How to choose a digital camera. How to choose a SLR camera Characteristics of digital cameras

This is a set of lenses that are located one after another in a cylindrical housing. The objective of the lens is to reduce the size of the “external” image to the size of the camera matrix and focus this reduced image onto the matrix. The lens is the first of two camera components that have the greatest impact on the quality of the resulting photographs.

One of the most important lens parameters is the focal length, which is indicated in millimeters. According to this indicator, lenses are divided into two groups:

• Primes are lenses designed for one focal length. The most common prime lens has a focal length of 35 mm.
• Zooms are lenses designed for several focal lengths, usually 3 or 4. With this lens you can shoot at different distances.

Most digital camera models come with zoom lenses. For zooms, the focal length is indicated as a range of smaller and larger values ​​- the “shortest” and the “longest” focal lengths.

Camera matrix

The sensor is the second of two camera components that have the greatest impact on the quality of the resulting photographs.

An electronic component is a rectangular plate on which photocells are placed. Each photocell converts the light that hits it into an electrical signal. The number of photocells on the matrix determines its resolution, that is, the maximum size of the photograph that can be obtained from this matrix. For example, a matrix with 5 million photocells (5 megapixels) allows you to get a photo the size of a sheet of A4 paper (more precisely, 20 x 30 centimeters).

But what is more important is the size of the matrix in millimeters (length and width). However, in specifications, the size is most often indicated in relative numbers. There is a “basic” matrix size of 24 x 36 mm. A matrix of this size is considered full-size. The easiest way to navigate is by the crop factor of the matrix - number 1 is a full-size matrix. crop factor 5.62 is the cheapest and smallest matrix. The closer the crop factor is to one, the larger the matrix.

The dimensions of the matrices indicate:

Or in the form of such a fraction 2/3", 4/3", 1/2.33" - this is the length of the diagonal of the matrix in fractions of an inch.

Or a decimal number of the form 2, 4, 4.8, 5.62 - this is the crop factor, it indicates how much the diagonal of the matrix is ​​smaller than the diagonal of the full-size matrix. A crop factor of 4 means that the diagonal of the matrix is ​​4 times smaller than the diagonal of a full-size matrix.

Matrix sizes (from good to bad):

• Full-size matrix (full frame) 36 x 24 mm.
• APS-H, APS-C - matrices are used in expensive SLR cameras. Crop factors 1.3, 1.5.
• 4/3" - the matrix is ​​used in fairly expensive SLR cameras. Crop factor 2.
• 1" - the matrix is ​​used by some in mirrorless cameras, for example Nikon 1. Crop factor 2.7.
• 2/3" - such matrices are used in expensive Fujifilm point-and-shoot cameras (more than $200). Crop factor 4.
• 1/1.8", 1/1.7" - such matrices are also used in expensive point-and-shoot cameras, but this matrix is ​​less than 2/3". The crop factor is 4.8.
• 1/2.3", 1/2.33", 1/2.7", 1/3" - the smallest cheap and bad matrices. Crop factor 5.6 and higher.

The general principle is this - the larger the size of the matrix, the more sensitive it is, the less noise it produces when photographing.

Viewfinder

This is the “sight” of the camera, with its help the photographer selects the subject to photograph. The viewfinder limits the photographer's view with a frame that shows the boundaries of the future photograph. In addition, the viewfinder provides the photographer with other important information - focus, sharpness. There are three types of viewfinders:

Optical parallax– a system of lenses that forms an image in a frame. The viewfinder axis does not coincide with the lens axis (these are separate camera components). This creates some inconvenience for the photographer, since he does not see exactly the same frame as it will be in the photograph.

Optical without parallax (mirror)- a special mirror mounted inside the camera, behind the lens and in front of the matrix. This mirror reflects the image taken from the lens into the viewfinder. Through such a viewfinder, the photographer sees exactly what will be in the photo.

Display– the image from the matrix is ​​transferred to the display located outside the camera. Just like with a mirror viewfinder, the photographer sees exactly what will be in the photograph.

Electronic - the image from the matrix is ​​transmitted to a tiny eyepiece display, which is similar in shape to an optical one.

The most common type of viewfinder used in digital cameras is the display viewfinder.

Camera device

This part of the article will describe the operating principle of digital cameras, as well as the design of digital cameras.

Simplified, the camera diagram is as follows:

• The case is rectangular in shape, which houses the matrix, control electronics, memory card and batteries.
• The display is attached to the back of the camera body.
• The lens is mounted on the front of the body. The lens can be rigidly attached to the body (non-removable). Or it can be attached through a special mechanical connector - a bayonet, in which case the lens can be removed and another one installed in its place.

The image, in the form of light radiation, enters the matrix through the lens. Light hitting the photocells causes an electric current to flow through the photocells.

The control electronics reads electrical signals from photocells and forms an electronic image based on them. If the display is used as a viewfinder, this image is transmitted to the display. And this same electronic image is recorded on the memory card when the photographer presses the shutter button.

Types of digital cameras

This part of the article will describe how different types of cameras differ from each other.

The most accurate and widely used types of cameras involve division according to design features. By design, types of cameras are divided into three main groups - compact cameras (compacts), SLR cameras (DSLRs) and mirrorless cameras (hybrids).

Compact camera (Compact)

They are often called “soap boxes,” but this is not entirely correct. Soap dishes are a subspecies inside compacts. Design features of compact cameras:

• Fixed lenses.
• Priority is given to automatic adjustment of shooting parameters, and on cheap models there are no manual settings at all.

Compacts are divided into two large subgroups based on the method of lens mounting:

• Soap dishes - they have a telescopic lens and when turned off, it “retracts” into the body. When the camera is turned off, it looks like a bar (or a soap dish).
• Just a digital camera (compact, not a point-and-shoot camera) - the lens is fixedly mounted on the body and can even be integral with the body.

As a rule, these two subcategories differ in functionality. “Soap cameras” are inexpensive cameras, simple and automated. And compacts, as such, are more complex and have more opportunities for manually adjusting photographic parameters. Among the compacts there are models that can be used even in professional photography.

SLR camera (DSLR)

DSLR is an abbreviation for Digital single-lens reflex camera, which translated into Russian means: digital single-lens reflex camera. In common parlance “DSLR”. This type of camera is used by professional photographers. That is, a SLR camera is almost synonymous with the concept of a professional camera.

The SLR camera has the following design features:

• Removable lens.
• Mirror optical viewfinder (in addition to it there may be a display viewfinder)

The cheapest models of SLR cameras have matrices smaller than 2 crop factor. And many mid-priced models have a full-size matrix.

In relation to this type of camera, the concept kit camera (whale) is used. This is a set of the camera itself (the body, and professionals call it the body) and a lens. Typically, a kit lens is a zoom lens with some average characteristics.

Mirrorless camera (hybrid)

This is a camera with an interchangeable lens. You can say that these are “DSLRs”, but without mirrors. As a matter of fact, one of the designations for this category of cameras is MILC (Mirrorless Interchangeable Lens Compact Camera), that is, a mirrorless digital camera with interchangeable lenses. They are also called system cameras (CSC - compact system camera).

Design features of these cameras:

• Removable lens.
• Display viewfinder (on some models there may also be an optical parallax viewfinder).
• Priority for manual settings of photographing parameters.

By eliminating the mirror viewfinder, the dimensions of the device, the shutter speed (not in all models) and the price of the camera are reduced.

In relation to this type of camera, the concept of camera kit is also used. This is a set of the camera itself (the body, and professionals call it the body) and a lens. Just like DSLRs, some mirrorless models are sold without a lens.

Camera characteristics affecting the quality of photography

This part of the article will list the technical properties of cameras that affect the quality of photographs.

Small optical zoom– 2, 3 or 4. The more stages of focal length change, the more optical distortion and the greater the loss of aperture - both lead to deterioration of the photograph.

Aperture number (aperture) of the lens– the lower the value, the better - f/2 is better than f/2.8. A lower number means the lens lets more light into the sensor, which can be useful when shooting in low light conditions. For a zoom lens, the aperture number is indicated as a range - a smaller number for the shorter (short) focus, a larger number for the “longest” focus. Lenses with a small number, 2 or less than two, are often called fast lenses. The general rule is that the lens aperture decreases with increasing focal length.

Sensor sensitivity (ISO). No noise or minimal noise for high values ​​- 800 ISO and more. With cheap matrices, noise starts already at 400 ISO, and at 800 it may no longer be possible to photograph. The lack of noise can be useful when shooting in low light conditions.

Shutter speed (lag). The shorter the time interval from pressing the shutter button to taking a photo, the more accurate the resulting photo, if a dynamic object or process is being photographed.

Recording a photo in raw format(without compression). In digital cameras, when a photo is stored in memory, it is compressed into JPEG format. Its size decreases, but its quality deteriorates. There are models that record photos without compression, in RAW format. Such a photograph can be processed in a special program on a computer and get a higher quality picture than a jpeg taken in the camera itself.

Camera sensor size. The larger the matrix, the higher quality photography can be obtained from it. In the camera description, the matrix size is indicated in proportion to the full size of 36 x 24 mm. This proportion is called the crop factor and is a decimal fraction. The rule is simple - the closer the crop factor number is to one, the larger the matrix size and the higher the quality of the matrix.

Manual photography settings. Ability to manually specify settings:

• focus
• aperture
• excerpts
• white balance
• matrix sensitivity.

This allows you to get a good photo in conditions where automatic programs are not suitable for shooting conditions. However, in order to use manual settings, you need to have a good understanding of what they mean and their mutual influence.

Stabilization. Camera micro-movement compensation system. It compensates for the photographer's hand shaking. Designed to reduce the negative effect of “shaking” and “blurring” when shooting at long shutter speeds. There are two types - built into the lens (lens stabilization) and built into the body (matrix stabilization).

