An active lifestyle entails the appearance of a huge number of interesting moments that I would not want to forget so much. That is why the camera industry is so developed in our time. The market offers a wide variety of devices, ranging from compact soap dishes to large-sized SLR cameras. The choice in favor of a particular product is made primarily on the basis of future plans. For a novice photographer who plans to use the device at rare family celebrations, a soap box will do. But if a person seriously intends to master the subtle art of photography, then the preference is given to a mirror camera.
How to choose the right SLR camera
Principle of operation
The appearance of DSLRs in the form in which we see them now made a real sensation. Indeed, up to this point, to create a truly high-quality image, a large amount of additional equipment was required. And then a device appeared that included both a camera and a video camera. Moreover, the quality of the material obtained at the output was beyond praise. Since then, SLR cameras have firmly taken their place in the shooting of photos and videos. Despite the fact that this is a camera, it is often used to shoot video in very good quality.
The design of the SLR camera is based on the action of the mirror viewfinder - a special optical device that provides a complete capture of what is in front of the lens. With a rough comparison, we can say that the SLR camera also works like a mirror telescope.
Principle of operation
The picture is taken as follows: the stream of light in the field of view of the lens enters the mirror, and then at the pentaprism. Further, the light appears in the viewfinder, which allows the photographer to see the future frame. After pressing the shooting button, the viewfinder is closed by a mirror, and then the curtain rises, blocking access to the matrix. The mirror in a new position redirects the flow of light into the matrix. The picture is ready.
Additional mirrors are responsible for focusing the image.
Differences from other species
Distinctive features
What is so unusual about SLR cameras? The SLR camera has a number of distinctive features that set it apart from its “fellow workers”.
The main feature, of course, is precisely in the way the image is transmitted to the matrix. The image from the viewfinder enters it without any changes. This allows photographers to most accurately control the settings and get the very picture that they wanted to get.
Another indispensable attribute of SLR cameras is the presence of a good LCD display. It serves both to control the functions of the camera and to form a frame.
Mirrored devices are always equipped with large arrays, which brings the quality of the image to an incredible level. There are a number of additional functions that the user can manage independently. This is focus, shutter speed or aperture.
Color reproduction in such devices is always at the highest level.
Using additional equipment, such as interchangeable lenses, flashes and filters, will allow you to adapt the device to shoot in any conditions and with any lighting. Most often, a 14 mm lens is used for shooting. A number indicates the focal length.
Of course, such a range of functions is difficult to put in a case like a soap box. And this means that all digital cameras have much larger dimensions. However, modern technology has allowed the creation of devices of very small sizes.
One of the most painful issues in discussing digital cameras is the issue of price. Such devices have a very high price tag, which is caused by the complexity of manufacturing, as well as the high cost of parts.
Rules for choosing a camera
Selection rules
Given the high cost of devices, you should responsibly address the issue of how to choose the right good camera mirror. There are a number of parameters that should be guided for the right choice. This list may vary, depending on the requirements of the client. After all, the entire list of functions of such devices is so impressive that it is simply not possible to consider all of them. The main criteria are still worth describing.
The matrix
The matrix is a device that converts an optical signal into a digital one. It consists of a huge number of microsensors having high photosensitivity.
First of all, you need to look at the overall dimensions of the matrix and its resolution. It is on these two parameters that the quality of the images most depends. Indeed, the larger the size, the more sensors can fit on it. And the number of sensors is the very megapixels that are always paid attention to. There are more of them, the better the pictures, the better the color reproduction. In addition, the size of the matrix affects the noise level in the frame and photosensitivity.
Photosensitivity
A very important option for shooting in low light. It is very important that the camera can catch even a small light source. However, do not forget about the possibility of noise. A large number of multi-colored dots in the frame can significantly degrade the picture. The sensitivity level in SLR cameras is monitored by the ISO function.
It is recommended to take cameras with an ISO value of 50 or 100. Sometimes a value of 400 is acceptable. However, the higher it is, the greater the noise level in the frame.
Noise suppression
A popular feature for improving image quality. The bottom line is the sequential creation of two identical frames, one of which was produced with the shutter closed. This allows you to isolate random noise and get rid of them. The function is convenient only if the received material is not planned to be subsequently processed in the editor. Otherwise, you can refuse it, as the option spends too much time.
Auto focus
Focusing is a complex process and requires some preparation. In connection with these many devices include autofocus in their functionality. A useful thing, however, in some cases can significantly complicate life. Professional photographers often need to refocus the camera, and autofocus may not understand what exactly is needed. For this reason, experienced photographers rarely resort to this option.
Viewfinder
An indispensable attribute of any camera. It is he who is responsible for the formation of the image for further presentation to the photographer. Viewfinders are digital, optical and SLR.
