What to choose? DSLR vs. Mirrorless. What is a DSLR camera and why is it better in terms of photo and video shooting?

Usefulness of information

One of the most popular and widespread activities for people around the world today is photography. And, of course, in the current age of scientific progress, the development of technology has also affected photographic equipment. Those who engage in professional photography and video shooting are naturally aware of the characteristics, features and nuances of the various types of equipment used. But if you are a beginner who is looking to improve your professional level, or just an amateur, and photography for you is just a hobby and a way to have a good time, then you should know the difference between an SLR camera and a digital one. This article is dedicated to describing the differences between them.

Main difference

First, it is worth noting that a SLR camera can be digital or film, and a digital camera can be an SLR or not. The main and most important distinguishing feature is that in a SLR camera, the image that you see in the viewfinder ends up on its matrix or film without any changes or distortions. This occurs due to the fact that the flow of light passing through the lens of the device falls on the mirror, which, in turn, directs this flow to the viewfinder. At the moment when a picture is taken, the mirror is deflected, and the stream no longer hits the viewfinder, but the matrix or film. Therefore, at the end you get exactly the photo you expected. Another advantage of a DSLR camera is the presence of a good LCD display. This allows you to evaluate the structure of the frame in detail.

More differences

There are several more important points in the question “what is the difference between an SLR camera and a digital one”:

• Using a SLR camera, you can independently set the parameters for shooting: focus, aperture, shutter speed, and all this will be displayed on the display.
• A DSLR camera has a larger matrix and better color rendition. It is also possible to change the lens and flash, use filters and hoods.
• The instant focusing of a DSLR allows for multi-photographing with excellent quality.
• The difference is in size: a good SLR camera will be much larger than its digital counterpart. The same applies to the price. “Digital” is always cheaper.
• There are other more detailed details about how a DSLR camera differs from a digital camera. But we now know the main differences.

Market leaders

Many companies and manufacturers offer a huge range of photo and video equipment. Both an amateur photographer and the most sophisticated professional can choose the option that suits them. But there are undeniable leaders in the market, for example, Canon cameras. Mirror and digital models are of excellent quality and design. You can also note the companies "Nikon", "Olympus", "Kodak". When choosing, focus on them.

Summary

So, having figured out how a SLR camera differs from a digital one, we can draw certain conclusions. If you need a compact and budget camera in order to take pretty good, but still ordinary photographs of the moments of your life, then a digital camera will suffice. If you are committed to serious professional work, if you need photographs of the highest quality, then you simply cannot do without an expensive SLR camera.

So, what does a digital SLR camera mean? How is it built?

This is a camera in which the viewfinder lens and the lens for capturing the image are the same. In addition, such a camera uses a digital matrix, which is designed to record images.

If the camera is not a SLR, then the viewfinder receives an image from a separate small lens, which is most often located above the main one. In a conventional camera, that is, a point-and-shoot camera, the image is displayed on the screen and goes directly onto the matrix.

In a regular digital SLR camera, light passes through the lens. Then the light reaches the diaphragm. The aperture regulates the amount of light. Then the light reaches the mirror, is reflected and passes through the prism. This is necessary to redirect it to the viewfinder. Additional frame and exposure information is added using the information display.

What happens when a photograph is taken?

The mirror of the camera device rises and the camera shutter opens. At this moment the light falls directly on the camera matrix. Photographing takes place, that is, the frame is exposed. The shutter closes and the mirror lowers. The camera is ready to shoot again. This process that we have described happens very quickly! Time is measured in just fractions of a second!

So, we figured out how a digital SLR camera works. But how to choose yours among a huge variety of different models?

How to choose a digital SLR camera?

The question: which SLR digital camera to choose worries many people.

The first thing you need to pay attention to is - full frame or crop? That is: which format should you choose? There is a full-frame matrix and a trimmed, that is, “cropped” version.

