How to choose a camera for quality photos? Types of digital cameras What cameras are

Date of publication: 14.02.2017

How to choose a camera?

It is very difficult to understand all the abundance of photographic equipment on the market. Prices vary widely, and the feature set varies greatly. What kind of camera to buy? The purpose of this article is to help you choose a camera based on your goals and budget.

Camera types

Smartphone camera

The main trend of the photographic equipment market is relentless: smartphones are improving and are getting better at coping with tasks for which a camera was previously needed. A smartphone today is not only a means of communication and a camera, but also an audio and video player, a navigator, a game console and even a bank card with a travel card. And if you can forget the camera at home, then your smartphone and its camera are always with you. Another bonus: a picture taken on a smartphone can be immediately sent to friends or published on a social network.

Smartphones are available to almost everyone. If you do not take into account the top models from leading manufacturers, the average price tag is very democratic. Thanks to the emergence of high-quality Chinese smartphones, anyone can become the owner of an advanced device. But the prices for photographic equipment have skyrocketed after the dollar: nowadays, a serious camera is an expensive pleasure.

However, cameras in smartphones still have a number of disadvantages:

Poor quality of photos and videos. Smartphones have small image sensors, and their size affects the picture quality. Such sensors create more digital noise, which is especially critical when shooting in low light conditions. The appearance in some phones of shooting in RAW and manual settings is a pleasant innovation, but it did not make the weather.

EVA-L19 SETTINGS: ISO 320, F2.2, 2 s, 27.0 mm equiv.

Lack of optical zoom (except for a few specific models). You cannot shoot a distant object with high quality on a smartphone.

Lack of interchangeable optics, which would solve the problem of lack of zoom. Modern "lenses for smartphones" are attachments to the optics already in the phone and cannot be compared with high-quality interchangeable photo optics.

Let's summarize. A smartphone camera is suitable for solving household photo tasks, capturing the moment. However, for more or less advanced work with photo and video, it is better to choose a camera. Even to maintain an Instagram account, bloggers often use more specialized equipment, from action cameras to full-frame ones, rather than smartphones. SLR cameras... For professional photo and video shooting, more advanced tools are also used.

A smartphone should be considered as a camera if ...

• you do not plan to master photographic equipment and manual settings, but just want to take nice shots and selfies;
• you are a beginner blogger looking for a budget technique;
• you need a universal gadget for all tasks: from online communication to filming simple videos;
• you are a photographer who is tired of carrying a heavy camera with you (yes, a smartphone is perfect for many areas of creative photography).

Here are the three most relevant devices today:

Samsung Galaxy S7 edge

It has one of the best cameras on the mobile market, capable of delivering impressive results even at night. Take great underwater selfies with S7 edge! And the presence of a manual mode and the ability to shoot in RAW will be useful for advanced amateurs. You can save a little and buy a regular S7. It has a smaller display diagonal and, as a result, a slightly smaller size and battery capacity. The screen is not curved, but the camera is like in the S7 edge.

Huawei P9 and P9 Plus

The camera of this gadget was made in collaboration with the professionals from Leica. This is the most affordable Leica camera on the market. There is a handy photo application with a large number of modes, manual settings and shooting in RAW. One of the main features is a dual camera with two sensors: RGB and monochrome, each with a resolution of 12 megapixels. You can take both color and black-and-white pictures.

iPhone 7 Plus

iPhone is one of the most powerful engines of mobile photography. Over the 10 years of the existence of the smartphone, this direction has made great progress: confirmation of this - advertising campaign Shot with iPhone. The iPhone 7 Plus with 28 and 56 mm lenses (equiv.) Has one of the best mobile cameras of our time, the capabilities of which are extended by third-party applications (up to manual settings and shooting in RAW).

Compact Cameras

A separate class of compact cameras is superzuma (hyperzuma). They are equipped with very high zoom lenses ranging from 30x to 83x. It is difficult to call such devices compact, because due to the large lens, their dimensions are comparable to those of DSLRs. The main advantage of such cameras is the "long-range" zoom, which allows you to shoot significantly distant objects: a close-up of the moon, an airplane in the sky, a squirrel in a park, a titmouse on a branch. Otherwise, these cameras are made up of compromises. A small matrix, coupled with a long-focal, but not fast lens, will not allow you to get high-quality shots in low light conditions. Examples of models: Nikon Coolpix P900, Nikon Coolpix A900,.

Superzoom may be of interest to those who value high zoom magnification, simple all-in-one solutions and affordable price. Any system (DSLR or mirrorless) camera with a telephoto lens will give noticeably better results in both image quality and speed, but it will cost a little more and will require the purchase of additional optics.

Canon PowerShot SX540 HS / (65535) SETTINGS: ISO 1600, F4.5, 1/40 sec.

Advanced compact cameras

To survive the onslaught of smartphones, compact cameras had to evolve not only towards higher zoom, but also towards better picture quality. Today's class of advanced compacts is not a one-button "soap dish", but serious cameras, enclosed in a compact body and capable of competing with DSLRs and mirrorless cameras.

