Types of modern cameras. Photography in the modern world. Types of devices on the market

A couple of decades ago, people could not use the camera in everyday life. To capture the bright and amazing moments of life, a person had to visit a photo studio and various photo salons, or invite a photographer to his house. It was an expensive pleasure, so they rarely used such services.

At present, the situation has changed. The camera is now present in almost every home. At first they used ordinary film cameras, and now high-tech digital ones. Few people are able to imagine their daily life without this amazing device. Going to any important event, we always take a camera with us. The camera is an amazing invention of mankind. Not only are photographs a memory, looking at them we feel the atmosphere of some grandiose event, it is also a device with which we can color our mood and get positive emotions. It's so great just to go outside with a camera and capture nature or various flowers and trees.
The first cameras appeared only in the thirties of the twentieth century. But they were released in very small numbers. By the sixties of the last century, about forty-five models of these devices were produced, but few people were able to purchase a camera for themselves. Digital devices are very much superior to earlier models in all parameters and image quality. The leading position here is undoubtedly occupied by Digital camera samsung which proved to be excellent when photographing. Currently, you can immediately see the result, rather than taking the film to specialized organizations and waiting for a long time. Pictures taken with a modern camera can be immediately seen on the built-in display or on the monitor of a conventional desktop computer. Cameras come in a variety of designs, colors, and various specifications and functions. Nowadays, the process has gone so far that these wonderful devices are everywhere. They are built into cell phones, computers and tablet laptops. Sometimes it seems that every day is similar to others and there is basically nothing to photograph. In fact, this is not true at all. You can do this experience. Take your camera and take one picture every day for one year. Capture the most interesting moments that you had to see during this day. And after a year has passed, mount a photo report. Believe me, in five or ten years you will be extremely interested in seeing these pictures.
In addition to conventional digital cameras, there are professional devices. With the help of such a camera, people can not only photograph joyful moments, but also earn decent money. AT modern world there are special schools that teach proper use cameras. A person with professional photography skills can shoot various celebrations.
good camera just necessary in a house where there are children. After all, babies change almost every week and it is very important to fix his growth.
Cameras have firmly entered our daily life, and it is difficult for us to imagine it without them.

The design of the camera, its application

The object of this term paper is a small-format film camera "Smena 8M".

Every film camera has:

b Lens;

l Shutter (its role can be played by the lens cover);

b Housing: protects photosensitive material from being exposed to extraneous light during shooting. Together with the lens mount or objective board, it can be used for focusing;

b Cassette with photosensitive material (in disposable cameras, this can be the case). Protects photosensitive material from stray light before shooting, after shooting and before processing.

All other elements of the camera do not directly affect the technical quality of the image and may or may not be present in the design. They determine the convenience and efficiency of working with the camera, ensure framing accuracy (viewfinder), help the photographer in determining shooting parameters (exposure meter, automatic focusing and exposure metering) and simplify taking pictures in difficult conditions (flash, image stabilizer, etc.).

"Smena 8m" is a cult symbol of the country of the USSR. The Smena scale 35 mm camera has been produced since 1939 at the Lomo enterprise (Leningrad Optical and Mechanical Association, originally the GOMZ plant), but most of all these cameras were manufactured in postwar period. Many models were produced, but since 1963 the Smena-8 camera, and subsequently the Smena 8M, has received the most widespread distribution. They filmed a lot and willingly, the cameras were known to everyone, and really became popular. Moreover, the Smena 8M camera was even listed in the Guinness Book of Records as the most massive camera in the world. (Annex 3)

Photography in the modern world

Today it is difficult for a person to imagine his life without photography. For most people, photographs are valuable documents, evidence of a lifetime of personal history. A photograph is not just a snapshot in which someone looks great or not very good, but a specific moment, a “clump” of reality, the material embodiment of his state, feelings, desires, emotions, experiences, a piece of the inner world.

Each person is endowed with a unique ability to convey a certain meaning to photography by their presence or emotional story about it. Photographing each other and the world, we are able to feel the joy, inspiration and creative attitude to life. Thanks to photography, we can to some extent create a new reality for ourselves, see and capture the world, a person from different angles, with different emotions, experiences, in different colors, with different possibilities.

Photography is a powerful way of communication, with the help of which, on the one hand, it is a presentation of oneself to a wide audience of people (close people, friends, acquaintances, work colleagues, readers of newspapers and magazines, Internet visitors, etc.), on the other hand, a dialogue with myself.

Photography in the modern world is also a type of activity that is not only associated with the technical achievements of mankind, but is also a part of scientific and artistic culture. There were and are more than serious reasons for this. After all, a photograph, on the one hand, can capture an event without the slightest embellishment, in the form in which it exists or actually happened. This documentary authenticity of photography makes it possible to use it in those areas of life where the requirements for maximum accuracy are the meaning of their existence. On the other hand, modern technical means(for example, Photoshop program) allow you to create photographs that are completely far from reality, and create images that have nothing to do with it.

