DSLR cameras are what? Overview, Features, Benefits and Features

If you feel that the limitations of your compact camera are limited, there are enough reasons to turn your attention to DSLR cameras. These are modern devices that have large image sensors, excellent optics, reliable manual controls, increased performance and versatility of interchangeable lenses. However, all this additional functionality is expensive, and the price of a digital SLR camera can grow, especially after purchasing additional accessories.

In addition, it must be remembered that money is invested in the DSLR-camera system. If the first device was Canon, then there is a high probability that the next model will be the same manufacturer, so that the opportunity to use old lenses and accessories remains. Below are the most important aspects that should be considered when buying digital SLR cameras, and also lists the most rating models that exist today.

Understanding the size of the sensor

Most consumer DSLRs use image sensors that are much larger than conventional digital cameras, but somewhat less than the 35mm film frame. This can be a bit confusing when talking about the field of view of a camera, since the focal lengths for compacts are often compared to a 35 mm equivalent. The standard sensor APS-C has a 1.5-fold "crop factor". This means that the 18-55mm lens that comes with most DSLRs covers a 35mm field of view equivalent to 27-82.5mm. This is comparable with a 3X zoom lens of a conventional camera with a focal length of 28 mm.

A larger sensor has many advantages. It allows you to better control the depth of field of the image - isolate the object and create a blurry background. This effect is often called the Japanese term "bokeh". A lot has been written about its quality, but the general rule is that the more light enters the matrix, which is numerically expressed by the aperture, aperture or f number, the more diffuse background can be obtained. A lens with a maximum aperture of f / 1.4 transmits 8 times more light than with f / 4, and can create a shallower depth of field with equal focal length and shooting distance.

Another reason for choosing a large sensor is to minimize image noise. The 20-megapixel DSLR has much larger pixels than a conventional camera with the same resolution. These large pixels allow you to set a higher sensor sensitivity, measured digitally as ISO, with less image noise. The advantage of a larger surface area is that changes in color or brightness are more gradual than in soap dishes. This makes it possible to achieve more natural pictures with a greater sense of depth.

Full-frame cameras

Some SLR DSLR cameras (Canon EOS 6D) are equipped with sensors that are equal in size to a 35 mm film. These full-frame devices are generally more expensive than their counterparts with the APS-C matrix. If in the future there is an intention to move to a full frame, you should be careful when buying lenses. Some of them are intended for use only with APS-C. Canon refers to the line of its EF-S APS-C lenses, and the lenses covering the full frame are called EF. DSLR-cameras Nikon use a similar approach, marking the "cut-down" optics with a combination of DX, and full-frame - FX. Sony to its lenses APS-C adds the designation DT, and Pentax calls them DA.

Select a camera

It is very important to choose a camera that lies comfortably in your hands. Although most DSLRs are similar in size and assembly, the style of the handle, the position of the controls, and other ergonomic characteristics can be very different.

The chosen DSLR digital camera should be the most convenient to use. If it is too large or too small to be comfortable, if the controls are not positioned as the user would like, you probably will not be able to enjoy the shooting to the fullest.

Mirror Viewfinder

By definition, the DSLR has an optical sight that shows the image captured by the camera lens, but not all of them are the same. The mirror directs the light to one of the two types of viewfinders. The first of these - the Pentaserkalo - is usually found on entry-level devices such as the Canon EOS Rebel SL1 at $ 549.00 or Nikon D5500. In this type of viewfinder, three mirrors are used to redirect the image to the photographer's eye, which turn it so that it turns out to be correct, unlike the inverted image on the sensor in reality.

Pentaprism

The second type of viewfinder DSLR-camera - this pentaprism. It is a solid glass prism that does the same as the pentaserkalo. The first, as a rule, is heavier and brighter than the second. Additional brightness makes it easier to crop the images and allows you to better ensure that the photo is in focus. Pentaprisms usually begin to appear in mid-range SLRs, such as the EOS Canon 80D at $ 1,199.00, and are standard in professional devices such as the Canon EOS-1D X Mark II ($ 5999.00). Pentax K-70 - one of the few entry-level models with a viewfinder of this type, which has a 100% coverage. This affordable camera is fully sealed for use on rainy or snowy days.

You should also pay attention to the increase and percentage of the coverage of the frame, as it gives an idea of the actual size of the picture and shows how many captured images can be seen. In both cases it is better to search for the maximum numbers.

