Just a few years ago, high-quality photographic equipment was the lot of photographers, and today every third person has it. How to choose to fill your album with bright and colorful pictures, and not get confused by the complexities of use?
What are the parameters for choosing a SLR camera?
How do you pick a good DSLR if you're completely new to photography? There are a number of parameters that should be taken into account and on which both the price of photographic equipment and the quality of the images depend. How to understand the characteristics of the camera, and what they affect in use, let's talk in detail.
Considering the options of which SLR camera to choose, the first parameter to pay attention to is the matrix resolution. In fact, this is the size of a photograph, and in order to find it out, you do not need to leaf through the instructions, let alone delve into menu items - it is often written on the body of the device itself as the number of megapixels or indicated in documents.
If you plan to print photos on banners, the number of megapixels should be large (16 or more); for home photography, this parameter does not really matter, but for beautiful photos in high resolution, you should not take a DSLR camera with a matrix resolution of less than 12 megapixels.
How many frames is a DSLR camera designed for?
If you plan to do photography professionally, especially reportage photography, this parameter is of great importance to you - in fact, it shows how many times the shutter is able to work. Good photographic equipment is not cheap, and it will be extremely offensive if, after six months of active photography, the shutter becomes unusable. Therefore, when deciding which SLR camera to choose, you need to know the resource of its shutter.
Amateur SLR cameras have a resource of about 50-100 thousand frames, semi-professional - from 100 to 150 thousand. The resource of professional SLR photographic equipment can reach a million frames. This parameter is often not indicated in the documents for the camera; it must be checked with the manufacturer.
Professionals most likely will not need such a function, while amateurs strive to get the most out of their purchase, therefore, when deciding how to choose a SLR camera, many prefer equipment with a video recording function. This is a very useful option if you want to capture bright moments, events, holidays on video, especially if children are growing up in the family.
Shooting video on a SLR camera in high quality in HD or FullHD format is found in most new amateur-class SLR cameras, less often in semi-professional equipment. Video recording on a professional SLR camera is the exception rather than the rule.
This term refers to good professional technique. It got its name because of the same frame size with a film camera - 35 mm. Thanks to the large sensor size, more light enters it, which allows you to take high-quality and clear images even in low light conditions.
Considering SLR cameras and deciding which one is better to choose, it is worth considering the disadvantages - unfortunately, you will have to refuse from budget lenses. Fast prime lenses and wide-angle lenses work very well with such high-end photographic equipment.
The opposite of full-frame cameras are crop cameras - most DSLRs are of the amateur, semi-professional and professional grade. The lack of crops is, first of all, more high level noise in the pictures. But if you are shooting in normal light conditions, especially outdoors or in professional studio photography, you probably won't notice the difference between full frame and crop shots.
Types of lenses for DSLR cameras
No less important issue on the topic how to choose a SLR camera is. The quality and class of optics must correspond to the class of the device - there is no point in buying a professional "carcass" if the optics are of an amateur level, and vice versa. The characteristics of lenses for SLR cameras include the following criteria:
- focal length range;
- fixed or variable focal length;
- aperture ratio;
- the number of aperture blades (for fast lenses).
Let's consider in detail the most common types of lenses among photographers and hobbyists, their characteristics and applications.
Which brand of SLR cameras is better?
In fact, not many manufacturers produce good photographic equipment, especially when it comes to professional cameras. So how to choose a DSLR by manufacturer?
- Canon EOS.
- Nikon.
- Sony Alpha.
- Pentax.
The best full-frame DSLRs are Canon EOS and Nikon, which make high quality professional photography equipment. Modern models are equipped with shockproof protection, protection from dust, moisture, water, sand, which makes the camera in the literal sense of the word indestructible.
How to choose a professional SLR camera?
The professional camera is a full-frame camera with a modern sensor type, fast shooting speed and ergonomic design. In order not to be mistaken in the question of how to choose a high-quality full-frame SLR camera, check out the rating:
How to choose a semi-professional SLR camera?