In the first case, photography becomes very close to scientific, research, investigative activities. In the second case, it approaches the best samples visual arts. Moreover, in terms of the techniques used, such a photograph could compete with the paintings of artists if they had exactly the same originality and irreproducibility as the works of Salvador Dali or Picasso. Nevertheless, real photographers use a camera to create images that can deeply reflect and reveal the psychology of people, the meaning of ongoing events, etc.

Real professional photographer He is both a research scientist and an artist. The photographer's scalpel and paints are the quality of his photographic equipment, other technical, and now also software tools, used photographic materials. As the visual means used by the photographer, angle, shooting point, plan, perspective, lighting, linear exposure and many others are used, which allow you to take a picture of very high quality, both from the technical side and from the documentary and artistic side. In addition, chemical-physical and digital ways processing.

The currently existing genres of photography largely repeat the genres of fine art (still life, landscape, nude), but some of them are related only to photography. For example, astrophotography, lomography, advertising photography, etc.

It should be noted that photography has repeatedly changed and continues to change different kinds activities. For example, photography has left and continues to leave a bright mark in jurisprudence. Her ability to impartially record what was happening made it possible to use photographic images as important evidence that objectively interprets the situation.

Now it is hard to imagine that a few years ago a digital camera was an elite and inaccessible technique. Now people are more often surprised if a photographer uses a “film” camera. The transition from “film” to “digital”, and then from the elitism of the latter to the mass character, happened quickly. One of the main reasons for this is simple: the developers are serious about improving technology. digital cameras which reduced their cost. Moreover, the development of shooting technologies continues to go forward by leaps and bounds. In this article, we will look at current developments in this area.

Appearance

The first digital cameras were very expensive and bulky. The cost was explained, first of all, by the lack of experience in the production of photosensitive matrices of sufficient quality and resolution. Naturally, while the resolution of the sensors was not high, the main attention of manufacturers and consumers of cameras was focused precisely on the technologies for the production of sensors and their resolution. Do you remember how until quite recently many considered the sensor installed in the camera to be one of the main criteria when choosing a camera? Today, the sensor itself and its resolution are no longer so important for the mass consumer.

An important step in the production of digital cameras was the miniaturization electronic components and the creation of light, but at the same time durable cases. A modern camera is incomparably more comfortable to hold and use than its predecessors. An invaluable improvement is the display in the entire back panel, sometimes even with touch controls. Naturally, the progress was not limited to the growth of resolution and screen sizes.

History and modernity of image stabilization systems

The quality of the images was primarily affected by such an innovation as image stabilization systems. The principle of operation of the stabilizer is theoretically simple: gyroscopic sensors in the vertical and horizontal planes detect lens shake, then the control mechanism moves the group of lenses inside the lens, thus preventing the optical axis from shifting. However, in practice, creating such a system for a camera turned out to be not easy. The first lenses for cameras with optical stabilization appeared in the first models of digital compact cameras. They “migrated” to cameras from camcorders, where optical and electronic stabilization systems began to be used earlier, but were very bulky, and therefore were not suitable for cameras. The first image stabilization system was installed in the lenses of Canon and Nikon SLR cameras - Canon's Image Stabilizer (IS) and Nikon's Vibration Reduction (VR). Then optical image stabilization systems according to the same scheme appeared from other manufacturers:

Panasonic - MEGA Optical Image Stabilization (MEGA O.I.S.)
Sony Super SteadyShot.

Konica-Minolta created the Anti-shake system, in which camera shake was compensated by moving the sensor itself. Pentax has developed a Shake Reduction system (SR) with a moving matrix.

Then appeared on the market digital cameras with powerful zoom lenses equipped with stabilization systems.
In the compact cameras that are ubiquitous today, Panasonic pioneered the use of optical Image Stabilizer.

In addition to optical stabilization in cameras, electronic stabilization is not uncommon (with different names from different manufacturers). When shooting with a camera, electronic stabilization is based on a scheme already tested on video cameras: the camera processor monitors the image shift along the matrix field. Moreover, in the photography mode, the algorithm is simpler: as a rule, high ISO values \u200b\u200bare used, which, under the same illumination, makes it possible to reduce the shutter speed, thus saving the user from “shaking”.

The second version of optical stabilization, which appeared later, is the so-called CCD-Shift. The technology is based on matrix shift. It was first used by Konica Minolta, which abandoned the production of cameras and transferred its developments to Sony. With this technology, it does not matter at all what kind of optics is in the lens: expensive or cheap. Even the simplest lens with a matrix shift demonstrates excellent image quality.