They are equipped with large matrices (from one-inch to full-frame), high-quality fast fixes or optics with moderate zoom. These cameras are fast and easy to use, they allow you to adjust all shooting parameters. Many advanced compacts are good at recording video: you can shoot with them in 4K resolution, use professional video recording functions.

Almost all modern advanced compacts have a convenient flip-down display. In some models, it can be rotated towards the lens, which makes such cameras a good solution for taking selfies and recording vlogs. Another advantage is the thoughtful design.

Reference representatives of this class: the Sony RX-100 line, in which a new product has recently appeared (DSC-RX100M5), Canon PowerShot G7 X Mark II, Canon PowerShot G9 X, Panasonic Lumix DMC-LX10 and others.

DSC-RX100M4 SETTINGS: ISO 125, F7.1, 30 s, 24.0 mm equiv.

Such cameras are convenient for travel, they do an excellent job of the second camera of a professional. If you are a beginner, but you have enough money for a camera from this segment, do not skimp: the quality of photos and videos will not disappoint you.

DSC-RX100M4 SETTINGS: ISO 2000, F3.5, 1/80 s, 70.0 mm equiv.

Advanced high-zoom compact cameras

It should be allocated in a separate class advanced compact cameras equipped with large matrices with a diagonal of 1 ″ and powerful zoom. The so-called bridge cameras inherit many of the features of superzoom, but have a number of features. They have more advanced control that allows you to quickly change settings and shoot in manual mode, a lens with a large zoom factor. The focal length range is not as wide as that of superzoom (usually from 8x to 20x), but there are also record holders with 30x or 40x zoom. Examples of models:, Canon PowerShot G3 X.

DSC-RX10M3 SETTINGS: ISO 125, F5.6, 1/250 s, 380.0 mm equiv.

This class of cameras will be of interest to those who want to switch from a simple superzoom to something more advanced, but so far either cannot afford a system camera, or do not want to mess with bulky interchangeable lenses.

Canon PowerShot G3 X / (65535) SETTINGS: ISO 4000, F5.6, 1/125 sec.

It is comfortable to travel with such cameras, to shoot family and everyday scenes. The picture quality is much higher than that of superzoom. But it should be borne in mind that in size they can be comparable to system (SLR or mirrorless) cameras and are somewhat inferior to them in image quality due to the smaller matrix size.

SLR Cameras

A DSLR is an excellent solution for the amateur photographer who plans to improve their skills, learn, and use all creative and technical photography techniques. DSLRs are equipped with large sensors (full-frame or APS-C standard), thanks to which you can get very high image quality. They are very flexible and suitable for all types of photography. You just need to choose the right lens.

Why is a DSLR camera called that? Its design is based on a movable mirror, which is necessary for sighting the frame through an optical viewfinder.

DSLRs designed for beginners can be purchased with a lens kit. Such offers are labeled kit. The whale lens is ideal for beginner photographers. Professionals choose optics for their tasks, ordering a camera without a lens in the body kit.

X-T2 / XF10-24mmF4 R OIS SETTINGS: ISO 200, F11, 1/8 s, 15.0 mm equiv.

SLR cameras entry-level are relatively inexpensive. They are able to last longer on a single battery charge than compacts and mirrorless cameras. This is very important when traveling and on demanding filming.

PENTAX K-1 / HD PENTAX-D FA 24-70mm F2.8ED SDM WR SETTINGS: ISO 100, F8, 20s, 24.0mm equiv.

All modern models have rich video recording capabilities. If entry-level devices become just a good family camcorder, then some advanced models are quite suitable for professional work with video.

ILCA-99M2 / 135mm F1.8 ZA SETTINGS: ISO 1600, F2.8, 1/100 s, 135.0 mm equiv.

However, cameras of this class are large. This is due to their design with a mirror inside, interchangeable lenses and a large matrix. The size of an SLR camera will depend on the size of the optics installed on it.

Canon EOS 5D Mark IV / Canon EF 24-70mm f / 2.8L II USM SETTINGS: ISO 100, F4, 1/60 sec

A DSLR is a whole system of devices and accessories. The purchase of a camera can be followed by the expense of lenses, flashes and other accessories that will be necessary if you are serious about photography.

Mirrorless Cameras

Mirrorless cameras are equipped with 1 ", Micro 4/3, APS-C and even full-frame sensors. Not so long ago, the first representatives of medium format mirrorless cameras appeared.

There are models for beginners and professionals on the market. Videographers are also fond of mirrorless cameras: some of them allow you to work with video professionally, many have a 4K recording function. There are models that have borrowed many of the functions and capabilities of professional camcorders.

ILCE-6300 / FE 35mm F2.8 ZA SETTINGS: ISO 100, F2.8, 1/500 s, 52.0 mm equiv.

But mirrorless cameras also have disadvantages. On average, a mirrorless camera "lives" on one battery charge 1.5–2 times less than a DSLR. Plus, autofocus is inferior in speed to SLR cameras.

X-T2 / XF10-24mmF4 R OIS SETTINGS: ISO 200, F9, 1/125 s, 18.0 mm equiv.

