The difference between a DSLR and a digital camera. Difference between DSLR, mirrorless and compact camera
DSLR cameras are made of film (SLR: Single-Lens Reflex camera) and digital (DSLR: Digital Single-Lens Reflex camera). A film SLR camera differs from a digital SLR camera in its light-sensitive material. A digital camera, instead of a film coated with a photosensitive composition, has an electronic device - a matrix. But how does a SLR camera differ from a regular camera? Why is it called mirror?
A SLR camera is called because it has an optical viewfinder consisting of a shaft in which a mirror (or system of mirrors) is installed. There are single-lens and double-lens SLR cameras.
In the picture below, you can see for yourself what a single-lens reflex camera is and how it works inside. To “press the shutter button” of the SLR camera shown in the picture below, simply click on the picture, just keep in mind that the real camera works much faster!
What's inside a DSLR camera?
Click on the DSLR image to look inside the cameraIn a single lens reflex camera [ Single Lens] sighting (framing and camera settings) occurs through the shooting lens and a system of mirrors. This system of mirrors serves only to adjust the camera and does not take any part in the process of photographing (exposing the frame), but only interferes, because located between the camera lens and the matrix (or film, if we are considering the operation of a film SLR camera).
Therefore, after the SLR camera is set up for photography and the photographer presses the button, the mirror rises and only after that the shutter opens. After closing the shutter, the mirror again lowers to its original position to adjust the next frame. Because of this, nothing is visible in the viewfinder at the time of taking a photo. This disadvantage does not exist in two-lens SLR cameras.
Double lens reflex camera
In two-lens reflex cameras, sighting and photography are done through different lenses - and there is no need to raise the mirror before exposing the frame. At the same time, the shutter mechanism and the cost and reliability of the camera are simplified.
In a two-lens reflex camera, the focusing rings of both lenses are mechanically linked and work synchronously when focusing. However, when replacing a shooting lens, you also need to change the focusing lens. In addition, when shooting at close range, you should take into account the distance between the axes of the focusing and shooting lenses. This mismatch between the axes of the viewfinder and the lens is called parallax. Due to prallax, the boundaries of the sight and the frame itself slightly do not coincide, and the closer the distance to the object being photographed, the more noticeable this discrepancy is.
Single-lens reflex cameras are smaller than double-lens cameras and do not have parallax. In addition, they allow you to quickly replace the shooting lens - there is only one lens! Exposure metering in single-lens reflex cameras is usually done through the shooting lens, which is why this exposure metering system is called TTL - Through The Lens When using filters and various lens attachments, the change in light transmission in SLR And DSLR cameras is taken into account automatically. Despite the complex mechanism for rotating the mirror, single-lens reflex cameras have practically replaced double-lens cameras.
Video: How a digital SLR camera works
Do you want to know why a DSLR camera takes better pictures than a point-and-shoot camera?
Read about it in our FREE ebook
In order to choose a digital camera, you must first decide which category of users you belong to, where and how you will take photographs, and also determine the price category that suits you.
Types of digital cameras
Digital cameras are divided into four groups:
If you are a pro, then the choice is clear, but if you are a beginner or an amateur, the functionality of the camera is not the only criterion for choosing a camera. There are design features that distinguish the following types of cameras:
- compact. They are also called digital cameras. Compared to SLR cameras, they are small in size, have a fixed lens and a minimum of buttons;
- mirrored DSLRs have interchangeable lenses, an optical viewfinder that displays the real image;
- mirrorless cameras with interchangeable lenses. Models in this class can change lenses, but do not have mirrors or an optical viewfinder;
- digital cameras with a translucent mirror. They have no visual differences from mirror ones, but instead of a lifting mirror, translucent glass is installed. The viewfinder here is electronic. Such cameras are manufactured by Sony.
Video: what to choose - a DSLR or a digital camera
But this is not all types of cameras. It turns out that there are different types of digital cameras, and there are models even for advanced users.
Compact cameras
There are four types of compact cameras:
Table: comparison of compact and SLR cameras
The RAW format has greater color depth than JPEG. If you are not going to post-process the image, then you can use JPEG. RAW allows you to change the color, brightness and contrast of the frame after shooting. If the photo turns out to be overexposed or dark, it is very difficult to correct JPEG without losing quality, but RAW allows you to do this.
Selection criteria
Based on the above, you can start choosing a camera:
- If you are undemanding about super-quality photos, don’t want to carry a kilogram carcass with a lens, bother with settings, and even more so improve your photography skills, then feel free to take a digital camera.
- Want something more? First, decide for yourself which design you like: a camera with a built-in lens or with a fleet of optics. Then determine your price category. If you like interchangeable lenses but don't have the money for a DSLR, take a look at mirrorless cameras with interchangeable lenses. Their price ranges from 10,000 to a million rubles.
- Do you like to shoot from a distance? Then choose between ultrazoom and a DSLR with telescopic lenses.