Photos without red-eye

One of the most requested developments for users of compact cameras has been the ability to remove red-eye without the help of a computer. Until recently, to eliminate "red eyes", a digital image had to be processed using specialized programs such as Adobe Photoshop, which is not easy and convenient for all photographers.

Today, most new models of digital compacts do a good job of this task on their own, even in automatic mode. Also today there are models that are equipped with an image editor built into the camera. This innovation allows not only to eliminate red-eye, but also to change the brightness, contrast of the image, crop it or put it in a frame without accessing a computer.

Improvement of focusing systems

To minimize the need for post-processing of photographic images, manufacturers have created a number of technologies to improve the quality of shots during shooting. These technologies are based on the growth of the processing power of processors built into the camera. One of the most common mistakes novice photographers make is inaccurate focusing. A slight inaccuracy in the autofocus often leads to the fact that the main subject is blurry, and the sharpness is concentrated in a completely unnecessary place. In the cells latest generation Facial recognition systems have emerged to solve this problem. The algorithms by which the camera selects a face in the frame differ for each manufacturer. But in practice, for users, the difference is absolutely imperceptible.

In this regard, it is worth noting the latest development of Refocus Imaging - a technology that allows you to focus on an already captured digital frame. Now you will be able to choose the object on which it is better to focus on the picture and adjust the focus, achieving the desired sharpness and blur in any place. True, in cameras such opportunities have not yet been implemented. It is known that Adobe Systems Corporation is now engaged in similar developments.

Exposure compensation

No less important for good shot and good exposure. Manufacturers of modern cameras and in this matter are in a hurry to help amateur photographers.

Canon has approached this issue most comprehensively. In the Digic III processor, in addition to face recognition technology and a red-eye removal mechanism, iSAPS technology (Intelligent Scene Analysis based on Photographic Space) is implemented. Based focal length lens, focusing distance, and framing patterns, the image you capture is compared to a built-in database that contains information about shots taken under various shooting conditions. Based on the results of this comparison, the camera adjusts the exposure and white balance settings for the best result.

Nikon offers a different solution. The D-Lighting technology used in the devices of this manufacturer allows you to "stretch" underexposed parts of the frame, restoring detail and contrast to them. A similar D (Dynamic) Range Optimizer technology is implemented by Sony in the BIONZ processor.

What about tomorrow?

It should be noted that much attention is paid to the ease of use of cameras. In particular, self-cleaning systems for cameras already exist. Since manual cleaning of optical systems is troublesome, manufacturers decided to entrust it to automation.

Some time ago, in new models of cameras, it began to be possible to get a print or transfer a picture to a computer using WiFi and BlueTooth. So far, wireless technologies have not received mass distribution, but, for sure, a massive transition to wireless interfaces is only a matter of time.

Of course, we have provided only a short list. modern technologies photography. Moreover, developments in this area continue.

We wish you successful shopping!

Camera.

Cameras are divided into analog, using film and digital, where there is no film, and the image is formed on the matrix. But both analog and digital cameras are divided into 2 groups, which differ in design: SLR and non-SLR. Each system has both advantages and disadvantages.
In DSLRs, the photographer looks straight through the lens, i.e. as he sees, so it will be filmed on camera. In non-mirror - a little worse. You see one thing, but the picture will be a little different.
Film cameras can also differ in the type of film. Regular film - 35 mm. But there are also those where the film is 61 mm, wide film.

Principle of operation.

* Conversion of the luminous flux.
o The light flux from the real scene is converted by the shooting lens into a real image; calibrated by intensity (lens aperture) and exposure time (exposure); color balanced with filters.

* Fixing the luminous flux.
o In a film camera, the image is stored on light-sensitive materials (photographic film, photographic plate, etc.).
o In a digital camera, the optical image is recorded in the photosensor in the form of analog signals, which are sampled in the ADC, quantized, restored with subsequent digitization, stored in the buffer and external flash memory.

Camera device.

Every camera has:

1) lens
2) shutter (lens cap can play its role)
3) body. Serves for fastening mechanisms of the camera. Protects photosensitive materials from exposure to extraneous light during shooting. Together with the lens mount or objective board, it can be used for focusing.
4) a cassette with photosensitive material or a matrix with related equipment.

A general-purpose camera has a viewfinder and shutter-release button as the main controls for point ant shoot actions during photography. It is these two actions that remain non-automated and leave scope for the creativity of the photographer, no matter what photographic equipment he uses.

First camera.

Long before the discovery of photographic processes, the camera obscura was known, which means "dark room" in Latin. It was first mentioned by Arab scholars of the end of the 10th century. At first it was just a dark box with a small hole in one of the walls. If you turn this hole towards luminous or illuminated objects, then on the opposite wall inside the box you will get a color inverted image of objects that conveys the smallest details. The smaller the hole, the more distinct the outlines of objects, but the lower the brightness of the image. The English physicist J. Rayleigh showed that the sharpest image in a camera obscura is obtained when the radius of the hole is almost equal to the radius of the first Fresnel zone.