If you are already familiar with simple amateur cameras, and you want to delve into the mastery of photography, semi-professional crop cameras are ideal for you. How to choose a DSLR camera for a beginner photographer with a good resource for improvement? Let's see the rating.
How to choose a DSLR for an amateur?
Launch of new models of SLR cameras by affordable price many are motivated to try themselves in the art of photography, and the question of how to choose a good SLR camera for an amateur is now very relevant. In order not to be disappointed in the acquisition, you should not save on the company and take a good proven brand. The following amateur-class models have proven themselves as good cameras:
- Canon EOS 550D Nikon D5100;
- Canon EOS 600D;
- Canon EOS 550D;
- Canon EOS 100D;
- Nikon D5300;
- Nikon D5200;
- Sony SLT-A58.
These cameras are affordable and complete with a good fast lens, they will delight you with colorful, bright and high quality pictures. A camera of this class will help you master the basics of the art of photography, learn to see camera angles, choose lenses, and practice working with models.
Which DSLR camera to choose for a family?
When choosing a camera for a family, you should immediately understand for yourself what you expect. Take a full-frame camera or a more budget crop - the choice depends on your request. If your plans include photographing the bright moments of family life, compiling your portfolio and taking up photography in the future, you should choose a camera of a semi-professional or even professional level.
Technological progress does not stand still, every day photo and video equipment becomes more and more accessible for ordinary people. Of course, this was not always the case, because two or three decades ago, photo and video equipment could only be used by professionals or people of a 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 technology. Cameras change at an astounding speed - almost every month we see new models and series of photographic equipment on the shelves. But the question is still very relevant: which cameras are better - SLR or digital?
What is a DSLR
DSLR cameras are a huge step forward in the development of the photo and video industry. Yes, yes, it is video business, since most Russian TV series of our time are filmed with modern reflex cameras (for example, Canon 7D). And this is quite justified, since photographic equipment is more compact and produces a picture no worse than a huge professional video camera. Therefore, we can say with complete confidence that SLR cameras are our future! Or not? Let's figure it out.
As a rule, the knowledge of using a DSLR camera is a guarantee to get a high-quality and beautiful picture. But pay attention to the fact that an ordinary digital "soap box" can produce images, sometimes no worse than a "SLR". Even if we take the fashionable and relevant Gopro series camera as an example. It does not position itself as a DSLR camera (photos and videos are taken on Gopro in about the same ratio). Despite this, the fisheyes (fisheye) effect makes this small camera very popular.
The difference between "DSLR" and "digital"
There are differences, and they are significant. DSLRs are the fashion of the new century, but things were different before. Previously, only 5 megapixels were enough for a person on an HP camera, and capturing a moment was in the first place, and not beautiful shots with your cat. Digital cameras are a good budget option for people who use them once or twice a month (when friends come over or their daughter gets her hair cut).
Do not be mistaken that if it is cheap, then it is of poor quality, this is not at all the case. Very many digital cameras cost $ 300-500 each, have high-quality glass (lens) and other distinctive features (for example, they can easily shoot underwater). Therefore, digital technology also has a lot of advantages, but if you want to do photography more professionally, then you should still think about buying not a digital, but the very same SLR camera.
Classification of SLR cameras
The simplest classification of photographic equipment can be considered branding. Now there are quite a few companies that produce photo and video equipment. There are quite a few of them, but probably the most common and famous brands are longtime rivals - Canon and Nikon. What is it like great War between Coca-Cola and Pepsi - a war without casualties, lasting 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, in spite of them, they keep 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 correctly photograph with a SLR camera of a particular manufacturer. Since each organization wants to make their technique unique, they often add individual settings, or design the window for viewing images in their own way. This is largely due to the fact that to accustom a person (no matter how rude it may sound) to his technique, so that he gets used to one specific brand. Consult with professional photographers, you are unlikely to find among them someone who changed several times a company that produces photographic equipment. And if you do, then be sure to give us his contact details later - everyone should know about such a person.