Video: how to choose a camera - comparison of different systems
Rating of compact cameras
Here is a list of the most popular cameras according to Yandex.Market data.
Top 5 compact cameras of all levels
The most popular compact cameras are:
Photo gallery: popular compact cameras
The Fujifilm X70 camera has a wide-angle lens that allows you to take high-quality pictures in all modes The Olympus Tough TG-860 has a protected housing and can be used for filming sports events The Leica Q (Typ 116) camera has a full-size sensor and a fixed lens The compact waterproof body of the Nikon Coolpix S2 is designed for shooting in any weather The Nikon Coolpix S9600 model will allow the user not to think about setting the necessary settings
Top 5 entry-level compact cameras
For beginners and amateurs, the best choice would be the following models:
- Sony Cyber-shot DSC-W 800.
- Sony Cyber-shot DSC-W 610.
Photo gallery: the best camera models for beginners
The Canon Digital IXUS 160 perfectly combines ease of operation and quality images The Sony Cyber-shot DSC-W800 has special modes for shooting at parties and in low light conditions Lightweight and compact, the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-W610 offers multiple fully automatic intelligent shooting modes Nikon Coolpix L26 camera allows you to take pictures with a resolution of 16 MP and has built-in anti-blur technology The compact digital camera Canon Digital IXUS 145 allows you to record frames and videos in HD format in fully automatic mode
Top 5 Compact Ultrasonic Cameras
- Sony Cyber-shot DSC-HX 60 V.
Photo gallery: the best cameras with ultrasonics
The Nikon Coolpix S9600 camera has a 22x zoom and built-in Wi-Fi module The Sony Cyber-shot DSC-HX60V takes excellent quality photos despite its compact body weighing just 300g Nikon Coolpix L120 camera has a professional look and minimal controls The Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ1000 is a good alternative to a DSLR The Nikon Coolpix L110 camera will be a good choice for those looking for a budget model with high quality shooting
... if you need an inexpensive device for amateur everyday photography, so that it has “everything” and you do not have ambitious plans to shoot “masterpieces of photographic art,” it is not necessary to purchase a DSLR - you can get by with a compact device in the mid-price category.
Artyom Kashkanov
http://www.artem-kashkanov.ru/article36.html
Rating of professional cameras
Among the professional models, we will highlight separately DSLR and mirrorless models.
Top 5 mirrorless cameras with interchangeable lenses
The following models stand out among mirrorless cameras:
- Olympus OM-D E-M 10 Mark II.
- Olympus Pen E-P 5.
Photo gallery: mirrorless cameras
The Fujifilm X-A2's 26mm wide-angle lens is great for most shooting modes The Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark II camera has a traditional retro-style design for this manufacturer The Sony Alpha ILCE-5100 model is equipped with a high-quality lens and a powerful processor that manages to process photographs taken even in poor lighting Pen E-P5 is the flagship model in the Olympus mirrorless line Sony Alpha NEX-3N rightfully claims to be the most compact mirrorless device with an APS-C format matrix
Top 5 DSLR Cameras
In the class of mirror models, experts identify the following:
Photo gallery: the most popular SLR cameras
The Pentax K-3 camera has a powerful processor and a large number of frame post-processing modes The Pentax K-S1 model stands out mainly for its design and layout of controls The Nikon D3100 camera is an entry-level SLR camera, but can compete with more advanced models The Canon EOS 600D is an excellent amateur DSLR camera that can almost completely perform all the photographer's tasks for him The Canon EOS 1100D is a budget DSLR with a full range of essential features
As we can see, there are many different cameras, but we need one. Experts advise first deciding what you need a camera for. Then - what you will have to sacrifice. There is no such thing as the perfect camera, so you're unlikely to find a camera for every occasion.
Learning to take photographs
To turn on the camera, press the ON/OFF button located on the body. In compact cameras, the lens extends forward, so do not cover it with your hands when turning it on.
Basic shooting modes
Modern digital cameras have scene, automatic, semi-automatic and manual modes. Usually the mode is selected using a round switch.
Selecting shooting modes on modern cameras is usually done using a special program wheel.
For those who do not know how or do not want to configure and switch, there are two modes:
- easy - there are very few available functions, usually these are two options for image sizes (small and large) and the inclusion of GPS, if available;
- intelligent - in i-Auto mode, the camera itself recognizes scenes and selects one of them that is most suitable for the shooting conditions.
If the simple and intelligent modes limit you, story programs come to the rescue, giving you more freedom of action. The camera itself sets the aperture and shutter speed in accordance with the selected program:
- portrait,
- scenery,
- sport,
- night portrait,
- twilight,
- landscape,
- firework,
- macro.
For more professional control, cameras offer the ability to set all or part of the parameters manually:
- In semi-automatic program mode, the camera selects exposure parameters, but gives the user the opportunity to set some others: turning on the flash, white balance, etc. To optimally set the white balance, you need to point the camera at a bright white object and move the cursor one by one to the proposed values. When the object appears as white on the camera display as in reality, press the confirmation button.
