Also with DSLR the technology principle known by computers applies: the next generation will be able to be more, but not more expensive. You should consider the following features before you buy a SLR housing.
With or without mirror?
For a number of years the mirrorless system cameras (purchase advice) have been on the rise, their share of the overall market is growing slowly but steadily. With small dimensions and low weight, they are much more predestined to be often (always?) With them. The lack of a mirror also allows more freedom in camera and lens design, so their importance will increase in the future.
Which sensor format?
But there are also arguments for the classic SLR cameras with deflection mirrors. For example, the phase autofocus module in the housing base, the SLR usually allows a faster triggering - due to a shorter triggering delay and a better autofocusing time. Fairly, however, one must say that the latest generation of mirrorless system cameras has clearly caught up. In addition, the SLR viewfinder offers a better-looking view of the subject in our view, allowing a more relaxed photographing (link to equipment viewfinder) .Electronic viewfinders are the concept of the future, they can equally be realized with classic SLRs and mirrorless system cameras will. Nostalgic find optical viewfinder better - but this is a subjective assessment.
Autofocus
The larger the light-sensitive sensor in the camera, the less noise-resistant and more light-sensitive it is at a comparable resolution. And here lies the real strength of the SLR cameras: Their large sensors are clearly superior to the tiny chips of the compact models. And also within the SLR the following applies: The larger, the better.
Processing and operation
However, as the size increases, the sensors become significantly more expensive to manufacture, which is why only the peak models have so-called full-format sensors. They are so called because they are the same size as a recording on small film. If you look at "medium format sensors" from the professional cameras of Hasselblad, Leica and Pentax, they are always the first choice when it comes to making high-quality pictures even in relatively poor light conditions.
The Canon cameras EOS Mark III, EOS 6D and EOS 1Dx, the Nikon cameras D610, D800 and D4s, as well as the Sony models alpha 99, are part of the league of cameras with full-format sensors. Nikon offers the Df for retro design enthusiasts Full-format camera with the latest technology in a case that recalls the Nikon analogue models from the 1980s
Most models - whether with or without a mirror - use a sensor in approximately half the size, which is called the APS-C format. This format is a good compromise between price and performance, and is supported, among other things, by the consumer lines of Canon (eg EOS 100D, 1200D, 70D, 700D, 7D), Nikon (D3200, D3300, D5200, K-3, K-30, K 50, K500, K-5II and IIs), Sony (Alpha 58, Alpha 65, Alpha 77 and 77 II) as well as many mirrorless system cameras Code>
The format advantages of larger sensors are particularly important in unfavorable light conditions. Look at images in the format DIN A4 with a sensitivity of ISO 100 still quite comparable, lie with ISO 6400 worlds between full format and Four Thirds - advantage full format. APS-C is also here in the golden center.
The resolution at SLRs currently lies between 12 and 24 million pixels (megapixels, MP), but also six megapixels of an older SLR look much better from 16 MP of a compact camera. Professional models often have fewer pixels on a larger area, which reduces the resolution a bit, but each pixel is slightly larger. This allows better images in unfavorable lighting conditions, Kamewras like the new Nikon D4s offer sensitivities up to ISO 409.800.
In the case of sensors with their regularly arranged pixels - as opposed to film with irregular grain - there is the problem that the structure of the sensor interferes with that of the recorded motif. Moire effects can be created, which can be reduced by a so-called low-pass filter in front of the sensor. This filter unfortunately also reduces the resolution and sharpness of the images. This is why more and more cameras are coming onto the market which do without such a filter. They are measurably sharper and the risk of unwanted effects is low.
Lenses can be used within the systems (for example, Canon or Nikon) for cameras of different sensor sizes. However, with the sensor format, the angle of the image also changes, and the lens then only takes a section (Crop) of the known small picture format. This change in the image format has the effect of extending the focal length and is for full format and APS-C with a crop factor of about 1.6. A 50 mm standard lens is therefore used with a camera with an APS-C sensor with a focal length of approx. 1.6 x 50 = 80 mm.