An example of matrix noise (more pixels does not mean a better photo).

Below are pictures of two cameras from the same price category ($100 - $150). Kodak M340 and Nikon Coolpix S3300. The main difference between these cameras is that the Nikon Coolpix S3300 has 16 megapixels, while the Kodak M340 has 10 megapixels. At the same time, the physical size of the matrix is ​​the same - the crop factor is 5.62. The pictures were taken under the same conditions - at the same time (the difference is no more than one minute), from the same point. Both pictures were taken in the automatic "Scene - Landscape" mode.

Kodak M340 (photo fragment at 100% scale - 19 x 14 centimeters):

Nikon Coolpix S3300 (photo fragment at 100% scale - 39 x 29 centimeters):

The Nikon Coolpix S3300 has 60% more pixels than the Kodak M340, but this not only did not lead to an improvement in photo quality, but on the contrary, it slightly worsened it.

Camera characteristics affecting ease of use

This part of the article will list the technical properties of cameras that do not directly affect the quality of photographs, but make the photography process easier and faster.

Autofocus. Autofocus is the camera's ability to independently set focus on the subject.

Automatic camera modes- settings of shooting parameters (focus, aperture, shutter speed, sensitivity).

Electronic viewfinder. It is worse in that it gives a picture “for one eye”, since it is made in the form of an eyepiece, but its important advantage over a display one is that it can be used in bright sunny weather. When the display viewfinder simply “goes blind” (you can’t see anything on it).

Bracketing. Automatically take multiple photos instead of one. In this case, for each photo, an individual value of one of the exposure parameters is set. For example, shutter speed bracketing - a picture is taken with a shutter speed value that is set by the photographer (or camera automation), and in addition, pictures are taken in which the shutter speed is higher and lower than this value. The same principle applies to other types of bracketing - by focal length, aperture. Of course, such pictures can also be taken manually. But automatic bracketing saves a lot of time.

USB connector allows you to quickly and easily copy photos to your computer.

AA battery– it can be replaced with regular batteries and thus is less dependent on the ability to charge the battery.

Memory card type. Photos in a digital camera are recorded on a memory card. The speed of photographing depends on the speed of writing to the card. Especially if the photo is recorded in raw format. If the camera has a card with a speed of 2 MB/sec, and the photo size is 2.5 MB (and this size is possible even in point-and-shoot cameras), then you will not be able to take more than one photo per second.

Camera position sensor. The standard position of the camera when taking photographs is horizontal. In this case, the image has a 4:3 format (width greater than height). However, it is often more beneficial to photograph with the camera turned vertically to obtain a 3:4 aspect ratio photo (width less height).

Some cameras have an orientation sensor and automatically rotate the photo after taking it. But if the camera does not have such a sensor, then the vertical one turns out to be tilted on its side (photo taken on Nikon Coolpix S3300):

Of course, it is not difficult to deploy it in any graphics program. But why do the extra work? If there are cameras that monitor such little things themselves (Kodak M340):

Camera Features You Can Ignore

This part of the article will list technical properties of cameras that do not affect the quality of photographs; moreover, they may even worsen the quality of photographs.

Pixels. More doesn't mean better. Size really doesn't matter here. 5 megapixels is enough for good everyday (non-professional) photography.

Large optical zoom. If a compact lens has a 10, 20 or even 30x zoom, this means that at such a zoom there will be severe optical distortions, perhaps even monstrous ones.

Digital zoom. This is a software enlargement of a picture taken from the matrix. The quality deteriorates at this magnification. And you can make such an increase in a graphic editor on your computer.

Panoramic photography. A panorama is when you take several photographs, sequentially moving the viewfinder from left to right, or from right to left, and then merge the finished photographs into one along their vertical boundaries. This can be done on a computer - more conveniently and with better quality.

Red-eye reduction. First, you need to understand that red eyes only appear when photographed with a flash. If your camera allows you to take photos without flash in low light conditions, then you will not have the problem of red eye. Secondly, red eyes can be removed on the computer, in a graphics editor.

Choosing a camera based on these capabilities is obviously a losing proposition. If a good camera doesn’t have them, then to hell with them.

Pros and cons of compact cameras

This part of the article will list the advantages and disadvantages of compact cameras.

Compared to SLR and hybrid digital cameras, compact cameras have the following pros and cons.

Pros of a digital compact

Small size and weight (this is true mainly for soap dishes). The soap dish can even be carried in your pocket or in a woman’s purse.

Compacts are designed for automatic use – taking photographs using the “point and press” principle.

Low price and even low price - compacts are the most inexpensive cameras.

Cons of a digital compact

The main disadvantage of compacts is that you cannot take very good quality photos with them, and some types of photography are completely impossible. This disadvantage is due to two factors:

• Automatic adjustment of shooting parameters. This is convenient, but the automation does not work successfully in all real situations
• Low quality matrix and lens.

Top compacts:

• Fuji HS and X series (eg Finepix X10, X20).
• Nikon P series (for example Nikon Coolpix P7700, P7800).
• Canon SX, S and G series (eg PowerShot G1X).
• Panasonic LX and older FZ models with Leica lenses.
• Sony, RX series.

inferior to cheap DSLRs and hybrids only by the inability to change the lens.

Pros and cons of DSLR cameras

This part of the article will list the advantages and disadvantages of SLR cameras. And also the advantages and disadvantages of cameras with interchangeable lenses in comparison with compact digital cameras

Pros of DSLR cameras

The ability to take good photos in almost any conditions. And almost any type of photo - landscapes, portraits, interiors, etc.

Good quality matrices, manual settings, interchangeable lenses. With this, you can achieve very good results.

Disadvantages of DSLRs and hybrids

Weight and dimensions. The weight of a DSLR is at least a kilogram, and if the lens is large, then more than a kilogram. A mirrorless camera will be lighter, but not much.

Higher price compared to compacts. Cheap cameras with interchangeable lenses start around $400. Cheap DSLRs start around $500. A good DSLR will cost closer to $1,000.

The need to learn photography. And you will have to spend a lot of time on such training.

Summary

More detailed information in the full version of this article - How to choose a camera.

For example, you can buy a camera in this store:

The federal chain of stores Yulmart is a good place to buy computer and household appliances. Low prices, convenient purchasing process.
Registration in Yulmart
If you indicate a promotional code when registering 6023036 , then you can receive bonus points for purchases, which you can spend at Yulmart.

Ivan Sukhov, 2012, 2014

If you found this article useful or simply liked it, then do not hesitate to financially support the author. This is easy to do by throwing money at Yandex Wallet No. 410011416229354. Or on the phone +7 918-16-26-331 .

Even a small amount can help write new articles :)

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58302 Photography from scratch 0

In this lesson you will learn: Types of cameras. Main characteristics of modern cameras. Let's learn more about sensors. Let's talk a little about megapixels. We'll tell you how to choose a camera.

In the first lesson, we looked at the principle of operation of a digital camera and what basic elements it consists of. Let's define the main types of digital cameras and their types. I’ll say right away that the separation of some of the cameras is quite clear, but there are types, the boundaries between which are blurred and conditional. Nevertheless, we will try to classify them in sufficient detail.

Let's look at the main types of cameras:

• Compact cameras. Small in size, the vast majority with fixed lenses and automatic settings for shooting modes. The types of compacts are discussed in more detail below.
• SLR cameras. The principle of operation is discussed in detail in the first lesson; it has a mirror in front of the sensor and the ability to change lenses, which provides various possibilities for use. DSLR cameras are classified by matrix size, as well as amateur and professional. We will also talk more about DSLRs below.
• System cameras. Also compact cameras, but with interchangeable lenses. However, they do not have a mirror.
• Medium format cameras. The matrices of these cameras are larger than 35mm wide films. We will not consider these cameras as part of this course, this is clearly not an amateur segment, and the price for them can have a bad effect on the psyche))).
• Special cameras. Used for aerospace photography, astrophotography (photographing the starry sky), underwater photography, in extreme environmental conditions, panoramic cameras, etc. Of interest to the amateur are rugged cameras with a wide range of operating temperatures, the ability to shoot at shallow depths and able to withstand falls from low heights.

Now let's look at the types of cameras mentioned above.

Compact cameras. Compacts can be divided into three groups:

1. fully automatic compact digital camera
2. with advanced settings management options
3. prosumer cameras

Fully automatic compact camera is the name for small, lightweight cameras. People call them “soap boxes”. The main task of a digital point-and-shoot camera is to simplify the process of taking a photograph as much as possible. The lens and camera are one unit, that is, lenses cannot be changed. Such a camera is positioned by manufacturers as “Point & Shoot” or “Point and Shoot”. It means that all you have to do is compose the frame and press the button. The automation will make all the necessary settings for you; if necessary, it will turn on the built-in flash.

This is a very easy to use camera with a minimum of settings. However, it still allows you to control some parameters, for example, switch preset shooting modes: portrait, landscape, macro, etc. In manual settings mode, you can adjust ISO, white balance, turn the built-in flash on and off, and sometimes adjust its power. This type of camera allows you to get good quality pictures only in sufficient lighting, for example, in the daytime on the street or in open areas. In difficult lighting conditions, it is very difficult to get a beautiful photo using such a camera. Cameras of this type usually use cheap optics. The price of simple cameras is minimal.

With manual control of settings. Cameras of this type are intended for those for whom the limited settings of a fully automatic camera are no longer enough. Here, in addition to fully automatic modes, it is possible to control the shutter speed and aperture parameters. This is achieved by using shutter priority (S or Tv), aperture priority (A or Av) modes, as well as manual mode M (Manual).

All this allows you to take high-quality photographs in more difficult conditions, as well as create various creative effects during shooting, without the use of post-processing. However, to get a good shot with manual settings, you need to know how they work and develop certain skills in using them in various situations. The lens has a more complex design. The price category of such cameras has the greatest range.