For a long time, the Italian physicist Giovanni Battista della Porta, who described in Natural Magic (1560) the device itself and a method for increasing the brightness of the image by replacing the hole with a lens, was mistakenly considered the inventor of the camera obscura for a long time. In fact, the effect given by the camera obscura was rather noticed by the inquisitive human eye in natural conditions. It is possible that at first it was given a religious, sacred content. For example, the famous Polish writer Boleslaw Prus, based on the study of a large number of ancient Egyptian documents, in his historical work "Pharaoh" described how priests in a dark tent showed their master pictures of the battle taking place on a sunlit plain. At the same time, the ruler did not even suspect that everything he saw was not a divine sign, but an ordinary physical phenomenon.

However, large camera obscura were not always easy to handle. In 1665 the first compact camera obscura was designed by Robert Boyle (1627-1691). In 1680, a portable camera obscura was described by Robert Hook. A variant of the device with a mirror located in the upper part of the chamber to reflect the rays emanating from the object was described by Zahn in 1685.

In 1812, the English physicist Wollaston used a meniscus lens with a diaphragm instead of a biconvex one, thus improving the quality at the edge of the image. Using the same principle, he created the so-called "landscape" lens. Subsequently, millions of these lenses were used in box cameras. The invention in 1807 of the lucida camera ("light camera") is also associated with the name of Wollaston. It is a four-sided prism located at the required height from the paper. By placing the eye near the top of the prism so that part of the eye is above the prism, the observer can see the reflected image of the object in front of the prism and appearing to be on the paper. It can be circled with a pencil. Optically, the difference between a camera obscura and a camera lucida is that in the first, the true image of the object is projected onto paper with the help of a lens, and in the second, the imaginary image seems to lie on the paper.

The founders of photography are the inventors L. J. M. Daguerre (1839) and J. N. Niepce (France), W. G. F. Talbot (1840-41, Great Britain). Color photographic images were first obtained by L. Ducos du Auron (1868-69, France).
1835 First pictures L-F. Dagger, who used a copper plate with a light-sensitive silver iodide coating, developed in mercury vapor and fixed in sodium thiosulfate solution.
January 7, 1839 - the generally accepted date of birth of photography - a report by the physicist D.F. Arago of the Paris Academy of Sciences on Dagger's work in the field of physical imprinting of images. In the same year, D. Herschel coined the term "photography" itself, but for the next 20 years it was called "Daggerotype" after the name of the inventor - Louis-Jacques Dagger.
1841 F. Talbot patents a negative-positive callotype printing method and publishes the first photo album in history.
1851 F. Archer invents a colloidal method of photography (that is, the development of photographic plates occurs in a "wet" way - by immersion in a chemical solution).
1861 D.K.Maxwell obtains a three-color stable image of a checkered ribbon in an additive way (colour separation). W. England designs a curtain-type shutter with a variable aperture - the beginning of a departure from primitive pinhole cameras with exposure control using a lens cap. In the same year, T. Sutton from England patented a single-lens reflex camera.
1878 The famous snapshot of galloping horses by I. Muybridge. Photography is no longer static.
1878-88 American G. Goodwin patents celluloid reel film. KODAK sells the first film camera. The beginning of the era of mass photography.
1891 KODAK launches daylight charging film.
1900 A prototype of a modern "soap box" appears on the US market - a KODAK camera worth one dollar.
1903 The Lumiere brothers from France develop the Autochrome process, the first commercially available color photographic material.
1924-25 The LEIKA-1 camera became the first mass-produced technically perfect camera using a standard 35 mm interchangeable film on spools. It had a focal length shutter with shutter speeds from 1/20 to 1/500 sec., a fixed 50mm f3.5 lens, and mass production accuracy that was phenomenal for that time.

Since the appearance of the first cameras, the question of the correct choice of a particular model for a particular amateur photographer has become forever relevant. The emergence of new types and types of cameras, the progress of technology, changes in the processes of shooting, developing and printing, the transition to digital media and their rapid flourishing have made it so that advice that was useful a few years ago today loses all meaning ...

Choosing a camera: tips ZOOM.CNews

In 2012, 161 new models of digital cameras appeared on the photographic equipment market. In 2011 there were 163 of them, and in 2010 - 171. With such a significant number of new products, it would be strange to think that each of them was a success. At the same time, stable production figures indicate that the company that creates photographic equipment is generally very satisfied with the state of the market - and most of the products somehow find their buyers.