But this does not apply to advanced models: many cameras have a very powerful autofocus system, which can sometimes outperform DSLRs in speed. Another advantage is the ability to install lenses of other photo systems through adapters. There are adapters that support autofocus and even increase the aperture of the lens! With the help of them, you can significantly expand the fleet of used optics without losing the functionality of the camera.

Konstantin Voronov

Professional photographer with ten years of experience. Has been working for six years teaching activities... A journalist by education, author of courses and educational articles on photography. Sphere of interests - landscape, subject, portrait photography.

Today it is difficult to imagine that someone does not have a camera. And if not, then he will definitely appear in the near future. However, what kind of technique will it be and what will it be capable of? Even non-professionals know about the presence of "DSLRs" and that they are much better than "soap dishes". The modern classification of cameras is not limited only to these options. So, in order to choose the right model for yourself, it would be nice to know the basic types of cameras.

Since digital cameras are mostly used today, it makes no sense to talk about their predecessors - film. Although, thanks to them, photography became available ordinary people... Incidentally, this is one of the options for classifying cameras. There are others. However, many of them are understandable only to professionals, and it makes no sense to focus on them.

In a broad sense, all available digital photographic equipment models can be divided into 3 categories:

1. Compact.
2. Mirrored.
3. Hybrid.

Obviously, there is no ideal apparatus among them. Each camera has its own advantages and disadvantages depending on the situation. That is why they peacefully coexist on the market and easily find their consumer. However, in order to understand which option to choose for purchase, you should carefully study all types of cameras.

This category with someone's light hand in the common people is also called "soap dishes". Indeed, the simplest models of compacts in an inoperative state resemble this household item. However, do not immediately reject them and say that such cameras are only suitable for beginners. Among them there are interesting models that in some cases will be interesting even for high-level professionals.

First, it's worth understanding design features this type of cameras. They are distinguished by their small size, fixed lens and low matrix resolution. The first quality is the undoubted advantage of these cameras. However, for small dimensions you have to pay with the deterioration of other characteristics.

So, compacts usually do not have glass optics, which degrades the quality of shooting. What does this mean for the average consumer? The finished photographs capture both in-focus and out-of-focus subjects with equal sharpness. A truly high-quality shooting is possible only in good daylight, preferably outdoors and at a certain distance from the subject. Of course, this limits the photographer's options.

In addition, to reduce the cost, the "soap dish" uses the matrix with the lowest resolution. Typically 1/3 "to 2/3". It also prevents high-quality images from being taken in all conditions. For example, when using a compact, you should forget about shooting at night or moving objects. Photos will be blurry and dark.

However, for everyday shooting, a compact camera can be quite convenient. Most of them work on a "click and go" principle. You don't need to make any manual adjustments and focus on the subject for a long time. The manufacturer provides several options for automatic shooting, where suitable characteristics have already been selected. In more advanced models, the lens can be equipped with a zoom, which allows you to adjust the focal length.

Another undoubted convenience of compact cameras is the display viewfinder. On the outside screen, the photographer sees the same picture as on the finished photograph. True, on a sunny day, the LCD screen will show a highlighted image, and you will have to shoot almost blindly. In this case, an electronic viewfinder, which is found in almost all such cameras, can help.

In conclusion, I would like to note that compacts are the simplest models of cameras. They can help out if it is inconvenient to take a "DSLR" with you, and the shooting is supposed to be done on the street. And, of course, they are suitable for all those who do not want to delve into the intricacies of manual settings for professional photographic equipment. Those who are ready to pay a little more and get the picture quality close to the "DSLR" should pay attention to the prosumer cameras in this category.

There is no doubt that today these are the most demanded cameras among professionals. There are many reasons for this. However, first you need to understand its design features. This will help you understand why the quality of the images with a "SLR" is much higher than those taken with a compact.

The main differences between this type of camera and others are:

• removable lens;
• optical viewfinder;
• high resolution matrix (from ½ ”);
• manual settings are preferred for shooting.

All together, it allows you to get the high quality images that are so expected from professionals. To understand whether you need to buy such a camera for yourself, you need to understand in more detail each of these qualities.

So how does a DSLR work? The image through a complex optical system (in these cameras it is always glass) is reflected in the mirror, which is located at an angle of 45 degrees in relation to the viewfinder. As a result, the photographer sees the same picture as in the finished photograph. The deviation is no more than 5%. Even film cameras, beloved by some professionals, cannot boast of such quality.

As soon as the photographer sees the desired picture through the viewfinder, he presses the shutter release. At the same second, the mirror rises and the light hits the matrix. A characteristic click is heard, and the picture is taken. Less than a second elapses between the time the shutter is released and the button is pressed, allowing you to capture moving subjects and take continuous shots.

However, it is quite difficult to get a high-quality picture without a high-resolution matrix. Even in the cheapest DSLRs it is no less than ½ ”. Professionals prefer to choose models with a full-size matrix. What does this give in the end? Of course, more realistic and high quality pictures. The larger the matrix, the larger the photocell, and hence the better its photovoltaic characteristics.