Among compact cameras with advanced capabilities, we note a popular group of cameras with a large range of lens focal lengths, the zoom of which amounts to tens or even hundreds of units - this superzooms. There are also superzooms among automatic compact cameras. We will look at the quality of these cameras and the advisability of purchasing them in our next lesson on lenses.

Prosumer cameras Designed for serious, advanced amateur photographers. With such cameras it is quite possible to take professional photographs. They allow you to shoot in RAW format, have automatic and manual shutter speed and aperture settings, and support high-speed burst shooting mode. Various attachments and filters are available for such cameras. The built-in flash is significantly more powerful, and many models have a hot shoe that allows you to use external flash units, as well as connect remote flash control systems.

Such cameras, as a rule, have a larger matrix size, higher quality lenses, and a very developed system of settings, in which a novice photographer may well get confused. They allow you to take much better photos in a wide variety of conditions. Even professional photographers often purchase such cameras in order to be able to take high-quality photographs when it is impossible to carry a backpack with a DSLR camera and lenses, and they also need to avoid attracting undue attention to themselves. The price of such cameras is comparable to the price of entry-level SLR cameras, and sometimes even exceeds them.

Among the compacts it is worth highlighting rangefinder cameras. This type of camera is equipped with a rangefinder. The camera lens uses a separate optical viewfinder to adjust focus. Quite expensive brand cameras, I don’t think they are interesting for an amateur.

It is impossible not to mention cameras with fixed focal length lenses. Today it is the most promoted of the new types of cameras whose lens has a constant focal length. It is enough to mention cameras such as Sony RX-1, Nikon Coolpix A. A rather specific segment of prosumer cameras, also of little interest to a novice amateur, primarily due to the high price and narrow range of applications.

SLR cameras (DSLR)

This type of camera is used by professional photographers and advanced amateur photographers who value high quality images and full control over the shooting process. DSLRs provide the user with complete control over any parameters and settings. They have a large matrix, reaching the size of a film frame in professional models, 36 x 24 mm, which gives the highest image quality. A distinctive feature is the complete absence of delay between pressing the shutter button and releasing the shutter, which allows you to capture very dynamic events. The quality of pictures taken with this camera is the best possible in digital technology today. With the exception of medium format digital cameras and digital backs, but they have such a high price that they are not even affordable for all professionals, not to mention advanced amateurs.

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DSLRs allow you to use a wide variety of additional equipment and change lenses.

Quite often, SLR cameras are sold without a lens (Body or in photo jargon - “carcass”). But the camera is also often equipped with a relatively inexpensive universal lens. Such a kit is called a kit (from the English kit - set or kit). A “whale” lens, as a rule, is of average quality and does not allow you to use all the capabilities of the camera.

Therefore, to shoot in different genres you have to buy and use different lenses. High quality lenses that allow you to fully exploit the potential of the matrix are very expensive.

And finally, a new type of camera that appeared not so long ago: mirrorless cameras with interchangeable lenses. Or they are also called systemic. This type of camera has a sensor that is smaller or the same size as an SLR camera, but does not have a mirror and pentaprism viewing mechanism, allowing them to be significantly smaller in size. It is the small dimensions and the ability to directly focus using an LCD display or electronic viewfinder, as well as image quality that is not inferior to SLR cameras and the ability to change lenses, that explain the growing popularity of this class of cameras.

However, compactness also has its drawbacks: it is difficult to quickly control the camera, which is especially important in reportage, sports and holiday photography, and difficulty when working with heavy lenses. The cost of such cameras is comparable to the price of amateur-level DSLRs.

There are cameras professional And amateur. You may have heard about semi-professional cameras. I’ll upset you right away - these don’t exist. More precisely, they exist - in the marketing brains of semi-sellers in their semi-shops :))). You can't be half artist and half engineer. Half-doctor Romanenko, however, became the hero of the series “Interns,” but you definitely don’t want to be treated by him. So - the camera is either professional or amateur! What is the difference? Amateur cameras differ from professional cameras in their main characteristics: set of shutter speeds, set of functions, size and quality of the matrix, ergonomics, button life and number of shutter releases, burst speed, dust and moisture resistance, recording on several memory cards.

The differences will be as follows: the shutters of professional cameras are designed for a greater number of operations, their body is made of metal (usually titanium), so it is more durable and heavy, they can shoot in any weather, they have a more capacious battery, and a viewfinder with almost 100% image capture, and also added functions that even a professional may not always need, for example, a shutter speed of 1/8000 s. Professional cameras are equipped with powerful and fast focusing systems and image processors. Most of the controllable functions for quickly changing shooting modes are located on the buttons of the camera body, and not in the menu, like in amateur cameras. Some professional cameras do not have a built-in flash, because... This means shooting with an external flash in the hands of a professional photographer (we will talk about the disadvantages of built-in flashes in one of our next lessons).

We have already mentioned matrices above - now let’s talk a little more about their physical dimensions (not to be confused with the number of pixels). This is the most important characteristic of a camera! About 30% of the quality of your photographs depends on the matrix.

Matrices(sensors) come in different physical sizes and this is very important, since the smaller it is, the worse the image will be. A full-format matrix ("full frame") is considered to be the frame size of a narrow-film camera - 24 x 36 mm. Reducing the size of the matrix is ​​usually considered as a factor of the full format, and this is called the “crop factor”.

So, if the matrix is ​​1/3 smaller than the full-length one, then they say that this camera has a crop equal to 1/3. This must be taken into account when choosing lenses for your camera, as they will differ. Lenses designed for cameras with a 1/3 and 1 crop (that is, with a full-format sensor) cannot be installed on a camera with a 1.5 or 2/3 crop. Also, the actual focal length of most lenses will be equal to the focal length written on the lens multiplied by this crop factor. Simply, if you put a lens with a focal length of 50 mm on a camera with a 1.5 crop, then the real focus is 75 mm (it was “normal” - it became “portrait”).

The size of the matrix also affects such an artistic shooting technique as background blur (bokeh). Without going into details, we remember - the smaller the matrix size, the greater the depth of field - depth of field (depth of field of the image space) and the less chance of getting bokeh.

The price of a camera directly depends on the size of the matrix used in it - the larger the size by one gradation, the price of the camera usually increases by an order of magnitude.

The matrices also have other important characteristics in which they differ greatly, for example, some are very “noisy” in low light conditions, that is, in low light conditions, clearly noticeable digital noise appears. Noise may appear in another situation, for example, when setting sensitivity (ISO) from 400 units. and higher, or with long exposure.

Sensor size is certainly a very important characteristic of a camera, but it is not all-encompassing. So, with the same number of pixels, the image from a camera with a large crop (smaller size) will be noticeably worse than the image from a camera with a smaller crop. That is, pixel density is important. More information about this, if you are interested, is described on our website.

These characteristics are perhaps the most important in digital cameras, but there are others that may be more important in certain situations. If you are shooting any rapidly changing events, then the speed of processing and recording frames is very important, as well as the camera’s ability to record files in RAW format (we will talk about photo recording formats later). For those who shoot in the studio with professional flashes, it is important that the camera can synchronize its shutter with these flashes, and not all cameras can do this.

Well, that’s all about the types of cameras, in short. I hope this is clear and not too tedious. Shall we continue?

You undoubtedly already own a digital camera, but this information will be useful for you, since perhaps in the near future you will think about changing it to a more advanced model. Or maybe you are still faced with a choice - how to choose from all this variety exactly the camera that you need?

The following criteria for selecting digital cameras are based on personal experience. So, before purchasing a digital camera, we recommend answering the following questions and making the appropriate decision:
1. What exactly is to be photographed?
2. What are the pressing needs in photography?
3. How much experience do you have in photography and computer work?
4. Do you have a specific brand of photographic equipment?
5. What are the minimum performance requirements?
6. What funds can be allocated for the acquisition?

Let us now consider these criteria in more detail.

1. What exactly is to be photographed?
Before purchasing a camera, you need to decide how it will be used. This solution will allow you to narrow your search. The camera can be used to photograph birthday celebrations, family vacations or sports events. In business, a camera is used to take photographs for catalogs or information sheets. Photojournalists use cameras to take photographs for news agencies and periodicals. With a camera you can photograph flora, fauna and landscapes of the surrounding nature, take pictures for photo exhibitions or reproductions of museum exhibits. And a passionate amateur photographer just needs a good camera to unleash his own creative potential. All of the application examples listed above require a selection of different types of digital cameras. Therefore, knowing in advance the specific purpose of the camera, you can significantly narrow the search among the most suitable models for choosing.

2. Assess specific photography needs
Due to the fact that the quality of digital cameras, and therefore photographs, is constantly increasing, and the prices of cameras are becoming affordable, it is advisable to critically evaluate the pressing needs for photography. In particular, it is recommended to purchase a digital camera that can not only satisfy these needs, but also provide the opportunity to improve in digital photography as you master it. By buying a digital camera to spare, you'll get more use out of it in the long run. Although you shouldn't get too carried away.

3. How much experience do you have in photography and working on a computer?
Once you have determined which photographs are required and what you plan to do next with them, you need to critically evaluate your own level of preparation. In this case, it is recommended to take into account the following: how regular were the photography lessons, what cameras were used to shoot, how much did you manage to master the terms, concepts and principles of photography and working on a computer. All these factors should also influence the choice of the type of digital camera. You should purchase a camera that best suits the level of training of its future owner. When choosing, for example, between a compact camera model with advanced capabilities and a digital SLR camera, you need to find out for yourself how often you will need to use it. If these are only occasional trips into nature with a camera, then it is best to opt for a compact model, since it is easier to master. If in the future you plan to become seriously interested in photography, then, having accumulated valuable photography experience, subsequently switch to a digital SLR camera.