Choosing a camera is not easy, but very pleasant

Modern cameras have a very broad functionality that distinguishes one camera from another. And if you wish, you can almost always find an option that will fully meet the needs of a particular amateur photographer.

In our guide, we will try to describe in detail what exactly they can offer. different types modern cameras in terms of everyday and creative use, what price niches are models with one or another set of parameters, and what non-obvious nuances you should pay attention to when studying each option.

Types of devices on the market

Currently, the mass market of cameras is represented by three types of cameras: SLR, mirrorless and cameras with fixed lenses. The latter include compact digital devices and devices with lenses that have a wide range of focal lengths - megazooms (ultrazooms, hyperzooms). Since among cameras with non-replaceable optics there are models that are both small in size and have a wide range, we will call all devices with non-replaceable optics “compacts” in our article.

Modern cameras are divided into three types: compacts, mirrorless and SLR devices.

Main difference reflex cameras from mirrorless is that the sighting mechanism of the first uses a mirror, and the second does not. This feature also gives rise to a difference in dimensions, the operation of the autofocus system, and the design of the optics.

Each type of camera (DSLR, mirrorless, compact) has its own list of advantages and disadvantages.

Compact cameras pros and cons

The advantages of compact cameras include small size and weight, a well-developed system of automatic shooting modes and ease of use, as well as the availability of models with a price of less than 2000 rubles. In general, the price of compact devices ranges from 2 to 25 thousand rubles.

Compacts: an unprecedented variety

The combination of shortcomings of compact devices does not allow us to recommend them to those who want to take pictures in low light conditions (in fact, in most rooms), shoot reports or other dynamic scenes (for example, frolicking children), artistic portraits.

"Compacts" are well suited for daily photography, shooting staged events and shooting in good light (in nature, in the daytime).

Compact cameras, features of choice

The main characteristic when choosing a compact camera is the size of the matrix. It is size, not pixelation, that plays a leading role in image quality. Also, the size of the matrix directly affects the final cost of the device - the larger the matrix, the higher the price.

The size of the matrix is traditionally expressed in "Vidicon" inches, which is a fraction. The smaller this fraction, the smaller the size of the matrix. Modern cameras are based on matrices of the following sizes:

1/2.5"" - physical dimensions approximately 5.8 by 4.3 millimeters
1/2.33"" - approximately 6.08 by 4.56 millimeters
1/2.3"" - approximately 6.17 by 4.55 millimeters
1/1.7"" - approximately 7.6 by 5.7 millimeters
2/3"" - approximately 8.8 by 6.6 millimeters
1.5 '' - approximately 18.7 by 14 millimeters

At present, matrices of almost all of the above standard sizes are installed in compact devices. True, sensors with a dimension of 1 / 2.33 "", 1"", 1.5 '', APS-C and Full Frame use single models from different manufacturers. The most common are "compacts" on matrices 1 / 2.3 "" and 1 / 1.7 "".

Dimensions of modern photosensors

The second most important characteristic when choosing a compact camera is the parameters of its optical system: the range of focal lengths and lens aperture. The focal length range is usually indicated on the camera's lens ring. It is expressed in two numbers. The first is the minimum focal length available to the lens. The second is the maximum. Traditionally focal length is given in millimeters. At the same time, for compacts, either the true focal length or the equivalent is written. The difference, or rather, the multiplicity, between the true and equivalent focal lengths depends on the size of the matrix. The smaller it is, the greater the multiplicity. In the literature, on websites and in everyday conversations among amateur photographers, equivalent focal lengths are commonly used (for example: 35 millimeters, 50 millimeters, 100 millimeters).

The typical range of equivalent focal lengths for modern compact cameras is between 28mm and 140mm. Extending the range upwards puts the device into a more expensive niche of megazooms, and downwards dramatically increases the cost of developing the optical design of the lens. Megazooms (as a specific class of compact cameras) are useful when traveling, where it is not always possible to approach the subject (for example, it is a predatory animal or a detail of architecture or landscape). Devices with a focal range starting from small values (up to 24 or less) are useful for shooting in confined spaces, for photographing architecture and landscapes.

The aperture ratio of a lens is expressed as the ratio of the focal length to the maximum diameter of the hole through which the light stream enters the matrix. If the design of the lens is such that as the focal length increases, the aperture does not fall, then such a lens is called "with a constant aperture." It has only one value. Otherwise, the lens aperture is a range where two values are recorded: for the minimum focal length and for the maximum.

Information about the optical system is written on the lens.

