girls, which makes them a pleasant gift.
Rugged digital compact cameras They have a shock-resistant waterproof body, special protection for the zoom lens and controls, and shock-proof electronic-mechanical “filling”. Such a camera can withstand a drop from a two-meter height and operates at a depth of up to 10 m. Moreover, some models of this class are distinguished by frost resistance unusual for conventional digital compacts, allowing you to take pictures at temperatures down to -10 ° C, shoot Full HD video, have an electronic compass and a built-in system GPS with photo navigation function.
Camera Fujifilm FinePix XP Camera Olympus Tough
This camera will appeal not only to underwater photography enthusiasts and extreme photography enthusiasts, but also to all outdoor enthusiasts.
Superzooms or digital cameras with high magnification lenses, reaching values of 25× and even 30×, today is no longer fiction, but reality. Many leading manufacturers have models in this segment, which confirms the demand for cameras in this category. The focal length range of 27 - 810 mm, which the lens of the new premium camera has, covers all imaginable values, from wide-angle to ultra-long focal length. It is the lens in cameras of this type that sets all other characteristics of the camera elements, aimed at making maximum use of the powerful zoom lens. First of all, this is an image stabilization system that allows you to shoot at long focal lengths with the fastest shutter speeds, a 1/2.3-inch 10-16 MP sensor, a high-resolution electronic viewfinder, a high-performance processor with powerful software. The ability to record files in an uncompressed RAW format to obtain high-quality images, the presence of a manual mode - all this makes models of this class popular among travel enthusiasts, wildlife enthusiasts, and advanced amateur photographers.
Sony HX100v
Nikon Coolpix
Budget superzoom models are equipped with smaller sensors, lower magnification lenses, less clear viewfinders and displays with lower resolution. This allows you to reduce the cost of such models by about $100–200 and not degrade the camera performance too much.
Compact digital cameras for experienced amateurs and professionals combine “prosumer cameras,” mirrorless, hybrid, and system cameras. They can be divided into two groups: cameras with fixed lenses and cameras with interchangeable lenses.
Cameras with fixed lenses They are distinguished by rich functionality, the presence of manual settings, their designs implement modes inherent in SLR cameras, such as shutter priority mode, aperture priority mode, exposure compensation, focus area selection, and RAW file recording. The RAW format, sometimes called a “digital negative,” contains the most complete information recorded from the camera sensor, and allows you to change the color balance of the image, contrast, brightness, and, within small limits, exposure. This allows you to remove chromatic aberrations and noise, dips in highlights and shadows, and ultimately obtain higher quality images when processed on a computer. The capabilities of cameras in this category can be described using the example of several models.
Canon-PowerShot-G12
Premium compacts COOLPIX P7000 and Canon PowerShot G12 today (February 2012) are the latest models in the famous series of both brands. They are equipped with 10MP 1/1.7″ sensors, and the functionality and controls are practically no different from those used in entry-level SLR cameras. The COOLPIX P7000 has a 7.1× zoom 28 - 200 mm, the Canon PowerShot G12 with a more modest 5× zoom is equipped with a 2.8″ screen that rotates along two axes. Both cameras use an optical stabilization system, an optical viewfinder, an orientation sensor, a macro mode, and a slow flash sync mode.
It is impossible not to mention the camera that caused queues in European stores when it appeared: with a non-replaceable Fujinon 23/2.0 lens and a fixed focal length.
For photographers of the pre-digital era, retro design will undoubtedly cause reverence. The “filling” of the FinePix X100 evokes respect no less than the aesthetics of the magnesium alloy body: large CMOS, APS-C (23.4×15.6 mm), 12.2 MP sensor with a sensitivity of 100–12800 ISO, hybrid viewfinder with 100% frame display. A fast lens paired with a highly sensitive sensor allows you to take handheld photographs even in poor lighting conditions, and the built-in 3 EV neutral gray filter will be useful when solving creative problems. Shooting panoramas is done by pressing a button and moving in the desired direction, and the modes simulating the famous Fujifilm Velvia, Astiva, Provia films will not leave any photographer indifferent.
We hope after this article you will no longer have questions such as how to choose a camera.
First of all, you need to decide why you need a camera. Do you travel a lot? Do you want to record how your child grows? Can’t imagine life without extreme sports and want to review the moments that took your breath away? Or did you realize that photography is your calling?
One way or another, there is no camera that is ideal for all these purposes. Therefore, the camera must be selected according to your needs.
