A good inexpensive digital camera: rating, review, specifications and owner reviews. SLR camera is inexpensive and good - how to choose

Every season, a whole bunch of new camera models of various price categories with individual features appear on the world market. To choose a camera which will be most convenient for you in all respects, I have divided all digital cameras into 5 categories. This will bring clarity to the sheer number of cameras you choose from online stores. Agree, it is simply impossible to compare models and understand their numerous characteristics directly when buying. The classification I propose choose the best camera or at least make an informed decision before buying a camera based on objective data.

Before you start analyzing the characteristics and types of cameras, decide on the following questions:

1. For what purposes will the camera be used: amateur or professional?
2. How much are you willing to spend on a device?

For example, professional shooting in addition to careful camera selection involves the purchase of various modules and additional accessories for the camera. System and SLR cameras require modernization through the purchase of interchangeable lenses, flashes and other components. Of course, most cameras from other categories can also be improved with additional accessories, but to a much lesser extent.

If you intend to use future pictures mainly for publishing on the Internet, but the quality provided by a smartphone, even with a good camera, is not enough, then make sure that the model has a built-in wi-fi (WLAN module). I advise you to take a closer look at cameras with Android OS on board, they will make posting photos on the Web even easier. The article will consider only those devices that have the functionality of video recording with Full HD support.

Mega smart cameras

Mega-smart cameras are a mixture between "DSLRs" and compact models. Their main feature is the widest range of focal lengths. These cameras are always equipped with large lenses and offer many manual settings. In such models, compact matrices are installed, but "megazooms" have dimensions that exceed the dimensions of conventional cameras.

Cameras in a protective case

Users who prefer outdoor activities and extreme sports have special requirements for digital cameras. These devices should be compact, lightweight, have shockproof housing, protected from dust and moisture, and their control should remain convenient in any situation. When choosing this type of camera, you should pay close attention to the degree of security.

Universal cameras

Users who lack the capabilities of budget camera solutions and are not happy with the dimensions of megazoom or SLR cameras should take a closer look at universal models. They have an abundance of various settings, high-capacity batteries and the ability to install additional accessories and extensions. And the large size of the matrix, in turn, allows you to create excellent pictures.

System cameras

In a nutshell, system camera is a "reflex camera", enclosed in a lightweight and compact body. This is one of the most promising types of cameras today.

SLR cameras

SLR camera provides the photographer great opportunities due to the presence of an interchangeable lens and a huge number of manual settings. To get acquainted with the “reflex camera”, the optics supplied with it (Kit - set) is quite suitable. But in some cases, buying a model without a lens will save you enough money to buy better-spec optics from a third-party manufacturer, depending on the camera mount.

Mega smart cameras

The main feature of mega-zoom cameras is a lens with a huge range of focal lengths, which provides the ability to shoot both with a wide viewing angle and low magnification, as well as with a very narrow angle and fairly large zoom. The main task of the manufacturer is to fit a high-aperture universal lens in a compact body. As a result, one has to sacrifice either the neat dimensions of the lens in favor of aperture ratio and optical quality, or vice versa. In addition, the larger the telescope of the lens, the more compact it is, but the less reliable and durable it is. Of course, megazoom cameras are larger than the average size of conventional compact models. We also note that such devices are primarily aimed at enthusiastic users, especially those who love to shoot panoramic photos or sporting events.

Best Camera: Sony Cyber-shot DSC-HX20V

The best in terms of characteristics was the model from Sony. The camera attracts with its rich functionality, but at the same time, the 18-megapixel CMOS sensor has a not very large physical size - 1 / 2.3 ′(6.17 × 4.55 mm). The device is equipped with a three-inch screen and uses a micro-USB connector for both communication with a PC and for charging. The camera also has a built-in GPS module that allows you to tie photos to geographic coordinates and register a track, even when the device is turned off.

Best Choice: Canon PowerShot SX240 HS

This camera, with a very attractive price, has almost perfectly balanced characteristics: the points obtained in the main disciplines are almost equal. The camera offers an interesting (especially for fans of sports events) video shooting mode at a speed of 240 frames / s. The disadvantage of the model is, perhaps, not a high resolution three-inch display (461,000 dots) - the other representatives of this category have twice as much.