4. Use of existing filming equipment
Making the decision to purchase a digital camera is much easier if you already have a camera from a specific manufacturer, a set of lenses, a flash, or other accessories at your disposal. It should be remembered that most accessories of various brands - flashes, lenses, remote controls and triggers - cannot be used on cameras from competing companies.

If you are purchasing a camera for the first time, for which, in order to reveal all its capabilities, you need to purchase a lot of equipment, you should evaluate the availability on the market and the price of these accessories.

5. Determination of minimum requirements
Before you go shopping for a camera and compare prices, you need to know the minimum camera requirements for your specific photography needs.
In this case, it is necessary to seriously determine the mandatory set of camera properties. Defining properties of the camera:
. Matrix size and resolution in megapixels - what are required? We have already discussed this important issue above.
. Lens capabilities - fixed or interchangeable lens, how much should its focal length change and can filters and lens attachments be used for close-up and wide-angle shooting?
. Exposure Capability – Does exposure need to be fully automatic or should it allow for manual setting?

Camera performance characteristics:
. Reaction time - how quickly does the camera respond to pressing the shutter button and how quickly can you take pictures (there is an article on the website that covers this point in detail)?
. Battery life and cost - how many shots does one battery charge last, how expensive is it and can it be recharged?
. Continuous shooting - do you need to shoot in quick succession?
. Dimensions - how important is the compactness and light weight of a camera?
. Lens quality. It is from the lens that the display of the real world in the camera begins. Therefore, its optics mainly (about 70 percent) determine the image quality.
Poor optics that do not allow the image to be effectively focused on the sensitive element or cause chromatic aberration or blurred image can negate the quality of all other components. If image quality is of paramount importance when choosing a camera, saving on a cheap lens is not advisable.
. Resolution in pixels. Manufacturers of digital cameras advertise this indicator more than other characteristics. It is more correct to talk about pixel density. If it’s difficult for you to figure out from the link above why and how this parameter affects the quality of pictures, then just remember that you shouldn’t chase the crazy amount of MP in the characteristics that camera matrices are packed with to please marketers.
. Initial loading speed. After the camera is turned on, it may take some time for the control system to boot up and the ready message to appear. In different camera models, this time can range from a few milliseconds to several seconds. And although waiting for a digital camera to be ready for use within a few seconds may not seem so significant at first glance, due to this very circumstance, the decisive moment of shooting may be missed.
. Shutter delay time. This property of digital cameras causes the most criticism from experienced users. This delay is the time between pressing the shutter button and actually taking the photo.
. Write speed. When shooting with a digital camera, the data collected by the image sensor must be processed before it can be written to the digital storage card. The duration of this operation also affects how long the camera is ready to take the next shot. To speed up the data recording process, RAM is used here as a buffer memory, where images are temporarily stored before processing and writing to the card. This makes it possible to take more pictures while the previous ones are being processed. The volume of such buffer memory, the format of the image and the file in which it is recorded, as well as the speed of writing to the memory card determine the time the camera is ready to take the next frame.
. Packet frequency. The frequency of packets in the camera also depends on the volume of the buffer memory mentioned above. It determines how many shots can be taken in a row before the camera must pause to write data to the memory card. This indicator should be taken into account if you plan to use continuous shooting mode.
. Continuous shooting (frames per second). If photography is related to sports or journalism, then the number of pictures a digital camera can take per second is critical. This property is useful even for amateur photographers, since it makes it possible to take a series of sequential photographs of moving objects. Professional models of SLR digital cameras have greater speed.
. Viewfinders. Along with the zoom lens and megapixel resolution, the viewfinder also plays an important role. Therefore, you should consider its capabilities when choosing a camera. And since during shooting you have to spend a lot of time choosing the composition of pictures using the viewfinder, we will consider the different types of viewfinders and their properties, based on which you can make the right choice.

LCD viewfinders. All digital cameras equipped with an LCD screen deserve attention. And in some models, such a screen performs the additional function of a viewfinder, allowing you to view the composition before shooting it. The LCD screens of many cameras rotate and tilt using a hinge connection to the body. The main disadvantage of LCD screens is that practically nothing is visible on them in bright sunlight. LCD screens also consume a significant amount of battery power.

Optical viewfinders. Optical viewfinders should be considered an important component of a digital camera. It is necessary to take into account the brightness, clarity and undistorted image. Some camera models are equipped with a focus wheel for precise focusing of the viewfinder. Those who wear glasses can compensate for their vision deficiencies using the focusing knob.

Scene modes. All digital cameras have automatic or software-set modes that make setting the correct exposure much easier. Some models also have Scene modes that are used in special cases where the camera's standard exposure may produce incorrect results. Typical scene modes on many cameras include portrait, night portrait, landscape, beach/snow, close-up, backlight, sports, and fireworks. Scene modes significantly save time for those amateur photographers who are just taking their first steps in photography. More experienced photographers are advised to choose cameras with manual exposure settings.
. ISO indicator. It determines the sensitivity of the image sensor to light.
A similar indicator determines the photosensitivity of the film. For compact cameras, it ranges from 50 to 400 units, and in many models the best indicator for this type of camera is automatically set. The more advanced the model, the higher this indicator. So, some SLR digital cameras have ISO values ​​up to 1600 or even 6400 units. Therefore, if you intend to shoot depending on the existing lighting conditions, or photograph moving objects in low light, then you need to pay attention to a camera with high ISO sensitivity. Although some cameras have increased light sensitivity at lower resolution. Therefore, it is recommended to choose cameras that allow high ISO settings at the highest possible resolution.
However, it should be borne in mind that the higher the ISO sensitivity, the more noticeable the interference in the image - noise.
. Shutter speed and aperture. Many digital cameras can select semi-automatic modes to set primarily the aperture or shutter speed.
They allow you to partially set the required exposure, and the camera itself will do the rest. The Aperture Predominant setting mode adjusts the amount of light that passes through the lens, and the shutter speed is determined automatically by the camera. In contrast, in shutter-primary mode, the duration of exposure of the CCD or CMOS sensitive element to light, measured in fractions of a second, is adjusted, and the aperture is determined automatically by the camera. Different shutter speed modes can improve image quality or achieve specific visual effects.
. Exposure correction. If analysis of the resulting image using the histogram (we will pay special attention to this parameter - a separate lesson) on the LCD screen shows that it was too light or, conversely, too dark, exposure compensation allows you to adjust the exposure and take a second shot without resorting to special calculation of the aperture or excerpts. Such correction is usually carried out in increments of the aperture number by a third or half, as a result of which the exposure changes to a greater or lesser extent. So, if you shoot a person standing next to a window and his face appears too dark on the LCD screen, then as a result of correction you can increase the exposure of the scene being filmed.
. Tripod mount. Although the tripod mount is not directly related to exposure controls, it allows you to mount the camera in a stable position for long exposure photography.
You just need to make sure that the thread of such fastening is metal and not plastic.
. Design and ergonomics. These are the last but not least important factors that determine the choice of a digital camera. After all, if you need to shoot a lot, you will often have to hold the camera in your hands, wear it around your neck or over your shoulder, and put your eye on it. Successful design and ergonomics determine ease of use, and therefore the pleasure of using the camera. Despite the prevalence of purchasing cameras over the Internet, you can truly evaluate the capabilities of a camera only by picking it up and testing it in operation.
The camera should have smooth, rounded shapes so that it is comfortable to hold in your hands. At the same time, the surface of its body must allow a strong and stable grip with your fingers. Thus, the design of a digital SLR camera should have a comfortable grip to the right of the lens so that your fingers can rest freely on its body.
It is also necessary to check the reliability of fastening of the covers for the battery and digital storage media, and evaluate the weight and overall dimensions of the camera.
Light weight is important for compact cameras, but higher-end cameras benefit from the extra weight as it makes them more stable when shooting.
How comfortable is it to look into the camera? Hold the camera up to your eye and see how comfortable it is to look through the viewfinder. In addition, it is necessary to check the sharpness, brightness and ease of viewing the image in the viewfinder and displaying alphanumeric information (whether the latter distracts from viewing the image itself). Also make sure that the camera rests comfortably on your face when taking pictures.
Accessibility of camera controls. Study the layout of the camera controls, making sure that they are rational and easy to operate. If the camera controls are inconvenient to use, it is not recommended to purchase it. Review all menu items, paying attention to the logical organization, ease of reading of the text, and clarity of the names of the various features. You should also check how quickly the most important operating modes are selected, including histogram display or scene mode selection, and evaluate playback modes for ease of viewing images. Most models provide quick viewing of the image - a few seconds after it is received, and some of them even allow you to set the duration of display of images on the LCD screen. It is also necessary to check the ability to resize the image, scroll it to assess the sharpness of the image and the correctness of the composition, as well as fix images to avoid their accidental deletion.

6. Which model can you afford?

Once the search has been narrowed to a specific type of camera, manufacturer and its main properties have been selected, it is necessary to calculate the costs. Recently, prices for digital cameras have become more affordable, although professional models are still quite expensive. If you choose a camera with interchangeable lenses, then you must also take into account the cost of future purchases of an expensive fleet of optics and accessories for creative photography - flash, tripod, filters, etc.

Now that you have a clearer idea of ​​your needs, choose 2-3 cameras from a specific manufacturer. Once again evaluate their characteristics, ergonomics, and cost. And make your final decision.

Lesson results:

So, we looked at the main types of cameras and their characteristics. We learned a little about sensors and megapixels, and how to choose a camera from all this variety.

Practical task:

1. Carefully study the terms mentioned in the lesson and try to remember them. In the future, we will often use them in our lessons. For this purpose, the site also has.

2. Imagine that you are faced with the question of buying a camera, assess your needs, make a choice and talk about this painful process and its results on.

There you can ask questions about the material presented.