Review of DSLR cameras, the difference from them full-frame series cameras
Cameras of this series are now at their peak of popularity, and for a number of reasons.
This may well be influenced by the fact that DSLRs 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 reasonable price, as well as a shocking compactness of the device.
On the other hand, we can see that DSLR cameras are now striving to get closer and closer to a more professional segment, getting the filling from their older comrades. As a result, they become cheaper, and then move from the category of professional cameras to the category of the more mainstream sphere of advanced cameras for amateurs.
Which companies make full-frame cameras?
Throughout the 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 already in 2004 by Kodak. Also, such cameras are very difficult to call a "budget option", since a camera of this format Leica M9 without a lens costs about one hundred and forty thousand rubles. Quite an impressive amount, isn't it?
How to take pictures with a DSLR for a beginner photographer?
If you decide to start your career as a photographer right away with a professional camera, then be prepared to meet a number of difficulties and obstacles on your way.
First of all, it is worth mentioning that the camera on its own will not give you an ideal picture in terms of composition and lighting. Therefore, in order to get good pictures, try to adhere to a few rules.
Horizon rules
Reflex camera - this is your window to the real world, a semblance of your view and idea of \u200b\u200bthe world. Make sure that the horizon is not cluttered in your shots. The fashion of skewed space has long gone out of fashion. Look at the street - you see all objects directly, all streets are located exclusively horizontally, and the pillars are vertically. It should be the same in your picture, if it's hard for you, then in the viewfinder, focus on straight lines, this will help you a lot at the very beginning of your journey.
Also emphasize the golden ratio. Divide your horizons mentally into 9 identical rectangles (by drawing three vertical and three horizontal lines with your eyes). After that, select the extreme points of the rectangle located in the very center. Done? Fine! The thing is that these four points (conventionally, of course) are the most favorable and convenient for our eyes to perceive. Therefore, 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 their future picture, starting from the light and ending with the focal point.
If you have never worked with a DSLR in person before, then we strongly advise you to start by reading as many tutorials as possible and watching video tutorials. In this case, most of all, pay attention to such details as:
- diaphragm;
Excerpt;
Focusing;
All these values \u200b\u200bcan 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 framing
Finally, I would like to tell you that correctly adjusting the parameters of your camera is not all. The correct way to take pictures with a DSLR directly depends on the correct framing. To get a good understanding of this issue, read about the types of composition (closed, open, and so on). And also pay attention to the sizes and plans: targeted, general, medium ( middle plan to the waist, mid-shot to the chest), close-up and, finally, a detailed plan.
All these rules and recommendations will definitely help you to make good high-quality pictures in the future. But do not forget that the rules are a very conditional thing, and sometimes it does not prevent them from being properly broken. Therefore, experiment, because it is the experiments that will help you make high-quality and original pictures, which you can then send without fear to a wide variety of exhibitions.
If you decide to learn how to take pictures, then, first of all, you need to purchase a DSLR camera. In this article we will figure out which DSLR to buy and what to look for for a novice amateur photographer. After all, the first "SLR" should induce in you the desire for creativity and the desire for photo perfection.
What to look for when choosing a camera for a beginner?
A beginner's DSLR shouldn't be too expensive. You are unlikely to master all the functions of an expensive camera without getting the basic skills. Expensive SLR cameras are designed for professional photographers and have an interface incomprehensible for a beginner and many manual settings. An inexpensive DSLR for beginners is equipped with automatic modes and has many hint functions with an intuitive user-friendly interface.
DSLR prices depend on a number of features. The main ones are the resolution and light sensitivity (ISO) of the matrix. Sensor sensitivity determines whether your camera will capture sharp images in low light. Various manufacturers offer DSLR models with an ISO range of 50 to 25600.