Protected cameras

These cameras are designed primarily for lovers of active and extreme types of recreation. In order to be able to use the devices under water, their cases are made completely sealed. The control buttons, which in standard models are the main conductors of water inside the case, do not let water through in protected cameras, and the covers for batteries and memory cards are equipped with special sealing gaskets. In addition, protected cameras are not afraid of shocks, sudden changes in temperature and pressure. However, it should be borne in mind that the degree of security of cameras is different, therefore, when purchasing such a model, you should carefully read the specification. You have to pay for protection both in the literal sense (such a camera, of course, is more expensive than a similar unprotected one), and in a portable one - these devices are larger and heavier than classic compact models and are not equipped with swivel displays.

Best Camera: Panasonic Lumix DMC-FT5

This model of a protected camera allows you to shoot photos and videos at a depth of up to 13 m. Also, Panasonic Lumix DMC-FT5 can withstand a fall from a 2-meter height. At the same time, the camera demonstrates the best image quality in the class and is well equipped: there are built-in WLAN and GPS modules, an NFC interface, as well as a hiking kit for a tourist: a compass, barometer and altimeter.

Best Choice: Sony Cyber-shot DSC-TX20

This member of the TX series (ultra compact rugged cameras from Sony) with a 3.3-inch touch screen features stylish design, low price, rich equipment and excellent performance. This allowed the model to earn the title of the best choice in its class. The camera is water-resistant to a depth of 5 m, and shockproof is guaranteed when dropped from a height of no more than 1.5 m.

Universal cameras

Cameras in this class are still the best selling because they are the best choice among all categories of cameras. They have an impressive number of different settings, both manual and automatic, batteries of sufficient capacity and the possibility of purchasing additional accessories, such as a separate flash, as well as tele- and macro lens attachments. The large physical size of the matrix allows you to take very good shots, and in terms of image quality, provided good lighting such cameras are comparable to SLR models. Universal cameras are well suited for all kinds of trips and travels, as well as situational shooting on the principle of "saw, got it, shot it." In favor of these devices is the fact that even many professionals purchase such devices as a second device for everyday use.

Best Camera: Canon PowerShot G1 X

The best camera in terms of image quality among those considered, this is facilitated by a matrix that is huge for this type of camera, exceeding the 4/3 standard used in system cameras. The device offers a ton of manual and automatic settings, a tilt-and-turn display, and plenty of mechanical controls. The only drawback is the low speed - this applies to continuous shooting, and to the shutter lag.

Best choice: Nikon Coolpix P7700

Yes, the camera is no longer a novelty, but it is still competitive. And here's why: high image quality, excellent equipment, a lot of manual settings (there are three dials for setting parameters, as many choices of operating modes and functions). Add to this the presence of a folding display, a fast lens and the largest optical zoom among those mentioned in the article. Yes, and a great price.

System cameras

Manufacturers have long been looking for a solution to overcome the limitations imposed by the presence of a mirror as a key element of SLR cameras. A few years ago, digital devices appeared on the mass market without mirrors, but with interchangeable lenses. They began to be called system cameras, or “mirrorless”. The presence of a large sensor and interchangeable lenses allows you to get pictures of almost the same quality as that of SLR models. At the same time, their dimensions, weight and price are less due to the absence of a mirror block. The picture from the lens goes directly to the matrix, from it to the display and / or electronic viewfinder. This design makes it easy to use the tilt-and-turn display in shooting mode and record video, which requires considerable technical tricks for SLR cameras: you need to raise and fix the mirror, and send the image from the lens to the matrix, essentially turning the device into mirrorless.

Best Camera: Sony NEX-6

The picture quality and performance of this model, when compared with competitors, are almost perfect. In addition, Sony NEX-6 is very richly equipped. For perfection, only a movable display is missing, which rotates in only one plane.

