How to choose a camera for high-quality photographs?

Today, cameras are presented on the market in a wide range. But nevertheless, most people are not aware of the criteria by which such equipment should be selected. Many people have heard the terms “matrix” and “megapixels” in passing, but what they are talking about is unclear.

Sellers skillfully take advantage of the inexperience of buyers in matters of choice and impose cameras at incredibly high prices with many unnecessary functions on ordinary photography enthusiasts. How to avoid falling for the tricks of trade workers? How to choose a good quality camera?

How to choose a good camera?

First of all, you should proceed from your financial capabilities and the level at which you are proficient in photography. Accordingly, the higher the price of a particular model, the greater functional potential it has. But for beginners it is better to buy a simpler device.

It’s not a fact that the passion for photography will not burn out in a month or two. Therefore, the most important question before purchasing should be: why do you need a camera? For what purpose? Only after receiving objective answers can you move on to finding an answer to the main question of how to choose a camera.

A camera for an amateur will satisfy his needs with simple and, at first glance, high-quality photographs. The main thing is that they turn out clear. A professional photographer will prefer a model with the latest bells and whistles that can improve and systematize image quality.

Most cameras produced today are digital. They can be divided into two groups.

1. Automatic with a minimum number of different settings.
2. Mirror, the use of which requires mastery of all the subtleties of the process.

If you do not have photographic skills, you should give preference to the most automated camera. A camera with variable optics can be mastered by a professional.

But which device is better to choose? Compact digital camera or DSLR? Semi-professional or for real pros? A brief overview of camera characteristics will help you make the right choice.

Why is it important to know how to choose the right camera?

All photography courses should begin with the topic “How to choose a camera.” Understanding which camera elements, settings and specifications are important for high-quality photographs comes with practice. For an inexperienced photographer, a cunning seller can easily “sell” the most expensive model, and advertising will help him with this. Not every beginner knows that, for example, “a lot of megapixels” is not only expensive, but also... almost useless. However, more on this a little later...

It’s even easier for sellers to make money from those buyers who are not ready to understand the theory, but want to bring bright photos from their summer vacation, and constantly “click” their children and pets. It is enough for them to say that a good quality camera is only a “DSLR”, and you can’t take normal pictures with a “point-and-shoot” camera. And now the “lucky one” is in the hands of a heavy, expensive semi-professional camera, which he will carry with him everywhere, like a suitcase without a handle, and use only in automatic mode, like the same “point-and-shoot.”

Even if you have enough money to buy the latest expensive model, we suggest working with the AMD.by store to figure out how to choose a camera whose capabilities will be used to the maximum.

How to choose a DSLR camera?

The main difference between SLR cameras and other devices is the ability to use removable lenses. Thus, the camera includes two parts - the frame (or “body”) and mobile optics. Such a device provides very high image quality, even if visibility conditions leave much to be desired.

But how to choose the right DSLR camera? There are several important criteria to consider .

• It is important to focus on the year of manufacture of the model. The latest cameras are more advanced, but they become obsolete within a couple of months after they first hit the market. This does not apply to rarities that have no age limits. It is better to give preference to new digital technologies. It will be easier with them in terms of repairs and purchasing accessories.
• Megapixels, namely their number. Although professionals call this indicator insignificant, in large-format printing this criterion plays a paramount role.
• Weight and size are not important for a novice photographer or for rare shoots. However, if a person is used to not letting go of the device throughout the day, it is better to choose a more compact camera.
• Availability of video recording. Some people buy a DSLR to shoot video. But not all devices come with a microphone. Therefore, when buying a camera, you need to ask the seller about the availability of a recording device.
• Zoom. If you have a regular compact ultrazoom, working with a DSLR camera can cause certain difficulties, since the standard zoom in it is three times.
• What kind of frame: full or cropped. The former have a price several times higher. Therefore, if you have extra money, the choice should be made in their favor. If there is no finance, then the second option will also work.
• An equally important criterion for choosing a SLR camera should be the company that produced it. The top rated companies are Nikon, Canon and Sony. It is their models that should be given preference. But if your budget is limited, you can pay attention to other lesser-known manufacturers. Pentax, Olympus and Samsung have performed well. Canon is considered the main leader.

Having selected a model in accordance with the above criteria, it would be a good idea to try it out. You can take a few pictures in the store itself before purchasing. Sometimes the quality of a super-sophisticated DSLR is worse than that of a device that is a standard inexpensive point-and-shoot camera.

After receiving the answer to the question of how to choose a SLR camera, the next step will be purchasing a lens for it.

SLR Cameras

A DSLR is an excellent solution for an amateur photographer who plans to improve his skills, learn, and use all creative and technical shooting techniques. DSLRs are equipped with large matrices (full-frame or APS-C standard), thanks to which you can obtain very high image quality. They are very flexible in operation and suitable for all types of shooting. You just need to choose the right lens.

Why is a SLR camera called that? Its design is based on a movable mirror, which is necessary for viewing the frame through the optical viewfinder.