But first, let's understand the types of cameras and unclear terms.
What types of cameras are there?
Compact cameras
A fairly large class of cameras, from simple point-and-shoot cameras to almost professional equipment.
Budget compact cameras. Today, these are some of the simplest and most affordable options. The cameras are very small, so they can easily fit into a woman’s purse or even a jacket pocket. They are also easy to master, but that’s where the advantages end.
They have one minus, but a very significant one: low quality of shooting. The latest models of smartphones take pictures no worse, and at times even better. Therefore, if you dream of taking professional photos, leave your compact camera on the store shelf.
Ultrasounds. They are also called superzooms or hyperzooms. Essentially the same compact, only equipped with a lens that allows you to take good shots from a long distance. Well, the price of such cameras is much higher.
Professional compact cameras. These are universal cameras that take a little from each type of camera. As a rule, they have a good fixed lens, and due to the large matrix the image is quite high quality. They can also be equipped with a large zoom lens, which allows you to take pictures from a great distance.
What can I say about the dimensions? Of course, you can’t put such a camera in your pocket, but it doesn’t look too bulky either. However, the price for such versatility is quite high.
SLR Cameras
The camera got its name from the mirror built into the design, through which the future frame, being refracted, goes straight into the viewfinder.
The matrix is the part of the camera on which the photograph is formed. The larger the matrix, the sharper and better quality the image will be.
It is thanks to the large matrix that DSLRs produce high-quality images. Another feature is removable lenses. There are a lot of them.
Acquaintance with a DSLR usually begins with the standard equipment: the actual camera body and lens. This set is called Kit or whale.
Professionals prefer to purchase a camera without a lens in order to equip it according to their needs. This type is called Body. In Russia, thanks to someone else’s hand, he has long become a carcass.
DSLRs have two disadvantages: large dimensions and high prices even for mid-level cameras. Therefore, not everyone can afford them.
Mirrorless cameras
Mirrorless cameras appeared on the digital technology market relatively recently. They are also equipped with a large matrix, which allows you to take pictures of excellent quality. The dimensions of such equipment are significantly smaller than those of SLR cameras. However, the camera cannot be called completely compact, and you will still need a separate bag to carry it.
The disadvantages of a mirrorless camera include fairly fast battery consumption and a high price.
Action cameras
The name speaks for itself. Such cameras are designed for photo and video shooting in extreme conditions: during parachute jumping, scuba diving, downhill skiing or fast driving.
Modern action cameras produce images of good quality, but in poor lighting it practically disappears.
However, the price of such devices is very high.
Which camera to choose
Amateur filming
A compact professional camera is ideal for you. It has everything you need to get excellent quality photos. For the very first shots, use automatic mode, and when you realize that this is no longer enough, dig into the settings. Such devices are equipped with more than one installation for shooting in various conditions.
If you plan to photograph children, choose a camera with the fastest autofocus. Otherwise, the child will have time to turn away, look away, or even run away from the frame.
Are you looking towards DSLRs? Buy an entry-level kit camera: its capabilities are more than enough for home shots. Don't be afraid of the word "initial": it doesn't mean you'll get poor quality photos. These cameras simply lack additional features that you are unlikely to ever need.
Professional shooting
If your dream is to conquer the world with perfect pictures or you are already thinking about opening your own photo studio, pay attention to mid- and high-end SLR cameras. These are reliable tools that will not only take high-quality pictures, but will also be very convenient.
The capabilities of the kit assembly will quickly become insufficient, and the time will come to experiment with filters and lenses. Don't worry about the large dimensions: a small camera in the hands of a professional will look frivolous.
When choosing a future camera, remember the main features of professional photography: a large matrix and the ability to replace the lens.
A mirrorless camera will also be useful for your purposes. They shoot no worse than their mirror sisters.
Do not forget that such equipment will require considerable financial investments.
Trips
Everyone dreams of bringing home something back from vacation, so a smartphone camera is often not enough.
A camera for traveling should not be bulky or heavy, because most often the most beautiful places are found on excursions. And carrying large equipment for several hours in a row is not very convenient, especially if you have chosen a hot country for your vacation.
Therefore, for travel, choose a professional compact or ultrazoom. As you remember, in the first case the pictures will be of better quality. But the price is higher.