Irrespective of the format, sensors are very dust-sensitive - dark spots on the picture indicate dust on the sensor. Some cameras offer the useful function of cleaning the sensor with ultrasound.
In order to capture motifs that move fast - like in the football stadium or on the playground - you need a fast camera with the shortest possible delay. This is the time that elapsed between pressing the shutter release button and the camera. When you turn on the camera, the camera should start as quickly as possible so you do not miss an unexpected subject.
Image quality
A fast and precise autofocus is also part of the quick release. ColorPhoto measures this time in bright light as well as in unfavorable light conditions. The values in the test reports give you very precise information about these camera features. An interesting special path in the autofocus is Sony with its SLT models of the Alpha series. In this case, the light from the fixed mirror falls partly on the sensor, partly on the autofocus module, which is permanently active and thus allows a very fast focusing.
Interesting is the serial image function. Entry-level models create three to four frames per second and last for a few seconds. Professional cameras can produce up to 10 frames per second, and that even over a somewhat longer period - if necessary until the memory card is full. So you can select the best from a series of similar images.
Lenses and accessories
The best camera must not only make good pictures, but also be robust and easy to use. Processing and operation are therefore, besides the picture quality, the most important points when assessing a camera. Entry models are usually made of plastic, semiprofessional models made of the rugged light-weight magnesium. The camera also removes hard strokes, but weighs more. Most high-quality cameras are also sealed against dust and splashing water. The professional models from Canon and Nikon also dispense with moving parts such as a fold-out mini-slot.
But also plastic housings can be quite valuable and can even collect plus points during handling. The shape and feel of the hand grips and the rubberized grips in the area of the thumb have a great influence on how well you can handle a camera - and how you like to take it in your hand. Before you buy a camera, you should take various models in your hand and find what flatters your hands and what does not.
A clear advantage is when the camera has a built-in image stabilizer. This helps against blurred images and is especially important with comparatively long exposure times and strong tele-wide. If the image stabilization is installed in the camera, it works with every lens. And not every lens has its own image stabilizer.
The viewfinder is a criterion not to be underestimated in SLR cameras. Before you buy a SLR, take a look inside. Especially for eyeglasses, this can be dark holes in entry models, while semiprofessional and professional models have large viewfinders with an effective magnification of 0.7x.
When the display is 3 inches diagonal the current standard, most have a high resolution of more than 300,000 RGB pixels or more. If, in addition to pixels in the basic colors red, green and blue (RGB display), white pixels are also installed (RGBW display), the display becomes lighter and the picture is better to judge in daylight. A live-view function - that is, the representation of the current sensor image on the display - has now become common property, exceptions are practically no longer. A great advantage for recording in unfavorable positions is when the display can be rotated and tilted for the live view - near the ground or above the head.
In the operating concept, the ghosts separate themselves, the good is however: One accustoms itself with the time to each concept. It is useful if the camera has a quick access menu (Quick Access menu) to change important parameters with one handgrip. The menu-driven operating guide can be implemented most consistently with a touchscreen, but it is still a matter of taste.
An interesting feature is the mobile communication capability. WLAN and NFC (near-field communication) belong today almost to the standard of an SLR. And in any case, not only to quickly upload a picture to Facebook. The cameras can also be remotely controlled via a smartphone or tablet with a corresponding app. Thus, many motifs - such as animals - can be photographed undisturbed.
In the case of the exposure measurement, the multi-field measurement or matrix measurement is standard and, alternatively, a center-weighted integral measurement or a spot measurement. Even entry-level cameras now offer all three types.
The picture quality is ultimately the criterion for the purchase of a SLR, so you should also weight it in the purchase decision accordingly. As every manufacturer with an outstanding image quality advertises, it is best to leave the tests of renowned trade journals such as ColorFoto (link to explanation of test reports)
To the tests one must have the following knowledge: Since an SLR has interchangeable lenses, a judgment can only apply to a combination of the housing and the lens. With the choice of particularly high-quality and comparable lenses, ColorFoto, however, manages to minimize this factor when testing the camera housings. Objective lenses are tested differently on different housings and receive different test results (link to explanation lens tests). In detail, the following criteria of a test panel survey are assessed above all:
Border resolution
Provides information about the ability of the image sensor and lens to resolve fine structures. The limit resolution is specified in line pairs per image height (LP / BH). The higher the value, the sharper the image.