Another point to look out for when buying a DSLR is the detachable lens. In the case of semi-professional equipment, usually one is included in the kit, with some averaged parameters. However, if we are talking about a DSLR camera for the pros, then usually only the "carcass" is sold. But a set of lenses (usually 2-3 pieces are needed to expand its capabilities) are purchased separately.

The last quality of all DSLR cameras is manual shooting settings. For professionals, this is undoubtedly an advantage. After all, they can customize everything as required. But to the layman it may seem difficult. Without preparation, it is more difficult to shoot high-quality images with a "DSLR" than with a "soap box". However, in the semi-professional technique, this fact is taken into account, and the control is made intuitive. In addition, the main control buttons are located on the body, which makes it easy and quick to set the desired shooting mode.

Perhaps the main disadvantage of DSLRs is the high price. Some models are inaccessible even to professionals. The price tag for them starts from 20 thousand rubles. But we also need lenses and others Consumables(memory cards, batteries, cables, etc.). Moreover, the price for professional cameras will already be at least 50-60 thousand rubles. Of course, not everyone dares to shell out such an amount for a camera for themselves.

V last years there were also so-called hybrids or "mirrorless", significantly pushing other types of digital cameras... They also, like SLR cameras, allow you to get high-quality images. However, their work is based on a slightly different shooting principle, which does not require a mirror. As for the rest, it is still the same "DSLR". To understand the pros and cons of a hybrid, you should carefully study its technical characteristics.

It is not for nothing that this type of camera got its name. It combines the advantages of compacts and DSLRs in itself, namely:

• compact size;
• removable lens;
• large matrix (like budget DSLRs);
• affordable price.

Thanks to the fact that the manufacturer managed to remove the mirror and the prism system, the dimensions of the hybrid camera are comparable to compact ones. This also reduced the cost. Today, a good hybrid can be bought for the same price as a budget DSLR. Of course, this led to the fact that many turned their attention to such cameras. Especially those who purchase equipment for their own needs.

However, to make the hybrid smaller, the manufacturer has abandoned the optical viewfinder in favor of the display one. Sometimes it is complemented by optical parallax. Of course, this is a disadvantage. However, this does not affect the quality of the images. Indeed, in most hybrids, the matrix has a good resolution, like that of budget SLR cameras. In the last year or two, hybrid cameras have appeared with a full-size matrix.

To bring them even closer to DSLRs, manufacturers have equipped the hybrids with removable lenses. This is undoubtedly a plus. True, one will still be included. As in the case of "DSLRs", it will have some averaged parameters. For special shooting options, you will already need an additional lens. And, of course, hybrid cameras give priority to manual settings.

Of the shortcomings of these cameras, one can also note the rapid consumption of batteries. This is mainly due to the use of an electronic viewfinder. Also, a lot of power is consumed during shutter operation. Unlike DSLRs, it is silent. Its response speed, however, is slightly lower than that of similar SLR cameras.

In general, we can recommend hybrids to those who would like to receive good pictures but not ready to shell out a lump sum. Of course, it is suitable for amateur photography and even professional photography, but with some limitations. Some photographers even have one such camera in their arsenal for those cases when the size does not allow taking a "DSLR" with them.

Instead of an epilogue

If you ask which camera is the best, of course, many will answer: "SLR". However, those who know well the types of cameras and their differences will not give such an unambiguous answer. So, compacts can be recommended to everyone who does not want to think about the settings. "DSLRs" are definitely needed for professional photography. Hybrids can be advised for those who want to get good pictures, but cannot afford an expensive camera. Of course, all 3 types of cameras perform the same function. However, replacing one camera with another will not work. The quality of the images is too different.

Flickr was one of the most popular photo hosting sites in the world a few years ago. People were uploading thousands of pictures per second, which allowed the service to keep very, very interesting statistics. So, for example, it was clear that most of the owners of "DSLRs" adore Canon. Or that many people liked to shoot with the supplied (so-called whale) lenses and did not bother changing optics. So it was, I repeat, just three or four years ago.

Do you know which camera manufacturer is the most popular right now? I will surprise you - Apple firms, iPhone 6, 5S cameras and so on. Do you know which photo maker is the second most popular? Samsung Galaxy... If you chuckle skeptically now, I will surprise you again. These two photos were taken with an iPhone 6. And if they are bad, then please throw a stone at me.

Side note: hereinafter, the photos are taken from the Camera Finder section of Flickr. I didn't delve into the sections specially, in fact, I took the first ones I liked

Hence, a very simple conclusion suggests itself - if you want to buy a simple soap dish for pictures, then it is better to buy good smartphone... First, you do it anyway. Secondly, you will greatly save space in your pockets and bag. Thirdly, none of the cameras has such a chic large display that allows you to evaluate the picture. Fourthly, the quality of your pictures will evolve along with the change of phone - as a rule, you will change your smartphone every 2-3 years, and the soap dish will gather dust in a drawer for years and it will not get better from this.

But if smartphones are as great as I say, then why haven't camera makers gone bent like Polaroid did? It's all about physics, my brother, it's all about physics.