Try to choose a camera with a viewfinder. On a sunny day it is very difficult to see the future frame on the built-in screen. Don't forget about filters for shooting in bright conditions. They are compact and very inexpensive. And if you plan to shoot from a train or car window, make sure that your future camera has a good stabilizer, otherwise you risk getting unclear, blurry frames.
Those who love extreme recreation should purchase an action camera. It should be light, waterproof, and ideally also indestructible.
How not to overpay for a camera
- Don't go to the store without deciding on a specific model. The choice is huge, and asking sellers for help is a disastrous task. They will pick up a camera for you, no doubt, but you will pay twice as much for it as you planned.
- Don't get hung up on a specific manufacturer. Everyone has both successful models and outright failures.
- Look for camera reviews on the Internet. Use services to compare different models and types of cameras. For example, Digital Photography Review or DxOMark.
- Don't chase the number of pixels. Many people believe that the quality of photographs directly depends on this parameter. In fact, it only affects the maximum size of pictures (this is important if you want to print a poster from a photo). 16–20 megapixels will be quite enough for home photography and travel.
- Consider whether you need features such as Wi-Fi, NFC (wireless communication technology) and GPS. As practice has shown, few people use them. So why overpay?
- The lens for the camera must have the highest aperture: the quality of shooting in low light directly depends on this. The optimal value is f2.8–4.0.
- Pay attention to the quality of the video recording. The 4K format is rapidly gaining popularity, so few manufacturers do not equip new models with it, but to fully view such video you need a projector or monitor. To shoot videos of excellent quality, the Full HD format is quite enough.
What to look for in the store
- Take the time to hold the camera: it should fit comfortably in your hands.
- Examine the lens carefully: there should not be a scratch on it.
- Check the matrix for dead or problematic pixels. To do this, you need to take a plain background, preferably gray, and ask to demonstrate the resulting photo on the monitor screen. Enlarge the photo to the maximum: all the dots should be the same color.
- Take several photos in different modes. Check how the zoom works.
- Inspect the appearance of the camera, check the functionality of the buttons.
Remember that the main condition for good photographs is not only a good camera, but also skillful handling of it. So read, don’t be afraid to experiment with, try different modes... Another tip: shoot as much as possible. This way you will quickly understand the functions of the camera, and quantity, no matter how trivial it may sound, will very soon turn into quality.
Main points when choosing a digital compact camera
Matrix
One of the main and most expensive parts of the camera. In principle, the larger the matrix size, the better. But the number of pixels should not be decisive when choosing a digital camera. 12-15 megapixels will be enough to print a 40x30 cm photo, or admire it on a large TV screen. To print a 10x15 photo, three million pixels are enough. By the way, the physical dimensions of photographs can be different: 4x3, or 10x15.
The matrix size is indicated in inches: 1/2.5 - corresponds to 5.76 × 4.29 mm, 1/1.8 - 7.176 × 5.319 mm. Of course, the second option will be preferable. Too many pixels should alert you - as a rule, the more pixels, the smaller they are, and less light will fall on each pixel - hence the noise. A more important factor when choosing a compact digital camera is light sensitivity. That is, which camera takes the best photo in low light, that one should be chosen.
You can check this in the same way as a video camera: take a friend with a flash card, come to the store, be sure to set the same parameters on the cameras (preferably minimum, maximum, and average ISO), and take several identical frames. Then at home in a calm environment you analyze and compare. Sometimes the number of sensitive elements (pixels) does not match the number of pixels in the resulting image, please pay attention to this. Or look for product specifications on the Internet.
Lens
Probably in second place in importance, after the matrix. Lenses on cheap cameras are made of plastic. The main parameters when choosing: magnification, aperture and focal length. There is no need to chase a high magnification; 5-7 times is enough. The higher the zoom, the more shaking, and the photos will turn out blurry. If you choose a camera with a stabilizer, you can magnify even more, practice will show. It's always better to get closer to your subject than to zoom in. The magnification is naturally optical, forget about digital.
Aperture is designated by the letter F, for example: F-3.5. The lower the number, the better. Today, 3.5 is normal, if you find 2.8, great. The aperture value is written around the lens, for example: 3.1 x 6.3. These numbers indicate the aperture value at wide angle and maximum zoom.
Focal length is the angle that the camera covers. The smaller the first number, the wider the viewing angle will be, that is, more people will enter the frame when shooting in a cramped apartment. And the larger the second number, the closer you can see the object, that is, the more zoom. It looks something like this: 24 - 288 mm, this is marked “35 mm equivalent”. If there are manual settings for shutter speed and aperture, this is good.