Best Choice: Sony NEX-F3

The Sony NEX-F3 model, according to the test results, demonstrates the same image quality and resolution, since it uses a similar sensor. The ISO range of the younger model is narrower, and the noise at equal ISOs is higher, which is a consequence of simplified electronics. Of course, equipment and performance are very different downwards. But the battery life has even increased.

SLR cameras

Mirrored digital cameras Recently, they have ceased to be the lot of only professionals and enthusiasts. In a short time, a lot of budget amateur "DSLRs" appeared. Such models provide the photographer with great opportunities both due to the presence of interchangeable lenses, external flashes, devices for macro photography, and thanks to an impressive number of different settings, manual and automatic. By their design, SLR cameras are fundamentally different from all others: in them, the image passing through the lens is projected not directly onto the matrix, but onto a mirror unit, from where it is then perceived by the photographer’s eye through the optical viewfinder. Therefore, these devices allow you to immediately see and evaluate the frame. Entry-level DSLRs are well-suited for photography enthusiasts, but most users may find them bulky and difficult to use.

Top Product: Sony Alpha SLT-A77

This camera is based on translucent mirror technology, in which the light flux from the lens is divided between the sensor and the viewfinder, which increases the reliability and speed of shooting, since the mirror remains stationary during the photographing process. On the other hand, this design somewhat reduces the amount of light reaching the matrix. However, with the light sensitivity of modern matrices, this is not very significant. In addition, this camera is the most equipped among competitors.

Best choice: Canon EOS 60D

A camera with the best value for money and at the same time a well-balanced combination of key parameters. The advantages include a display that rotates in two planes (one of the first movable displays from this manufacturer) with high resolution. The disadvantage is the low burst speed and a fairly narrow ISO range. In addition, the high color noise makes it practically useless starting from 3200 units.

First of all, you need to decide why you need a camera. Do you travel a lot? Do you want to record how your child grows? Can't imagine life without extreme sports and want to revise moments that took your breath away? Or realized that photography is your calling?

One way or another, a camera that would be ideal for all these purposes does not exist. Therefore, the camera must be selected in accordance with your requests.

But first, let's deal with the types of cameras and incomprehensible terms.

What are cameras

compact cameras

A fairly large class of cameras from simple soap dishes to almost professional equipment.

Budget compact cameras. To date, one of the simplest and most affordable options. The cameras are very small, so they can easily fit into a woman's handbag or even a jacket pocket. They are also easy to master, but that's where the pros end.

They have one minus, but a very significant one: the low quality of shooting. The latest smartphones shoot just as well, and sometimes even better. Therefore, if you dream of professional shots, leave a compact camera on the store shelf.

Ultrazooms. They are also called superzooms or hyperzooms. In fact, the same compact, only equipped with a lens that allows you to take good shots with long distance. Well, the price of such cameras is much higher.

Professional compact cameras. These are universal cameras that have taken a little bit from each type of camera. As a rule, they have a good fixed lens, and due to the large matrix, the image is quite high quality. They can also be equipped with a lens with a large zoom, which will allow you to take pictures from a long distance.

What to say about the dimensions? Of course, you can’t put such a camera in your pocket, but it doesn’t look too bulky either. However, the price for such versatility is quite high.

SLR Cameras

The camera got its name from the mirror embedded in the design, through which the future frame, refracting, goes straight to the viewfinder.

The matrix is ​​that part of the camera on which the photograph is formed. The larger the matrix, the clearer and better the image will be.

It is thanks to the large matrix of the SLR that they produce high-quality images. Another feature is the removable lenses. There are a lot of them.

Acquaintance with a DSLR usually begins with the standard equipment: the actual camera body and lens. Such a kit is called Kit or whale.

Professionals prefer to purchase a camera without a lens in order to equip it according to their needs. This type is called Body. In Russia, with someone's light hand, he has long become a carcass.

There are two drawbacks to DSLRs: large dimensions and high price even for mid-range cameras. Therefore, not everyone can afford them.

Mirrorless cameras

Mirrorless cameras have appeared on the digital technology market relatively recently. They are also equipped with a large matrix, which allows you to get pictures of excellent quality. The dimensions of such equipment are much smaller than those of SLR cameras. However, you can’t call a camera quite compact, and you still need a separate bag to carry it.