If you are not a professional photographer, then the best choice for you would be a model with a reduced matrix. Why? Because such a choice are models that have a lower price. Important! It is almost impossible to get excellent quality photographs on a full-format sensor if you use an inexpensive lens. The slightest flaws will be noticeable. On the crop they will be practically invisible.

The second point that you need to pay attention to when buying a camera is the manufacturer. Solving the problem of which digital SLR camera to choose often begins with which manufacturer to choose. And there is a reason!

So, manufacturing companies.

Undoubtedly, among all companies producing cameras, the recognized leaders are:

• Canon;
• Nikon;
• Sony, largely thanks to the purchase of Konica-Minolta.

• Pentax;
• Olympus;
• Samsung.

It is generally accepted that Canon and Nikon are the best manufacturing companies. It should be taken into account that the cost of photographic accessories from Canon is the highest. At the same time, ease of use is somewhat inferior to Sony and Nikon cameras.

Sony cameras have a very big advantage - a stabilization system built into the body. Thanks to this, the company was able to significantly reduce the cost of optics for these cameras.

Now let's consider the next, very important point: increase, that is, Zoom.

It should be noted that a function that almost all digital cameras have is the ability to zoom. What is this? Magnification is a change in focal length.

The editors of Audio and Video are convinced of the persistence of the myth: “the larger the zoom, the better.”

This is an erroneous statement! Zoom is a derived value that shows the ratio of the maximum and minimum focal length. What depends on focal length? To put it simply, this is everything that will be included in the frame when photographing. This function allows the photographer to get a convenient cropping of the image. It turns out that the photographer can remove everything unnecessary from the frame even at the shooting stage.

You are going to film gatherings with friends. If your minimum focal length is too long, then your faithful friends will simply not be included in the frame.

Zoom happens:

• optic;
• digital.

The first one is the best and highest quality. This is magnification using optics. In this case, the increase is achieved by changing the focal length of the lens.

Digital Zoom: With this method of enlargement, the finished image is simply stretched using software. This is a bad choice. An example is the following: you found a beautiful picture on the Internet and decided to decorate your desktop with it. The picture is small in size and when stretched it turned out fuzzy.

We conclude: when choosing a Zoom, you should only pay attention to the optical one.

And now about megapixels and real sensitivity. In fact, for a large number of photographers this characteristic is very important. But this is not entirely correct, because when choosing a camera, you should first of all look not at megapixels, but directly at the quality of photographs at high sensor sensitivity values.

Body or Kit?

Everyone knows that high-quality optics cost more than the camera itself. And it must be said that the development of electronic technologies does not affect the cost of optics. This is why most professional photographers keep the same lenses when changing cameras. Manufacturers take this into account, and their old optics are suitable for new camera models.

Important point! All photographers have different tasks! A choice should be made based on this factor. You may need different lenses: short-focus, long-focus, portrait, and so on. Therefore, manufacturing companies make it possible to purchase a camera separately and a lens separately.

This is called Body. That is, it means a complete set.

What if the buyer is not a professional and does not understand what he needs?

For such “dummies” there is a choice: manufacturers offer a “camera + lens” set. What does this set represent? This is: a “universal” lens. This lens is the optimal solution for beginners. The cost of such a lens is relatively low, since mass production has been established.

So, the conclusion: digital SLR cameras for dummies are a “camera + lens” set. Often such a kit includes two lenses: short-focus and long-focus. The purpose of such lenses is to shoot at close and long distances.

But if the photographer does not expect to buy interchangeable lenses from the very beginning, then the best option would be a “kit” set with them. An excellent choice is two lenses, because the price of such a set will be much less than if purchased separately.

When choosing a camera, you should pay attention to the classes.

So, there are entry-level cameras, amateur cameras and semi-professional cameras. The first are the most technologically disadvantaged. Manufacturers compensate for these characteristics with automatic modes with various tips for dummies. Attention: the cost of such cameras is comparable to advanced point-and-shoot cameras.

