All about system cameras

A beginner amateur photographer is first of all faced with the question of which camera model to give preference to. Currently, specialized stores offer a large selection of a wide variety of optical equipment, including system cameras. Our article introduces readers to the features of these devices, and also provides an overview of the best cameras with which you can make interesting and high-quality images.

The system camera is a design consisting of removable modules. This means that the camera body, which is the core of such a system, is fitted with various major components. First of all, these are lenses, therefore such a system implies a whole fleet of interchangeable optics. In addition, these key modules may include:

• viewfinders;
• photo flashes;
• digital backs;
• focusing screens;
• adapters, adapters and much more.

In SLR cameras, sighting and focusing are carried out using a mirror mounted at an angle of 45 degrees to the lens axis. As already stated, all optics in system cameras can be changed depending on the purposes and conditions of photography. Such devices are quite impressive in size.

DSLRs offer a number of advantages over mirrorless cameras. First of all, this is fast autofocusing - it is carried out using a directional light flux, which is reflected by a mirror and sent to special sensors. Thus, the "DSLR" implements a phase autofocus system, the main advantages of which are high speed and tracking / predictive effect.

In addition, the strengths of DSLRs are:

• high image quality;
• an optical viewfinder through which you can observe the object in real time;
• powerful batteries, making it possible to take up to 3 thousand shots per 1 charge, depending on the camera model;
• instant switching on of the device, which is especially important for photo reports or sports shooting;
• control of such a camera is carried out using a large set of buttons located right on the body of the device - you do not need to understand the multi-level menu for a long time;
• built-in flash.

Of the main disadvantages of SLR cameras, several factors should be noted.

• The high cost of serious models.
• The weight of such cameras can reach 2 kg.
• Phase detection autofocus can create problems in the form of inaccurate focusing, which appears with some lenses. Also, with this autofocus system, it is impossible to focus on the subject's eyes or face.
• Lack of some modern features. For example, the electronic shutter, which appeared in some recent models of DSLRs, leads to delays in shooting and the impossibility of sharing it with flash units.
• A large number of focus sensors, which leads to a loss of time when setting up.

In mirrorless cameras, other elements of the design of these devices perform the functions of a mirror. For example, sighting can be carried out using an electronic viewfinder, and the focusing system is not phase, but contrast, in which the image obtained from the matrix is ​​analyzed and a contrast image is searched... Thanks to this, those focusing inaccuracies that are inherent in SLR cameras go away. In addition to contrast, mirrorless cameras also use hybrid autofocus, eliminating the disadvantages of both previous ones.

Among the advantages of mirrorless cameras, there are several points:

• precise focusing with the ability to resize, automatic focusing on the face and eyes, and much more;
• the presence of new options and capabilities, thanks to which you can take shots from non-standard angles, shoot from the ground or from above, control via Wi-Fi;
• compactness;
• no vibration when shooting, which allows you to get a higher quality image;
• due to the absence of mirrors, the work is carried out almost silently;
• high shooting speed;
• long service life of the product.

Such models also have disadvantages.

• The high cost of mirrorless cameras with new lenses, while the quality of the optics is higher than that of the lenses of SLR systems. Lenses for SLR cameras have been produced for a very long time, so their price is significantly lower.
• Slow autofocus speed. It is problematic to shoot fast moving objects, which is a significant disadvantage for those who plan to shoot sports objects, as well as animals and children. However, the latest models are being developed taking into account this disadvantage, so this technique has a fairly high autofocusing speed.

All interchangeable-lens cameras can be subdivided into:

• professional - more expensive advanced models equipped with the most advanced technologies and options;
• amateur cams - with a standard set of functions, which are not very expensive;
• intermediate option - this type of technology provides special functions to improve the quality of shooting.

Let's review the best models of system cameras, which, as already mentioned, can be SLR and mirrorless.

Actually there is no unequivocal opinion which photographic equipment should be considered the best - mirror or digital - with the ability to change the lens, because each type of camera has its own advantages and unique functions.

but there are top models of both mirrorless and mirrorless devices, which users and experts distinguish as the bestmore powerful, capable of taking pictures with the most beautiful colors.

Let's start with the mirror technique:

• Nicon D3300 - a digital SLR camera for beginners, the main advantages of which are compactness and low cost. The model is available in three colors: black, gray and red. Among the possibilities of the camera are 13 artistic effects, updated optics with a folding design, the ability to shoot in the dark, lower power consumption compared to the previous version of the product and much more.

• Nicon D5500 - another DSLR camera for beginners with APS-C-matrix, best suited for sports filming, as well as 15 more scenes: landscape, beach, twilight and others.

• Sony Alpha 68 - entry-level DSLR camera with APS-C sensor, with a user-friendly interface and fast focusing.

The best mirrorless cameras come in several models:

• Olympus OM-D E-M1. This model has a weather seal that protects the device from water, dirt and dust. This camera can be exposed to rain for 10 minutes, which is especially important for those who plan to shoot in the wild.The ability to shoot up to 10 frames per second speaks for itself - the model has excellent high-speed autofocus, as well as high-quality image stabilization. All this is able to provide photos of the highest level. The rigid body of the camera has rather large dimensions, thanks to which all kinds of external control systems of the device can be easily accommodated on it.

• Panasonic GH3 Is the best system camera for video shooting with excellent autofocus performance. Among the advantages of the model are ergonomics similar to SLR photography equipment, a body protected from water and dust, fast autofocus, high shooting speed, many different processing options (noise reduction, contrast, and so on), a high shutter resource, built-in flash and much more.

In order not to be mistaken when choosing system photographic equipment, before buying, carefully read all the positive and negative points inherent in different models.

Rely on your photography capabilities and requirements. Decide what is of higher priority for you: convenience and compactness combined with good photographs or bulkiness, which allows you to get high-quality images.

How DSLRs differ from mirrorless cameras, see the video.