The most common form is considered digital. It looks like a display. To which information is received from the matrix. This is a very convenient option for representing the future frame.
An optical viewfinder is not the best option. The image in it undergoes some refraction and modification, which entails difficulties with the formulation.
Mirroring is considered the best. After all, its use provides an almost perfect picture presentation with the corresponding contrast and volume.
Flash
Built-in flash is present in almost every SLR camera. However, its usefulness is very often questioned.In the dark, it does little to help, since its power is hardly enough to illuminate a couple of meters around. Most often, a third-party flash is used without using the built-in module.
Memory card
The camera saves all pictures to a memory card. Therefore, its presence is simply necessary. Moreover, the volume is never small. Due to the fact that the SLR camera creates high-quality images, the weight of the resulting files is also impressive. A useful feature will be the ability to quickly replace the memory card, without the need to turn off and restart the device.
How to set manual settings correctly
Manual setting
Modern cameras provide the ability to fully automatically adjust the future frame. However, professional photographers rarely like this. A special manual tuning mode is created for them.
The most important thing to get a high-quality image is to decide on the exposure, set the white balance and focus the image.
There should be no problems with focusing. You can use the autofocus mode or set it yourself. It is important to ensure that the subject is in the middle of the frame.
For the correct display of all colors, it is important to choose the appropriate white balance. There are several selection methods. Auto, Raw and Gray Card. Raw is a survey in a format that can be adjusted in a graphical editor. On a gray card, color correction is performed in rare cases. This is complicated and can take a lot of time.
The last and most important point of manual tuning is building the composition. It includes simultaneous adjustment of sensitivity, shutter speed and aperture.
All three parameters are responsible for how much light will be used to create a picture. Professional mode M allows you to configure all these parameters. The amount of light entering the matrix is controlled by the diaphragm, and the time of the open matrix is controlled by shutter speed. Photosensitivity is responsible for the clarity of frames and the absence of noise.
Browse Popular Models
Nikon D3300
Nikon D3300
The best choice for those who do not want to carry a heavy SLR with them. Very often, the device is called the best SLR for everyone, even novice photographers, and this is true. All the most necessary functions of this category of cameras could fit in a really small case. The battery lasts for 700 shots in a row, making it one of the most capacious in this segment. The cost of the device is relatively small, as is the cost of components.
Pros:
- Full HD shooting
- small sizes;
- good flash;
- capacious battery.
Minuses:
- built-in display;
- the fastest shutter speed 1/4000 s;
- noise at large
The price of the device: 31 000 - 34 000 rubles.
Nikon D7100
Nikon D7100
A device that will appeal to grated specialists in their field. It is one of the fastest on the market. Can create up to six frames per second. A 24.7 megapixel sensor is considered optimal for obtaining high-quality images.
Pros:
- good flash;
- two screens;
- capacious battery;
- the fastest shutter speed is 1/8000 s.
Minuses:
- the inability to transfer data wirelessly;
- high price;
- built-in screen.
The price of the device: 59 990 rubles.
Sony Alpha ILCA-77M2
Sony Alpha ILCA-77M2
An excellent multifunctional device that can be used not only for creating photos, but also for shooting professional video. The camera impresses with the shooting speed - 12 frames per second. It’s rare to find such an indicator. Together with a standard set of functions, the Japanese provided customers with a huge number of additional options. Unfortunately, this could not happen unnoticed by the price of the device.
Pros:
- huge functionality;
- rotary screen;
- high speed shooting;
- short shutter speed 1/8000 s;
- wireless modules.
Minuses:
- high price;
- medium battery;
- high cost of components.
The price of the device: 70 000 rubles.
Nikon D810
Nikon D810
The camera, which has received distribution from reporting operators. This fact already compels respect for her. Users praise autofocus, which, as if in an instant of a magic wand, snatches exactly what is needed. The color depth is 42 bits. Matrix resolution of 37 megapixels. Manufacturers were able to create a device that even at high ISO values does not rustle the picture.
Pros:
- capacious battery;
- Full HD video
- two screens;
- protection against dust and moisture.
Minuses:
- low shooting speed;
- no wireless modules.
The price of the device: 180 000 - 200 000 rubles.
Canon EOS 1D X
Canon EOS 1D X
Truly a professional camera. This device is for true craftsmen who are willing to invest a large sum in the acquisition of a good tool. Full-frame matrix, fast shutter speed, impressive rate of fire. All this makes the camera one of the best representatives of the professional segment.
Pros:
- accurate autofocus;
- capacious battery;
- metal case;
- universality.
Minuses:
- high weight;
- 19.3 megapixel matrix;
- high price.
The price of the device: 250 000 - 300 000 rubles.
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