Amateur cameras are undoubtedly the best option if you are purchasing your very first camera and the person is not yet familiar with all the possibilities of digital photography. The advantage of this choice: relatively low price and compact size. This is the choice for travel lovers.

Semi-professional cameras are for those who are quite familiar with photography. Plus: convenience. A large camera, paradoxically as it may sound, is more convenient to shoot. Semi-professional cameras have improved ergonomics. They often have additional controls designed for quick access to certain settings.

What is the main selection criterion here? Undoubtedly, solvency should be taken into account here. As the class of the model increases, both the characteristics of the cameras and their cost increase. Please note: the cost of the lens must be taken into account.

The first is the best and highest quality, magnification using optics. In this case, the increase is achieved by changing the focal length of the lens.

Suggestion from the editors of Audio and Video: Nikon D5200.

The Nikon D5200 with an 18-55 mm lens can confidently be placed in first place in the ranking of entry-level SLR cameras. That is, such cameras that are intended for “dummies”. This is an excellent choice for family and leisure photography while traveling. The Nikon D5200 has excellent photo and video quality in its class. There is a price-quality ratio. The disadvantages include the lack of a focusing motor, which, of course, limits the choice of lenses. But, if you compare this model with the D5100, this camera has an improved autofocus system. We recommend that you immediately purchase a 55-300mm telephoto lens in addition to the 18-55mm one that comes with the kit.

The Nikon D5200 camera is a CMOS matrix, 23.5x15.6 mm (DX format), 24.1 MP; maximum resolution 6000x4000; ISO sensitivity 100 x 6400 in 1/3 EV steps (can be increased to ISO 25600 equivalent); continuous shooting up to 3 or 5 frames per second; Full HD video recording; shutter speed from 1/4000 to 30 s; USB 2.0 interface; SDXC, SD/SDHC memory cards; the approximate price of Nikon D5200 18-55 VR Kit is $650. Quite a decent choice for the money!

What does Canon offer?

We draw your attention to the Canon EOS 650D. This is the third generation of entry-level DSLRs with an 18-megapixel sensor, a bright 3-inch screen, and a 9-point autofocus system. It is possible to record video with Full HD resolution. Now auto focus has become hybrid, and the rotating display has become touch-sensitive. The camera is equipped with the latest DIGIC 5 processor, which enables continuous shooting at 5 fps and a built-in stereo microphone. The camera was announced back in 2012 and went on sale shortly thereafter.

In North America it is called the EOS Digital Rebel T4i, in Japan it is called the Canon EOS Kiss X6i. Retail price: $650 for camera without lens, $720 for kit with Canon EF-S 18-55mm F3.5-5.6 IS II lens and $950 for kit with EF-S 18-135mm F3.5-5.6 IS STM lens . And now this camera is very popular and was included in the ranking of the ten best “DSLRs” for non-professionals in 2013.

Well, what about the third leader - Sony? What does she offer?

Audio and Video Editors' Choice is the Sony SLT-A58. Sony SLT-A58 is an amateur SLR camera based on a translucent mirror. The design is equipped with a new Exmor APS HD CMOS sensor. Sony SLT-A58 is high resolution and excellent picture quality.

One of the important indicators of the current trend is the rotating LCD screen. The interface, of course, is not as rich as in semi-professional SLR cameras, but still quite powerful. And ambitious photographers have full access to all the basic functions. Among the design solutions is the presence of AF​/MF levers on the side panel. This is great if you want to use lenses that are not compatible with the DSLR series. The camera is powered by a removable lithium-ion battery NP-FM500H with a capacity of 1600 mAh (7.2 V). The camera has a standard flash opening. The flash has a standard power - guide number 10. If you are going to use the flash often, then you need to be patient, since charging between successive shots takes from 3 to 5 seconds.

