How To Choose A DSLR Or Digital Camera, What Is Better, What Is The Difference, How To Use And Repair Yourself

2024 Author: Bailey Albertson | [email protected]. Last modified: 2024-01-17 22:26

Correct selection, operation and repair of a digital camera

In order to choose a digital camera, you must first decide what category of users you belong to, where and how you will photograph, and also determine the price category that suits you.

Content

• 1 Types of digital cameras

  • 1.1 Video: what to choose - a mirror or digital camera

  • 1.2 Compact cameras

    1.2.1 Table: comparison of compact and SLR cameras

  • 1.3 Selection criteria

    1.3.1 Video: how to choose a camera - comparison of different systems

  • 1.4 Compact cameras rating

    • 1.4.1 Top 5 compact cameras of all levels
    • 1.4.2 Photo Gallery: Popular Compact Cameras
    • 1.4.3 Top 5 entry-level compact cameras
    • 1.4.4 Photo Gallery: Best Camera Models for Beginners
    • 1.4.5 Top 5 Compact Ultrazoom Cameras
    • 1.4.6 Photo Gallery: Best Ultrazoom Cameras

  • 1.5 Rating of professional cameras

    • 1.5.1 Top 5 mirrorless interchangeable-lens cameras
    • 1.5.2 Photo Gallery: Mirrorless Cameras
    • 1.5.3 Top 5 SLR Cameras
    • 1.5.4 Photo Gallery: Most Popular SLR Cameras

  • 1.6 Learning to photograph

    • 1.6.1 Basic shooting modes
    • 1.6.2 Video: Camera Shooting Modes
    • 1.6.3 What is zoom
    • 1.6.4 Image Stabilizer
    • 1.6.5 Video on a digital camera
    • 1.6.6 Some manual settings
    • 1.6.7 Photo Gallery: Nikon's Cheat Sheets for Beginner Photographers
    • 1.6.8 Video: how to set up, aperture, ISO and shutter speed
    • 1.6.9 Still image histogram

• 2 Interesting features of a digital camera

  • 2.1 Digitizing old images

    1 Video: Digitizing Film and Slides

  • 2.2 Using the camera as a web-camera

    2.2.1 Video: webcams from a camera

• 3 DIY digital camera repair

  • 3.1 Video: the lens does not open
  • 3.2 Video: curtains do not open or close
  • 3.3 Video: Broken and skewed lens
  • 3.4 Video: the camera does not see the memory card

Types of digital cameras

Digital cameras are divided into four groups:

1. Entry level. Includes the use of automatic shooting modes.
2. Amateur. In addition to the machine, they include simple manual settings.
3. Semi-professional. Provides the user with advanced capabilities.

4. Professional. There are no automatic settings here, all modes are set only manually. The main feature of professional cameras is the matrix. Its size corresponds to the standard film frame format - 24x36 mm. The matrix in semi-professional cameras is one and a half times smaller.

   

   The dimensions of the camera sensors are measured relative to the standard frame format on film

If you are a pro, then the choice is straightforward, but if you are a beginner or a hobbyist, camera functionality is not the only criterion for choosing a camera. There are design features that distinguish the following types of cameras:

• compact. They are also called digitalists. Compared to SLR cameras, they are small in size, a fixed lens and a minimum of buttons;
• mirrored. DSLRs have interchangeable lenses, an optical viewfinder that displays a real picture;
• mirrorless cameras with interchangeable optics. Models of this class can change lenses, but there are no mirrors or optical viewfinder;
• digital cameras with a translucent mirror. They have no visual differences from mirrors, but instead of a lifting mirror, a translucent glass is installed. The viewfinder is electronic here. These cameras are manufactured by Sony.

Video: what to choose - a mirror or digital camera

But that's not all the types of cameras. It turns out that digital cameras are different, and there are models even for advanced users.

Compact Cameras

There are four types of compact cameras:

1. Automatic digital cameras. These are simple and cheap devices. They work according to the "point and shoot" rule. You just need to select a frame and press a button. The camera will automatically adjust the settings, even turn on the flash if necessary.
2. Cameras with an extended set of settings. These cameras are more expensive than machines because they use better optics.
3. Prosumer cameras. They have automatic and manual settings, a more powerful flash, a large matrix, high-quality optics. Allows the use of attachments and light filters. It is difficult for a novice user to understand such a system. The price of these cameras is comparable to the cost of SLR cameras.