In the next lesson #3: Photo lens. Device and principle of operation. What is lens aperture? Lens care. Prime or zoom lens? What to look for when choosing and purchasing photo optics. Light filters.

Modern photographic cameras are complex optical devices. Despite the variety of designs, a number of common components and mechanisms can be identified in each camera. This is primarily a light-proof camera, in the front of which the lens is mounted. On the opposite side of the camera, photosensitive material is installed in cassettes. The amount of light passing through the lens onto the photosensitive material is controlled using shutters. Accurate determination of the boundaries of the frame of the photographed object is carried out by the viewfinder. To obtain a sharp image on photosensitive photographic material, the camera has devices and mechanisms for controlling the focus of the lens. Most cameras are equipped with photoexposure metering devices necessary to determine and set the correct exposure during shooting. In addition, cameras have a mechanism for importing photos. Let's look at the main characteristics of cameras.

CHARACTERISTICS OF THE MAIN COMPONENTS OF THE CAMERA

Camera

The light-proof camera, which is the body of the camera, simultaneously protects the photographic material from the action of extraneous light. All components and mechanisms are mounted in the device body. The camera is made of metal, plastic or wood. In cameras of medium and high classes the camera is made of metal, in the simplest ones it is made of plastic. Wooden cameras are bulky, and therefore are used only for pavilion-type cameras.

Photographic lens

Using a lens, an optical image of the objects being photographed is formed on a photosensitive material. The quality of this image depends on the properties of the lens.

The lens consists of an optical system of lenses enclosed in a frame. A diaphragm is placed between the lenses. The number of lenses in modern lenses is up to 10 or more. Some lenses are glued with colorless glue. The lens frame ensures the exact relative position of the lenses in accordance with the calculation. In addition, it protects lenses from mechanical and atmospheric influences. The frames of most modern lenses are painted black.

Lenses are attached to the camera body using a screw thread or a bayonet (bayonet) connection on the frame. The most common is the threaded mounting method, in which the lens is screwed into the camera. With the bayonet method, the lens is inserted into the camera and secured with a slight clockwise turn. Camera filters and sun hoods can be attached or screwed onto the front of the frame. The lens frame indicates its name, aperture and focal length, as well as scales - distance, relative aperture and depth of the imaged space. In some cases, a shutter speed scale is placed on the lens frame.

Diaphragm- this is a device with the help of which the active, i.e., light-transmitting, lens aperture is changed. It consists of several thin movable metal plates, arc-shaped, located in a circle and partially overlapping one another. This diaphragm design is called an iris diaphragm. When you turn the drive (setting) ring or lever, the petals, turning toward the center, smoothly reduce the lens aperture. This process is called aperture.

Depending on the method of installing the required lens opening, the following types of apertures are distinguished: simple, persistent, push and jump.

In a simple diaphragm, installation is carried out by turning the outer ring of the diaphragm until it aligns with the index of the selected value on its scale.

In a stop diaphragm, by turning the stop on the scale, you first set the required value. At the moment of shooting, turn the aperture ring all the way, and the selected value is set.

In the pressure diaphragm, the required value is first set on the scale using a movable stop. When you press the shutter button, the aperture is automatically set to the selected value, and after taking a photo, it opens completely.

The principle of operation of a jumping diaphragm is similar to that of a pressure diaphragm. However, after shooting, it does not open automatically, but manually by turning the ring.

Sophisticated diaphragm frames are used in SLR camera lenses, in which the object is observed through the lens. Such apertures allow you to more quickly stop the lens without interrupting observation of the object.

Photographic Lens Specifications. The main characteristics of a lens are: focal length, aperture, relative aperture, depth of field, image angle, resolving power and flange distance.

Lens focal length- this is the distance along the optical axis from the main rear point of the lens to the focus. The focal length for a given lens is a constant value, measured in centimeters. Domestic photographic lenses are manufactured with a focal length from 2 to 100 cm. On the lens frame it is designated by the letter F. The image scale depends on the focal length, that is, the degree to which the image is reduced or enlarged compared to the size F of the photographed object. The longer the focal length of the lens, the larger the image on the photosensitive material. To change the focal length of the lens, attachment lenses are used. When using a positive (converging) lens, the focal length decreases, and a negative (diffusing) lens increases it. When using attached lenses, image quality deteriorates. The focal length of the “objective + attachment lens” system is calculated by the formula

F s= 100 * F 0 /(100+ D l * F 0)

where Ф с is the focal length of the system;

Ф 0 — lens focal length;

D l is the optical power of the attachment lens.

Currently, lenses with variable focal length, or pankratic ones, have become widespread, especially in cinema cameras. In these lenses, by changing the distance between the lenses, the focal length can increase or decrease several times. This allows you to accurately compose the frame and obtain images of different scales at a constant distance to the subject being photographed. When using them, there is no need for interchangeable photographic lenses with different focal lengths, which ensures greater efficiency when taking photographs. The focal length limits of pancratic lenses are indicated on the frame. Aperture, i.e. the ability of a lens to create a certain image illumination on a photosensitive material, is its important characteristic. The aperture depends on the size of the active lens aperture and its focal length. The larger the lens aperture and the shorter its focal length, the brighter the image, i.e., the greater the aperture ratio.

Quantitatively aperture characterized by the relative aperture of the lens, i.e. the ratio of the diameter of the lens to its focal length. This value is indicated as a fraction with the numerator 1. For example, if the diameter of the effective lens aperture is 2.5 cm and the focal length is 5 cm, then the relative aperture is 1: 2 (2.5: 5).

When comparing two lenses by aperture, their relative apertures are squared.

On the lens barrel, relative holes are indicated by only one denominator. In the USSR, the following standard series of relative hole values ​​was adopted: 1: 0.7; 1:1; 1: 1.4; 1:2; 1: 2.8; 1:4; 1: 5.6; 1:8; 1:11; 1:16; 1:22; 1:32. Most photographic lenses have the largest aperture ratios of 1:2 and 1:2.8. The relative aperture of photographic lenses of simple cameras is 1:4.

Marks on the scale of relative holes are applied in such a way that when moving from one mark to another, the aperture ratio changes by 2 times. This simplifies calculations of shutter speeds when changing relative apertures.

Not all of the light flux passing through the lens reaches the photosensitive photographic material: one part of it is absorbed by the glass, and the other is reflected from the surface of the lenses. The more complex the lens design, the greater the light loss. These losses are determined by the lens' light transmittance, which measures the amount of light transmitted relative to the total incident light. To increase the light transmittance in all lenses, the coating method is used, which consists of applying thin films to the surface of the lenses. As a result, the reflection of light from the surfaces of the lenses is significantly reduced and the aperture ratio increases. Fluorides of some metals are used as film-forming substances. Anti-reflective films are not stable enough and are hygroscopic, so lenses must be handled very carefully.

It should be borne in mind that after clearing, a large number of yellow, green and red rays pass through the lens, and mainly blue, indigo and violet rays are reflected from the surface of the lenses. This explains the fact that in reflected light the lenses acquire a blue color, although the antireflective films are colorless.

Blue coating of lenses is most effective in black and white photography.

When shooting on color photographic materials, lenses with blue coating give an emphatically warm color rendering with yellowness, since more yellow rays pass through such lenses. To compensate for the yellowness of the color rendition of the image with blue-coated lenses, amber coating of the lenses is used, and predominantly colors with a yellow (amber) tint are reflected. Yellow, being complementary to blue, neutralizes it. As a result, color rendition when shooting on colored materials is significantly improved.

Depth of field- this is the property of photographic lenses to sharply depict objects located in space at unequal distances from the camera. The depth of the sharply depicted space is measured by the distance from the foreground to the background of the subject, between which all objects are sharp. The smaller the focal length and relative aperture of the lens, the greater the depth of cut. To accurately take into account the influence of the relative aperture on the depth of field, there is a depth of field scale on the lens frame: on both sides of the distance scale index, additional values ​​of the relative apertures are symmetrically marked in pairs. The values ​​of the distances of the boundaries of the sharply depicted space are set against the values ​​of the relative hole on the distance scale. With an aperture ratio of 1:8, the sharply imaged space is between 3 and 10 m, and with an aperture ratio of 1:11, between 2.6 and 19 m.

Lens frames can have scales that automatically determine depth of field.

The image angle shows the angle of coverage of the photographed object by the lens and is located between the rays connecting the main rear point of the lens with the ends of the diagonal of the frame inscribed in the image field. The image angle depends on the frame size and focal length. The larger the diagonal, i.e. the frame size, and the shorter the focal length, the larger the image angle. Domestic photographic lenses are produced with an image angle from 2.5 to 95°.

Resolving power- the property of a lens to clearly convey the smallest details of the photographed object on a photosensitive photographic material. This indicator is determined by the number of parallel lines of equal width, separately imaged by the lens per 1 mm of the image field (lin/mm). Resolving power decreases towards the edges of the image. For most lenses, at the edges of the frame it is about 40-50% of the clarity in the center. Therefore, the lens passport indicates two values ​​for this indicator: For the center and for the edge of the image.

The edge resolving power of lenses is greatly enhanced when using optical lanthanum glass lenses. In addition, lanthanum lenses provide more accurate color rendition when shooting on color film.

Working distance- this is an important indicator that determines the conditions for the interchangeability of lenses in cameras. The working, or back, segment is the distance from the center point of the outer surface of the rear lens of the lens to the focal point. The size of the working distance depends on the design of the lens. If the working segments of the lenses do not coincide, they need to be adjusted, i.e., adjusted to the camera along the working segment with an accuracy of 0.02 mm.

Classification and range of photographic lenses. Lenses are classified by purpose, image angle and focal length.

Based on their purpose, photographic lenses are divided into standard and interchangeable.