The matrix resolution is the well-known megapixels, which are written about on the package and case. Please note that high resolution photos are only useful for printing them in large format. Therefore, be guided by the fact that for decent pictures you need a resolution of 10-12 megapixels. Moreover, even an inexpensive SLR camera has, as a rule, a higher matrix resolution.
The characteristics of the physical size and type of sensor should not be decisive when choosing a novice photographer and should not be confusing. It is necessary to think about this parameter only at the next stage - the transition to semi-professional and professional commercial photography with high requirements for the quality of images for large-format printing. On entry-level, budget-level SLR cameras, as a rule, there are so-called "cropped" or "crop" matrices (from the English "Crop" - crop). This means that the size of the matrix has smaller, "cropped" values \u200b\u200bcompared to a full-format matrix, the so-called - Full frame matrix (equivalent to the frame size of 35 mm film), which is installed in professional cameras.
Most beginners have questions: “How to choose a camera control mode? Which is better: manual or automatic? " If you are planning to seriously engage in photography, then when choosing a DSLR camera for a beginner, choose a model with manual settings. Subsequently, this will open up unlimited possibilities for photography for you.
A DSLR simulator for beginners will help you master the principles of manual adjustment. This service can be easily found on the Internet, with its help you will understand how changing the settings affects the photo quality, and see what possibilities the DSLR gives you.
Choice of additional accessories, camera selection rules
When buying a camera, you should correctly allocate your budget, so it is better to spend most of the money on a high-quality lens, but buy a cheaper camera.
SLR cameras can be divided into 4 types:
- Professional, for daily shooting that brings income.
- Professional regular, designed for professional work, costs less, takes pictures with high quality.
- Semi-professional, can be a good assistant for a beginner photographer.
- Amateur, should be purchased with a small budget, for the first steps of studying photography, in the future you will have to buy a more expensive option.
When buying a camera, you need to understand that you will have to purchase additional optics and a flash, so it is better to buy a semi-professional camera and spend money once on a quality product than to spend on an amateur camera. After that, you still have to move to a more functional and innovative one.
Accessories play important role in obtaining a high-quality image, so you should not skimp on the lens and flash.
The best DSLRs for beginners
So, choose a DSLR for beginners. We'll take a closer look at the best DSLRs for beginners, their benefits and features, to give you a chance to decide which DSLR to choose.
Canon EOS 1200D
Let's start with a budget, but, nevertheless, decent option. The Canon EOS 1200D SLR camera for beginners, like most inexpensive models, is equipped with a CMOS sensor. The principle of its operation is to digitize each pixel of the image. The size of the APS-C matrix (22.3 x 14.9 mm), that is, the classic one. The photo resolution is 18 megapixels, which is an order of magnitude more than the previous model Canon EOS 1100D with its 12.2 megapixels. This model uses the DiGiC 4 processor developed by CANON. The detail of the sensor is 5184 x 3456. This is lower than in more expensive models, but since the processor is quite modern, the images on the Canon EOS 1200D are quite clear and reproduce areas of different illumination without distortion.
The autofocus system of the camera is modern and has good speed... The fact that this is a DSLR camera for beginners is remembered only in continuous shooting. Its speed is quite low, depending on the format - 2 and 3 frames per second. When using the viewfinder, AF accuracy is significantly reduced. The disadvantages of the predecessor Canon EOS 1100D could be attributed to the video recording resolution in HD 1280 × 720 pixels, but now the Canon EOS 1200D model has the ability to shoot in full Full HD format with a resolution of 1920 × 1080 pixels:
For many amateur beginners, the opportunity not only to take pictures, but also to film their family holidays and vacation trips in good quality, for example, will be decisive when choosing and buying a SLR camera.
Nikon D5200 is a DSLR camera for beginners, which is distinguished by strong automation. The CMOS sensor has a resolution of 24.1 megapixels and a standard dimension of 23.5 x 15.6 mm with a crop factor of 1.5. The model is equipped with a new proprietary processor "EXPEED 3". All this together makes it possible to take pictures with a resolution of 6000 x 4000 dots, the sensitivity of which is 100 - 6400 ISO in automatic mode and is expandable up to 25600 units. The camera's functionality is complemented by the ability to apply a variety of filters and shoot in HDR mode. The latter means that the automation can independently supplement the pictures with tonal details that this camera is not able to capture.