The Sony SLT-A58 has a 4:3 aspect ratio LCD screen with a 3-inch diagonal and a resolution of 460,000 pixels. It is possible to use an OLED EVF viewfinder , which is a characteristic element for a DSLR SLR. The heart of the camera is an Exmor HD CMOS sensor with a resolution of 20.1 megapixels. You'll have access to a sensitivity range of ISO 100 - 16000, and an electronic shutter ranging from 30 - 1/4000 sec. Aperture F3.5 - 5.6. You can rely on 4x digital zoom. All these characteristics will give good image quality, which can be called above average.

Now let's talk about the choice for professionals. For this group of consumers there is a professional digital SLR camera.

What can the leading manufacturer Canon offer professional photographers? Canon offers two professional lines: 1D with an APS-H sensor size and 1Ds with a 36x24mm sensor size. If we look at it in total, there are eight models in these lines. This is less than in the lines of semi-professional DSLRs, but the choice is very worthy. It is quite obvious that the cost of Canon SLR cameras for professional use is high. But the excellent quality of the equipment is worth it! The price-quality ratio is present here.

Thus, the Canon EOS 1 D X professional DSLR camera is very popular . Canon EOS 1D X - This a combination of speed, high resolution and excellent image quality. These cameras are designed for reportage and studio photography. Canon EOS 1 D X is: 18.1 MP matrix (36×24 mm) / 3.2" screen / shooting speed 14 fps / video 1920×1080 /. The camera weighs 1585 g. In the rating of cameras for professional use, this camera took second place.

What does Nikon offer? According to the rating of professional cameras, Nikon D4 took first place. This is by far the fastest and most powerful professional camera available. Nikon D4 is: 16.2 MP matrix (36×24 mm) / 3.2" screen / shooting speed 11 fps / video 1920×1080 /. The camera weighs 1340 g

The best mid-level professional camera was the Canon EOS 5D Mark III. This camera has a 22.3 MP matrix (36×24 mm) / 3.2" screen / shooting speed 6 fps / video 1920×1080 / and weighs 950 g

Among the budget models, it is worth highlighting the Nikon D4 600. This camera has become the best budget full-frame SLR camera. It has the advantages of exceptional image quality, lightweight body and relatively affordable price. Nikon D4 600 has a 24.3 MP matrix (35.9 x 24 mm) / 3.2" screen / shooting speed 5.5 fps / video 1920 × 1080 / and quite light weight - 850 g

And among the budget cameras from Canon, it is worth noting the Canon EOS 6D camera, which is a full-frame budget DSLR. Here, savings were achieved by cutting down capabilities that are important only for a very narrow circle of super professionals. Canon EOS 6D has a 20.2 MP matrix (36 x 24 mm) / 3" screen / shooting speed 4.5 fps / video 1920 × 1080 / and light weight - 755 g

Choosing a digital SLR camera is not an easy matter. We hope that we have been able to clarify this issue for you.

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Technological progress does not stand still; every day photo and video equipment becomes more and more accessible to ordinary people. Of course, this was not always the case, because just two or three decades ago, photo and video equipment could only be used by professionals or people of very high rank.

But what we see now: almost every family has its own “family camera” at home, not to mention the individual owners of modern digital equipment. Cameras are changing at an amazing speed - almost every month we see new models and series of photographic equipment on the shelves. But the question still remains very relevant: which cameras are better - SLR or digital?

What is a SLR camera

SLR cameras are a huge step forward in the development of the photo and video industry. Yes, yes, it’s video work, since most Russian TV series of our time are filmed on modern SLR cameras (for example, Canon 7D). And this is quite justified, since photographic equipment is more compact and produces an image no worse than a huge professional video camera. Therefore, we can say with complete confidence that DSLR cameras are our future! Or not? Let's figure it out.

As a rule, knowing which SLR camera you use is a guarantee of getting a high-quality and beautiful photo. But pay attention to the fact that an ordinary digital point-and-shoot camera can produce images that are sometimes no worse than a DSLR. Even if we take the fashionable and current Gopro series camera as an example. It does not position itself as a DSLR camera (photos and video files are taken on Gopro in approximately the same ratio). But despite this, the fisheyes effect makes this little camera very popular.

