Photography in the modern world. The camera in the everyday life of a modern person

Chapter 1 General information about modern passenger cars

Types of modern cars All modern cars can be classified according to a number of features, the most characteristic of which are: the drive of the car, the type of engine, its volume and body type. Due to what does the car drive? If someone does not know - explain:

A brief outline of the history of pyrotechnics Fire signaling as one of the branches of military pyrotechnics existed as in prehistoric times: tribes familiar with fire used fires to transmit prearranged signals over long distances. More complex signaling

General overview of fishing methods Burbot is rarely caught in fixed nets, much less often than other types of fish. Although I happened to catch (with other gear) burbots, on the body of which traces of crashed cells were visible. It is quite possible that it is soft and capable of being compressed, as it were.

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on the topic: "Modern cameras"

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Khachukaeva F. S.

During its existence, photography has penetrated literally into all areas. human activity. For some people it is a profession, for others it is just entertainment, for others it is a faithful assistant in work. Photography has had a huge impact on the development of modern culture, science and technology. At present, photography is one of the rapidly developing modern information technologies. Photo products include cameras, photosensitive materials, photo accessories.

A modern camera is an electronic optical-mechanical device for creating an optical (light) image of an object on the surface of a photosensitive material (photographic film or image converter). The main structural units of the camera are the body, lens, aperture, shutter, viewfinder, focusing and exposure meter, electronic flash lamp, indicator device, frame counter.

For registration and storage light image Film cameras use film. In digital cameras, an image intensifier tube (a matrix consisting of a large number of light-sensitive elements, pixels) is used to register an image, and flash memory (a non-volatile storage device for digitized images) is used to store image information.

A pixel is the smallest element of a digital image. A million pixels is called a megapixel. Pixels react to light and create an electric charge, the magnitude of which is proportional to the amount of light that enters. To form signals about a color image, microscopic elements (pixels) of the photosensitive matrix are covered with microfilters of red, green and blue colors and combined into groups, which makes it possible to obtain an electronic copy of a color image. Electrical signals are read from the pixels, converted in an analog-to-digital converter into binary digital data, and written to flash memory. Image intensifier tube (IOC) is characterized by resolution (in megapixels) and diagonal size (in inches). Resolution is determined by the product of the number of pixels horizontally and vertically. For example, the designation 2048 x 1536 pixels corresponds to a resolution of 3.2 megapixels. The most common matrices with a diagonal of 1/2; 1/3; 1/4 in.

The housing is the supporting part of the camera, in which all components and mechanisms of the camera are mounted and photosensitive material is placed. There is a lens on the front of the case. The lens can be fixed to the body rigidly or be removable. In the latter case, the lens mount can be threaded or bayonet. Behind the lens of a film camera, on the side of the rear panel of the case, there is a frame frame, the gap in which is called the frame window. The frame window defines the dimensions of the image field (frame format) on the photosensitive material.

The lens is a system of optical lenses enclosed in a common frame and designed to form a light image of the subject and project it onto the surface of a photosensitive material. The quality of the resulting image largely depends on the properties of the lens, as well as the photosensitive material. Aperture, focusing mechanisms and focal length changes are introduced into the lens barrel. Aperture is designed to change the size of the light aperture of the lens.

The device and principle of operation of the diaphragm

With the help of the diaphragm, the illumination of the photosensitive material is adjusted and the depth of field of the imaged space is changed. The aperture opening is formed by several crescent-shaped petals (lamellae) arranged symmetrically around the optical axis of the lens. In cameras, manual and automatic control diaphragm.

Manual aperture control is carried out by a ring located on the outer surface of the lens barrel, on which a scale of aperture numbers is applied. A number of diaphragm values ​​are normalized by numbers: 1; 1.4; 2; 2.8; 4; 5.6; eight; eleven; sixteen; 22. The transition from one value of the f-number to the next changes the amount of light passing through the lens by half - in proportion to the change in the area of ​​the light hole.

Automatic aperture control is carried out by the exposure meter of the camera, depending on the shooting conditions (brightness of the object being shot, film speed) and shutter speed.

The focusing device of the lens is designed to match the optical image created by the lens with the plane of the photosensitive material at different distances to the subject. Focusing the lens (focusing) is carried out by moving the lens or any part of it along its optical axis. In modern cameras, lens focusing is possible from photographic infinity to a certain minimum distance, called the near focus limit. The near focus limit depends on the amount of maximum extension of the lens.

The cameras can be used manually and automated system focus. In some of the simplest compact cameras, lenses do not have a focusing mechanism. Such lenses, called fixed focus, have great depth sharpness and focused at some constant distance. The mechanism for changing the focal length of the lens allows you to change the angle of the lens field of view and the image scale on the photosensitive material by changing the focal length of the lens. The mechanism for changing the focal length is equipped with lenses of expensive cameras of medium and high class.

The shutter is a camera mechanism that automatically transmits light rays to photosensitive material for a specified period of time (exposure) when the shutter button is pressed. A number of numerical values ​​of shutter speeds automatically set by the shutter are normalized by the following numbers (in seconds): 1/4000; 1/2000; 1/1000; 1/500; 1/250; 1/125; 1/60; 1/30; 1/15; 1/8; 1/4; 1/2; one; 2; 3; 4. There are models of cameras with constant, manual and automatic exposure settings. According to the principle of operation, the shutters used in modern cameras are divided into electronic-mechanical, electronic and electro-optical. The electronic-mechanical shutter consists of light shutters that block the light flux, an electronic time relay that fulfills the set exposure time, and an electromagnetic drive that ensures the movement of the light shutters. Electromechanical shutters include central and slotted shutters. In the central shutters, light shutters in the form of thin metal petals open the light aperture of the lens from the center (from the optical axis) to the edges, and close it in the opposite direction, like a diaphragm.