Standard lenses are those whose focal length is approximately equal to the frame diagonal, and the image angle is in the range of 45-55°. Such lenses are otherwise called normal. Standard lenses in cameras with different frame formats (and therefore frame diagonals) are also characterized by unequal focal lengths. So, in cameras with a frame format of 24X36 mm, the focal length of a normal lens is approximately 5 cm, with a frame format of 6X6 cm - 7.5 cm. Normal lenses have universal use and are intended for a variety of photography. As a rule, all cameras are equipped with standard lenses.

Interchangeable lenses are used for special types of photography - portraits, distant objects, landscapes, etc. These photographic lenses are sold separately from cameras. Based on the image angle and focal length, they are divided into wide-angle, telephoto and telescopic.

Wide-angle lenses have a focal length less than the diagonal of the target frame and an image angle of over 60°. They are characterized by a large coverage of the shooting space. These lenses are used for shooting wide-angle facades, landscapes, interiors, etc. from short distances. The disadvantages of wide-angle lenses are that when shooting closely spaced objects, they introduce perspective distortions into the image, and also provide uneven illumination of the frame - more in the center and less in the center. edges.

Long focal length lenses have a focal length 1.5–2 times greater than the frame diagonal and an image angle of 28–30°. These lenses do not cover a large field. They are used mainly for taking close-up portraits, since only long-focus lenses provide the most natural perspective and resemblance to nature.

Telescopic lenses are those whose focal length significantly exceeds the frame diagonal. Their image angle does not exceed 24°. Telephoto lenses are used for close-up shots of far-off objects. The best domestic telephoto lenses allow you to get 20x image magnification.

There are two types of telephoto lenses: lens and reflex lenses. The latter are characterized by the greatest compactness at significant focal lengths.

Characteristics of the range of interchangeable photographic lenses are given in table. Standard lenses are considered when describing the technical characteristics of cameras.

Photographic shutter

The shutter transmits light rays through the camera lens onto photographic material for a certain, predetermined period of time, called shutter speed. The photo shutter consists of an opaque shutter and its control elements - winding and release devices, and a shutter control.

An opaque flap opens and blocks light from reaching the photosensitive material. With the help of a winding device, the shutter is prepared for operation; the trigger device is designed to activate the shutter. The shutter control sets the required shutter speed when shooting. The following series of numerical values ​​of shutter speeds automatically set by the shutter (in s) is accepted: 1, 1/2, 1/4, 1/8, 1/15, 1/30, 1/60, 1/125, 1/500, 1 /1000, 1/2000. The shutters of simple cameras have a small range of shutter speeds, for example from 1/15 to 1/250 s. Shutters of more complex designs may have a wider range of shutter speeds. In addition to the automatic shutter speed values, the letters “D” and “B” are placed on the shutter control dial or ring, which indicate long shutter speeds measured manually. If the shutter regulator is installed against the letter “D”, then when you press the trigger for the first time, the shutter will open and close only after the second press. The “D” index is used to set long exposures when shooting with a camera on a tripod. The index “B” means that the shutter will be open while the trigger is pressed.

The shutter mechanisms also include a synchronizing device and a self-timer mechanism.

The synchronizing device ensures that the shutter and flash are fired simultaneously. To connect the flash lamp to the synchronizing device, there is a sync contact (cable connection) on the outside of the camera body. In modern photographic equipment, cableless connection of a flash lamp through a contact in the terminal is increasingly being used.

Most cameras have a self-timer mechanism. When shooting, the camera is mounted on a tripod. The self-timer release time is approximately 9 s.

Based on the principle of operation, photographic shutters are divided into mechanical shutters, which are activated by a spring, and shutters controlled by an electronic unit - electronic.

Mechanical shutters, based on their design and location in the camera, are divided into curtain-slot and central.

The curtain-slot shutter is located directly in front of the film. The shutter in this shutter is a rubberized silk or metal curtain with a slit extending in front of the frame window of the camera, which ensures exposure of photographic material. A metal curtain has one significant advantage over a silk curtain: it operates at a lower air temperature, at which the silk curtain hardens and loses its elasticity.

A curtain-slot shutter consists of the following main parts: a curtain, two rollers that regulate the gap, and a drive drum. Before shooting, when the shutter is cocked, the curtain, consisting of two parts, is wound onto one of the rollers. The edges of the curtain parts are tightly closed, there are no gaps. At the moment the shutter is released, the curtain, under the action of a spring located in the drive drum, is rewound at a certain speed to another roller. In this case, the edges of the parts of the curtain open, and a gap of a certain width is formed between them. The slit, moving in front of the photographic film, consistently illuminates it. The shutter speed, i.e. the exposure time of the photographic material, is controlled by the width of the slit and the speed of the curtain. The narrower the slit and the stronger the spring tension, the shorter the shutter speed, since when the narrow slit of the curtain moves quickly, the film is illuminated for a very short time. On the contrary, with a wide gap in the curtain and weak spring tension, the film will be illuminated for a longer period of time.

Curtain-slit shutters allow you to obtain very short shutter speeds - up to 1/2000 s. Cameras with these shutters have a large selection of interchangeable lenses. However, curtain-slit shutters are also characterized by a number of disadvantages: due to the difference in the speed of movement of the curtain at the beginning and end of the frame, the density of the negative is not the same across the entire field of the frame; photography with flash lamps is only possible at a shutter speed of 1/30 s; Distortion of fast moving objects occurs due to non-simultaneous exposure of different points of the frame.

A type of curtain-slit shutter is a fan shutter. It consists of two metal curtains, consisting of one main and two additional folding metal petals. The petals are arranged in the form of a fan. In the cocked position, one curtain of the fan shutter completely covers the frame window of the camera, the other curtain is folded. When you press the release device, the petals of the first curtain are folded, and the petals of the second are moved apart. In this case, a gap is formed between the outer petals of the curtains, through which light falls on the photographic film. After the shutter is released, the first curtain folds, and the second curtain closes the frame window of the camera with its petals. Fan shutters have practically no disadvantages of curtain-slot shutters.

The central shutter consists of several thin metal segments that are operated by a system of springs and levers. When you press the shutter release, the segments open the lens aperture from the center to the edges for a certain time (shutter speed), and then close it in the opposite direction. Hence the name of the shutter - central.

The central shutter, as a rule, is installed between the objective lenses together with the aperture, which significantly complicates its design and increases the cost. Central shutters can also be lens shutters, installed near the lens. For such shutters, the mechanism is located not in the lens body, but on the front wall of the camera.

Most cameras with central shutters do not use interchangeable optics, since these shutters are structurally connected to the lens. Therefore, each interchangeable lens must have its own shutter, and this increases the cost of photographic equipment. At the same time, central shutters have a number of advantages over curtain shutters: the connection with a photoexposure metering device is structurally simpler, which is very important for the production of semi-automatic and automatic cameras; allow you to take photographs with a flash lamp at any shutter speed; create uniform illumination at any point in the frame; work stably at low temperatures and do not distort rapidly moving objects.

Recently, a number of camera models have installed electronic shutters, which consist of shutters driven by an electronic unit. The main parts of the electronic unit are a capacitor, an electromagnet, a resistor and a miniature battery. When you press the electronic shutter release, the shutters swing back and allow light to enter the film. In this case, the shutters are captured by an electromagnet. Exposure occurs until the capacitor is fully charged. After this, the electromagnet turns off and the shutters close the shutter. The duration of charging the capacitor, and therefore the shutter speed, is regulated by a resistor. A special feature of electronic shutters is the stepless adjustment of shutter speeds in automatic cameras, which allows you to obtain the most optimal image density on film when shooting.

Viewfinders

Viewfinders are designed to determine the boundaries of the frame of the object being photographed. According to their design and principle of operation, they are divided into frame, telescopic and mirror.

The frame viewfinder consists of two frames of different sizes in accordance with the image field angle of the photographic lens. Observation is carried out from the side of the small frame. Framing accuracy with such viewfinders is low.

The telescopic viewfinder consists of a rectangular diverging lens, which acts as a vision limiter, and a collecting lens, which serves as an eyepiece.

This viewfinder provides both a direct and zoomed-out image. It is located higher and away from the lens, so the image seen in the viewfinder is not the same as the optical image on the photosensitive material. This phenomenon is called parallax error. Parallax is especially noticeable when photographing subjects at close distances. To correct parallax errors, some telescopic viewfinders are equipped with luminous framing and parallax frames, which help frame the frame more correctly.

In order to improve the convenience of using cameras, various scales and signal devices are sometimes introduced into the field of view of a number of viewfinders, providing certain information about the state of the camera and shooting conditions: whether the shutter is cocked, what shutter speed and aperture are set, whether shooting is possible under the existing light conditions for a given film, etc. d.

Some telescopic viewfinders have limiting frames in the field of view for interchangeable lenses. For the same purpose, universal viewfinders are used, which are installed on the camera in a special terminal. They are equipped with a turret, in which five viewfinders with the same ones are mounted. image field angles, as well as interchangeable lenses with focal lengths of 2.8; 3.5; 5; 8.5; 13.5 cm. Interchangeable viewfinders are also produced to work with only one interchangeable lens.

Mirror viewfinders come in over-camera and in-camera types.

The above-camera mirror viewfinder consists of a lens, a mirror located at an angle of 45° to the optical axis of the lens, and a lens. In addition, in the center of the lens there is a matte circle for focusing, the image of which is viewed through a magnifying glass. The image produced by the lens falls on the mirror. In this case, the path of the rays changes by 90 degrees, and the image on the lens is mirrored and reduced in relation to the photographed object. In addition, the image in the viewfinder is shifted relative to the image obtained on the photographic material due to the fact that the mirror viewfinder is located above the shooting lens.

The image in over-camera viewfinders must be viewed from above, for which the device has to be lowered to chest level. This type of mirror viewfinder is used in the “Amateur” model camera.