The difference between a "DSLR" and a "digital"

There are differences, and they are significant. DSLR cameras are the fashion of the new century, but everything was different before. Previously, a person only needed 5 megapixels on an HP camera, and the first place was to capture a moment, and not beautiful shots of your cat. Digital cameras are a good budget option for people who use them once or twice a month (when friends come over, or when their daughter gets her hair cut).

Don’t be mistaken that if it’s cheap it means it’s of poor quality, this is not the case at all. Many digital cameras cost $300-500, have high-quality glass (lens) and other distinctive features (for example, they can easily shoot underwater). Therefore, digital technology has a lot of advantages, but if you want to engage in photography more professionally, then you should still think about buying not a digital camera, but that same SLR camera.

Classification of SLR cameras

The simplest classification of photographic equipment can be considered branding. Now there are quite a lot of companies producing photo and video equipment. There are quite a few of them, but probably the most common and well-known brands are long-time rivals Canon and Nikon. It's like the great war between Coca-Cola and Pepsi - a war without casualties that lasts for centuries. At the same time, it is quite difficult to say which SLR camera is cooler - Canon or Nikon. Yes, there are differences between them, but despite them, they remain at approximately the same level. If someone says that Nikon cameras turn the frame yellow, others say that Canon produces photos with a bluish tint.

Here, a very important role is played by how to properly photograph with a SLR camera of a particular manufacturer. Since each organization wants to make its equipment unique, it often adds individual settings, or designs the image viewing window in its own way. This has a lot to do with accustoming a person (no matter how rude it may sound) to your technique, so that he gets used to one specific brand. Consult with professional photographers; it is unlikely that you will meet among them someone who has changed the company that produces photographic equipment several times. And if you do meet him, be sure to give us his contact information later - everyone should know about such a person.

Review of SLR cameras, the difference from them to cameras in the full-frame series

Cameras in this series are now at the very peak of their popularity, and there are a number of reasons for this.

This may well be influenced by the fact that DSLR and other APS-C format cameras have a very impressive competitor on the market - mirrorless cameras, which contain a combination of characteristics such as a budget-friendly price, as well as a shockingly compact device.

On the other hand, we can see that now SLR cameras are a desire to move closer and closer to a more professional segment, receiving filling from their older comrades. As a result, they become cheaper, and then move from the category of professional cameras to the more mainstream category of advanced cameras for amateurs.

Which companies produce full-frame cameras?

Throughout the entire history of photography, full-frame SLR cameras are the brainchild of only three companies - Nikon, Canon, Sony. Such cameras exist in only a couple of dozen models, and the last such camera was released back in 2004 by Kodak. Also, it is very difficult to call such cameras a “budget option”, since a camera of a similar format Leica M9 without a lens costs about one hundred and forty thousand rubles. Quite an impressive amount, isn't it?

How to take photographs with a DSLR camera correctly for a beginner photographer?

If you decide to start your photography career right away with a professional camera, then be prepared to encounter a number of difficulties and obstacles along the way.

First of all, it is worth mentioning that the camera itself will not give you the perfect picture in terms of composition and lighting. Therefore, to get good pictures, try to adhere to a few rules.

Horizon Rules

A SLR camera is your window into the real world, a semblance of your view and idea of ​​the world. Make sure that the horizon is not blocked in your photographs. The fashion of skewed space has been out of fashion for a very long time. Look at the street - you see all the objects directly, all the streets are located exclusively horizontally, and the pillars are vertical. It should be the same in your photo; if it’s difficult for you, then focus on straight lines in the viewfinder, this will help you a lot at the very beginning of your journey.