- In shutter priority mode S or Tv and in aperture priority mode A or Av, you can only change the shutter speed or aperture, respectively. The camera will select the second parameter itself. For example, if you open the aperture to more light, the camera will set a fast shutter speed to maintain the same exposure. This way you can shoot moving objects.
- In manual mode M, you can set the aperture and shutter speed yourself.
In photo viewing mode, you can see the gallery or view one photo at a time.
Video: Camera shooting modes
What is zoom
Most cameras allow you to zoom in and out of subjects. A variable focal length lens is also called a zoom lens. The parameter of such a lens, depending on the focal length, is called zoom. It can be optical and digital:
In macro photography, photographs are taken from a distance of up to several centimeters. This mode is also called macro zoom.
Image Stabilizer
A tripod provides the best image stabilization. But its large size does not allow you to always take it with you. And a small tripod of 15 cm cannot be placed everywhere. Therefore, manufacturers created image stabilizers. There are two varieties:
- optical - can be located in the lens or in the camera. The camera moves in one direction, and the objective lenses move in the other. Stabilization in the body of the device works based on the movement of the matrix, which allows you to use lenses without a stabilizer, which are much cheaper. Optical stabilization does not degrade photo quality;
- digital - works on the basis of programs, due to which information at the edges of the matrix is lost, the clarity of the photograph decreases, especially in combination with digital zoom.
Video on a digital camera
You can also shoot video with a digital camera. And there are important advantages here:
- The filming quality is better than that of a video camera. Even a simple digital camera shoots video in Full HD format, because the size of the camera sensor is larger than that of a video camera.
- No need to take two devices. You can take photos and videos with the camera.
But there are also pitfalls:
- Settings. In digital cameras you can choose the frame size and sometimes the bitrate. DSLRs have the same settings as camcorders.
- Bad sound. If you do not use an external microphone, noise from pressing buttons on the camera will be recorded.
- Stabilization is worse than in video cameras. This is essential when shooting handheld.
- Zoom. All video cameras are ultrasonic and the sound of the drive is not recorded, unlike cameras. With mechanical zoom, it is impossible to rotate the ring smoothly and continuously. And a video lens costs a fortune.
It is better to shoot video with a compact camera with a tripod and an external microphone.
Modern cameras allow you to shoot videos, but it is better to do this using a tripod
Some manual settings
It’s not always possible to get a beautiful photo using an automatic camera, because the camera doesn’t know your ideas and makes the settings at its own discretion. Therefore, you need to be able to use manual settings.
The amount of light hitting a photosensitive material in a given time is called exposure. It is influenced by:
- excerpt. This is the shutter time;
- diaphragm. With its help, the amount of light passing through the lens is controlled;
- ISO. This is the sensitivity of the matrix to light. As ISO increases, the noise in the photo increases, i.e., multi-colored dots appear on it.
The wider the aperture is, the shallower the depth of field, and vice versa. Closing the aperture is used when shooting landscapes. If, with a closed aperture, too little light enters the frame and the photos turn out dark, you can work with the exposure.
To shoot portraits and in macro mode, open the aperture, the depth of field decreases, resulting in a beautifully blurred background.
You can set automatic shooting of one frame with different exposure values. This is called exposure bracketing. A series of photographs with different white balance values is called white balance bracketing.
Photo gallery: cheat sheets for beginner photographers from Nikon
The shutter speed also depends on the exposure. You can choose a mode that suits your existing skills An open aperture is suitable for shooting landscapes, a closed one is suitable for portraits. Using the histogram, you can see the areas of underexposure and overexposure of the frame
A proper histogram looks like a parabola and tapers off towards the edges of the photo.
The correct histogram should look like a parabola
Interesting features of a digital camera
The camera can be used not only to photograph the surrounding reality, but also for other purposes.
Digitizing old images
You can retake negatives and slides using a digital camera. The principle of operation is that they need to be re-shot in the light. The light source must be behind the film. Then the resulting images are corrected in any graphics editor. To retake an old photograph, you need to place it on a flat surface and provide uniform light on both sides. You should use macro photography or zoom.
Video: digitizing film and slides
Using the camera as a web camera
To use the camera as a webcam, you need to read the instructions. If there is no such function, then you can check it. We take a cord with USB, tulips and a connector for the camera and connect the device to the TV. If there is an image on the screen that is currently being captured by the camera, then you can make a webcam from the device.
Video: webcams from a camera
DIY digital camera repair
Common malfunctions:
- Cracked or crushed screen.
- The lens does not extend or retract, the curtains do not open, the camera does not focus. The following messages appear: Lens Eror, Zoom Error, “Lens Error”, an incomprehensible sound appeared in the area of the lens. Causes: impact or fall, sand or moisture getting inside.
- If there are red-blue streaks on the display and pictures, the matrix needs to be replaced.