The in-camera mirror viewfinder with a pentaprism is more advanced. The main shooting lens is used as the viewfinder lens. When framing, a folding mirror is installed in front of the film. The direction of light rays passing through the lens is changed by 90° due to reflection from the mirror, and an optical image is obtained on the flat frosted surface of the lens. The image viewed through the eyepiece and pentaprism is obtained without mirroring or parallax. When the trigger is pressed, the mirror is thrown upward, the image on the ground glass disappears, and rays of light build an image on the photosensitive photographic material. For continuous observation of the subject (except for the moment of exposure), the mirror viewfinders of most cameras have a constant-sight mirror mechanism.

Lens focusing mechanisms

Focusing is done to align the optical image produced by the lens with the plane of the photosensitive material. Focusing is usually achieved by extending the entire lens or its front component. The following mechanisms for focusing the lens are used in photographic equipment: using a distance scale, using symbols, using frosted glass, using a rangefinder.

Focusing using a distance scale is used in almost all cameras. The distances to the subject being photographed are indicated on the lens barrel in meters. When focusing, it is necessary to determine the distance to the object being photographed as accurately as possible and set this value on the scale.

This is often done by eye, which is why this method is called eye-based. In this case, errors in determining the distance are possible. However, thanks to the depth of field inherent to each lens, the image is quite sharp. This aiming method is used in scale cameras that are simple in design.

Focusing using the symbol scale is not fundamentally different from focusing using the distance scale. Only instead of numerical values ​​of distances, conventional symbols are applied to the scale, indicating a portrait, group or landscape. The focusing technique is the simplest and boils down to installing the lens on one of the selected symbols. This focusing method does not require determining the distance to the subject and, with skillful use of the scale and average relative aperture values, allows for fairly accurate focusing. It is also used in scale cameras.

When focusing on ground glass, the correct installation of the lens is checked visually by the sharpness of the image obtained on the ground glass. This method is used mainly in cameras with a vertical viewfinder, as well as in studio cameras. A serious drawback of focusing on ground glass in single-lens reflex cameras is the need to focus the lens only with the aperture fully open, since only in this case the necessary brightness of the image is created on the ground glass. After focusing, the lens apertures to the required relative aperture value. However, stopping down may change the distance to the subject if the subject is also moving, requiring the lens to be refocused. To eliminate this shortcoming in SLR cameras. diaphragms of complex designs are used - persistent, jumping, pressure.

The quality of focusing is determined by the photographer's visual acuity, his ability to distinguish changes in sharpness on ground glass. To improve focusing accuracy, there are focusing wedges in the center of the frosted glass of SLR cameras. When focusing is inaccurate, the contours of the image on the line of contact of the wedges bifurcate. In the latest models of SLR cameras, micropyramids are installed in the center of the frosted glass in the form of a circle, forming a microraster. At the slightest defocus of the lens, the image in the microraster becomes unclear. In high-end SLR cameras, the following can be simultaneously installed: in the center of the frosted glass - focusing wedges, and around - a microraster in the form of a ring.

Focusing the lens using the rangefinder is the fastest and most accurate. Rangefinders are usually mounted inside the body of the device. There are several designs of rangefinder devices: with a rotating prism, with rotating wedges, with rotating lenses, etc. A rangefinder with a rotating prism is more often used. Let's consider the principle of its operation.

When the lens barrel is moved through a system of levers, the prism rotates. If you view your subject through a translucent mirror, then two images are visible simultaneously: one directly through the translucent mirror, the other after reflection from the rotating prism and the translucent mirror. When two images are visible in the rangefinder eyepiece, focusing is inaccurate. To obtain a sharp image, rotate the lens distance scale until these images are aligned.

All modern cameras have a combined rangefinder and viewfinder eyepiece. In cameras with rangefinder focusing, telescopic viewfinders are used, which often have a diopter device. A special movable lens is installed inside such viewfinders. By moving this lens using a lever, you can focus the image in the viewfinder. The diopter device allows people with low vision to use the viewfinder and rangefinder within ±3D.

Exposure metering devices

To obtain correctly exposed negatives at the time of shooting, it is necessary to set the exact shutter speed and relative aperture on the lens. These values ​​depend on many factors, but the main difficulty lies in assessing the illumination of the subject. The fact is that during the day the illumination varies within a very wide range. It depends on the time of year, cloudiness, geographic latitude, location of shooting and other factors. It is very difficult to estimate the illumination of the subject by eye with the accuracy necessary to determine the appropriate shutter speed. To measure illumination, and therefore

Determining shutter speed and relative aperture, i.e. exposure, most modern cameras are equipped with photo exposure metering devices, which significantly increase the usability of the device.

The main parts of exposure metering devices are a light receiver and a very sensitive microammeter and calculator attached to it. Selenium photocells or cadmium sulfide photoresistors are used as light detectors. Under the influence of light reflected from the subject, an electric current is generated in the photocell, the value of which is recorded by a microammeter. In this case, the arrow of the device takes a certain position depending on the illumination of the object. After this, the shutter speed and aperture are determined using the calculator scales.

To operate an exposure metering device on a photoresistor, a direct current source is required, for example a RC-53 battery or a D-0.06 battery. Photocells are usually installed on the upper front side of the camera or in the form of a ring around the lens. Photoresistors are more sensitive to light and take up less space than photocells, so they can be placed inside the camera behind the lens (TTL, Tee systems), on the viewfinder mirror, or on the edges of the pentaprism.

Exposure metering devices based on internal light measurement are more accurate in operation, since they take into account all the light passing through the lens onto the photographic film. In this case, the process of determining shutter speed and relative aperture is simplified.

Exposure metering devices installed in cameras come in three systems: non-automatic, semi-automatic and automatic.

Non-automatic exposure metering devices are not structurally connected to the lens aperture and shutter. Therefore, the shutter speed and relative aperture set by the exposure meter are transferred to the shutter and lens manually.

Semi-automatic and automatic exposure metering devices are interlocked with the shutter and lens, so they not only detect shutter speed and aperture, but also set these values.

In semi-automatic cameras, to automatically set the shutter speed and relative aperture, it is necessary, while observing in the viewfinder eyepiece, to align the tracking index with the microammeter needle by turning the “aperture” or “shutter speed” rings.

When working with automatic exposure metering devices, no additional manual operations are required (except for setting the film speed). When you press the shutter release, the aperture is automatically set and the shutter is released. These devices come in three types: scale, scale-free single-program and multi-program.

Scale automatic exposure metering devices are used in cameras of the highest class. They allow you to select the required shutter speed and relative aperture depending on the scene and shooting conditions. In cameras with such devices, the shutter speed is set by the photographer, taking into account the shooting scene. At the time of shooting, the aperture automatically adjusts to the set shutter speed. If the selected shutter speed-aperture pair is not suitable for the given shooting conditions, the shutter release is blocked. In automatic cameras, for greater efficiency, sections of the shutter speed and aperture scales are introduced into the field of view of the viewfinder. This allows you to select the required shutter speed-aperture pair without taking your eyes away from the viewfinder eyepiece.

Scale-free single-program automatic exposure metering devices are the simplest in design. They have one program, which limits the creative possibilities of the photographer. Each object brightness value corresponds to only one shutter speed-aperture pair. Even if the photographer knows this combination, he cannot change it at his own discretion. Such exposure metering devices are installed in simple cameras designed for beginners and undemanding photographers.

The mechanism of multi-program automatic exposure metering devices contains not one, but several different programs. Shutter speed and aperture are set automatically according to one of the programs selected in accordance with the shooting scene. An exposure metering device of this type is installed, for example, in the Sokol camera.

CLASSIFICATION OF CAMERAS

There is currently no unified classification of cameras due to the large number of their common and different design features.

Cameras are classified according to the format of the photographic material used and, accordingly, the frame format, the method of sighting and focusing, and the degree of automation of exposure setting.

In the group of special-purpose cameras, stereoscopic, panoramic and single-stage photographic process devices occupy a special place.

Stereoscopic cameras are designed to obtain three-dimensional images. They have two shooting lenses, with the help of which two stereoscopic images are obtained. When viewing this stereo pair through a stereoscope, you get the feeling of a three-dimensional stereoscopic image.

Panoramic cameras have an elongated frame format. Designed for shooting with a wide angle of coverage of objects (landscapes, interiors, architectural ensembles). Due to the movable lens system, their image angle is approximately 120°, which is significantly greater than the image angle of most wide-angle lenses.

Based on the method of sighting and focusing, cameras are divided into scale, rangefinder and reflex cameras; according to the degree of automation of exposure installation - non-automatic, semi-automatic and automatic.

SLR Cameras. A special feature of these cameras is the presence of a mirror viewfinder, thanks to which this equipment acquires a number of positive properties and is therefore in greatest demand. SLR cameras provide precise control of the boundaries of the frame being shot; their frosted glass produces an image of the subject at a scale close to the image on film. Moreover, observation of the object being photographed is carried out across the entire field of the viewfinder, since frosted glass conveys well the depth of field of the imaged space. Single-lens reflex cameras with a parallax-free viewfinder are used for a variety of applied photography, including micro-, macro- and reproduction photography, using interchangeable lenses and devices. The range of interchangeable lenses for single-lens reflex cameras is the widest, especially telescopic lenses with a long focal length (up to 100 cm). Thanks to this, the technical capabilities of SLR cameras are expanded. The production volume of mirror equipment is growing, manufactured models are being improved and modernized based on the latest achievements of scientific and technological progress.

CAMERA QUALITY REQUIREMENTS

All technical characteristics of cameras must comply with the technical conditions that are developed for each model.

It is advisable to divide the requirements for the quality of cameras into three groups: requirements for mechanisms, lenses and cases.