For starters, a few boring terms. The quality of the images depends on two things (actually a lot, but we're simplifying now): the size of the sensor and the aperture value. Look, you need to photograph your neighbor Sveta (or neighbor Vanya) in all her / his glory. In order for all the beauty of Sveta to be completely captured on the matrix, a certain luminous flux must pass from Sveta through the lens. Logic shows that the wider the aperture (and the clearer the lens), the faster light will pass through it. This is called aperture ratio. Moreover, the larger the matrix, the better its individual points will capture beauty in all its nuances. What happens if the matrix is ​​small - then there is an overabundance of information for each of its points, and it messes up in colors and "makes noise". What happens if the aperture is small is that there will be less light coming through the lens, and you will need more time to work out the necessary details in the picture. And if you pull the camera at this moment, the picture will be blurry. The lower the aperture, the more firmly you need to hold the camera.

For obvious reasons, it is very difficult to fit a large matrix and a large aperture into phones, even if it is at least three times a smartphone. There is no room for a normal battery, but there is also some kind of lens. Each manufacturer solves these problems in different ways (for example, in the latest iPhones, the camera sticks out of the body), actively solving problems with the help of fine-tuning the software. But physics cannot be fooled.

That is why, if you shoot in the bright sun, pictures from a phone (again, a good phone) are difficult to distinguish from a camera. Some models even manage to make a beautiful blur of the background (the so-called bokeh). But as soon as the clouds run in or the twilight thickens, smartphones become helpless - they smear, make noise, and fearfully turn on the flash.

And when do cameras get better than smartphones?

Recommended models are Canon G16 (5x zoom, fast lens, fast focus). It is very good for its price.

Sample photo on Canon G16. Other photos on Flickr

Well, if you need an ultimately high-quality camera without bothering with lenses, then look at the Sony RX100 III - it is very expensive (about 45,000). But her photos can easily compete with professional DSLRs. As a rule, professional photographers like to take it with them as a second, spare pocket camera.

Sample photo on Sony RX100 III. More photos from Flickr

Well, no, I want a serious camera with lenses.

This design imposed certain restrictions, in particular, on the size of the camera itself - you understand, the system of mirrors must be crammed somewhere. But it was a dead end for amateur photography, so DSLR cameras were replaced by mirrorless cameras.

What it is? The removal of the mirror system has made the cameras smaller, lighter and more compact. However, they retain such advantages as a large sensor and the ability to change lenses. There is, of course, a fly in the ointment - along with the mirrors, the optical viewfinder disappears - i.e. we can no longer look through the lens. Well, in general, such cameras are a little more thoughtful.

As an entry-level camera with a low price, I would recommend the Sony A5100. The camera has a good balance of price and image quality.

In general, I would call it one of the best in the price range up to 25 thousand. You can use it as the included kit lens, or you can put in a luxurious 35mm F1 / 8 prime and start taking simply magical photos. The only problem is that such a fix will cost almost as much as another Sony A5100 camera. But this lens will not go anywhere and will come in handy with the subsequent upgrade.

The mirrorless is more serious

Sample photo on Olympus OM-D E-M10. More photos from Flickr

Ultimate mirrorless

The paparazzi are also very fond of these cameras, because you can screw a pancake lens onto an already small body, and the cameras will become completely compact.

Why are Fuji cameras so good? They are very, very well made. But the most important thing is Fuji lenses. In 2012, Fujifilm switched to a new mount (lens-to-body mechanism). As a result, where other firms have had to compromise on compatibility issues, Fuji has been able to make a good process connection. So, for example, lenses can change the firmware through the camera. For the same XF35mm fix, new firmwares are regularly released that improve image quality, focus, speed, and so on.

Surprisingly, despite the fact that the lens ruler under Fujifilm cameras much inferior to the same Canon and Nikon, you can find good lenses for almost any occasion. Yes, they won't be cheap, but their build quality and optical performance outperforms cheaper lenses from other manufacturers' cameras.

Something wrong review. Where is Nikon, where is Canon?

However, if you are looking for a larger camera, then I would suggest taking a closer look at the Nikon D3300. This is an entry-level DSLR that allows you to join the world big photo... At the same time, I would advise considering the Nikon 35mm F / 1.8G AF-S DX prime lens as the first additional lens.

In general, this is a rather funny nuance. As a rule, most novice photographers buy a zoom lens first, without realizing that most scenes within the city or in nature require either a wide-angle (so that everything is included in the frame), or a fix (to capture everything as the human eye sees) ...

Actually, that's why I always advise you to take a closer look at the fix first. As Andy Hendrickson of the Phoblographer blog writes: “ you could weld this lens onto my Nikon D7000 and I wouldn't complain. This is one of the cheapest Nikon lenses and one of my favorites. It has a surprisingly versatile focal length and aperture for handheld shooting in low light.».

If you want to understand what is closer to you, you can go to the simulator developed by Nikon and see how the optical zoom numbers affect the image.

Nikon D3300, again, is an entry-level camera. While DSLRs are definitely starting to outperform mirrorless cameras somewhere at the price level of $ 1000-1500 per device. And then I would advise you to look at the Nikon D7200 or Canon EOS 70D.