Sample video captured with Nikon D5200 + 35mm Lens 1.8G:
The autofocus of this unit has 39 focus points (including 9 cross-type sensors) and AF-assist illuminator (distance approx. 0.5-3 meters). And TTL metering with a 2,016-pixel RGB sensor is considered one of the best in its class. The main disadvantage of this camera is the ability to use autofocus only when using AF-S and AF-I lenses.
Canon EOS 760D - technically the most interesting version of the line of cameras for beginners, "advanced" option. CMOS sensor has a resolution of 24.2 million pixels and APS-C dimension (22.3 x 14.9 mm) with a crop factor of 1.6. The camera is equipped with a modern proprietary DiGiC 6 processor. Many features of this device were previously available only to owners of expensive professional models. Excellent signal-to-noise ratio, good detail, controllability external flash in wireless mode, greatly improves the quality of pictures. Wi-Fi and NFC technology make the job of transferring and printing pictures easier. And the LCD screen that appears at the top of the camera displays basic settings for continuous control of shooting parameters, making the Canon EOS 760D already a semi-pro model. For aspiring photographers, this solid camera will be the key to the world of professional photography.
Sony Alpha SLT-A58
Sony Alpha SLT-A58 is a DSLR camera for beginners, the capabilities of which are much wider than the standard set. Powered by the proprietary BionZ processor and 20.1 megapixel Exmor APS HD CMOS sensor, both novices and Sony enthusiasts will appreciate this camera. The resolution of the pictures taken with this camera is up to 5456 x 3632 pixels, the ISO sensitivity is from 100 to 3200 in automatic mode (in expanded to ISO 16000). Considering that this is a beginner's DSLR, this set of features is already impressive. But that's not all. The Sony Alpha SLT-A58 uses a translucent fixed mirror. This is a custom shutter system design that allows you to take continuous shots at high speed - up to 8 frames per second, improves focus quality and virtually eliminates camera shake when you slam the shutter. This mirror also has disadvantages. The main one is increased noise in high ISO images. The continuous and constant AF system is fast thanks to the 15-point AF sensor system.
Full HD test video captured with Sony Alpha SLT-A58:
The Sony Alpha SLT-A58 has automatic image stabilization, which is certainly important for beginners. Overall, the camera is very decent in terms of features. It could well be called the winner in the category "Best DSLR for Beginners 2016". However, do not forget that Sony has a significantly smaller selection of optics and accessories compared to market leaders such as Canon and Nikon.
We have reviewed the most interesting models of the market for DSLR cameras for beginners in our opinion, identified their pros and cons.
But of course, you have to decide for yourself which DSLR is best for a beginner, that is, for you. Any professional photographer will confirm that you need to choose the camera yourself.
Its convenience is of great importance, this sensation should visit you when you take in your hands and feel exactly "Your" SLR.
Date of publication:14.02.2017
Which camera to choose?
So, we examined the main types of cameras. Now let's answer the main question: which camera should you choose? Let's start from goals.
Family shooting. Children, holidays, vacation
Entry-level DSLRs and mirrorless cameras with APS-C sensor are ideal for taking pictures of children and family photoshoots. They have everything you need: automatic modes, an abundance of scene programs for shooting in different conditions... The kit includes a universal "kit" lens.
Canon EOS M3 / Canon EF-M 18-55mm f / 3.5-5.6 IS STM SETTINGS ISO 100, F5.6, 1/250 sec
These cameras allow you to learn the basics of photography and improve. What is the difference between a DSLR and a mirrorless? The disadvantages of a mirror device are its relatively large size and weight, plus long battery life. The opposite is true for the mirrorless: more compact dimensions, but shorter battery life. Examples of current entry-level DSLRs - Canon 1200D, Canon 1300D, Nikon D3400, mirrorless - Sony A5100, Fujifilm X-A2.