Scheme of the device and the action of the central shutter

optical lens aperture frame

Central shutters are located, as a rule, between the lenses of the objective or directly behind the lens and are used in compact film and digital cameras with a rigidly built-in non-removable lens. A special group of central shutters are diaphragm shutters, in which the shutter and diaphragm functions are combined in one mechanism with the regulation of the size and duration of the opening of the light hole. They are capable of working out shutter speeds up to 1/500 s.
Slot shutters pass the light flux to the photosensitive material through a slot formed by two light shutters in the form of fabric curtains or metal lamellas. When the shutter is fired, the curtains (or two groups of slats) move one after the other, with a certain time interval, along or across the frame window. One of the light shutters opens the frame window, and the other closes it. The shutter speed depends on the width of the slit. Slit shutters are capable of working out faster shutter speeds (1/1000 s and shorter) and are used in cameras with a removable lens.

Diagram of slotted shutter device

The electronic shutter is used in digital cameras. It is an electronic switch that turns on (or off) the image intensifier tube at a certain point in time while reading the recorded electronic information. The electronic shutter is capable of working out shutter speeds of 1/4000 and even 1/8000 s. The electronic shutter operates silently and vibration-free. In some digital cameras, along with an electronic one, an electronic-mechanical or electro-optical shutter is used.

An electro-optical (liquid crystal) shutter is a liquid crystal located between two parallel glass polarized plates, through which light passes to an electron-optical converter (IOC). When voltage is applied through a thin transparent electrically conductive coating to the inner surface of the glass plates, an electric field arises that changes the plane of polarization of the liquid crystal by 90° and, accordingly, ensures its maximum opacity. Thus, by applying voltage, the liquid crystal shutter closes, and when there is no voltage (turned off), it opens. The electronic shutter is simple and reliable because there are no mechanical components.

The viewfinder is used to visually compose the frame. For the correct definition of the frame boundaries, it is necessary that the angular field of view of the viewfinder correspond to the angular field of view of the shooting lens, and the optical axis of the viewfinder coincides with the optical axis of the shooting lens. If the optical axis of the viewfinder does not coincide with the optical axis of the shooting lens, the boundaries of the image observed in the viewfinder do not coincide with the boundaries of the frame on the photosensitive material (parallax phenomenon). When photographing distant objects, parallax is not noticeable, but increases as the shooting distance decreases.

Modern cameras may have a telescopic, reflex (periscopic) viewfinder or liquid crystal panel. Compact cameras are equipped with a telescopic viewfinder, which is located in the camera body next to the lens. Identification feature cameras with a telescopic viewfinder is the presence of a viewfinder window on the front panel of the camera body. In reflex viewfinders, the shooting lens is also the viewfinder lens. This viewfinder design provides parallax-free sighting. The optical image of the subject, seen in the eyepiece of the viewfinder and obtained on the photosensitive material, are identical to each other.

Cameras with a reflex viewfinder are called SLR (Single Lens Reflex). The identification feature of a single-lens reflex camera (viewfinder) is the absence of a viewfinder window on the front panel of the camera body and the prismatic shape of the top panel of the body. The exposure meter in modern cameras provides automatic or semi-automatic determination and setting of exposure parameters - shutter speed and aperture value, depending on the film speed and illumination (brightness) of the subject.

The exposure meter consists of a light receiver, electronic system control, indicator, and executive bodies, which control the operation of the shutter, the aperture of the lens and coordinate the operation of the shutter and the flash lamp. Silicon photodiodes are used as a light receiver in most modern cameras. In compact cameras, the light receiver of the exposure meter is located on the front of the body, next to the lens. In high-end SLR cameras, the light receiver is placed inside the camera body, behind the lens, which makes it possible to automatically take into account the real light transmission of the lens (the real illumination of the photosensitive material). Cameras with light metering inside the body behind the shooting lens have the international designation TTL or TEE.

The film transport mechanism is used to move the film one frame, accurately place it in front of the lens, and rewind the film into the cassette after exposure. The film transport mechanism is linked to a frame counter that counts exposed or unexposed frames.

The flash is designed to briefly illuminate the subject when photographing in conditions of insufficient natural light, shooting a subject against the light, as well as highlighting the shadow areas of the subject in bright sunlight.

The indicator device is used to indicate the shooting modes and control the operation of the camera. As indicator devices in cameras, liquid crystal displays (LCD - indicators), light-emitting diodes and arrow indicators are used.

It was complete information about the description of modern cameras, without which it is impossible to imagine human life in this era, the era of modernization and the use of new technologies.

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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 wide 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 tell in detail what exactly different types of modern cameras can offer in terms of daily and creative use, what price niches models with one or another set of parameters are in, and what non-obvious nuances you should pay attention to when studying each option.

Types of devices on the market

Currently, the mass market for cameras is represented by cameras three types: SLR, mirrorless and non-interchangeable lens cameras. 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.

The main difference between SLR and mirrorless cameras is that the sighting mechanism of the former uses a mirror, while the latter 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 daytime days).

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 photo, 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 a "compact" is the presence of manual control modes.

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

Significantly increase the list of scenes where a compact (and any other) camera can show itself with better 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 needs to 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, when choosing a compact camera, you can pay attention to the degree of protection of its body against drops, dust and water penetration, and 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 the high quality of the image taken with a high level of ISO sensitivity. 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 the 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 differences in focusing between different models of mirrorless cameras themselves are large enough to give this issue Attention.

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 provide the highest quality images in the widest range of shooting conditions among all cameras 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 an 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 in their 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 overall 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")