From these we learn that the lens has a true focal length range of 6.1 to 30.5 millimeters (28-140mm equivalent focal length)

and aperture from F / 1.8 to F / 2.8

Optically aperture is responsible for the depth of space in the photograph displayed with maximum sharpness. The higher the luminosity, the smaller this depth. However, this phenomenon is noticeable only on large-sized matrices, where it is used for creative purposes. When using a small matrix - such as is installed in the "compacts" - the depth of field is great even with a significant aperture. Therefore, in compact cameras, the depth of field of the lens has an exclusively technical role, regulating the amount of light falling on the matrix in a certain period of time. The higher the lens aperture of the "compact" - the less light is required to obtain a high-quality picture. Which, in turn, allows you not to raise the ISO sensitivity too high and manage with shorter (and therefore safer for camera shake) shutter speeds.

Modern compact devices use optics with aperture in the range of F / 2.8-F / 4.9. However, there are models on the market whose lenses can be called “fast”: the values here start from F / 1.8 and even from F / 1.4. There are also models on the market that use optics with a constant aperture at F / 2.8.

Compact cameras from the very beginning of their appearance were aimed at the widest masses of amateur photographers who do not always have any special knowledge. Therefore, so-called “automatic” shooting modes are widely represented in compact cameras. When using them, the exposure and focusing parameters for each frame are selected by the camera electronics. This has both its pros and cons.

In this regard, the third important parameter when choosing "compact" is the presence of manual modes management.

A sign of their presence is the presence on the control dial or in the menu of the device of the modes "P", "S", "A", "M". These modes allow the photographer to independently choose the values of sensitivity, shutter speed, aperture closing degree.

On the control dial for relatively serious "compacts" there is always room for PSAM modes

The fourth characteristic, which can be very important, is the ability to record footage in RAW format (in addition to JPG). RAW is an array of data taken directly from the sensor and encoded into a file with an accuracy of 12 to 14 bits per dot of a monochrome image (JPG format provides 8 bits per dot). This data redundancy is the main advantage of RAW files. Thanks to it, when editing RAW images in a special editor (RAW converter), without compromising the quality of the final image, you can enter exposure compensation up to 2-3 steps and correct the white balance that was unsuccessfully selected when shooting. Shooting in RAW format is available on all SLR and mirrorless cameras, however, this option is not very common among compact devices.

In addition to the above four main points, when choosing a compact camera, it is important to pay attention to the following ...

Video quality. Nowadays, almost all cameras allow you to record videos. However, the allowable video recording performance may vary greatly from model to model. Firstly, not all devices support a long (more than 15 minutes) duration of video recording. Secondly, the codecs used and the extensions of the recorded files differ. Finally, thirdly, different cameras allow you to record video with different maximum resolution - and not all models can shoot Full HD video at 50-60 frames per second.

For both video recording and still photography, the image stabilization function can be very useful. Currently, almost all compact digital devices belonging to the megazoom class have a built-in stabilization system. However, in devices with a narrower range of focal lengths, it is not always found. The benefits of stabilization are more than obvious: when recording video, it smooths out hand tremors, making the picture less “torn”, and when taking photographs, it allows you to lengthen the shutter speed, moving away from the “no blur” formula - 1 / F.

Other "compacts" look very strange with an external flash. But they shoot well

To significantly increase the list of scenes where a compact (and any other) camera can show its best side, an external flash helps. Not all compact cameras have a connector for connecting it. For some, this connector may not be compatible with external flashes designed for SLR cameras from the same manufacturer. Therefore, if the question of using an external flash is quite acute for the future owner of the “compact”, this nuance must be carefully studied.

When shooting with the vast majority of compact cameras, the information display on the back of the camera is used to view the image. This is true even for models with an optional electronic viewfinder or optical eye. This nuance allows us to advise you to choose a “compact” not by the size of its display and not by resolution, but by the type of attachment to the case. The articulated mount, which has several degrees of freedom, allows you to view the image much more comfortably. Especially when the location of the subject is difficult (low above the ground, behind a barrier about human height, and so on).

The ability of the selected model of the "compact" to work on batteries will save many amateur photographers

Finally, choosing compact camera, you can pay attention to the degree of protection of its body from falling, the ingress of dust and water, to the presence of built-in GPS and Wi-Fi modules. In addition, when deciding to use the "compact" when traveling to sparsely populated areas, it is important to find out the type of energy sources used in the model. Usually these are either branded batteries or NiMH batteries in the battery form factor. It is the stock of the latter that will help the amateur photographer-tourist not to be left with a discharged camera in some especially picturesque place.

Cameras with fixed lenses ("Compacts")

Mirrorless cameras pros and cons

Mirrorless cameras have appeared on the photo market quite recently, becoming a completely logical development of the principles of miniaturization. Actually, it was with a decrease in size due to the rejection of a mirror in the sighting mechanism that the history of mirrorless cameras began.

In addition to modest dimensions, comparable to the dimensions of megazooms or "compacts" with "large" matrices, mirrorless cameras have several other important advantages. The main one is high quality image taken at a high ISO speed. In fact, this quality is comparable to the result demonstrated by mirror devices.