Card
What the photograph is recorded on. Main types of memory cards: Secure Digital, Compact Flash, Memory Stick. I would recommend SD (Secure Digital). The best price-quality ratio. In addition, if you change your camera, these cards will most likely fit the new model. An important factor is the ability to use large-capacity cards in the camera. It’s better to immediately buy a capacious card and withdraw without restrictions.
Also, an important indicator for a card is the recording speed; at a low speed, you will not be able to shoot a series of frames (let alone a video). By the way, the burst function should be present. It’s good if the camera has built-in memory, there will always be a reserve.
Viewfinder and screen
This determines how you will see your subject. In most cases you will use the screen, but on a bright sunny day the information on it may not be visible, this is where the viewfinder will help out. Almost always, when shooting, automatic focus is used, so the viewfinder is only needed for visual control of the scene being photographed. The presence of a rotating or folding screen makes shooting very easy. It is necessary that all shooting parameters are displayed on the display - this will be useful for subsequent analysis.
Flash
All digital cameras have built-in flashes. There is only one criterion for selection: the more powerful the flash, the better. This data should be indicated in the technical specifications of the camera. It is advisable to choose a camera with the possibility of forced flash, and not just automatic. For example, if you are filming a person standing against a window, then the light hitting the sensor will show that there is enough lighting, but the person's face will be dark. This is why you will need the ability to turn on the flash yourself.
If there is a red-eye reduction mode, this is good; you do not need to spend money on removing this defect in photo salons. More advanced models have a socket for connecting an external flash, but at the first stage you won’t need it. A good flash costs more than your camera.
Batteries or accumulators
There are finger-type batteries (battery type) and rectangular (branded) ones, it all depends on their capacity. The larger the capacity, the longer it will last for photography. The only difference is that you can use AA batteries in other devices, and you can buy a charger for them without any problems, but branded batteries will not be suitable for anything other than your camera. Speaking of chargers: the slower they charge, the better. The batteries will last for more cycles.
The presence of a video recording function with a camera
I have always said: filming video with a camera is a perversion. There is a video camera for this. Even the cheapest video camera takes pictures better than the most expensive (amateur) camera. I mean not only technical parameters, but also ease of shooting and the availability of the necessary functions. The camera lacks all this, although the picture on the display may seem good. Most likely, this function will be present on your camera, when you try to record a video, you will understand that the video is, let’s say, not very good. Although in extreme cases it can be useful. You can read more about this topic on the page “Video shooting with a camera”.
If it is important for you that the video recording function is present, then pay attention to the resolution, most often in digital cameras it is no higher than 1280 by 720, and to the number of frames per second, which rarely exceeds 30. If you choose a camera with a video recording function, then There must be an image stabilizer. The stabilizer can be either in the lens or in the body, but in principle - as long as it is there.
Once you make your choice, be sure to check the camera before purchasing. There should be no scratches on the case, all buttons should press well and not stick anywhere, there should be no bubbles or dust particles in the lenses. You won’t be able to test all the camera’s functions in the store, so at first shoot as much as possible, and in different modes. If the camera has a manufacturing defect, then within 14 days you can simply return the camera to the store and take the money; if the defect is discovered later, you will have to send it in for repairs.
When choosing a camera, you should not rush, so that later you will not be excruciatingly painful from wasted money. The same camera will be different for a woman’s and a man’s hand; for some it will be convenient to take pictures, but for others it will not. Remember, a hasty choice because tomorrow is your birthday will not lead to anything good, because you are not buying a camera for just one time. And the right choice is the key to the fact that you will be satisfied with the purchase, and the photography process will bring a lot of positive emotions, because photography is an opportunity to preserve a moment for centuries.
If the issue of choice is serious for you, and you want to know not only how to choose a camera and which one is better, but also to understand lens markings, purposes and the correct use of various camera functions, then on the “Ask a Question” page you can order training in video format . This video course provides answers to all the questions that a novice photographer has: what is white balance, depth of field, histogram and exposure. The structure of cameras, types of matrices. Tips on choosing a lens, camera settings and caring for it. And much, much more... Fill out the form, and after payment (500 rubles) I will send you a link to download the archive (224 MB).
And most importantly: A good photograph is made by a photographer, and a camera is only a tool that helps him in this.
When purchasing, you need to ask the seller for a discount using the club card number - 0026. You can find out more about the assortment on the website www.intel-foto.ru
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