- If the camera does not see the flash drive, the connector may be broken.
- When you press the shutter release, you cannot take a photo or the flash does not work.
- If the camera does not turn on, diagnostics are required for a variety of reasons.
You can repair your digital camera yourself. To do this, you need to purchase watch screwdrivers. The room must be very clean so that dust does not get on the matrix or lens. Good lighting is also important. Below are several videos that describe how to troubleshoot the most common problems.
Video: lens does not open
Video: curtains do not open or close
Video: broken and skewed lens
Video: the camera does not see the memory card
If you are afraid to disassemble the camera yourself, then it is better to turn to professionals. They will do high-quality repairs and give a guarantee on it.
Now you can determine the category of digital camera you need, select the device to suit your needs, configure it and even repair it.
In the modern world, many people prefer to pay once and use the item for a long time. The period when everyone tried to buy cheaper has passed. You can always buy equipment in installments or on credit, but choose a really high-quality item. In this article we will look at which camera to choose, or digital.
The difference between a DSLR and a digital camera
The main difference is the quality of the photo and the photography process itself. DSLR models independently set the shutter speed, focal length and other shooting parameters, and do it very quickly. As a result, you will get exactly the picture you want, without color distortion.
Why is a DSLR better than a digital camera?
- More correct color rendition.
- The difference between a DSLR and a digital camera is that the first allows the photographer to take pictures of different objects with individual lenses. There are separate lenses for shooting buildings, portraits, and special lenses for macro and micro photography. This greatly expands the field for work and allows you to take better photos.
- An important difference between a DSLR and a digital camera is instant focusing on the desired object. In other words, you can take a whole series of pictures in just a couple of seconds. This is very convenient for photographing objects in motion.
- A significant difference between an SLR and a digital camera for both a professional and an amateur will be the ability to manually adjust the focus. In digital models, automation often fails, so mirror models are much more reliable in this regard.
Which is better, DSLR or digital?
So, we have figured out the main difference and advantages of mirror and digital, it’s time to make a choice. First of all, let's look at the quality of the photo itself. Many people are looking for cameras with a large number of megapixels, but in fact, even the most expensive models do not always have this number exceeding ten. So 16 megapixels, fashionable today, is far from a guarantee of photo quality.
That is why when choosing a SLR or digital camera, pay attention to the quality of the matrix itself and the graphic process. Instead of the number of pixels, choose a good lens.
Remember that both models have strengths and weaknesses. So, with a “mirror” the shooting and focusing speed is much faster, the quality of sharpness is also higher, but all these parameters are fully reflected in the numbers on the price tag. And the sizes of all mirrored models are not suitable for a woman’s handbag, not to mention the weight. For digital models, the opposite is true: image quality and a weak matrix complicate the work, but the cost and compactness compensate for this.
As for the advice of most professionals, they recommend purchasing good digital equipment for occasional use. You can search for “Mirror” only if you decide to learn all the secrets of photography.
To learn to take good photographs with a mirrorless camera There are a few things to understand. First of all, you need to know how the camera works, you need to master the theory. Therefore, let's start with a description of cameras.
What is a mirrorless camera?
As many might understand from the name, mirrorless cameras do not have a mirror. The operation of a mirrorless camera relies more on electronics than mechanics. So in a DSLR, in order to create a frame, the mirror must rise. In a mirrorless camera, the light flux hitting the sensor at a certain time is simply recorded. The same goes for the viewfinder. In SLR cameras it is predominantly optical (not always). It is usually absent in mirrorless cameras, but if it is present, it is certainly electronic. The autofocus system of DSLRs and mirrorless cameras is also slightly different.SLR camera design
In an SLR camera, there is a mirror behind the lens that reflects the light flux into the viewfinder pentaprism. The pentaprism makes the image not upside down. Autofocusing is carried out using a special sensor unit. The sensors usually receive light from an additional mirror. When the shutter button is pressed, the mirror rises and the viewfinder no longer shows the frame. All the light goes to the matrix, which leads to exposure of the frame.
Luminous flux in a SLR camera at the time of photography
Advantages of a DSLR camera:
- The optical viewfinder allows you to see the picture without the participation of electronics. This eliminates distortion and braking when moving quickly.
- Phase sensors used in the autofocus system of a SLR camera allow you to work very quickly and efficiently.
Disadvantages of a DSLR camera:
- The camera design is too complex. Lots of mechanical elements. expensive process of making a camera.
- The presence of a rising mirror and pentaprism does not allow for a compact body.
- The reliability of the camera is reduced due to the large number of moving parts.
- With long exposures, the mirror covers the viewfinder and the view of the frame becomes unavailable.
The design of a mirrorless camera is much simpler. There is no mirror, pentaprism, optical viewfinder and phase sensors.
Mirrorless device
Light passes through the lens and is projected onto the sensor. The processor reads this signal and converts it into a video signal, which is sent to the display.
Advantages of mirrorless cameras:
- It is possible to make the camera very compact.