Another option: EVF

A small number of SLR cameras on the market offer a third option for the viewfinder - an electronic one. Sony DSLR cameras with fixed semi-transparent mirrors, such as the Alpha 77 II, are sometimes called SLT. Instead of redirecting the light to the eye, it reflects on the auto focus sensor. If the user is not configured for an optical viewfinder, then these cameras should be considered. Even the full-frame flagship of the Sony Alpha 99 priced at $ 1998 uses OLED EVF, avoiding the glass pentaprism, common in other full-frame SLR cameras. If this option is suitable, then you can also explore mirrorless cameras - truncated models with the same sensor size as DSLR devices, but without a mirror that duplicate the image that gets to the matrix in real time.

Continuous Shooting

Compared to conventional digital devices DSLR-camera - it's also high speed. The time between pressing the shutter button and capturing an image, called shutter delay, and the time between shots is often a problem with compact cameras. Mirror cameras tend to focus very quickly, and the shutter delay is almost imperceptible. Continuous shooting is measured in frames per second. You need to look for a camera that can shoot 3 fps, although sports photographers and naturalists will need a camera that shoots faster than 5 fps.

Speed of autofocus

Of course, the auto focus system must keep up with the frame rate. Basic SLR cameras, such as the Nikon D3300, often have only a few AF points, making it difficult to track moving objects.

Canon's high-end 7D Mark II and Nikon D500 auto focus points cover most of the frame, making them favorites for people who take pictures of sporting events and wildlife. Continuous shooting and autofocus go hand in hand, so it's important to look for a camera that has sufficient performance for these two parameters.

Screening and HD video

Video recording is currently the standard function of SLR cameras. You need to look for one that holds autofocus while recording. Also, check the autofocus speed when shooting in live mode, as it can often be very slow. Canon has been successful in increasing the speed of autofocus when recording video in the T6s and 70D models, and Sony cameras are focusing as fast as video recording, as in photography. If the user plans to use the video function often, it is important to have a microphone input jack - the external one will record much better than the built-in microphone.

Telephoto lens

Most beginner users of digital SLRs are not going to purchase additional optics, but there are those who consider it necessary to expand the standard equipment. First of all, in addition to the standard 18-55-millimeter, a telephoto lens is chosen. Usually, a variable zoom is used, starting from 55 mm and ending at 200 mm or 300 mm, which will help to produce more approximate distant shots. The cost plan for such optics should be 200-300 US dollars.

35mm lens

Another popular type of optics is a fast, with a normal angle, a simple lens. Before the zoom became popular, film mirror cameras were often equipped with 50mm f / 2 optics. Because of the smaller sensor in consumer mirrors today, this corresponds to a 35mm f / 2.

The standard angle gives the field of view, which almost does not differ from the human eye, and the fast aperture allows you to shoot in low light conditions, and also isolate the object by blurring the background. Depending on the DSLR-camera, the price of these lenses may vary, but it should be expected that it will be in the range from 175 to 350 US dollars.

External flash

Despite the fact that consumer SLR cameras usually have built-in flashes, many photographers prefer more powerful external devices. They emit more light, and they can often be moved to use reflected light to illuminate an object. Reflections of the flash from the ceiling to illuminate the entire room can be achieved with a special device, but not a slide-out DSLR camera system. Depending on the need for energy, charge time and transferability, an external flash can cost between $ 150 and $ 500.

External screen

The monitor for the DSLR camera eliminates the limitations of the small screen on the back of the camera, which does not allow for precise focusing during shooting, has time to notice glare and shadows, adjust the white balance and shoot at a large angle.

Stabilizer

The DSLR camera stabilizer is a device that will minimize unwanted movements. For example, the tri-axial DJI Ronin-M with an electronic suspension is designed for cameras weighing up to 3.6 kg. It provides complete freedom to the photographer while working on the pictures for 6 hours - this is the battery life of the device on one battery charge. It is enough to fix the camera and balance it, and the built-in processor will make the necessary settings. The accuracy of 0.02 ° will satisfy the most demanding professionals.

In addition, it is possible to remotely control the stabilizer via Bluetooth and iOS applications. Supports DJI LightBridge, which broadcasts video at a distance of up to 1.5 km.

A bag

Another necessary accessory is a bag for DSLR-cameras. Sony LCS-BDF, for example, is a convenient and compact case that holds a camera, zoom lens and additional optics. Mesh pockets in front are designed for transporting and storing various media, filters, etc. There is an additional pocket at the back and a shoulder strap with a soft removable cover.