The disadvantages of a mirrorless camera include a fairly quick battery drain and a high price.

Action cameras

The name speaks for itself. Such cameras are designed for photo and video shooting in extreme conditions: during parachute jumps, scuba diving, descent to skiing or fast driving.

Modern action cameras produce a good image quality, but in poor lighting it almost disappears.

However, the price of such devices is very high.

Which camera to choose

Amateur photography

A compact professional camera is ideal for you. It has everything you need to get great quality photos. For the very first shots, use the automatic mode, and when you realize that this is no longer enough, delve into the settings. In such devices, more than one installation for shooting in various conditions is sewn up.

If you plan to photograph children, choose a camera with the fastest autofocus possible. Otherwise, the child will have time to turn away, look away or even run away from the frame.

Are you looking at mirrors? Get an entry-level whale camera: for home shots, its capabilities are more than enough. Don't be afraid of the word "initial": it does not mean that you will get poor quality pictures. It's just that these cameras lack additional features that you are unlikely to ever need.

professional shooting

If your dream is to conquer the world with perfect shots or you are already thinking about opening your own photo studio, pay attention to mid-range and high-end SLR cameras. This reliable tools, which will not only take high-quality pictures, but will also be very convenient.

The possibilities of kit assembly will quickly become insufficient, and the time will come to experiment with filters and lenses. Don't worry about the big dimensions: a small camera in the hands of a professional will look frivolous.

When choosing a future camera, keep in mind the main features of professional shooting: a large sensor and the ability to change lenses.

For your purposes, a mirrorless camera will also be useful. They shoot no worse than their mirror sisters.

Do not forget that such a technique will require considerable financial investments.

Travels

Everyone wants to bring back from vacation, so a smartphone camera is often not enough.

A travel camera should not be bulky or heavy, because most often the most beautiful places come across on excursions. And carrying large equipment for several hours in a row is not very convenient, especially if you have chosen a hot country for your vacation.

Therefore, for travel, choose a professional compact or ultrazoom. As you remember, in the first case, the pictures will be better. But the price is also higher.

Try to choose a camera with a viewfinder. On a sunny day, it is very difficult to see the future frame on the built-in screen. Don't forget the filters for shooting in bright conditions. They are compact and quite inexpensive. And if you plan to shoot from the window of a train or car, make sure that the future camera has a good stabilizer, otherwise you risk getting fuzzy blurry frames.

Those who love extreme recreation should purchase an action camera. It should be light, waterproof, and ideally also indestructible.

How not to overpay for a camera

1. Do not go to the store without deciding on a specific model. The choice is huge, and asking for help from sellers is a disastrous occupation. They will pick up a camera for you, do not hesitate, but you will pay twice as much for it as you planned.
2. Don't get hung up on a specific manufacturer. Everyone has both successful models and frankly failed ones.
3. Look for camera reviews online. Use services to compare different models and types of cameras. For example, Digital Photography Review or DxOMark.
4. Don't chase the number of pixels. Many people think that the quality of photos directly depends on this parameter. In fact, it only affects the maximum size of pictures (this is important if you want to print a poster from a photo). 16-20 megapixels for home shooting and travel will be enough.
5. Consider whether you need features such as Wi-Fi, NFC (wireless transmission technology), and GPS. As practice has shown, few people use them. So why overpay?
6. The lens for the camera should have the highest aperture: the quality of shooting in low light directly depends on this. The optimal value is f2.8–4.0.
7. Pay attention to the quality of the video. The 4K format is rapidly gaining popularity, so a rare manufacturer does not equip new models with it, but to fully view such a video, you need a projector or monitor. To shoot videos of excellent quality, Full HD is enough.

What to look for in the store

1. Do not be too lazy to hold the camera: it should fit comfortably in your hands.
2. Carefully examine the lens: there should not be a scratch on it.
3. Check the matrix for broken or problematic pixels. To do this, you need to shoot a solid background, preferably gray, and ask to demonstrate the resulting photo on the monitor screen. Zoom in to the maximum: all dots must be the same color.
4. Take multiple shots in different modes. Check out how zoom works.
5. look around appearance camera, check the functionality of the buttons.