4. Compact cameras of the "ultrazum" type. Equipped with a built-in 20x to 60x zoom lens. The quality of the photo is at the level of a compact, because this is the same digital camera, only with a large lens.

   

   Despite the large lens with increased zoom, compact cameras provide frame quality at the level of a conventional digital camera

Table: comparison of compact and SLR cameras

	Compact Cameras	SLR Cameras
Dimensions and weight	Small	Largest of all cameras
Shutter sound	Quiet sound	Loud click
Optics quality	Low, medium	Medium, high
Battery discharge	Fast	Slow
Function control	Through the menu	Through separate buttons
Viewfinder	Screen used	Optic
Interchangeable lens	No	there is
RAW format	No	there is
Price	Low, medium	Medium, high

RAW has a higher color depth than JPEG. If you are not going to do post-processing of the image, then JPEG can be used. RAW allows you to change the color, brightness and contrast of the frame after shooting. If the picture turns out to be overexposed or dark, then it is very difficult to fix JPEG without loss of quality, and RAW allows you to do it.

Criterias of choice

Based on the foregoing, you can start choosing a camera:

1. If you are undemanding to the super quality of photos, do not want to carry a kilogram carcass with a lens, bother with the settings, and even more so improve in photography, then feel free to take a digital camera.
2. Want more? First, decide for yourself which design you like: a camera with a built-in lens or with a set of optics. Then define the price category. If you like interchangeable lenses but don't have enough money for a DSLR, take a look at interchangeable-lens mirrorless cameras. Their price ranges from 10,000 to a million rubles.
3. Do you like to shoot from a long distance? Then choose between an ultrazoom and a DSLR with telescopic lenses.

Video: how to choose a camera - comparison of different systems

Compact cameras rating

Here is a list of the most popular cameras according to Yandex. Market data.

Top 5 compact cameras of all levels

The most popular compact cameras are:

1. Fujifilm X70.
2. Olympus Tough TG-860.
3. Leica Q (Typ 116).
4. Nikon Coolpix S2.
5. Nikon Coolpix S9600.

Photo gallery: popular compact cameras

The Fujifilm X70 camera has a wide-angle lens that allows you to take high-quality images in all modes

Olympus Tough TG-860 has a rugged housing and can be used for shooting sports events

The Leica Q (Typ 116) camera has a full-size sensor and a fixed lens

Nikon Coolpix S2 compact waterproof body is designed for shooting in any weather

Nikon Coolpix S9600 will allow the user not to think about setting the necessary settings

Top 5 entry-level compact cameras

For beginners and hobbyists, the following models will be the best choice:

1. Canon Digital IXUS 160.
2. Sony Cyber-shot DSC-W 800.
3. Sony Cyber-shot DSC-W 610.
4. Nikon Coolpix L26.
5. Canon Digital IXUS 145.

Photo gallery: the best camera models for beginners

Canon Digital IXUS 160 combines ease of operation with image quality perfectly

Sony Cyber-shot DSC-W800 has dedicated modes for shooting at parties and in low light conditions

Lightweight and compact Sony Cyber-shot DSC-W610 offers multiple fully automatic intelligent shooting modes

The Nikon Coolpix L26 captures stills at 16MP and has built-in anti-blur technology

Compact digital camera Canon Digital IXUS 145 allows you to record stills and clips in HD format in fully automatic mode

Top 5 ultrazoom compact cameras

In the category of "ultrasounds" the leaders are:

1. Nikon Coolpix S9600.
2. Sony Cyber-shot DSC-HX 60 V.
3. Nikon Coolpix L120.
4. Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ1000.
5. Nikon Coolpix L110.

Photo gallery: the best ultrazoom cameras

Nikon Coolpix S9600 camera has 22x zoom and built-in Wi-Fi

The Sony Cyber-shot DSC-HX60V captures superb images despite its compact 300g body

Nikon Coolpix L120 has a professional look and minimal controls

Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ1000 is a good alternative to a DSLR

Nikon Coolpix L110 is a good choice for those looking for a budget model with high image quality

Rating of professional cameras

Among professional models, we will single out separately mirror and mirrorless models.