Nikon D3400

Canon 1300D

DSLRs designed for beginners can be purchased with a lens included. Such trade offers are marked kit. The “whale” lens is ideal for beginning photographers. Professionals choose optics to suit their tasks, ordering a camera without a lens in the body package.

X-T2 / XF10-24mmF4 R OIS SETTINGS: ISO 200, F11, 1/8 sec, 15.0 mm eq.

Entry-level DSLR cameras are relatively inexpensive. They can last longer on a single battery charge than compacts and mirrorless cameras. This is very important when traveling and on important shoots.

PENTAX K-1 / HD PENTAX-D FA 24-70mm F2.8ED SDM WR SETTINGS: ISO 100, F8, 20 sec, 24.0 mm equiv.

All modern models have rich video recording capabilities. If entry-level devices are simply good family video cameras, then some advanced models are quite suitable for professional video work.

ILCA-99M2 / 135mm F1.8 ZA SETTINGS: ISO 1600, F2.8, 1/100 s, 135.0 mm eq.

However, cameras in this class are large. This is due to their design with a mirror inside, interchangeable lenses and a large matrix. The size of a DSLR camera will depend on the size of the optics installed on it.

Canon EOS 5D Mark IV / Canon EF 24-70mm f/2.8L II USM SETTINGS: ISO 100, F4, 1/60 sec

A DSLR camera is a whole system of devices and accessories. Buying a camera may come with costs for lenses, flashes and other accessories that will be necessary if you take up photography seriously.

How to choose a lens for a SLR camera?

The most difficult question for a novice photographer is how to choose a lens for a camera. It is clear that a modern lens that will meet all parameters has not yet been invented. However, there is the most balanced model called Kit.

The result is a good device that meets the following parameters:

• good lens;
• cheap;
• universal.

In the future, you can purchase more advanced camera lenses. But for a beginner, Kit will be just right.

In addition to the lens, the flash plays an important role in a DSLR camera. How to choose a flash for shooting? Which one should you prefer? Here you need to act consistently, selecting according to several criteria.

• Power, measured by the distance within which a high-quality image can be obtained.
• Automatic zoom. It will allow you to change the distance to the subject while maintaining light and focus.
• A flash with maximum battery recharging speed is suitable for those who are engaged in reportage photography.
• For different lighting effects, choose a flash with a rotating head.
• If your budget is limited, then it is better to buy a semi-professional flash than a low-quality cheap analogue.

How to choose a professional camera?

Modern cameras are almost all digital. They differ in the range of functions and quality of parts. Such diversity sometimes confuses the buyer, especially if he is not exactly a pro in this industry. How to choose a digital camera so that it is also professional?

It is believed that the best brand on the market producing cameras for professionals is Canon. A Canon camera, whether professional or semi-professional, will be equipped with accessories from the same brand.

Such devices are quite expensive, so when purchasing, you should give preference to high-quality equipment with good optics and lenses.

How to choose a camera?

It is very difficult to understand all the abundance of photographic equipment on the market. Prices vary widely, and the range of features varies greatly. Which camera should I buy? The purpose of this article is to help you choose a camera based on your goals and budget.

• The best camera under 10,000 rubles. 2021
• The best camera under 25,000 rubles. 2021
• The best camera under 40,000 rubles. 2021
• The best camera under 60,000 rubles. 2021

How to choose a memory card for a camera?

Before you buy a memory card, you need to familiarize yourself with the technical characteristics of the camera and find out what type of memory is suitable for it. Information can also be found on the Internet. In addition to information about memory, you need to clarify information about the size of the flash card that your tool will “pull”.

If the question of which flash drive manufacturer to prefer is not relevant to you, then it is better not to contact companies about which you have not heard anything. Leaders in the production of memory cards are Transcend, SanDisk, Kingston.

If you are offered a free memory card when purchasing a camera, then know that this is a marketing ploy by the seller. It’s good if the card simply turns out to be defective and does not harm the device. Remember that a high-quality memory card cannot be cheap.

If you need a large amount of memory, then do not put it in one flash drive. Buy two cards with equal volume. You will protect yourself if one carrier suddenly stops working.

Before paying money to the store's cash register, check the card for serviceability. If everything works, then you can safely make a purchase.

How to choose a tripod for a camera?

Most camera owners dream of purchasing a tripod to go along with it, the function of which is to hold the camera in a stationary position. But how to choose a compact and at the same time reliable tripod? To do this, you need to know the basic characteristics of the device.

• Working height is defined as the distance from the surface of the platform with which the tripod is in contact to the camera. The height can be minimum and maximum. It is better if the maximum height is greater than the height of the photographer.
• Tripod size and weight . These indicators must be such that when shooting, the weight of the camera does not affect the support and does not break it. However, you should give preference to compact tripod models, since they are more convenient to carry in your hands.
• Accessories . Many tripods come with a full set of components. But professionals prefer to buy various elements separately. This is a more expensive purchase option, but also of higher quality.
• The case will come in handy on a long journey or while traveling. It will protect your tripod from bad weather.