Also give special importance to such a rule as the golden ratio. Mentally divide your horizons into 9 identical rectangles (by looking at three vertical and three horizontal lines). After this, select the extreme points of the rectangle located in the very center. Done? Great! The whole point is that these four points (conditionally, of course) are the most favorable and convenient for perception for our eyes. So when you take pictures, pay more attention to them, it will help you a lot.

Manual settings on a DSLR

DSLR cameras are primarily distinguished by the fact that they provide the owner with the opportunity to completely build his future photo, starting from the light and ending with the focal point.

If you have never personally worked with SLR cameras before, we strongly advise you to start by reading as many tutorials and watching video tutorials as possible. In this case, pay most attention to such details as:
- diaphragm;

Excerpt;

Focusing;

All these values ​​can be adjusted even in the simplest and most inexpensive SLR camera; the size of these parameters is one of the main components of the price of photographic equipment.

Composition and proper framing

Finally, I would like to tell you that correctly setting the parameters of your camera is not everything. How to photograph correctly with a SLR camera directly depends on the correct construction of the frame. To understand this issue well, read about the types of composition (closed, open, and so on). And also pay attention to the close-ups and plans: targeted, general, medium (medium shot to the waist, medium shot to the chest), close-up and, finally, a detailed shot.

All these rules and recommendations will definitely help you take good quality pictures in the future. But don’t forget that rules are a very conditional thing, and sometimes it doesn’t hurt to break them properly. Therefore, experiment, because experiments will help you take high-quality and original photographs, which you can then send to a wide variety of exhibitions without fear.

After reading various materials on the Internet, most immediately rush to purchase reflex camera , naively assuming that with its help you can get the highest quality photographs. In reality, DSLRs are more of a mindset than a technology. And if you do not know how to handle such equipment, then in 99% of cases you will get pictures no better than ordinary point-and-shoot cameras. Naturally, this state of affairs is very frustrating for novice photographers. The purpose of a SLR camera is that, unlike point-and-shoot cameras, it is, first of all, a lot of manual work, which almost completely eliminates the automatic mode, although this is present in SLR cameras.

First of all, SLR cameras are used in order to obtain high-quality photographs as a final result. It is for this reason that all the constituent elements of “DSLRs” are created precisely in order to achieve this goal.

First, let's start with the matrix. In entry-level and mid-level DSLRs, it is different in size and larger than those used in previous types of cameras. Concerning professional SLR cameras, then its size there is even larger and equal to the size of a frame of standard 35 mm film. In addition, there are cameras whose matrix differs from good DSLRs and is even larger in size, but such devices are clearly unaffordable for ordinary amateur photographers and even some professionals. Thanks to their large sensor size, DSLRs have high equivalent ISO sensitivity (up to 100,000 on the latest models) as well as greater control over DOF - depth of sharply depicted space.

Secondly, DSLR cameras have interchangeable lenses, with which you can control the range of focal lengths quite easily. This point is one of the main advantages of SLR cameras. Thus, the quality of photographs will be much better, which is what distinguishes cameras from soap cameras.

If you want to achieve high quality photos, you will have to work hard and invest a lot of money, but believe me, it is worth it. Having become the proud owner of a SLR camera, you may soon notice that your “DSLR” is not so good (of course, not without exceptions). The standard optics of ultrasonic cameras often turn out to be of higher quality than those of SLR cameras. But this kind of problem can be easily solved; for this you need to purchase good optics. But if you prefer to work exclusively in one genre, then one lens for your camera is quite enough. But if your fantasies and interests are much broader, then the amount of costs should increase. You have the opportunity to save money; to do this, you need to choose lenses from third-party manufacturers, for example, Tokina, Sigma, Tamron, or by purchasing a used lens, or by resorting to the services of Soviet-era devices, connecting them through various adapters, although this is not always the case comfortable. But, if you take the trouble, if you buy a good quality lens, if you understand it and know how to use it, then the quality of the photographs will be an order of magnitude higher.