Remember that the main condition for good pictures will not only be good camera, but also skillfully handling it. So read , don't be afraid to experiment with , try different modes... Another tip: shoot as much as possible. So you will quickly understand the functions of the camera, and the quantity, no matter how trite it may sound, will very soon turn into quality.

The main points when choosing a digital compact camera

Matrix
One of the main, and expensive parts of the camera. In principle, the larger the matrix, the better. But the number of pixels should not be decisive when choosing a digital camera. 12-15 megapixels will be enough to print a 40x30 cm photo or admire it on big screen TV. Three million pixels is enough to print a 10x15 photo. By the way, the physical dimensions of photos can be different: 4x3, or 10x15.

The matrix size is indicated in inches: 1/2.5 - corresponds to 5.76 × 4.29 mm, 1/1.8 - 7.176 × 5.319 mm. Of course, the second option would be preferable. Too many pixels should alert - as a rule, the more pixels, the smaller size, and less light will fall on each pixel - hence the noise. A more important factor when choosing a compact digital camera is light sensitivity. That is, which camera has a better picture in low light, that one should be chosen.

You can check this in the same way as a video camera: take a friend with a flash card, come to the store, be sure to set the same parameters on the cameras (minimum, maximum, and medium ISO are better), and take several identical frames. Then at home in a relaxed atmosphere, analyze and compare. Sometimes the number of sensitive elements (pixels) does not match the number of pixels in the resulting image, pay attention to this. Or look for product specifications on the Internet.

Lens
Probably in second place in importance, after the matrix. Lenses on cheap cameras are made of plastic. The main parameters when choosing: magnification, aperture and focal length. It is not worth chasing a large increase, 5-7 times is enough. The more zooms, the more shaking, and the photos will turn out blurry. If you choose a camera with a stabilizer, you can increase it even more, practice will show. It's always better to get close to your subject than to zoom in. The increase is naturally optical, forget about digital.

Aperture is indicated by the letter F, for example: F-3.5. How less number- all the better. Today 3.5 is normal, if you find 2.8 it's great. The aperture value is written around the lens, for example: 3.1 x 6.3. These numbers mean the value of aperture at wide angle and maximum approximation.

Focal length is the angle that the camera covers. The smaller the first number, the wider the viewing angle will be, that is more people will enter the frame when shooting in a cramped apartment. And the larger the second digit, the closer you can see the object, that is, the more zooms. It looks something like this: 24 - 288 mm, this is marked "35 mm equivalent". If there are manual settings for shutter speed and aperture, that's good.

Card
What the photograph is recorded on. Main types of memory cards: Secure Digital, Compact Flash, Memory Stick. I would advise SD (Secure Digital). The best value for money. In addition, when changing the camera, these cards are likely to fit the new model. An important factor is the possibility of using large-capacity cards in the camera. It is better to immediately buy a capacious card, and shoot without restrictions.

Also, for a card, an important indicator is the recording speed, at a low speed you will not be able to shoot a series of frames (and even more so - a video). By the way, the burst shooting function should be present. Not bad, if the camera has built-in memory, there will always be a reserve.

Viewfinder and screen
It depends on how you will see the subject. In most cases, you will use the screen, but on a bright sunny day, the information on it may not be visible, and the viewfinder will help out here. Almost always, when shooting, autofocus is used, so the viewfinder is needed only for visual control of the scene being shot. The presence of a rotary or folding screen makes it very easy to shoot. It is necessary that the display shows all the shooting parameters - this will be useful for subsequent analysis.

Flash
All digital cameras have built-in flashes. There is only one criterion for selection: the more powerful the flash, the better. This information must be provided in technical specifications camera. It is advisable to choose a camera with the possibility of forced flash, and not just automatic. For example, if you shoot a person standing in front of a window, then the light hitting the sensor will show that there is enough light, but the person's face will be dark. That's why you need the ability to independently turn on the flash.