- Due to the small number of mechanical parts, the reliability of the camera increases.
- Production and development costs are reduced.
- For many, using the display is easier and more familiar than using the viewfinder.
- You can view pictures taken with custom filters and settings (B/W, Sepia, etc.)
Disadvantages of mirrorless cameras:
- When shooting, the image processed by the processor is displayed on the screen. The screen also has limitations in displaying contrast and saturation.
- The display of the image occurs with some delay, which is associated with the speed of the processor.
- In bright light, the screen may become subject to glare, making it difficult to see the image on the screen.
- Constant operation of the screen and processor quickly drains battery power.
Both types of cameras have their pros and cons. Designers are constantly looking for solutions to many shortcomings. For example, many SLR cameras have acquired the Live View function. during its operation, the mirror is raised for a long time and the image is displayed on the screen like in mirrorless cameras. This makes it possible to shoot video on DSLR cameras.
Mirrorless cameras are also improving. Their processors are becoming faster, screens, optics and sensors are improving. Electronic viewfinders bring the capabilities of mirrorless cameras closer to those of DSLR cameras. They have learned to install phase detection autofocus sensors on matrices, which allows the use of both types of autofocus (contrast and phase detection).
Mirrorless cameras
Nikon 1 J1 mirrorless camera
Many people may think that all cameras without a mirror are mirrorless, but this is not true. Cameras that have non-removable optics belong to the compact class.
Cameras that have removable optics, but operate without a mirror, are called mirrorless cameras.
Cost difference
Top-end mirrorless cameras cost no less than many DSLR cameras. It would seem that it is better to take a SLR camera, which is guaranteed to give an excellent picture and will serve for a long time. But there is one caveat. Mirrorless cameras have long been able to take photographs as good as DSLRs. The picture turns out no worse than on a DSLR in the same price category. Here the question of size arises. The lens will not allow you to put the mirrorless camera in your pocket, but carrying it around your neck or in a backpack is much easier than a large DSLR camera. For studio photography, of course, a DSLR is better suited, but lovers of hiking and traveling will probably prefer a mirrorless camera.
© 2018 site
This article will talk about the main types small format digital cameras, since it is this category that is of primary interest to most beginning photographers. Thus, I will not touch on film photography here, nor on digital medium format.
There are three main types of small format digital cameras: compact, DSLR and mirrorless. Compact cameras have a non-replaceable lens - this is their most characteristic feature, while DSLR and mirrorless cameras allow you to change lenses. In turn, cameras with interchangeable lenses differ mainly in the design of the viewfinder: in SLR cameras the viewfinder is optical, and in mirrorless cameras it is electronic. Each type is heterogeneous and has internal variations. Let's start our conversation with the once very popular class of compact cameras, which in recent years is increasingly losing its position to smartphones.
Compact cameras
Compact cameras, also called point-and-shoot cameras, are small in size and weight, lack a viewfinder (usually) and the ability to change lenses. The sensor is usually small (crop factor in the range of 3-8), which allows you to keep the size of the camera modest and its price moderate.
Advantages of compact cameras:
- Small dimensions and weight - the camera fits in your pocket. This is the main trump card of the soap box, forcing you to close your eyes to its many shortcomings.
- Some compacts run on standard AA batteries, which can be purchased anywhere in the world.
- Low price, although there are plenty of exceptions.
- Silence, unless, of course, you are too lazy to go into the appropriate menu and turn off all these beeping and clicking sounds.
- Large depth of field even with a fully open aperture, which is due to the small sensor and, as a result, a very short focal length lens. This is convenient for landscape photography.
- Reasonable aspect ratio of 4:3. The 3:2 ratio typical of DSLRs makes the frame too narrow and long for most scenes, but this is a matter of taste.
Disadvantages of compact cameras:
- Low image quality despite high resolution. The smaller the camera matrix, the smaller the physical size of the individual photodiodes, which means the fewer photons each of them is able to perceive. A small difference between the sensitivity threshold of the photodiode and its saturation threshold means a small dynamic range of the sensor. A weak electrical signal has to be amplified many times over, increasing the level of digital noise along with the useful signal. Hence the inability to shoot at high ISO values, even if they are nominally supported by the camera. At ISO 400 or 800 the picture turns into a colored mess. With good lighting, allowing the use of low ISO values, the quality can be quite acceptable. Of course, the above does not apply to the few compacts with a large sensor.
- Low quality optics, aggravating the effect of the previous point. This applies primarily to 80x superzooms. A lens cannot be compact, universal, high quality and cheap at the same time. This would contradict physics and common sense.
- Low speed. After turning on the camera, you are forced to wait for it to wake up for several seconds; You can’t leave the soap dish on for a long time - the battery will run out. The image on the screen often does not keep up with the scene. There is a delay between the moment you press the shutter and the actual moment of shooting; small - a fraction of a second, but this is enough to miss an interesting shot.