Also excellent choice there will be a compact camera for family photography. If your budget is very limited, you can choose one of the simplest models.
And then the question arises: perhaps it is more rational to buy a smartphone with a high-quality camera?
More interesting are advanced (top) compact cameras. If mirrorless cameras and DSLRs may require additional investments (for example, buying a more powerful lens), then the compacts are already complete. They are equipped with high-quality, fast and versatile optics, have all the necessary settings and often look very stylish. However, their cost can be comparable or even significantly higher than the cost of DSLRs and entry-level mirrorless cameras. This is the price to pay for the combination of versatility and quality. Examples of models: Sony DSC-RX100M5, Canon PowerShot SХ720 HS, Nikon Coolpix A900, Canon PowerShot G9 X.
Athlete, extreme
Which camera to choose for shooting extreme? Usually athletes and extreme sportsmen prefer the lightest and most compact solutions. Ideal if the camera is indestructible and unsinkable. Protected compact cameras meet these requirements. But this class of technology is losing ground under the onslaught of action cameras. The action camera can be mounted on almost any type of equipment (the main thing is to buy or make a suitable mount), many models have a protected design, come with aqua boxes or can withstand immersion in water by themselves.
With action cameras, you can record videos and take photos. They are usually equipped with ultra wide angle lenses. There are cameras that allow you to shoot 360 degrees! You should pay extra for 4K video only if you are a professional video blogger or operator and know how to use such a high resolution. Full HD will be enough for a simple athlete.
Beginning photographer
Are you into photography and want to improve? Or maybe you are looking for a gift for a beginner in photography?
The best choice would be an entry-level DSLR. It is easy to learn and comes with a versatile lens that will capture most scenes. These cameras have automatic shooting modes and allow you to manually adjust all parameters. This gives you tremendous creative freedom. Today, entry-level DSLRs are capable of delivering image quality as good as their more expensive counterparts. The only difference is that their management is simplified, advanced functions are removed. For a beginner photographer, the models Canon 1300D, Canon 1200D, Canon 750D and 760D, Nikon D3400,.
Canon EOS 750D / Canon EF 50mm f / 1.8 STM SETTINGS: ISO 100, F8, 1/320 sec
A mirrorless camera is also a decent option, however the most affordable models are designed mainly for shooting in automatic modes. For manual configuration, you will have to search for the necessary items in the menu for a long time. Mirrorless models suitable for aspiring photographers: Canon EOS M5, Sony A6000, Sony A6300, Sony Alpha 7 Mark II, Fujifilm X-A2.
Advanced amateur, professional
A professional photographer is someone who makes money from photography. What is a professional camera? This is a working tool that should take high-quality pictures and be as reliable and convenient as possible. Beauty and compactness are far from the top priority characteristics here. Compactness often even becomes a disadvantage, since a small camera looks frivolous in the eyes of the customer.
What is a semi-professional camera? This is a camera for advanced amateur photographers. It may not have an indestructible body and increased reliability, the main thing is high image quality. Today, the line between professional and semi-professional equipment is very blurred. Often professionals with a limited budget choose semi-professional models, and this does not prevent them from successfully doing their job.
Is a mirrorless suitable for professional photography? Today, DSLRs have had to make room in the market under the onslaught of Sony's full-frame mirrorless range. On the mirrorless side - the latest developments in the field of autofocus, the most modern image sensors. The body of a mirrorless camera is often much more compact than a DSLR of a similar level, but high-quality optics are usually the same in size.
If you are looking for a compact solution, take a look at the Micro 4/3 cameras. They provide an acceptable image quality, have all the functions an advanced photographer needs, and are easy to use.
ILCE-7RM2 / FE 55mm F1.8 ZA SETTINGS: ISO 160, F1.8, 1/125 s, 55.0 mm equiv.