If there is a red-eye reduction mode - this is good, you do not need to spend money on removing this defect in photo salons. More advanced models have a socket for connecting an external flash, but at the first stage you will not need it. A good flash costs more than your camera.

Batteries or accumulators
Batteries are finger-type (such as batteries), and rectangular (branded), it all depends on their capacity. The larger the capacity, the longer the photography will last. The only difference is that you can use finger-type batteries in other devices, and you can buy a charger for them without problems, but branded batteries will not work for anything other than your camera. Speaking of chargers: the slower they charge, the better. Batteries will last for more cycles.

Camera video function
I have always said: filming with a camera is a perversion. That's what a video camera is for. Even the cheapest camcorder shoots better than the most expensive (amateur) camera. I mean not only technical specifications, but also the convenience of shooting, and the availability of the necessary functions. All this is absent in the camera, although the picture on the display can be kind of good. Most likely, this function will be present on your camera, when you try to record a video, you will understand that the video is, let's say, not very good. Although in extreme cases it can come in handy. You can read more on this topic on the page "Video shooting with a camera".

If it is important for you that the video function is present, then pay attention to the resolution, most often in digital cameras it is not higher than 1280 by 720, and the number of frames per second, which rarely exceeds 30. If you choose a camera with a video function, then must have an image stabilizer. The stabilizer is either in the lens or in the body, but in principle - if only there was.

When you make your choice, you should definitely check the camera before buying. There should be no scratches on the case, all buttons should be pressed well and not stick anywhere, there should be no bubbles or dust particles in the lenses. You won't be able to test all the camera's functions in the store, so shoot as much as you can at first, and in different modes. If there is a factory defect in the camera, then within 14 days you can simply return the camera to the store and collect the money, if the defect is found later - you will have to return it for repair.

When choosing a camera, do not rush, so that later it will not be excruciatingly painful from wasted money. The same camera for a female and male hand will be different, it will be convenient for someone to shoot, but not for someone. Remember, a hasty choice, because tomorrow is your birthday, will not lead to anything good, because you buy a camera more than once. A right choice- a guarantee that you will be satisfied with the purchase, and the process of photographing will bring a lot of positive emotions, because photography is an opportunity to save a moment for centuries.

If the question of choice is serious for you, and you want to know not only how to choose a camera and which one is better, but also to understand lens markings, purposes and the correct use of various camera functions, then on the "Ask a question" page you can order training in video format . This video course provides answers to all the questions that a novice photographer has: what is white balance, depth of field, histogram and exposure. The structure of cameras, types of matrices. Tips for choosing a lens, camera settings and caring for it. And more, much, much more... Fill out the form, and after payment (500 rubles) I will send you a link to download the archive (224 Mb).

And most importantly: The photographer makes a good photo, and the camera is just a tool that helps him in this.

When buying, you need to ask the seller for a discount using the club card number - 0026. More information about the assortment can be found on the website www.intel-foto.ru

Today it is difficult to imagine the life of a modern person without a camera - the desire to capture bright moments, travel or valuable information makes one wonder how to choose a digital camera, what characteristics are important to pay attention to, and which companies are better to give preference to.

What is the best digital camera?

A person who has not dealt with photographic equipment before can easily be confused by the abundance of cameras on the modern market. So, there is a small and compact technique that fits in the front pocket of a shirt, and there are huge overall models with a lot of weight, removable equipment. A separate issue is diversity. various brands, each of which releases a new model almost every year. How do they all differ, which company to prefer in order to get the best digital camera?

Digital cameras

These cameras are the most budgetary, while they are compact and convenient. But you should not count on the highest quality of photographs - the size of the matrix of such photographic equipment is small, sensitivity and other parameters are also of little importance. It is ideal for family daily shooting, travel, vacation. The best digital is often the following firms:

The optical zoom of soap dishes is often three or four times, in the newest models, for example, Nikon Coolpix S3700, eight times zoom. The same model and some others are equipped with Wi-Fi, which makes the process of data transfer more convenient. For maximum convenience in work, it is better to choose a model as new as possible.