Mirrorless: small, but good

Also, mirrorless cameras have all the basic features for creative shooting: such as manual modes, recording material in RAW format, a connector for connecting an external flash.

The disadvantages of mirrorless cameras include the operation of the autofocus system, which is traditionally slower than in SLR devices. In addition, a separate need to purchase lenses can be considered a disadvantage - which can lead to significant costs in addition to the initial 10-50 thousand rubles for the basic kit.

Mirrorless cameras - a good choice for those amateur photographers who are looking for a compromise between image quality, wide creative possibilities, compact size and price.

Mirrorless cameras, features of choice

As in the case of the “compacts”, the main characteristic when choosing a mirrorless camera can be considered the size of its matrix. Models with sensors of the following sizes are currently on the market:

1/2.3"" - 6.17 by 4.55 mm
1"" - approximately 12.8 by 9.6 millimeters
4/3 '' - approximately 17.3 by 13 millimeters
1.8'' (APS-C) - approximately 23.7 by 15.7 mm
Full frame (Full Frame) - 24 by 36 millimeters.

Nikon uses a 1 '' sensor in its mirrorless cameras, a 1 / 2.3 "" sensor is installed in two Pentax devices, and a full-frame sensor can be seen in Leica products. The main options between which, in fact, there is a choice, are the sizes 4/3 '' and APS-C.

The advantages of mirrorless cameras with an APS-C matrix can be considered best quality images shot at high ISO sensitivities and more creative options with shallower depth of field and greater dynamic range. However, prices for APS-C mirrorless cameras are higher, and the optics of manufacturing companies - Sony, Samsung, Pentax and Fujifilm - are not compatible with cameras of a different brand.

The Micro Four Third standard, which is based on a 4/3” sensor, was developed jointly by Panasonic and Olympus, so the optics of these manufacturers have end-to-end compatibility between their mirrorless cameras. Also, devices with a 4/3 '' matrix have a lower cost - if we take models that have similar functionality.

The mutual compatibility of Panasonic and Olympus mirrorless lenses can be a powerful argument when choosing, since the second most important characteristic in this matter is precisely the richness of the arsenal of optics. Since mirrorless cameras (as a separate type of photographic equipment) appeared relatively recently, the problem of choosing optics (especially fast and high-quality ones) is quite acute for their owners.

Some mirrorless cameras already boast a fairly impressive fleet of optics.

Although the arsenal of SLRs is still far away

The third characteristic that is important when choosing a mirrorless camera is the speed of the autofocus system. Modern mirrorless cameras use one of two types of autofocus: contrast or hybrid (phase contrast). And although neither type has yet caught up in speed with the phase focus of SLR cameras, the focusing differences between different models of mirrorless cameras themselves are large enough to pay attention to this issue.

The fourth characteristic worth paying attention to is the ergonomics of the controls and the convenience of the menu system. Some modern mirrorless cameras, using touch displays, refuse a large number of mechanical controls. Such a replacement places high demands on the consistency and convenience of the menu - which is not always obvious to manufacturers. Especially attentive to the ergonomics of the device should take a closer look at those buyers who want to use the camera to shoot dynamic, diverse scenes with relatively difficult conditions.

Other significant points that are important when choosing a mirrorless device include the following nuances ...

Screen with multiple degrees of freedom - a good choice when looking at the display

Display design and sighting features. In many ways, the requirements here are similar to those that were described in detail in the part about compact cameras. Additionally, it should be noted that different models of mirrorless cameras use one of three sighting options: only on the information display; on the display and the built-in electronic viewfinder; on the display and electronic viewfinder installed in a separate port. Which option is preferable depends solely on the needs of the amateur photographer and the quality of the viewfinder in the selected model.

The viewfinder port mentioned above can also sometimes serve as a connector for an external flash - and this should be borne in mind. Only a few mirrorless cameras have a proprietary hot shoe that is compatible with SLR flashes. Another part of the cameras gets by with a unique port, for which a separate line of flashes and, sometimes, other peripherals (microphones, viewfinders, and so on ...) have been created. Finally, inexpensive mirrorless cameras may not provide for the use of external flashes at all.

Compact cameras with interchangeable lenses ("Mirrorless")

SLR cameras, pros and cons

Currently digital SLR Cameras allow you to get the most quality image in the widest range of shooting conditions of any camera on the mass market. This is precisely their most significant advantage. SLR cameras also have the fastest (phase) autofocus system, have a full set of manual modes and a standard (different for each manufacturer) connector for external flash(even the most budget models), and also allow you to shoot in RAW format.