There are two types of power supply for SLR cameras. The first is from a lithium-ion battery, which can be replaced with a finger-type battery if you purchase a special battery pack and attach it to the camera from below, but this will be quite expensive. The second is powered by AA batteries. In some models, this type of power supply is provided initially.

All DSLRs can be divided into 3 groups:

- amateur;

- semi-professional SLR cameras;

- professional.

But sometimes it is impossible to say exactly which of them this or that model belongs to and what distinguishes SLR cameras. In addition, often each new model has the same technical characteristics as the previous higher level. The division into groups is carried out taking into account such parameters as matrix size, resolution, shutter life, which has its own service life and its repair is very expensive, as well as the mechanical characteristics of the body and burst shooting speed.

Mirrors of different brands belonging to the same group practically do not differ from each other, but at the same time they have their own zest. The manufacturer plays an important role when choosing a DSLR camera, since camera accessories, such as lenses and flashes, from different manufacturers are not interchangeable. Simply put, if you ever decide to change the brand of the device, you will have to assemble the entire set again. However, you cannot divide brands into bad and good, because each of them has its own advantages and disadvantages, therefore the most objective and only criterion for choosing a SLR camera is availability, cost of accessories and the availability of service centers from the manufacturer.

Recently, DSLR cameras have had the ability to shoot video, which has added to their number of advantages. However, it is not available in all models.

And some statistics:

Title " Best professional camera 2010» According to the EISA Association, the Nikon D3x DSLR was ranked

Title " Best advanced camera 2010"according to the EISA Association, Canon EOS 5D Mark II was ranked

Title " Best DSLR 2010"For beginners and experienced users" according to the EISA Association, the Canon EOS 500D DSLR was ranked

First, let's understand the terminology. Any modern camera is called digital because the resulting image is processed by a digital processor and stored in the internal memory of the camera or on a memory card. Old cameras printed the resulting image on film, and therefore are called film cameras.

In everyday life, a digital camera is called a compact camera, or, popularly, a “point-and-shoot camera.” Recently, a new type of camera entered the market - mirrorless, which will also be discussed in this article.

SLR cameras are the oldest photographic devices currently in use. This device owes its name to the mirror mechanism, which captures the image, adjusts it and saves it to storage media. Any SLR camera consists of two parts:

• housings.

Lens device

A camera lens consists of many lenses arranged in parallel and a diaphragm. While working, the photographer has the ability to adjust the distance between the lenses, thereby bringing objects closer or further away. Aperture control allows you to adjust the amount of light entering through the lens, thereby changing the brightness and contrast of the image.

Professional SLR cameras have a removable lens. This is done so that the photographer can use several lenses for different purposes. So, there are telescopic lenses that allow you to photograph objects from afar. This device is ideal for observing wild animals or people who do not need to know that they are being photographed. And there are wide-angle lenses designed for shooting landscapes and panoramas. Technically, lenses differ in the set of lenses and the structure of the aperture. Some lenses have a built-in autofocus motor and are used with bodies without this feature.

The lenses are attached to the body using a bayonet mount - a special mount that is unique to each manufacturer. Therefore, it will not be possible to install a lens from one well-known brand on the body of another reputable manufacturer of photographic equipment. But there are also little-known manufacturers of photographic equipment that do not hesitate to create lenses for the mounts of their popular competitors.

SLR camera body structure

The camera body contains a matrix, a mirror mechanism, a viewfinder and most of the buttons with the device control lever.

When light refracted by the lens enters the camera body, it encounters a translucent mirror, the first element of the camera's mirror mechanism. Part of the light is reflected from the translucent mirror and hits the upper mirror system, which adequately inverts the image and reflects onto the viewfinder, through which the photographer observes the subject. Another part of the light hits another mirror and is reflected onto the autofocus sensor. This device allows the camera to focus on the subject almost instantly. The photographer also has the ability to control the focus sensor. In particular, this is necessary to implement the classic techniques of photographic art - focusing on one object and blurring the rest.