On the other hand, if you know why you need such a device, you are unlikely to read this text :)

Afterword from iCover:
Dear readers, we remind you that you are reading the blog of the iCover company, the place where you can get good advice or expertise in the world of gadgets. And, of course, do not forget to subscribe to us and we promise you will not be bored!

This article will focus on professional cameras. We will mention only five of them, and if you think that this is a very narrow sample, then we dare to assure: all the most iconic models of the market for 2017 will be covered. After all, there are really not so many professional cameras today.

Hu from hu, or Not everyone is given

Novice photographers, shop assistants and even some journalists in their reviews easily classify this or that camera as a professional one. At the same time, the manufacturers themselves are much more modest in their estimates. They consider only top-end cameras to be professional. Typically, these are SLR cameras designed for photojournalists. And we agree with this distribution of roles. Nevertheless, in order not to limit our review to only a couple of models, we have added cameras that, although they do not occupy a top position in the model range, have a narrowly defined specialization and are created specifically for professional use. This is the pinnacle of the modern photo world. It is with these cameras that the most interesting and expensive photographs are already being created today, which tomorrow you will see everywhere. Do you want the same for yourself? ..

Unkillable

The class of professional reportage DSLRs has existed for decades. At first they were film models, then digital came to replace them. But the main features of this class have remained unchanged from year to year. We are talking about the highest shutter resource at the time of the camera's creation, reliability, as well as high operating speed and perfect matrices for shooting in difficult lighting conditions. It is with such cameras that the World Cup and Ice Hockey Championships, the Olympic Games are filmed (for quick transfer of photos from the sports arena, they even have an Ethernet connector, which is a mandatory technical requirement). It is with such indestructible "tanks" that reporters travel to the hot spots of the planet. Dust and moisture protection, metal case, battery life for thousands of frames - there is no other way in complex professional work.

Particular attention is paid to image quality in these models. The resolution should be sufficient for printing on a relatively large scale (A2 format is not a problem!), And at the same time the camera should have high operating values ​​of light sensitivity in order to make it possible to photograph in any lighting conditions. As a rule, the sensors of these cameras are unique and are not installed in other models. Their resolution is small by modern standards - about 20 megapixels. The frame format is 24x36 mm.

Canon EOS-1D X Mark II

Canon has been tied with Nikon in the professional photography segment in recent years and even decades. One can argue endlessly which of the cameras is better, there will still be no unambiguous solution. Therefore, we have arranged the cameras alphabetically.

Formally Nikon D5 is a bit slower. The maximum speed is "only" 14 frames per second. But in practice, this difference is not felt.

NIKON D5 / Nikon AF-S Nikkor 70-200mm f / 2.8G ED VR II SETTINGS: ISO 400, F6.3, 1/1250 s, 200.0 mm equiv.

A jet plane flying overhead? Not a problem: the camera will have time to take more than a dozen shots, of which it will take a long time to choose the most successful one, because all of them will be correctly focused and exposed.

NIKON D5 / Nikon AF-S Nikkor 70-200mm f / 2.8G ED VR II SETTINGS: ISO 400, F8, 1/1250 s, 180.0 mm equiv.

This camera is literally made for shooting in any conditions. The night presents no difficulties for him. Traditionally, such models do not have a built-in flash, and it is often not needed. After sunset, with poor city lighting, you can get the same high-quality footage as during the day. And without any tripod.

NIKON D5 / Nikon AF-S Zoom-Nikkor 24-70mm f / 2.8G ED SETTINGS: ISO 25600, F8, 1/320 s, 24.0 mm equiv.

This camera can also shoot 4K video (albeit using only the central part of the sensor for this), has a touch interface along with a huge number of separate convenient buttons. And all so that you can change all the parameters even in complete darkness by touch. In short, a tank in the world of photography.

NIKON D5 / Nikon AF-S Nikkor 70-200mm f / 2.8G ED VR II SETTINGS: ISO 800, F11, 1/400 s, 200.0 mm equiv.

Sony ILCE-9

To be on top together in conditions modern market- an impermissible luxury. Therefore, in 2017, Sony decided to press the top segment of DSLRs with the new mirrorless model Sony ILCE-9. The event itself is significant. Firstly, Sony has never made cameras in this segment. Secondly, the mirrorless is so high professional level we have not seen before either. And, finally, the characteristics of the novelty are so high that, according to formal indicators, they plug the representatives of the mirror segment into the belt. Sony Alpha 9 has just been announced and has not visited us in Prophotos for deep testing, so it is premature to draw final conclusions about its superiority. But let's talk about the outstanding characteristics.

At the heart of the image is an all-new 24-megapixel full-frame sensor. It is manufactured using back-illuminated technology, which expands the possibilities for shooting in poor lighting conditions. But even this is not the main thing in him. The sensor has a so-called stack memory built into the same chip. We have previously seen a similar solution in the Sony Xperia XZs and XZ Premium smartphones and cameras of the Sony DSC RX family. The secret is that such a solution significantly (up to 20 times) increases the speed of reading data from the matrix. This means that it becomes possible to work with an electronic shutter and shoot with high speed... The rate of fire here is up to 20 frames per second! The buffer size is up to 200 frames in RAW. The characteristics are quite reportage.