- Contrast autofocus is so slow that it does not allow you to focus on moving objects.
- Inconvenient controls. Most compacts have minimal external controls, and a number of vital functions such as exposure compensation or white balance are accessed through menus, which can be quite slow when shooting.
- It is not always possible to shoot in RAW.
- Electric drive of the zoom lens. The inability to quickly change the focal length using a mechanical ring and the need to use small buttons instead is very annoying. In addition, the lens motor often moves jerkily, preventing accurate framing.
- Instability. Focusing on the screen forces you to hold the camera at some distance in front of you, as a result of which hand shake is fully transmitted to the camera and leads to unclear pictures. However, some models are still equipped with an eyepiece viewfinder, which allows you to press the camera to your face for sighting in the traditional way.
- The dependence of the viewfinder screen on external lighting, which sometimes makes framing a frame a difficult task. In the bright sun the screen shines and glares, but in the dark it seems overly bright and blinds the eyes.
- Energy consumption. Having the sensor and screen constantly on when composing a shot eats up the battery quite quickly. It's a rare compact that can take more than a couple hundred shots on a single charge.
- Large depth of field. Yes, this is not only an advantage, but also a disadvantage. The small sensor and short-focus lens do not allow, if necessary, to isolate the subject using selective focus, thereby blurring the background.
A compact digital camera can cope quite successfully with protocol photography, when image quality is not in the first place, but for serious photography, especially for those genres where efficiency is required, it is of little use.
It should be noted that traditional point-and-shoot cameras (i.e. compacts with a small sensor) are a dying class of photographic equipment. The reason for this is the increased popularity of smartphones. Of course, the camera built into a mobile phone usually does not reach even the most primitive compacts in terms of image quality, much less ease of shooting, but for the purposes for which it is usually used (taking pictures of food, cats and self-portraits in the mirror of a public toilet ), its capabilities are quite sufficient. And image quality plays absolutely no role if the pictures are intended exclusively for publication on social networks.
There is a whole series of compact compacts that are by no means compact - the so-called. ultrasonics like Sony DSC-HX200 or Fujifilm FinePix HS50EXR. The idea is as simple as it is insidious: fairly low image quality due to a small sensor, slow operation, an electronic viewfinder, an extra-long non-replaceable lens and a bulky body that mimics a DSLR. The price of such units in some cases may exceed the price of real entry-level SLR cameras. Don't fall for marketers' tricks. The only purpose of the existence of pseudo-ultrazoom mirrors is to practically costlessly increase the income of photographic equipment manufacturers, and you are not obliged to contribute to this.
In my opinion, a good compact should, first of all, be compact so that you can carry it with you everywhere without experiencing discomfort. In addition, the ability to manually control basic camera settings is very desirable. The matrix should be as large as possible, but not at the expense of the camera's dimensions, and, finally, the price of the point-and-shoot camera should be within reasonable limits.
Recently, more and more expensive compacts have appeared with relatively large sensors and high-quality, although non-replaceable, optics, for example, Canon G1 X, Fujifilm X100S or Nikon Coolpix A. These devices do not have the image quality problems characteristic of traditional point-and-shoot cameras with a fairly modest size. cameras, but given their still rather high price and the impossibility of changing lenses, the simplest DSLRs remain the more obvious choice for amateur photographers.
DSLR cameras
The digital single-lens reflex camera, also known as DSLR (Digital Single-Lens Reflex), despite its seemingly archaic design, is still the best solution for shooting moving objects. It is also good for still scenes due to its versatility. Digital SLRs are the successors to film SLRs. These are system cameras. The system includes not only cameras, but also numerous lenses, flashes and other accessories for all occasions.
The main distinguishing feature of an SLR camera, in addition to interchangeable optics and a large sensor, is the presence of a mirror optical viewfinder. You can easily see the 45° mirror if you look inside the camera after removing the lens. The mirror shows the reflection of the frosted glass located above it, and behind the mirror hides the camera sensor, covered by a curtain shutter. The mirror reflects light onto the ground glass, which you would normally view through a pentaprism and eyepiece to compose your shot. Immediately before the shutter opens, the rotating mirror rises, making the viewfinder black, but allowing light from the lens to fall unimpeded on the sensor, and after exposure it returns to its original position. This design, which has not changed fundamentally over the past more than half a century, gives you the opportunity to see through the viewfinder what the camera lens sees, without delay, without parallax and in maximum resolution, limited only by the acuity of your vision.
Design of a single-lens reflex camera:
1 – lens; 2 – mirror; 3 – shutter; 4 – matrix; 5 – focusing screen; 6 – condenser; 7 – pentaprism; 8 – eyepiece.
Advantages of DSLR cameras:
- Image quality. A large sensor means larger photodiodes, which means that with the same resolution and the same ISO value, the picture turns out much cleaner than when shooting with a point-and-shoot camera. The large dynamic range makes it possible to manipulate images much more boldly in post-processing without the risk of noticeable artifacts. There are a few full-frame models, i.e. cameras whose sensor size corresponds to the frame size of traditional 35 mm film; however, most DSLRs have sensors with a crop factor of 1.5-1.6.
