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How to choose a SLR camera. Some useful tips for amateurs

Single Lens Reflex Camera Design

In the process of selecting a subject and focusing, the photographer observes through the viewfinder eyepiece ( 8 ) real image perceived by the camera lens ( 1 ) and projected by the mirror ( 2 ) to the focusing screen ( 5 ).

The correspondence of the boundaries of the image observed through the viewfinder to what is projected onto the film or matrix - the field of view of the viewfinder - is important characteristic SLR camera quality. For good cameras it is 90-100%. Lower numbers force the photographer to make a mental adjustment, taking into account that the actual frame taken will be slightly larger than what he sees in the viewfinder.

In a number of camera models, primarily intended for studio photography and medium format cameras, there is no pentaprism, and the photographer observes the inverted image directly on the ground glass (sometimes through an additional magnifying glass) through a light-protective box - shaft. This viewfinder layout is called a shaft viewfinder and allows, in particular, to provide particularly accurate focusing.

Advantages and disadvantages

Single-lens reflex cameras are free of the parallax effect and allow you to clearly evaluate depth of field, bokeh, the effects of using various filters and attachments, and other image parameters. Determining exposure using the TTL scheme allows you to use automation to calculate and set the shutter speed, regardless of the characteristics of the installed lens.

For these reasons, most modern professional and semi-professional cameras general purpose built according to the SLR scheme.

At the same time, the mirror lifting mechanism increases the cost of the camera, reduces its reliability, and also causes vibration and defocusing of the camera at the time of shooting due to the need to move the massive mirror extremely quickly. In some models, for the purposes of economy, elimination of vibrations or improvement of efficiency, a translucent fixed mirror was used, however, such a design noticeably reduces the aperture ratio of the camera’s optical system.

The need to have space for a rotating mirror forces the use of lenses with a fairly large flange, which narrows the variety of lens designs for SLR cameras.

The operation of an SLR camera is noisier (due to the flapping of the mirror, unless a special damper is installed) than that of rangefinder analogues. This is especially important when photographing wild and shy animals and secretive shooting.

The frosted glass of the viewfinder can provide good brightness or correct depth of field transmission, but not both of these qualities at the same time. Therefore, photographing with a SLR camera at dusk and in unlit rooms is complicated (especially when photographing with SLRs without a jumping aperture, such as Zenit-E) due to difficulties in focusing. In this case, the advantage is on the side of rangefinder cameras with a bright viewfinder and a contrasting rangefinder spot, such as Zorkiy-4 and 3, Leica M series, etc.

Story

The first SLR camera models were introduced by Graflex in 1909. A “DSLR” almost completely similar to modern narrow-film cameras was released in 1936 under the Kine-Exacta brand by the German company Ihagee.

Asahi Optical made a significant contribution to the popularization of SLR in 1952. Until this time, single-lens SLR cameras were little popular. The decisive factor for a long time limiting the popularity of the single-lens reflex design was the mirror. Its raising and lowering was done manually, and the photographer long time lost the image in the viewfinder, which made single-lens reflex cameras unpopular. In the Asahiflex I, the mirror was mechanically connected to the shutter button. When the button was pressed, the mirror raised and was held in the raised position. When the button was released, the mirror returned to its original position, opening the viewfinder again. The next innovation was the instant return mirror (like in modern SLRs) implemented in the Asahiflex II.

In particular, the Lyubitel 166 camera was built using a two-lens shaft design.

Some cameras (for example, “Photocor No. 1”) had a mirror viewfinder that was in no way connected with the main lens. They are not usually classified as mirrored.

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. Is there wide angle lenses, created 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 for the implementation classical techniques 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:

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.
You need to know how to use a DSLR camera. If you just point and press the shutter, nice photos it won't work out.
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.
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 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 lenses, such lenses are equipped optical zoom, which can zoom in a short distance without losing 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. Qualitative compact camera provides satisfactory quality of 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:

The compact owes its small size to its small matrix, which affects the image quality.
The absence of a mirror mechanism affects long exposure times. Often the photographer’s hand twitches and the picture becomes blurry.
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 a 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.

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 to man Only 5 megapixels were enough on an HP camera, and the first priority was capturing 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 be easily removed under water). 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 famous brands are long-time rivals - Canon and Nikon. How is that Great War between Coca-Cola and Pepsi - a war without casualties, lasting 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, such cameras are very difficult to call “ 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 professional camera, then be prepared to encounter a number of difficulties and obstacles on your 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

The DSLR is your window into real world, a similarity to 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 meaning such a rule as golden ratio. Mentally divide your horizons into 9 identical rectangles (by looking at three vertical and three horizontal lines). After that, highlight extreme points 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 DSLR 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 size and plans: targeted, general, average ( medium shot to the waist, medium shot to the chest), close-up and finally, a detailed plan.

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.