This technique is an order of magnitude higher than soap dishes, and the first thing that distinguishes it is a large optical zoom, a good large-sized matrix, and high light sensitivity. A significant drawback that does not allow these cameras to enter the lists of amateur or semi-professional is a stationary lens. It is impossible to change the lens in the ultrazoom, the only thing that can be done is to choose macro attachments for high-quality shooting of small objects.

When deciding how to choose an ultrasonic digital camera, you should know that they are produced by such well-known companies as Canon, Nikon, Sony, Panasonic, Olympus, best option- balance price and quality. The rating of popular ultrazooms today is as follows:

1. Canon PowerShot SX530HS. New model with 50x magnification, 16MP resolution, 3-inch display and Wi-Fi for added convenience. The focal length of the lens is 24-1200. The weight of the camera is only 442 grams, which allows you to take it with you to any event and long hikes.


2. Nikon Coolpix B500. Three-inch swivel display, 40x magnification, matrix resolution 16 MPx, focal length 23t - 900 meters. The weight of the camera is 541 grams. Equipped with Wi-Fi and Bluetooth.


3. Nikon Coolpix P900. Differs in a huge zoom - magnification of a lens in 83 times. Three-inch swivel display, 16 megapixel matrix, focal length 24-2000. Of the shortcomings - a large weight for the ultrasonic, 900 grams. The model is very expensive, suitable for shooting animals in the wild from a long distance. Equipped with Wi-Fi and GPS.


4. Nikon Coolpix L340. A simpler and more cost effective model. Magnification 28 times, focal length 22-630, display 3 inches. Matrix resolution 20 MPks. Weight 430 grams.


5. Panasonic DMC-FZ1000. Matrix 20 MPks, 3-inch display, 16x magnification, focal length 25-400. Equipped with Wi-Fi, capable of recording videos with ultraHD resolution. An important advantage of this photographic equipment is the ability to shoot in RAW format. Camera weight 830 grams.


6. Canon PowerShot SX60HS. Matrix resolution 16 megapixels, magnification 65 times, focal length 21 - 1365 meters, the ability to shoot in RAW format. Three-inch swivel display, camera weight 650 grams. Equipped with Wi-Fi.


7. Sony RX10 III. One of the most expensive ultrazooms, characterized by moisture and shock protection. Shooting in RAW format, ultraHD video recording, Wi-Fi. Optical zoom 25x, focal length 24 - 600. Camera weight 1051 grams.

- This is a high-quality photographic equipment of amateur, semi-professional and professional class. Large photosensitive matrix, huge assortment lenses for any requirement, the mirror design allows you to get pictures of the highest quality with ultra-accurate color reproduction. To choose a good SLR camera, you need to accurately determine the goals - either it will be high-quality shooting of family highlights, or professional work, and depending on this, select a model.

1. CANON EOS 1DX. Recognized as the best SLR reportage camera in the world. Full-size sensor, 12 frames per second, 18 megapixel resolution. Such a camera is a real find for a professional, but for a family it is not at all advisable to buy it.


2. Nikon D45. New model with 51 focus points, 11 frames per second shooting speed, 16 MP sensor resolution. Thanks to its high light sensitivity, this device takes high-quality pictures without a flash, even in the dark.


3. CANON EOS 5D MARK III- the most popular professional reportage camera. Equipped with a new generation processor, 61 focus points, 6 frames per second shooting speed.


4. Nikon DF. This camera is ideal for travelers, because the main advantage of this professional camera is its low weight, only 700 grams. It will also be appreciated by lovers of retro design. It is worth noting that it is “outdated” only externally - a touch screen, a good viewfinder, a magnesium case, good battery confirmation of this.


5. CANON EOS 6D. This is the most budget professional camera that allows you to get high-quality results at an affordable price. Inferior to the well-known 5D MARK III in shooting speed - 4.5 frames per second.


6. PENTAX K-3. This technique belongs to the semi-professional, since the size of the matrix is ​​not full, known as "crop", resolution 24 megapixels, 27-point focusing. The weight of the camera is 800 grams, the body is made of light metal and protected from moisture and dust.