Texture loss
With the Kurtosism measurement, it is possible to determine the extent to which the noise suppression is "smooth", that is, detailed losses occur. The smaller the measured value, the less the loss of texture.
Noise
With noise, a digital camera means interference with the image signal which is not related to the actual image content. The noise is indicated as "Visual Noise" (VN) and usually increases with higher ISO settings. The lower the VN value, the lower the noise.
Object Contrast
Also known as dynamics, the ability of the camera to reflect object contrasts. The dynamics are indicated in f-stops. The larger the aperture value, the better the camera can handle with contrast-rich motifs.
Color / White Balance
A photographed color matrix is used to determine the extent to which the original and the reproduction differ. The color accuracy is expressed as DeltaE, the smaller the value, the more accurate the color reproduction. The same applies to the quality of the white balance (DeltaRGB).
In general, the image quality is roughly proportional to the price: the more expensive a camera, the better the picture quality. For the last few percent and per thousand of quality, the manufacturers at the price but again go right, so you should look for a reasonable compromise between price and performance. At ColorFoto, you'll always recognize the price-performance ratio.
You can also evaluate the naked numbers in the ColorFoto tables according to your own criteria. The best way to do this is to take a picture of how often they shoot in low light (ie with a high ISO number). Then just look at the table for the measured values for this sensitivity.
In these tests the software of the camera has already decided how to interpret colors or differentiate between fine image details and unsightly noise. If you want to process your images on a PC, such as a RAW developer program like Adobe Lightroom, you should also take a look at the ColorFoto tests with RAW images.
You should know that the RAW measured values show the potential in resolution and fine-graining compared to JPEG, they are not based on final processed images. This would require an individual tuning of each test pattern. Virtually all of the ColorFoto tested SLRs cut here better - but the differences between RAW and JPG are very differently large. With some cameras, they are only visible at high magnification, others are immediately apparent.
The most important accessories of a SLR are the lenses - they form a photographic unit with the housing. Whoever enters the SLR photography with a limited budget (and who does not) must therefore consider well which part of the budget he invests in the housing and how much in lenses.
Simple SLR models are often offered together with a zoom lens. These entry-level lenses (often called kit lenses) are usually of little prickling quality, but unbeatable. And when it becomes financially scarce, a useful beginning. However, depending on your personal preference, it may make more sense to refrain from this zoom and buy the camera with a full-focal solid-focal lens.
The market leaders Canon and Nikon have the widest range of lenses on offer, as well as foreign manufacturers such as Tamron or Sigma secured their lenses with connections for these manufacturers. This is the right solution for any photographic task.
Two zoom lenses with decent luminous intensity are a good equipment for the start: one for the range from the wide angle (from about 24 millimeter Kleinbild) to the light tele with about 70 millimeter KB, plus a telezoom of 70 to 200 millimeter KB. If you have few telephoto recordings, you'll get better light and more detail with three fixed focal lengths. For example, with a wide-angle wide-angle lens, a macro lens with normal focal length, and a medium telephoto
All SLRs except the professional models have built in a flash unit, which is automatically switched on depending on the program selection, if the exposure measurement signals too little light for a shot. A light control is, of course, not possible. On the one hand, they often run out after three meters, on the other hand, they are fixed to the camera and can not be positioned freely. For immersive snapshots, they are great, unsuitable for proper photography.
Real flash photography begins with a system flash. Such system flashing devices usually have a zoom reflector which bundles or scatters the light over a wide range and in this area always creates a good compromise between uniform illumination and high luminance. More important is the swivel reflector. So you do not have to direct the hard flashlight directly on the subject, but can flash a (as white as possible) surface. The reflected light is much softer and illuminates the object much better. A TTL flash function. Works not only with pure flash lighting, but also plays its strengths especially in mixed light, where lightning and existing light have to be carefully balanced.
If you are photographed on the road - where there is not always electricity available for charging - you should have a second battery.
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