Although there are thousands of camera models on the market, they can be divided into several classes: compact, SLR and mirrorless cameras. Naturally, each class has its own subspecies, differing in purpose, photographic capabilities or price.

Compact cameras

This is the most common type of digital cameras, not least due to the very low starting price (but the "ceiling" is by no means low). Most users begin their acquaintance with photography with compacts. And thanks to their "merits" many end up disappointed in the process of shooting and never go beyond everyday photography. At the end of the general description, one cannot fail to mention automation - it dominates in these devices, and the principle of "Point & Shoot" or "Point and shoot" is simply exalted in many models.

Compact cameras are very versatile. The simplest of them do not have any outstanding characteristics, have poor quality optics (often plastic) and small sensors. Ergonomics, depending on the manufacturer, can vary from mediocre to frankly low. The quality of filming is the same. To some extent, the disadvantages of lower-end cameras are compensated by the easy price tag, but given the very idea of \u200b\u200bphotography, I would not recommend making such a compromise.

But it cannot be said that absolutely all compacts are bad. There are many decent models that have an excellent balance of price and image quality. If you do not limit yourself to a very low-cost price tag, then you can buy a small and light camera with good (as for this class) optics, reliable filling and the ability to take very decent photos. Especially in capable hands. Featured models: Canon PowerShot G15, Panasonic DMC-TZ40, Nikon Coolpix P7700

Advantages of compacts:

  • Compactness. Most of these cameras easily fit in your pocket, the weight is also not burdensome.
  • Some models run on AA batteries, which you can get almost anywhere in the world (or take on a trip with a large supply).
  • Silent shooting. There are no mechanical parts - there are no characteristic sounds that accompany the process of shooting DSLRs.
  • Such cameras are suitable for shooting landscapes due to the large depth of field even at a wide aperture.
  • The frame has a good aspect ratio - 4:3, while DSLRs usually have 3:2.

Cons of compacts:

  • Image quality, with rare exceptions, is low, and high megapixel values do not save the situation. One of the main problems of most digital cameras is the small physical size of the matrices, and, accordingly, the small dynamic range of the sensor. Already at ISO 800 (it happens that at ISO 400) the picture sins with clearly noticeable noises. It is better to shoot in close to perfect conditions, otherwise the chances of a good result are small.

  • The optics of cheap cameras are of disgusting quality. Let's add not the best matrices here and we will end up with pictures that are hardly worthy of a place in your family album. For more expensive cameras, the situation is better, here the dependence is direct - the price tag is higher, the hardware is better.
  • Low ergonomics. A possible minimum of control elements (often also microscopic in size) is placed on a compact case. Get ready for long wanderings through the menu to perform the most routine operation.

The so-called ultra-reasons and protected models stand apart. People who know the first have a purely negative attitude - leveling the main advantages of "digital soapboxes", such devices do not compensate for their ease of use or image quality. In fact, you are being sold the illusion of owning a serious camera. Often, in addition to it, there are incredible zoom values and an inflated price tag. Such a zoom is practically useless, since it is impossible to shoot distant objects at high magnification without a tripod, and the image quality does not even reach the definition of "good". And the overpayment is completely unjustified.

But cameras with dust and moisture-proof cases are quite interesting. It is hardly worth entrusting the mission of the main camera to them, but in various "harmful" conditions such a camera can help out a lot. For example, take a photo shoot of a vacation with the family on the beach or a dashing mountain bike ride. Image quality will be good at best, but it's a worthwhile trade-off. And it is not always possible (or unreasonably expensive) to provide adequate protection for serious equipment. Typical models: Olympus TG-620, Nikon Coolpix AW120, Pentax Optio WG-4 GPS.

Cameras for extreme shooting, like GoPro products, should be included in a completely separate group. In their case, ease of use is deliberately sacrificed for survivability - a durable body in a protective casing can survive a lot, and the shooting quality of the latest generation models is simply excellent. In fact, this is not a hand-held camera, but a kind of registrar of the events taking place around you ... in the air, under water - anywhere.

SLR cameras

An extensive class of cameras of medium and professional level, the hallmark of which is a movable mirror. The mechanics directs the light first to the optical viewfinder, and then to the matrix, so that the photographer sees the image in the process of composing the frame, which in a fraction of a second will be stored in the camera's memory. SLRs have large matrices up to the size of a film frame - 36 x 24 mm and even higher. As well as the most flexible settings for the shooting process, excellent rate of fire and a minimum pause between the shutter release and frame formation. In addition, their rather large bodies allow you to place many controls (some user-programmable) and expand the possibilities of using lenses, flashes, additional batteries and other accessories - the list is huge and it grows as the cost of the camera increases. Featured models: Canon EOS 650D, Nikon D7100, Sony Alpha SLT-A77Q, Canon EOS 5D Mark III

The vast majority of professional photographers use top-tier DSLRs. They are hardly accessible to mere mortals - such a complete camera (the camera itself, at least a few lenses, a flash) can easily cost $10,000, but this money is converted into the highest quality images. And if you add skill or even talent to it, you get real masterpieces of photography.