- Speed. The camera wakes up in the blink of an eye and takes a photo exactly when you need it. The optical viewfinder works in real time, without any delay.
- Fast phase detection autofocus allows you to achieve focus almost instantly and is not prone to unnecessary movements typical of contrast autofocus. The focusing motors in DSLR lenses are also much faster than those in compact lenses.
- Convenient and efficient management. The most important adjustments in SLR cameras are located on the body and do not require access to endless menus.
- The ability to manually control shutter speed, aperture, and also focus.
- A mechanical zoom ring on zoom lenses ensures fast and, most importantly, accurate framing.
- Economical energy consumption. When the camera is turned on, it consumes virtually no electricity at rest, which allows you to keep it on all the time. The optical viewfinder, unlike the liquid crystal display, is completely passive. If you're not using the built-in flash and Live View, the camera's battery can handle up to a thousand shots on a single charge, which is extremely important when backpacking.
- Control over the depth of field of the imaged space. The large sensor necessitates the use of relatively long lenses, which provides a shallow depth of field with an open aperture. By closing the aperture you can achieve a large depth of field.
- Ability to shoot in RAW for fine editing of images.
- A huge selection of lenses for any purpose: wide-angle and telephoto lenses, lenses for portraits and macro photography, discrete lenses and zooms, with any aperture and for any pocket. In addition, many lenses released twenty or more years ago are partially or fully compatible with modern digital cameras of the corresponding system.
Disadvantages of DSLR cameras:
- Dimensions. Of all types of small-format cameras, DSLRs are the largest in size and weight. This is especially true for expensive professional models. You can't put a camera like this in your pocket.
- Bulky and expensive lenses. The mirror does not allow you to place the lens close enough to the camera sensor, i.e. the distance from the lens barrel to the plane of the matrix (the working distance) may be greater than the focal length of the short-focus (wide-angle) lens required by the photographer. This can be solved by creating clever retrofocus lenses, i.e. those whose focal length is shorter than their actual length. In other words, the imaginary optical center of the lens lies, as it were, inside the camera body behind the lens itself.
- Noise. When releasing the shutter, a fairly loud mechanical click is heard. Even the so-called “silent” mode, present in some models.
- When using Live View or when shooting video, autofocus is almost slower than in compacts, and the battery drains much faster.
- Dust that gets inside the camera when changing lenses can settle on the sensor and lead to the appearance of barely noticeable spots on the pictures. Ultrasonic sensor cleaning systems built into the camera body try to fight dust, and every year they become more and more successful, but this is not a reason to forget about accuracy.
If you're serious about photography, a DSLR camera is essentially the smartest choice. At least at the present stage of development of photographic equipment.
The trouble with system cameras is that when you buy a camera, you tie yourself to a specific system. Subsequently, if you want to change the system for one reason or another, it can be very expensive.
Without a doubt, the leaders in the production of digital SLR cameras are Canon and Nikon. Both companies have been developing photographic equipment for decades, and believe me, they know their stuff. Their systems are the most complete and include not only a wide selection of cameras, both amateur and professional, but also a colossal variety of lenses designed to solve any photographic problem. Both Canon and Nikon have full-frame cameras, although they are quite expensive.
When choosing between Nikon and Canon, you can't go wrong. They are equally good. Personally, I prefer Nikon, but this is more a matter of getting used to the ergonomics and design of Nikon cameras. No professional will seriously participate in discussions on the topic "Nikon vs Canon". This is stupid. The competition between the two giants is so fierce that if one of the companies suddenly gave in to the other in something, it would quickly find itself out of business.
Among the manufacturers of SLR cameras, so to speak, the second tier, Pentax and Sigma should be mentioned. Sony α system cameras with a translucent mirror are not SLRs in the traditional sense, although they are positioned by Sony as DSLRs: despite the presence of a mirror, their viewfinder is not optical, but electronic, and therefore energy-consuming.
I won't argue - Pentax, Sigma and Sony cameras are quite good, and are more than capable of creating stunning photographs; Moreover, some models may be even more innovative in technical terms than the relatively conservative Nikon and Canon, but, firstly, both Nikon and Canon are distinguished by the closest attention to detail regarding the convenience and speed of handling the camera; secondly, their systems are the most extensive and versatile and, finally, thirdly, Nikon and Canon systems are quite popular and are sold everywhere, which can sometimes make the process of buying the right lens very easy. Not every photographic equipment store sells exotic systems. And the number of these systems is decreasing: Olympus, Fujifilm, Panasonic and Samsung have already left the DSLR camera market and concentrated their efforts on mirrorless cameras, the market of which has not yet been crushed by Canon and Nikon.