The matrix is ​​stabilized: the optical stabilizer compensates for camera movements along five axes and keeps working even with third-party optics installed through adapters.

But that's not all: in Sony camera Alpha 9 uses a lot of high technologies. This is a high-quality 4K video recording, a touchscreen display, and smart 4D autofocus. The novelty turned out to be at least interesting. Top photographers using photo agency techniques will not switch to the A9 en masse and quickly - they will not change their habit. Someone will miss the optical viewfinder (although a unique electronic one with a resolution of almost 4 megapixels is used instead of it), someone - a park of optics. But the A9 will surely find its buyer in other genres: from wedding to professional travel. Perhaps a significant gain in weight will play a role. The mirrorless is much lighter!

When quality is a priority

In professional digital photography, there have always been two different approaches to assessing image quality. Traditionally, there have been genres that require images to be captured in medium or even low resolution, but in extreme conditions. For them, the cameras that we wrote about above are created. But there is a segment where a high resolution and accurate color reproduction - main element... Speed, convenience, weight and size of photographic equipment can be sacrificed to them. Such cameras are used for landscape, advertising, fashion photography. And if earlier it was about bulky studio "monsters", then recently the models have become really compact and sometimes even mirrorless.

Hasselblad X1D-50c

At the same time, each individual pixel also turns out to be relatively large, and this is a guarantee of correct color reproduction, a wide dynamic range, and the absence of noise even at relatively high ISOs. We remember that high quality is a priority here!

The camera turned out to be very "advanced" and therefore controversial in many respects. It combines many previously incompatible features. This is the most compact medium format. Not a poor and advanced photographer can easily use it instead of a regular camera for everyday shooting or travel, reaching a fundamentally new level of image quality. It's almost entirely touch-based, making the Hasselblad X1D-50c easy and simple to operate.

At the same time, the purely studio advantages of the system are preserved. For example, the central shutter of lenses allows you to work with any values ​​of sync speed: from 60 to 1/2000 s. Shooting in the open air with powerful studio light is Hassel's element.

Hasselblad X1D INSTALLATION: ISO 100, F9, 1/125 sec

The experience of working with the Hasselblad X1D-50c has revealed a number of camera features associated with its slowness and sluggishness, especially in comparison with the previous segment of professional cameras. But for such a high image quality, the camera can be forgiven for everything. A professional photographer should always understand exactly why he needs this or that tool.

Canon EOS 5DS

No, this is not a top-end DSLR like Canon EOS-1D X Mark II, its characteristics are more modest. But it is capable of shooting in almost any conditions, with fast autofocus, rate of fire, and even relatively high sensitivity.

Canon EOS 5DS / Canon EF 16-35mm f / 4L IS USM SETTINGS: ISO 3200, F4, 1/10 sec.

Of course, in terms of RAW editing capabilities, the camera will give way to medium format solutions. However, the loss in real resolution will not be so great. But in terms of autofocus speed, continuous shooting (up to 5 frames / s) and a number of other parameters, the advantage is obvious. The camera and optics are significantly cheaper than the medium format. Moisture protection, albeit not the same as that of the top models, is also implemented here. And the battery life easily passes through half a thousand frames.

Canon EOS 5DS / Canon EF 16-35mm f / 4L IS USM SETTINGS: ISO 100, F4, 1/800 sec

The consistency of this camera will also be an important plus: Canon lenses EF on the market - hundreds of models! Not all of them work perfectly with a 50-megapixel matrix; it is not always possible to save on optics. But still, her choice, including specific and rare models, is simply huge.

Canon EOS 5DS / Canon EF 70-200mm f / 2.8L IS II USM SETTINGS: ISO 100, F5, 1/640 sec.

This is a solution for those photographers who want to do commercial photography and sell their images in maximum quality, but at the same time have to work in absolute different conditions shooting (up to extreme) and without reference to a specific genre.

What types of cameras are there? Today we are going to talk with you about the most popular types of digital cameras. Perhaps this will help someone decide when buying a camera. And for the rest, I hope this information will be interesting and informative. Go!

Soap-type compact cameras
What is a soap dish? Many people hear this word, but not everyone knows what type of cameras I call it. In fact, a "soap dish" is the simplest and cheapest compact digital camera. Prices for this type of cameras start at 2 thousand rubles. Most digital "point-and-shoot" cameras do not have manual shooting modes, a rather bad fixed lens with a variable focal length, but the saddest thing is that this type of camera has the smallest sensor of all. Because of this, the quality of the resulting images is the worst of all cameras.

What is a "soap box" in a nutshell: a small matrix, poor built-in zoom lens, lack of manual modes in most cases. But at the same time, this type of compact has advantages: the smallest size among all digital cameras, the lowest price.

Sony Cyber-shot DSC-W730 - a typical representative of the class "soap box"

Ultrazoom compact cameras
What is "ultrazoom"? In fact, this is the same "soap dish", but of a larger size. Usually "ultrazoom" is more convenient than a soap dish from the point of view of ergonomics. The main difference is a built-in lens with a universal high-magnification lens. Zoom from 20 to 50 is the norm for "ultrazoom". As you may have guessed, the quality of photos from this type of camera is no better than from a regular soap dish. It's just that the camera itself is more versatile.