The placement of all components and mechanisms in the camera should be convenient for operation and maintenance. The camera must be lightproof when in working condition. Significant veil, dark dots and stripes on the developed photographic film indicate a violation of the camera's light-tightness. It is required that the internal surfaces of the camera be painted matte or semi-matte black. Missing colors are not allowed.

The camera should produce a sharp image across the entire field when taking photographs from all permissible distances. When focusing, the lens should rotate smoothly, without jamming, and reach its extreme positions without effort.

The camera shutter must operate smoothly no matter how the camera is positioned. Cocking and releasing the shutter should be smooth, without jerking, with a feeling of slight friction. It is necessary that the shutter operates reliably at all shutter speeds. Unintentional shutter release is not allowed. The synchronizer must ensure simultaneous firing of the shutter and flash lamp.

It is required that the film transport mechanism works freely, without jamming or damaging the film, the reel and cassette fit freely into the slots, are firmly held in them and can be easily removed for reloading. The leveling table and guide rails must be smooth and not scratch the film either on the emulsion side or on the reverse side.

Exposure metering devices must work reliably, the microammeter needle must respond to the action of light at the brightness set for a given device, shutter speed and aperture must be determined and set correctly.

All metal parts must be chrome-plated, nickel-plated or painted. Anti-corrosion coatings must be durable, free from stains and omissions. Paint drips, bubbles, and cracks are not allowed on painted surfaces. External surfaces must be free of dents, nicks, burrs and other defects that spoil the appearance of the device.

Inscriptions, indicator arrows and scale divisions must be clearly marked.

Glass defects such as bubbles with a diameter of more than 0.3 mm, stones, haze, midges, streaks are not allowed in the objective lenses, and on the surface of the optical glass - scratches, sanded bubbles, gouges, grease stains. There should be no dust particles, lint, varnish particles or shavings inside the lens. Unsticking of lenses, which is noticeable by rainbow spots and stripes, is not allowed.

It is necessary that the frame with the aperture scale have a smooth self-braking motion, ensuring the safety of the set position. The stroke of the diaphragm should be lighter than the stroke of the distance scale.

The protective cover should fit tightly onto the lens: when the device is tilted down, the cover should not spontaneously fall off the lens.

The camera case and shoulder strap must be made of leather or leatherette in brown or black. The seams of the case should be smooth, with uniform stitching, strong, with well-tensioned threads. Wrinkles, traces of glue and stains of various origins are not allowed. The cover of the case should fit freely onto the body of the case, the camera should lie tightly in the case and be firmly held by the tripod nut.

MARKING, PACKAGING AND STORAGE OF CAMERAS. RULES FOR CARE OF CAMERAS

On each camera and lens their name, manufacturer's brand, serial number of the camera and lens are indicated.

The camera in a case with accessories included in the kit is placed in a cardboard or foam box. (The list of accessories is indicated in the passport for the camera.) The outside of the box is sealed. A packing slip with the signature of the person who carried out the packaging and the date of packaging is placed in the box.

Unpacked cameras should be stored in a dry, heated room at a temperature of 5 to 45°C and a relative humidity of no higher than 65%.

Cameras must be handled with care. They should be kept clean and protected from shocks, shocks, dirt, dust, dampness and sudden temperature fluctuations. It is not recommended to remove the lens from the camera unnecessarily, as this may introduce dirt and dust into the camera. During operation, it is necessary to regularly clean the camera. Do not touch the surfaces of optical parts with your hands, as this may damage the coatings. Dust is removed with a soft brush or rubber bulb. The optical surfaces of the lens and viewfinder should be wiped with a light touch with a clean flannel cloth or cotton wool slightly moistened with alcohol or ether. The mirror and viewfinder lenses are cleaned only in the most necessary cases with a very soft and always dry brush.

Cameras should be stored in a closed case, with the lens cap closed and the shutter and self-timer in the lowered position.

At temperatures below 0°C, it is recommended to wear the camera under outer clothing and take it out only for the duration of shooting. A camera brought into a warm room from frost should not be opened immediately; it must warm up within 2 hours. Special operating rules in frosty weather are provided for cameras with exposure metering devices on photoresistors, the electrical circuits of which contain direct current sources. It must be remembered that the current source quickly breaks down from prolonged exposure to sub-zero temperatures, so such cameras should also be protected from hypothermia.

You cannot disassemble cameras yourself, as this can disrupt the adjustment of individual components. Any repairs and appropriate adjustments must be carried out by qualified specialists in repair shops.

The cost of a compact camera is its most important characteristic. You must understand that for 2-3 thousand rubles they are offering only, pardon the expression, rubbish, completely incapable of competing with even a simple smartphone. Such cameras have a high-resolution matrix, but this only affects the quality of the pictures for the worse. The owner of such a point-and-shoot camera will have to put up with a lot of digital noise and low detail.
The modest matrix found in cheap compacts can be blamed for all this. It was created using outdated CCD technology. Such a sensor is not capable of capturing the image in all details. And a large number of megapixels most often with this technology only does harm. The photocells simply interfere with each other, which is why so-called digital noise is displayed in the pictures.

Budget devices are also equipped with a low-quality lens. Through plastic lenses, light reaches the matrix with great losses. It is because of this that a person then observes a lack of clarity.

Camera matrix characteristics

Now let's take a closer look at some of the technical characteristics of the cameras. We'll go through all the most important components of the device. This will help you choose a good digital camera in the future, since you will only pay attention to the most necessary characteristics.


The matrix is ​​available in any digital camera. It was this element that replaced the film. This component captures color, converting it into a digital image. There are several sensor manufacturing technologies. CCD was mentioned above; such matrices are found in the cheapest cameras. The second technology is called CMOS. It is best to look for a compact with just such a sensor. However, such cameras cost a lot of money. And ultrazooms are still most often equipped with a CCD sensor. This is explained by the fact that an advanced matrix costs money. A lens with a wide range of focal lengths is also expensive. Therefore, you have to choose between it and the sensor. Otherwise, a compact camera will cost more than ten thousand rubles. And there are fewer buyers for such products.


You don’t have to think about the dimensions of the matrix. Compacts less than ten thousand rubles have a 1/2.3-inch sensor. This is about five times smaller than the frame area of ​​35mm film. Such characteristics of a camera matrix can now be called ordinary. Only the most expensive compact cameras have a larger sensor. Of course, they also shoot much better.

Now it’s also better not to pay attention to the sensor resolution. You just need to be wary of devices with 18-megapixel resolution. Such devices will supply images with a large amount of digital noise. If the matrix consists of 14 megapixels, then this is an ideal parameter! Don't be afraid, pictures of this resolution can be printed even in A4 format. And you don’t need more from a compact.

Camera Lens Specifications

Any camera “sees” the world around it using a lens. For compacts this part cannot be removed or replaced. Therefore, the characteristics of the lens must be at their best.


Each lens consists of a certain number of lenses. They can be either plastic or glass. The latter type costs the creators much more, so you won’t see such lenses in cameras costing 2-3 thousand rubles. There are also low dispersion lenses. This is also a certain type of glass that has maximum light transmittance.


Pay attention to the aperture of the optics. The lower the number, the better, the more light will reach the matrix. But all this will not play a special role if the owner of the camera is not allowed to manually adjust the aperture value. Please also check this detail in the specifications. If you learn to monitor shutter speed and aperture, you can easily switch to a DSLR or system camera in the future.

Almost every compact lens has some range of focal lengths. This parameter is also called optical zoom. It all depends on your needs. For some, 5x zoom is enough. Others sacrifice the compactness of the camera and purchase a device with 30x optical zoom, the lens of which is huge.

Digital cameras and their characteristics

It's hard to say anything special about the shutter. Usually this detail is of great importance in SLR cameras. Compacts often have a simple shutter that provides a shutter speed of 1/2000 of a second. The ability to manually adjust shutter speed is important. Only then will you be able to put the compact on a tripod, increase the shutter speed to a few seconds and take a beautiful night picture.


Any compact camera has a built-in flash. Pay attention to its power. Some models are capable of “hitting” at a distance of 7-8 meters. Others barely illuminate a person standing three or four meters from the lens. Expensive compacts are equipped with a “hot shoe” to which an external flash is connected. For many people, this is just a pleasant bonus, since they do not dare to purchase such an accessory for various reasons.

How to choose a good digital camera

Digital cameras and their specifications usually include instructions on the size of the LCD display. The cheapest models have a 2.7-inch screen. All other devices have a three-inch screen. And sometimes it is also equipped with a rotating mechanism - this helps to shoot from non-standard angles.

Don't forget to check the resolution of the LCD screen. If a given component consists of only a couple hundred thousand pixels, this is very bad. If the number of points is one million, everything is great. Only on such a display will you look at the picture in as much detail as possible. Touch capability is not important, since it is even more convenient to operate the keys in difficult conditions.

Video shooting
Every digital camera can shoot video. Video recording characteristics are very important for many people. You should be interested in only one parameter - the resolution of the video image. Cheap compacts only offer a resolution of 1280 x 720 pixels. Not bad, but on a large “plasma” the picture will seem slightly blurry. If you have such an opportunity, then purchase a compact with the ability to record video in Full HD resolution. This is the best option.


Also, different compacts may have different frame rates. Most often it is suggested to shoot at 25 or 30 frames per second. More expensive cameras are capable of recording video at 50 frames per second. You will notice the difference immediately; with an increased frame rate, the picture becomes smoother.

Summarizing
In this article, we have listed the most important technical characteristics that you should pay attention to when choosing a compact. In fact, there are other important parameters. For example, some devices have Wi-Fi and GPS chips. Compacts can also offer functions for shooting panoramas, HDR images, or even three-dimensional photos. But all this is rarely written about in the list of technical specifications. So don't forget to read digital camera reviews. It is in such articles that the maximum information is contained.

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