Mirrorless cameras
The desire to combine the high image quality characteristic of SLR cameras with the small dimensions of compacts has led to the emergence of a mixed class of cameras, which are commonly called mirrorless. Sometimes the English abbreviation EVIL (Electronic Viewfinder with Interchangeable Lens) or MILC (Mirrorless Interchangeable Lens Camera) is used. In other words, a mirrorless camera is a camera with a fairly large sensor, interchangeable lenses and primarily an electronic viewfinder that does not require a mirror.
Advantages of mirrorless cameras:
- High image quality comparable to that of DSLR cameras. However, the variation in sensor sizes from system to system is quite large: if the Sony A7 has a full-frame sensor (36 x 24 mm), like older SLR cameras, then the Pentax Q system cameras were equipped with frankly point-and-shoot sensors with a crop factor of 5.6 .
- The camera dimensions are quite compact compared to a DSLR. Mirrorless cameras do not have a mirror or pentaprism, which has a positive effect on their size. Lenses can also be relatively small - this is especially true for short focal length lenses.
- Replaceable optics. The choice of lenses is not as wide as in SLR systems, but for the vast majority of photographers it is quite sufficient. In addition, many lenses originally intended for DSLR cameras can be installed on mirrorless cameras using a special adapter. It all depends on the specific manufacturer and on his views on intersystem compatibility.
- Silence. The absence of a flapping mirror makes the camera significantly quieter.
- The rise of the mirror in a DSLR camera is accompanied by slight vibration, which in some cases can slightly degrade the sharpness of the image. A mirrorless camera without this drawback potentially can provide better sharpness.
Disadvantages of mirrorless cameras:
- The viewfinder, with rare exceptions, is electronic, which means it consumes power and suffers from a slight delay (however, with good mirrorless cameras the delay is almost unnoticeable). Many budget models do not have an eyepiece viewfinder at all, and sighting in them is carried out exclusively on the screen, like in point-and-shoot cameras.
- In terms of ergonomics, most mirrorless cameras are still closer to compacts than to DSLRs. Small body means small buttons, and many adjustments are not directly accessible at all. A photographer accustomed to the mechanical controls of a DSLR camera will be annoyed by the need to navigate multi-level menus every minute. To be fair, it is worth noting that the flagship models are very close to DSLRs in terms of ease of use.
- Power consumption is in full swing, since both the sensor and the electronic viewfinder are constantly on. Mirrorless cameras are even more power-hungry than compact cameras, thanks to their larger sensors. I dare to hope that this is a matter of technology and in a few years the batteries of mirrorless cameras will have sufficient capacity so as not to tie the photographer to an electrical outlet.
- Mirrorless cameras are even more vulnerable to dust than DSLR cameras because the sensor is not covered by a mirror when changing lenses.
- A mirrorless camera, all other things being equal, is more expensive than a DSLR camera of a comparable class. Miniature Award.
As you can see, mirrorless cameras are a rather controversial category. Compared to compact cameras, this is certainly a step forward, but DSLR cameras still have no equal in shooting speed and versatility. In terms of cost, individual mirrorless cameras can surpass not only compact cameras, but also many inexpensive DSLRs.
It would seem that a mirrorless camera is an ideal solution for travel, when small dimensions become extremely valuable, and at the same time you do not want to sacrifice the quality of the images, but this only applies to traveling in relatively civilized conditions, which implies the ability to regularly recharge the battery. But a landscape photographer often has to get into such remote places that the long-lasting battery of a SLR camera sometimes becomes a decisive factor.
Some mirrorless systems are clearly aimed at compact users who have outgrown the capabilities of their cameras, but for one reason or another avoid DSLRs. This group includes Nikon 1, Samsung NX Mini and Pentax Q.
Other systems, such as Nikon Z, Canon EOS R, Canon EOS M, Sony α and Fujifilm X, may well become the tool of a professional who values moderate weight and size.
The full-frame Leica M is essentially no different from classic Leica rangefinder cameras and even has a parallax optical viewfinder, however, Leica's price is more than outstanding, which greatly reduces its attractiveness for most photographers.
Other systems: Olympus/Panasonic Micro 4/3, Pentax K, Samsung NX, Sigma sd Quattro - occupy a middle position and, in my opinion, carry too many compromises, but this is a matter of individual taste.
Thank you for your attention!
Vasily A.
Post scriptum
If you found the article useful and informative, you can kindly support the project by making a contribution to its development. If you didn’t like the article, but you have thoughts on how to make it better, your criticism will be accepted with no less gratitude.
Please remember that this article is subject to copyright. Reprinting and quoting are permissible provided there is a valid link to the source, and the text used must not be distorted or modified in any way.
- Submission of electronic reporting to the tax office via the Internet
- Exclusion of a legal entity from the Unified State Register for false information: grounds, appeal of the decision of the Federal Tax Service on the upcoming exclusion
- What is an inn? By contacting the authorized body, you can find out
- Application for deregistration of UTII IP UTII deregistration grounds