What is "ultrazoom" in a nutshell: it is a "soap box" with a large lens. Everything else does not distinguish this type of cameras from the previously considered compacts.

"Ultrazum" Olympus SP-820UZ

Advanced compact cameras
Not always compact camera Is a bad camera. There is a number of proofs for this. The excellent compact Fujifilm x100s immediately comes to mind. There is a matrix comparable in size to a crop DSLR, manual modes, and a fast lens. A distinctive feature of such cameras is that they usually have a fixed focal length lens. In the case of Fuji, this is a lens with an equivalent focal length of 35mm (i.e. the actual 24mm or so). Today, the full-frame Sony RX is the leader among compacts. The first compact with such a huge matrix. The price of this miracle is more than 100 thousand rubles.

What is an advanced compact in a nutshell: it is a small camera with a good matrix and optics. The main disadvantages are the impossibility of changing lenses and the high price. Some compacts at this level outperform amateur-level DSLRs.

Fujifilm X100S is an excellent compact camera at a price of almost 50 thousand rubles

System (mirrorless) digital cameras (EVIL-cameras) or "mirrorless"
What is a mirrorless camera? It is an interchangeable-lens digital camera that does not have a mirror and optical viewfinder, respectively. These are the main differences between these cameras and DSLRs. Due to a different technology, it was possible to achieve a more compact size of cameras, despite the fact that the matrices in EVIL cameras correspond to those of amateur "DSLRs". And more recently, a full-format Sony A7r with a 36MP matrix was released, which, according to the results of tests of respected publications, is practically not inferior to the professional Nikon D800, which at one time surprised the public with its characteristics precisely in terms of the matrix.

What is a "mirrorless" in a nutshell: it is a small camera with excellent matrix characteristics, the ability to change lenses. Disadvantages in comparison with "DSLRs": no optical VI, a small fleet of optics, worse ergonomics.

Sony Alpha A7R is the best mirrorless camera to date

DSLRs or DSLRs
What is a DSLR? This is an interchangeable-lens camera. Unlike "mirrorless" cameras, it has an optical viewfinder, which displays a real ("live") picture of the object being shot due to the design of the camera based on transmission luminous flux from the camera lens through the mirror directly into the viewfinder. During photography, the mirror rises, and instead of the viewfinder, the image enters the matrix, thus saving the image.

What is a "DSLR" in a nutshell: in the days of film - an exclusively professional technique, which with the advent of digital technologies made its way to the masses. DSLR cameras surpass the previously announced types of cameras in terms of the combination of properties: fast focusing, high-speed shooting, a large fleet of optics from popular manufacturers, and excellent ergonomics.

Canon 1Dx - Best Canon DSLR

Digital cameras with translucent mirror
These cameras are sometimes referred to as "DSLRs". Cameras with a translucent mirror are manufactured by Sony. Visually, they do not differ from mirrors. The main difference is the absence of a lifting mirror. A translucent mirror is used instead. These cameras do not have an optical viewfinder - in Sony devices it is an electronic one. This is one of the camera menus from the point of view of many photographers. The second minus is that part of the light is delayed by a translucent mirror.

What is a camera with a translucent mirror in a nutshell: these are cameras Sony, which in essence are similar to "DSLRs", but differ in the technology of transferring the light flux from the lens to the matrix and viewfinder.

Sony Alpha SLT-A99 - Full Frame Translucent Mirror Camera

Rangefinder digital cameras or "rangefinders"
What are rangefinders? The class of cameras, quite popular in the film era, is now represented by the elite Leica M9 and Leica M. These cameras have a full-frame sensor. They are more compact than SLR cameras. The prices for the "rangefinders" and optics themselves are sky-high. The camera costs about 300 thousand rubles, lenses from 100 thousand rubles. Leica is like a Bentley, only a camera.

What is a "rangefinder" in a nutshell: today it is a very expensive image item. These cameras are purchased in units. And many photographers sigh sadly when they hear "Leica M" ...

Leica M - the most expensive modern "rangefinder", the dream of many photographers

Medium Format Digital Cameras
The medium format camera is the last thing to talk about today. These are the most expensive digital cameras today. They surpass all others in terms of the final picture thanks to the medium format matrix, which is physically larger than the full format. These are cameras exclusively for pros, they cost a lot of money, lenses for them are also very high quality and expensive. For example: Leica S2P and Hasselblad H5D-60 cost over a million rubles for a version without a lens. One of the cheapest medium format cameras - Pentax 645D - costs about 300 thousand rubles.

What is a medium format camera in a nutshell: this is a very expensive camera for professionals, which surpasses all other types of cameras in the quality of the photos taken.

The Hasselblad H5D-60 is an advanced digital medium format camera. There is nowhere more professional

Outcome
We have covered the most popular classes (types, types - call it what you want) of modern digital cameras. I hope this article helped you understand all the variety of cameras on the market today. Happy choice and good shots to everyone!