Due to the growing popularity of this class of cameras, leading manufacturers are releasing inexpensive DSLRs for those who want to try their hand at serious photography. Such models have most of the key advantages of more noble counterparts, and they are outwardly similar, but the low cost still leads to compromises. First of all, manufacturers save on cases, although the filling also suffers. For example, the shutter resource is three times lower than that of professional cameras. In addition, complete lenses are of rather mediocre quality. Featured models: Canon EOS 1100D, Nikon D3200

Mirror pros:

  • Big sensor. Even DSLRs with a crop factor of 1.5-1.6 have excellent light sensitivity, allowing you to use ISO 1600 values without significant deterioration in image quality, and even ISO 3200 is not the limit for full-frame cameras.
  • Large dynamic range - when shooting scenes with complex lighting, DSLRs are more likely to preserve all the details, this characteristic is also important when post-processing frames in RAW.
  • Focus speed. SLRs have phase autofocus, which is ahead of contrast compacts in speed and accuracy.
  • Filming speed. The design features of DSLRs allow you to shoot very quickly, or almost at lightning speed with a series of shots. The delay between pressing the shutter button and the frame is also minimal.
  • Convenient control of the shooting process. The large bodies of SLR cameras allow you to place many controls. Let's add programmable modes here, and you won't need to go into the wilds of the menu. A lot of attention is also paid to the issue of ergonomics of the control scheme by manufacturers.
  • Power usage. Since the included camera does not actually consume the battery, and the optical viewfinder is not at all volatile, DSLRs have outstanding battery life. Without abusing the Live View mode (LCD as a viewfinder) and flash, you can count on thousands of shots from a single battery.
  • Interchangeable lenses. Dozens of lenses are available for any popular brand SLR camera, covering a wide variety of shooting types and conditions. In addition, there is usually a choice between an inexpensive amateur model and the ultimate pro solution.

Cons of DSLRs:

  • Price. Good SLR cameras are expensive in themselves, and very good lenses are more expensive than the "carcass".
  • Dimensions and weight. SLRs, by virtue of their design, are a priori rather big, and professional models are completely bulky. To safely transport such a camera, lenses and accessories, you will need a special photo bag or backpack.
  • Noise. The shooting process is accompanied by a clear click, which even special quiet modes do not get rid of.

Mirrorless cameras

A newfangled trend in the world of digital cameras, combining the features of the first two classes. From digital cameras, mirrorless cameras got compact dimensions and low weight, as well as the scourge of fast battery discharge. Rather large matrices were borrowed from DSLRs with all the positive impact on the quality of images and interchangeable lenses. As a result, a hybrid class of cameras was formed, steadily winning back users from both camps.

Despite their growing popularity, most mirrorless camera models hide significant trade-offs. In addition to the mentioned low battery life, they are quite expensive (at the level of entry-level DSLRs), but lenses hit the wallet even more. And if for DSLRs, due to their prevalence, you can choose both expensive and relatively cheap "glass", then the choice of optics for these cameras is very limited. Often there are dozens of models available, all at exorbitant prices. Ergonomics will also be an important argument "against" for many - compact cases do not allow you to place a full set of control elements, some of which are moved to the menu and submenu. You should not count on the delights of managing the shooting process in two or three clicks. The unflattering list is completed by electronic viewfinders, which are clearly inferior to optical ones. Featured models: Sony NEX-5RK, Samsung NX2000, Nikon 1 V1, Fujifilm X-A1

Mirrorless pros:

  • Image quality is generally comparable to DSLRs, although there are exceptions.
  • Very compact dimensions, especially when using short throw lenses. The camera fits easily into a jacket pocket.
  • Interchangeable optics. Despite a more limited choice, all popular models are provided with lenses for the main areas of shooting. Their quality usually corresponds to the price tag.
  • No mechanical noise. There are virtually no moving elements, and when you turn off the sound of the shooting process, the mirrorless camera will become almost silent.

Cons of mirrorless:

  • electronic viewfinders. Compared to optical ones, they have a minimum delay in displaying the scene and energy dependence. In some cameras, sighting is possible only on the external screen.
  • Many models sin using contrast autofocus, which does not cope well with dynamic scenes.
  • Low ergonomics. Small case - few buttons (also small). Add here the often very confusing menus. Touch interfaces partially solve the problem, but there are usually complaints about them too.
  • Low battery life. At the moment, mirrorless cameras are ahead of even compacts in terms of gluttony, constantly feeding the matrix and digital viewfinder with not the most capacious battery. For long shooting in the field, they are not suitable.