Top 5 mirrorless interchangeable-lens cameras

Among mirrorless cameras, the following models stand out:

1. Fujifilm X-A2.
2. Olympus OM-D EM 10 Mark II.
3. Sony Alpha ILCE-5100.
4. Olympus Pen EP 5.
5. Sony Alpha NEX-3N.

Photo gallery: mirrorless cameras

Fujifilm X-A2 with 26mm wide-angle lens excellent for most shooting modes

The Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark II has a retro-style traditional design for this manufacturer

Sony Alpha ILCE-5100 is equipped with a high-quality lens and a powerful processor that manages to process photos taken even in low light

The Pen E-P5 is the flagship model in the Olympus mirrorless range

Sony Alpha NEX-3N claims to be the most compact mirrorless device with an APS-C matrix for good reason

Top 5 SLR cameras

In the class of mirror models, experts distinguish the following:

1. Pentax K-3.
2. Pentax K-S1.
3. Nikon D3100.
4. Canon EOS 600D.
5. Canon EOS 1100D.

Photo gallery: the most popular SLR cameras

The Pentax K-3 camera has a powerful processor and a large number of post-processing modes.

The Pentax K-S1 stands out for its basic design and layout of controls

Nikon D3100 is an entry-level DSLR, but it can compete with more advanced models.

The Canon EOS 600D is an excellent consumer DSLR camera that can do almost everything a photographer needs for it

Canon EOS 1100D is a budget DSLR with all the features you need

As we can see, there are many different cameras, but we need one. Experts advise that you first decide what you need a camera for. Then - what do you have to sacrifice. There is no perfect camera, so you can hardly find a camera for all occasions.

Learning to photograph

To turn on the camera, press the ON / OFF button located on the body. In compact cameras, the lens extends forward, so do not cover it with your hands when turning it on.

Basic shooting modes

In modern digital cameras, there are scene, automatic, semi-automatic and manual modes. Typically, the selection is made with a round switch

The choice of shooting modes on modern cameras is usually done with a special program wheel

For those who do not know how or do not want to configure and switch, there are two modes:

• easy - there are very few functions available, usually two options for image size (small and large) and the inclusion of GPS, if any;
• intelligent - in the i-Auto mode, the camera itself recognizes the scenes, selects one of them that best suits the shooting conditions.

If Simple and Intelligent modes are limiting you, story programs come to the rescue, giving more freedom of action. The camera itself sets the aperture and shutter speed in accordance with the selected program:

• portrait,
• scenery,
• sport,
• night portrait,
• dusk,
• landscape,
• firework,
• macro.

For more professional control, cameras offer the ability to manually set all or part of the parameters:

1. In the semi-automatic program mode, the camera selects the exposure parameters, but allows the user to set some others: flash activation, white balance, etc. To optimally set the white balance, you need to point the camera at a bright white object and move the cursor one by one to the suggested values. When the subject appears as white on the camera monitor as in reality, press the confirmation button.
2. In shutter priority mode S or Tv and in aperture priority mode A or Av, you can only change the shutter speed or aperture, respectively. The camera will select the second parameter itself. For example, if you open the aperture for more light, the camera will set a fast shutter speed to maintain the same exposure. This is how you can shoot moving objects.
3. In manual mode M, you can independently set the aperture and shutter speed.

In photo view mode, you can see the gallery or view one shot at a time.

Video: camera shooting modes

What is zoom

Most cameras allow you to zoom in and out of your subject. A zoom lens is also called a zoom lens. The parameter of such a lens, which depends on the focal length, is called the zoom. It can be optical and digital:

• when using optical zoom, the objective lens moves, but other characteristics of the camera are not changed. This does not affect the quality of the pictures. When choosing a camera with a large zoom, look at the optical zoom size;

• with digital zoom, a piece of the image is cut out and stretched across the entire camera matrix, but there is no real zooming of the object. This is the same as enlarging a picture on a computer. The resolution of the cropped area decreases and the image quality drops dramatically.

  

  Optical zoom is achieved by shifting the objective lens

When taking macro photography, photographs are taken from a distance of up to several centimeters. This mode is also called macro zoom.

Image stabilizer

The best stabilizing image is a tripod. But the large size does not allow you to always take it with you. And a small tripod of 15 cm cannot be placed everywhere. Therefore, manufacturers have created image stabilizers. There are two types:

• optical - can be in the lens or in the camera. The camera moves in one direction and the objective lens moves in the other. Stabilization in the camera body works by moving the sensor, which allows the use of lenses without stabilizer, which are much cheaper. Optical stabilization does not degrade photo quality;
• digital - works on the basis of programs, due to which information on the edges of the matrix is lost, the clarity of the photograph is reduced, especially in combination with digital zoom.