Despite the fact that the SLR market is occupied by Japanese manufacturers with 74% of cameras, competition is high. In the battle of the "titans" ( Canon with 48% of the market and Nikon- with 29%) such giants as Sony, Olimpus and Pentax. European companies Victor Hasselblad AB(Sweden) and Leica Camera AG(Germany) are focused on the professional sector of expensive medium format cameras. The famous German “Zeiss” optics are now in cameras Sony, and the creator of the mass hobby for photographic art, American Kodak, practically abandoned the production of finished cameras, refocusing on components for them.

As a result of competition between manufacturers and the development of technology, the range of digital cameras and their electronic “stuffing” are rapidly changing. Before photographers had time to get used to using light-sensitive CCD-type matrices, they were almost replaced by more economical CMOS matrices. The sizes of matrices also change. The size 36x24 mm (full-frame, FF in English and Russian photo slang, respectively) has not only become the norm for the professional segment, but is clearly ready to appear in the semi-professional segment.

Using RAW was the privilege of the pros, and now cameras and entry level, including even digital point-and-shoot cameras. The tendency of many functions to “flow” from the professional segment to the amateur segment fairly confuses the classification of cameras by user groups. But when creating the TOP-10 SLR cameras, you cannot do without their classification.

Let's agree on terms

We will consider only popular mass-produced cameras with a matrix size of no more than 36x24 mm and a price no higher than a mass-produced Russian car, i.e. no more than 260,000 rub. for the Body package (without lens). In general, it’s easier to compare in the professional and semi-professional segments digital cameras specifically separately from lenses for two reasons.

Firstly, the shooting result is very dependent on the lens, and the choice of lens depends on the subjects being photographed.
Secondly, optics practically reached the limits of its perfection already in the era of film cameras.

Professional Let's name cameras that allow you to obtain frames with high speed and quality worthy of glossy magazines and large-format printing. Universal and reportage professional cameras must also be high-performance and suitable for work in different conditions, sufficiently protected from moisture and dust, durable.

If the camera has a crop factor (the ratio of the diagonal of a 36x24 mm frame to the diagonal of the so-called “cropped” matrix) in the range of 1.3 - 1.6, then the camera can be called semi-professional or advanced amateur. Of course, if its other parameters are at high level.

DSLR for Beginners is a device with simple controls, a low price and an inexpensive standard lens, allowing a beginner to master the basics of photography and decide on the direction of further development.

DSLR cameras are made of film (SLR: Single-Lens Reflex camera) and digital (DSLR: Digital Single-Lens Reflex camera). A film SLR camera differs from a digital SLR camera in its light-sensitive material. A digital camera, instead of a film coated with a photosensitive composition, has an electronic device - a matrix. But how does a SLR camera differ from a regular camera? Why is it called mirror?

A SLR camera is called because it has an optical viewfinder consisting of a shaft in which a mirror (or system of mirrors) is installed. There are single-lens and double-lens SLR cameras.

In the picture below, you can see for yourself what a single-lens reflex camera is and how it works inside. To “press the shutter button” of the SLR camera shown in the picture below, simply click on the picture, just keep in mind that the real camera works much faster!

What's inside a DSLR camera?

Click on the DSLR image to look inside the camera

In a single lens reflex camera [ Single Lens] sighting (framing and camera settings) occurs through the shooting lens and a system of mirrors. This system of mirrors serves only to adjust the camera and does not take any part in the process of photographing (exposing the frame), but only interferes, because located between the camera lens and the matrix (or film, if we are considering the operation of a film SLR camera).

Therefore, after the SLR camera is set up for photography and the photographer presses the button, the mirror rises and only after that the shutter opens. After closing the shutter, the mirror again lowers to its original position to adjust the next frame. Because of this, nothing is visible in the viewfinder at the time of taking a photo. This disadvantage does not exist in two-lens SLR cameras.

Double lens reflex camera

In two-lens reflex cameras, sighting and photography are done through different lenses - and there is no need to raise the mirror before exposing the frame. At the same time, the shutter mechanism and the cost and reliability of the camera are simplified.

In dual lens SLR camera The focusing rings of both lenses are mechanically connected and work synchronously when focusing. However, when replacing a shooting lens, you also need to change the focusing lens. In addition, when shooting at close range, you should take into account the distance between the axes of the focusing and shooting lenses. This mismatch between the axes of the viewfinder and the lens is called parallax. Due to prallax, the boundaries of the sight and the frame itself slightly do not coincide, and what is more closer distance to the object being photographed, the more noticeable this discrepancy is.

Single-lens reflex cameras are smaller than double-lens cameras and do not have parallax. In addition, they allow you to quickly replace the shooting lens - there is only one lens! Exposure metering in single-lens reflex cameras is usually done through the shooting lens, which is why this exposure metering system is called TTL - Through The Lens When using filters and various lens attachments, the change in light transmission in SLR And DSLR cameras is taken into account automatically. Despite the complex mechanism for rotating the mirror, single-lens reflex cameras have practically replaced double-lens cameras.