How to choose a professional camera?
If you are choosing a professional technique, then you probably already have experience in shooting, some kind of camera and lenses for it. For those who know what tasks a new camera is needed for, it is easy to decide. If you have a camera with a set of optics, it is more convenient to purchase a camera of the same brand and use it with an existing lens park. Of course, if you are planning to buy a full-frame camera, then you cannot use the optics from the previous device with an APS-C sensor (crop DSLRs).
Let's say you have no experience in photography, but you want to be a professional photographer. Here it is worth starting from your budget and deciding in which directions you will work: weddings, portraits, landscapes, photography of food, objects, jewelry or interiors. This will help you choose not only your camera, but also the right lenses.
Canon EOS 5D Mark III / Canon EF 85mm f / 1.2L II SETTINGS: ISO 100, F1.8, 1/2500 sec
It is important to understand that professional equipment requires training and does not forgive mistakes, often it does not have a "green" automatic mode. For an effective start, consider investing money not only in photography equipment, but also in your training.
The more expensive the camera is, the more fine-tuning it has. Better to start simple. Get a simpler camera and save the money you save for purchasing additional equipment and lenses. You should not immediately swing at the most expensive professional cameras such as Canon EOS-1D X Mark II, Nikon D5, because at first you will not be able to unleash their full potential. Take a closer look at more versatile mid-range models. Full-frame Canon EOS 6D, Canon EOS 5D Mark III, Nikon D610, Nikon D750, Sony A7 Mark II and more affordable cropped and.
What to choose - "crop" or full frame?
The size of the image sensor is a factor that largely determines the quality of the resulting images. Full-frame cameras with a 24x36 mm matrix are more expensive and larger, the optics for them also cost serious money.
Canon EOS 5D Mark III / Canon EF 100mm f / 2.8L Macro IS USM SETTINGS ISO 100, F6.3, 1/500 sec
Less digital noise, more freedom when working in low light conditions, higher resolution, better detail, fine work with shallow depth of field and bokeh, a huge park of optics - this is a short list of the advantages of a full frame. Such a camera is suitable for any task.
Should a pro or an advanced hobbyist buy a crop? After buying a device with an APS-C or Micro 4/3 matrix, many people will regularly have painful thoughts like “oh, it's a pity that I don't have a full frame”. Nevertheless, for reportage photography, it makes sense to take a closer look at the top-end crop. Their image quality is not much different from the entry-level "crop", while they provide unsurpassed speed, reliability, ease of use, they are more affordable than full-frames with the same rate of fire. There are several cameras on the market with APS-C and Micro 4/3 sensor designed for serious reporting work: Canon EOS 7D Mark II, Nikon D500, Fujifilm X-T2, Olympus E-M1 Mark II.
NIKON D7100 / Nikon AF-S Nikkor 70-200mm f / 2.8G ED VR II SETTINGS: ISO 100, F4, 1/1250 s, 300.0 mm equiv.
Which brand of camera to choose?
Should I choose Canon, Nikon, Sony, or maybe Pentax? With full-frame cameras, it's pretty simple: there are now several manufacturers producing such cameras. All of them are mentioned above, have a good reputation and many years of experience. When choosing a camera of a particular brand, we choose a whole system - in the future we will have to deal with lenses and flashes developed for that brand. Each system has its own lens mount (bayonet), and with it you can only attach the optics that are designed for it to the camera.
NIKON D750 / Nikon AF-S Nikkor 28-300mm f / 3.5-5.6G ED VR SETTINGS: ISO 720, F8, 1/320 s, 300.0 mm equiv.
When choosing a system, you should pay attention to how developed it is, how wide is the selection of lenses and accessories, whether there are official service centers in your city. Canon, Nikon and Sony are in almost complete parity here, and it is worth comparing specific camera models and lenses for them. You can add here manufacturers of "cropped" cameras: Fujifilm, Olympus, Panasonic.