Video on a digital camera

You can also shoot video on a digital camera. And there are important advantages here:

1. The shooting quality is better than that of a camcorder. Even a simple digital cameraman shoots video in Full HD, because the size of the camera sensor is larger than the camcorder.
2. No need to take two devices. The camera can take photos and videos.

But there are also pitfalls:

1. Settings. In digital cameras, you can choose the frame size and sometimes the bit rate. DSLRs have the same settings as camcorders.
2. Bad sound. If you do not use an external microphone, noises from pressing buttons on the camera are recorded.
3. The stabilization is worse than in video cameras. This is essential when shooting handheld.
4. Zoom. All camcorders are ultrazoom and the sound of the drive is not recorded in them, unlike cameras. With mechanical zoom, it is impossible to rotate the ring smoothly and continuously. And a video lens is worth a fortune.

Better to shoot video on a compact camera with a tripod and an external microphone

Modern cameras allow you to shoot videos, but it is better to do this using a tripod

Some manual settings

It is not always possible to get a beautiful picture on the machine, because the camera does not know your ideas and makes the settings at its discretion. Therefore, you need to be able to use manual settings.

The amount of light that hits a light-sensitive material in a given time is called exposure. It is influenced by:

• excerpt. This is the shutter time;
• diaphragm. It controls the amount of light passing through the lens;
• ISO. This is the sensitivity of the matrix to light. The higher the ISO, the more noisy the photo, that is, multi-colored dots appear on it.

In the dark, it is recommended to increase the ISO value, then the picture will be low noise. It is also recommended to use flash, slower shutter speed.

The more the aperture is open, the shallower the depth of field, and vice versa. Aperture closure is used when shooting landscapes. If too little light enters the frame when the aperture is closed and the photos turn out to be dark, you can work with the exposure.

For portraits and in macro mode, the aperture is opened, the depth of field decreases, and a beautifully blurred background is obtained.

You can set the automatic shooting of one frame with different exposure values. This is called exposure bracketing. A series of shots with different white balance values is called white balance bracketing.

Photo Gallery: Nikon Beginner's Cheat Sheets

The exposure length also depends on the exposure.

You can choose a mode that suits your skills

Open aperture for landscapes, closed aperture for portraits

The more the aperture is open, the brighter the frames come out, and vice versa.

Video: how to adjust, aperture, ISO and shutter speed

Still image histogram

To avoid problems with exposure, you need to look at the histogram of the picture. It should fit into the chart range, start at the base of the lower axis and not go beyond the lateral boundaries.

Using the histogram, you can see the areas of under-light and over-light of the frame

The correct histogram looks like a parabola and disappears towards the edges of the photo.

A correct histogram should look like a parabola

Interesting digital camera features

The camera can be used not only for shooting the surrounding reality, but also for other purposes.

Digitizing old images

You can retake negatives and slides with a digital camera. The principle of operation is that they need to be photographed in the light. The light source must be behind the film. Then the resulting images are corrected in any graphics editor. To reshoot an old photograph, you need to lay it on a flat surface and provide even light on both sides. Use macro or zoom.

Video: digitizing film and slides

Using the camera as a web camera

To use the camera as a webcam, you need to read the instructions. If there is no such function, then you can check. We take a cable with USB, tulips and a connector for the camera and connect the device to the TV. If there is an image on the screen that is being captured by the camera at the moment, then you can make a webcam from the device.

Video: webcams from a camera

DIY digital camera repair

Common faults:

1. Cracked or pinched screen.
2. The lens does not extend, does not retract, the shutters do not open, the camera does not focus. The inscriptions appear: Lens Eror, Zoom Error, "Lens error", an incomprehensible sound appeared in the area of the lens. Causes: hit or fall, sand or moisture penetration.
3. If there are red-blue stains on the display and pictures, the sensor needs to be replaced.
4. If the camera does not see the flash drive, the connector may be broken.
5. I cannot take a picture when I press the shutter, or the flash does not fire.
6. If the camera does not turn on, diagnostics are required for a variety of reasons.

You can repair your digital camera yourself. To do this, you need to purchase watch screwdrivers. The room must be very clean so that dust does not get on the sensor or lens. Good lighting is also important. Below are a few videos on how to troubleshoot the most common problems.

Video: the lens does not open

Video: curtains do not open or close

Video: broken and skewed lens

Video: the camera does not see the memory card

If you are afraid to disassemble the camera yourself, then it is better to contact the professionals. They will make quality repairs and give a guarantee on it.

Now you can determine the category of digital camera you need, choose the device for your needs, customize it and even repair it.