SLRs: quality and reliability

Among the shortcomings of SLRs, their dimensions are traditionally noted, which are larger than even the most massive mirrorless cameras and “compacts”. In addition, a reflex camera requires a separate purchase of an optics park. Finally, the design of the shutter system with a rising mirror has a finite resource and requires periodic replacement (depending on the class of apparatus, the resource ranges from 30 to 200 thousand operations).

The cost of SLR cameras depends on the complexity and quality of the implementation of the above functions and varies from 13 to 240 thousand rubles.

SLR cameras, features of choice

As with the previous two types of cameras, the main characteristic when choosing a reflex camera can be considered the size of the matrix. Modern models the vast majority use full-frame matrices or APS-C matrices.

It should be noted that the development of technologies has made it possible to bring the signal-to-noise ratios of these two types of matrices quite close - that is, an image taken at a high ISO sensitivity will be comparable if not identical in quality. Therefore, when choosing a reflex camera based on the size of the matrix, a slightly different set of criteria is used.

The advantages of full-frame sensors include: a wider dynamic range, greater creative possibilities due to a smaller depth of field (at the same aperture values), equality of the true focal length and the equivalent, less demanding on the quality of optics in terms of sharpness due to the larger pixel area.

Full frame has many advantages. And very few flaws

The advantages of APS-C matrices include: a multiple increase in the focal length of the optics used and the expansion of the capabilities of the lens towards the "tele", compatibility with the entire line of proprietary optics - both designed for full frame and for APS-C matrices.

Since the speed of autofocus systems of SLR cameras can be called sufficient, and the specific focusing time largely depends on the design of the lens and the type of its motor, the second most important characteristic when choosing is the accuracy of the autofocus.

In many ways, it depends on the number of phase sensors used, their type and operating modes. The first budget SLRs used only one central sensor, currently there are no less than nine, and the best DSLRs are equipped with sensors with 50-60 sensors.

By type, focus sensors are divided into linear and cross-shaped. The latter are more sensitive and accurate, however, there are few of them in the frame field (not all sensors are cross-shaped). In addition, the design of autofocus is usually such that some of the cross-shaped sensors only work fully up to a certain aperture, below which they go into a linear mode.

Nine focus sensors - modern minimum

The third important characteristic when choosing a SLR camera that you need to pay attention to is the design of the viewfinder. Immediately, we note that all SLR devices have an optical viewfinder. The only exception is the line of Sony DSLRs with a translucent mirror.

The image through the lens enters the viewfinder of the device through a pentamirror or pentaprism. The latter gives a brighter image and is installed in relatively expensive models. In addition to the pentaprism, the image quality in the viewfinder is affected by the size of the matrix, the design of the viewfinder (the magnification of its optics), and its coverage area (ideally, 100 percent).

In addition, for some SLR devices, the design of the viewfinder allows you to install various focusing screens with auxiliary markings. Finally, different models of DSLRs display different blocks in the viewfinder eye. additional information about shooting modes. This also requires prior study before purchase.

The viewfinder of a good DSLR can resemble an airplane cockpit

Continuous shooting speed is the fourth characteristic that you need to pay attention to when choosing a SLR camera. This is especially important for those amateur photographers who prefer reportage, sports and any other shooting with dynamically developing scenes. Modern flash cards quite allow you to shoot and store several hundred frames, of which several will definitely be worthy of printing. And continuous shooting with high speed in some moments, it allows the photographer not to miss his chance for a masterpiece.

There are a few more criteria to keep in mind when choosing a SLR camera.

Features of the camera with the drive. Modern SLR devices use flash cards of one of two standards as a drive for recording footage: SD and Compact Flash. Historically, it is believed that the latter are of higher quality, more reliable and faster. However, modern progress has made SD cards an equally reliable and fast product. Note that devices of the upper price range can have two slots for installing flash cards at once. These can be cards of the same or different standards. When buying such a camera, it is recommended to study the possibilities of the recording mechanism: two cards allow you to duplicate material, use the total volume as a single space, record photographic images on one card and video on the other, distribute the captured photographic material among the cards in accordance with the file format (JPG and RAW) …

Which is better: Compact Flash or SD? Or both at once?

Display mount design. Of course, a screen mounted on a swivel mechanism is more ergonomic. However, this also makes the case more fragile. Since sighting in DSLRs is carried out mainly through the viewfinder, the benefits of mounting degrees of freedom are not obvious.

All modern SLR cameras are capable of shooting video. But the implementation of this function is not the same for different models: both the maximum resolution and the frame rate vary. If these nuances are significant, they are worth paying attention to.

Finally, it is important to know that some SLR devices have built-in Wi-Fi and GPS modules. Also, some models allow you to connect the GPS module additionally. Geolocation information may be in demand in the processing and cataloging of footage. Especially for those buyers who combine photography with tourism.

SLR cameras with interchangeable lenses ("SLRs")