When the photographer has decided on his exposure and presses the shutter of the photographic mechanism, the translucent mirror rises and the light from the lens and focus sensor directly enters the matrix, which processes the image into electronic pulses and stores it on the media.

Expensive DSLRs are equipped with an additional viewfinder display that displays exposures directly as they are, so that the photographer can compare the real picture with what the sensor is capable of processing.

Functional features of SLR cameras

Due to their spacious body, SLR cameras have the largest matrix, and the quality of future photographs depends on its size. Removable lenses allow the photographer to customize the image as desired, apply effects and realize any creative idea. DSLR cameras focus quickly, which is ideal for cascading and action photography.

But DSLR cameras also have their disadvantages:

1. The cost of a DSLR starts from 15,000 rubles, and this is for an amateur model. A good professional SLR camera will cost from 30,000 rubles.
2. You need to know how to use a DSLR camera. If you just point and press the shutter, you won't get good photos.
3. The DSLR is not ready to shoot as soon as it is taken out of the bag. It requires setup and maintenance, so unless the photographer wears the camera around his neck all the time, he won’t be able to capture a suddenly seen object.
4. DSLR cameras are heavy and bulky. It is difficult to fit into a suitcase or briefcase full of clothes.

Design and features of compact cameras

Compact cameras lack a mirror mechanism and an optical focusing sensor. Such a device is one-piece, its lens is an inseparable part of the device. Passing through such a lens, light hits the matrix and image processing occurs. The compact makes most of the important image adjustments automatically. The photographer can only influence the digital zoom, that is, choose the photographing distance, as well as apply amateur software effects such as sepia and negative. Digital zoom exists only virtually, so the quality is noticeably lost as you zoom in. When you press the shutter, the lens shutter opens and light enters the sensor. In this case, automatic electronic focusing occurs, which takes a long time. To ensure that the frame is not blurred, you should hold the lens on the subject until it is fully focused.

More expensive compacts have advanced lenses that look like DSLR lenses. In addition to digital, such lenses are equipped with an optical zoom, which can bring you closer to a short distance without loss of quality.

Due to their simplicity and lack of manual settings, compacts are not professional and have always remained the domain of an amateur.

Functional features of compacts

The compacts are very light and small. They can easily fit into a shirt or pants pocket. The compact is always ready for use - you just need to take it out and press the shutter. A high-quality compact camera provides satisfactory quality home photography up to A4 format. Compacts are multifunctional. In addition to photography, they can shoot video, and some can also be used as a music player.

Thanks to a simpler mechanism, the compact camera is much cheaper than its DSLR counterpart. There are models on the market that cost from 4,000 rubles.

But compacts, like DSLRs, are not without flaws:

1. The compact owes its small size to its small matrix, which affects the image quality.
2. The absence of a mirror mechanism affects long exposure times. Often the photographer’s hand twitches and the picture becomes blurry.
3. In automatic mode, the compact does not always shoot as the photographer sees it.

Features of mirrorless cameras

Mirrorless, or non-reflex, is a professional component camera that consists of a body and a regular lens, but does not have a mirror mechanism. As in a compact, light through the lens immediately hits the matrix, and the photographer sees only the processed image through the display. The lenses of non-DSLR cameras are in no way inferior to their DSLR counterparts, but their focusing speed is noticeably lower than in DSLR devices. However, this is enough to create high-quality professional personnel.

The price of non-mirror models is slightly lower than mirror ones. But the main advantage of non-DSLR cameras is their light weight. Although the constant improvement of the automatic focusing mechanism and an increase in the functionality of the camera also leads to an increase in their weight. At the same time, mirror models are learning to make things easier and easier. Therefore, it cannot be said that mirrorless cameras are replacing DSLR cameras.

So, it is impossible to say which camera is better. This is most likely a matter of habit rather than real technical superiority. The most important thing is to buy a camera that is comfortable, fits well in the hand and is understandable to its owner. And the rest can be learned.