7. CANON EOS 7D. Included in the category of professional cameras, while it is available for amateurs. This camera differs from professional ones only in that it is a “crop”.


8. SONY ALPHA DSLR-A390. A good amateur SLR camera with well-thought-out automatic shooting modes. Matrix resolution 14 megapixels, shooting speed 8 frames per second, good convenient viewfinder.


9. NICON D 3300. Ideal Model for a novice photographer, which allows you to delve into the specifics of photography without high costs and get beautiful bright pictures.


10. CANON EOS 1100D. Almost similar to the previous camera. An ideal model for a beginner in photography, also good in quality. Its undeniable advantage is its low weight, it is very popular.

Mirrorless digital camera

If the question of how to choose a high-performance compact digital camera is important to you, mirrorless cameras are worth considering. Their peculiarity is that they are based on a high-resolution electronic video finder, while they work perfectly with any lenses. They do not have an optical viewfinder on the mirrors, this is their fundamental difference from SLR cameras.

This technique first went on sale in 2008, it is considered new, but it has proven itself well in terms of its characteristics. Their important advantage over SLR cameras is their compactness and light weight, while the quality of the pictures, resolution, color reproduction and sharpness are in no way inferior. But their price is also high.

To decide how to choose a digital camera with a mirrorless system, our rating will help you:

How to choose a good digital camera?

Before choosing a camera, high-quality digital and modern for home, it is still worth understanding its characteristics, only then the purchased camera will fully meet your request. What should you pay attention to when reading the characteristics of photographic equipment on display windows?

Dimensions of the matrix of a digital camera

When wondering how to choose a high-quality camera, it is worth knowing about the size of its matrix. This parameter is important when choosing high-end SLR cameras, it is determined by the size of the film frame and is responsible for image quality. The matrix of a digital camera can be full-size (36x24 mm) or with a crop factor (reduced in size).

In professional photographic equipment, full-size matrices are used, which gives good quality images, higher light sensitivity and low noise. The downside is that it's very expensive, so unless you're planning to shoot professional photography in specific lighting conditions, it's not necessary. All semi-professional and amateur level cameras, soapboxes, Urazums and DSLRs are equipped with a crop factor matrix.

Those who are just getting acquainted with photography are interested in the question of what is the ISO sensitivity in the camera. Many have noticed that in the description of professional equipment everywhere they talk about high light sensitivity - this is the ISO parameter, the larger it is, the higher the camera's ability to shoot in low light conditions. But remember - high ISO gives a lot of noise, so try to set the ISO as low as possible in the settings.

If you are interested in how to choose a digital camera that is very simple and compact, automatic modes are enough for you - “auto”, “portrait”, “landscape”. If you want more from photography, choose a technique with manual modes that allow you to adjust the exposure (amount of light), the ISO number, and the depth of field. All SLR and mirrorless cameras, as well as ultrazooms, are equipped with several manual modes.

digital zoom in camera

What is optical zoom in a camera is an increase in the image on the frame without losing its quality. For a family camera, a three- or four-fold increase is enough; any “soap box” can give such a parameter. If you need an increase of 10 times or more, then you should pay attention to ultrasonics.

When choosing a SLR or mirrorless camera, remember that such a parameter as zoom has nothing to do with the camera itself, in this case it is the characteristics of the lenses. The camera itself will provide a high-quality image both with a Fix lens (not magnifying) and with a reportage one.

The best camera for video

Today, almost every camera has a video recording function, ranging from budget cameras to expensive SLR cameras. The only exceptions are professional SLR photographic equipment designed for high-quality photography. To choose a camera for shooting video, please note that the number of megapixels indicated in the specifications is only related to photos, video resolution is always lower. It is better to choose models with video recording with HD or FullHD resolution.

What brand of digital cameras is better?

Summing up the descriptions and ratings, we can safely say that the best firms that produce high-quality digital SLR and mirrorless cameras are Canon, Nikon, Sony, Pentax. To choose a high-quality soap dish or ultrasonic, you can add companies such as Samsung and Olympus to the previous list.