The market of modern digital cameras consists of a huge number of models with a variety of characteristics, capabilities and cost. Within one manufacturer, there are a number of product lines with their own functional and price niche. It can be difficult for a beginner to understand them. Sometimes the differences between the lines are so insignificant that even a professional cannot notice the difference in the operation of a particular model with its competitors or newer versions.
Content:
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Introduction
A certain general classification of models exists, although its boundaries are rather arbitrary. Often, the characteristics of amateur cameras are not too far behind professional ones. And the element base, in general, can be almost identical. Ultimately, the differences between the models come down not so much to the technical characteristics, but to the reliability of the devices.
Professional equipment has a longer resource and more time between failures. Actually, this is understandable, since it is unlikely that an ordinary user produces several hundred or thousands of photos per day, as professionals do.
The main characteristic of a digital camera is the size of the photosensitive matrix or sensor. Currently, Fullframe is widespread (fullframe, a matrix the size of a frame of a standard photographic film 36 x 24 millimeters) and its crop, that is, smaller matrices. The coefficient kf, the crop factor, shows how much the diagonal of the matrix is less than the diagonal of the full frame.
- ASP-C, kf = 1.5 – 1.6
- micro4/3, kf = 2
- 1 inch, kf = 2.6 – 2.7
- less than 1″, kf = 4 – 6
Ultimately, if you classify cameras into categories, there are four main ones:
- The simplest (budget) cameras with the necessary minimum of functions.
- Compact cameras for general, domestic use.
- Entry-level amateur cameras and semi-professional cameras.
- Professional cameras.
Below is a ranking of the top 12 best cameras in each of the presented categories of the 2019-2020 season, based on expert reviews and customer reviews. When compiling the rating, both reviews of ordinary users and professional photographers were considered. The rating describes the characteristics of cameras, their pros and cons.
It should be noted right away that all the considered models use SD, SDHC and SDXC memory cards. For correct operation of some cameras, you will need at least 4 Speed Class cards. Supported image formats: JPEG and RAW.
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| Place in the ranking / Name | Expert evaluation | Price range, rub. |
|---|---|---|
Budget cameras | ||
1st place: Sony Cyber-shot DSC-W830 | 88 out of 100 | from 8 890 to 10 990 * |
2nd place: Panasonic Lumix DMC-FT30 | 80 out of 100 | from 11 990 to 14 600 * |
3rd place: Rekam iLook S755i | 74 out of 100 | from 1 667 to 3 090 * |
compact cameras | ||
1st place: Fujifilm FinePix XP140 | 96 out of 100 | from 12 784 to 12 990 * |
2nd place: Canon IXUS 190 | 94 out of 100 | from 10,000 to 13,862 * |
3rd place: Nikon Coolpix B500 | 82 out of 100 | from 14 385 to 17 783 * |
Entry-level amateur cameras and semi-professional cameras | ||
1st place: Nikon D3500 | 98 out of 100 | from 29 190 to 35 280 * |
2nd place: Canon EOS 4000D | 96 out of 100 | from 18 480 to 23 999 * |
3rd place: Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mk III | 94 out of 100 | from 37 448 to 53 990 * |
Professional cameras | ||
1st Place: Pentax K-1 Mark II | 98 out of 100 | from 169 990 * |
2nd Place: Canon EOS 6D Mark II | 96 out of 100 | from 81 450 to 113 054 * |
3rd place: Nikon D850 | 94 out of 100 | from 173 950 to 213 772 * |
*prices are valid for July 2020
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Budget cameras
This category includes digital cameras priced under $12,000.rubles. As a rule, these are very simple models, the so-called. soap dishes that do not have high speed and have simple functionality. All of them have a crop factor of 5-6, and the resolution of their matrices does not exceed 15-20 megapixels.
Sony Cybershot DSC-W830
Specifications:
- Resolution: 20 MP (5152 x 3864)
- Matrix: CCD 1/2.3″
- Sensitivity: 80 - 3200 ISO
- Optical zoom: 8x
- Customer rating: 88
- Price: from 8,890 to 10,990 rubles.
It is possible to record video in 720p format with a frame rate of 30 frames per second. The presence of a microphone also allows you to record sound. The Vario Tessaar lens allows you to work with optical zoom up to 8x. The case has a high impact resistance.
The camera has automatic contrast focusing and the ability to focus on the face. White balance is automatic, selectable from a list. The shutter speed changes from 1/1600 to 2 s. There is a macro mode. Exposure metering is multi-zone, center-weighted or spot with the possibility of exposure compensation.
A convenient 2.7″ LCD display is used as a viewfinder. Picture format 4:3 and 16:9. The shooting speed is low - 0.8 fps. The maximum burst consists of 100 shots. The image format is JPEG only. In addition to SD drives, branded Memory Stick and Memory Stick Duo cards are used.
The built-in battery is enough for 300 shots.
Panasonic Lumix DMC-FT30
Specifications:
- Resolution: 16 MP (4608 x 3456)
- Matrix: CCD 1/2.33″
- Sensitivity: 100 - 1600 ISO
- Optical zoom: 4x
- Customer rating: 80
- Price: from 11,990 to 14,600 rubles.
It is possible to record video in 720p format. The viewfinder uses a 1.8-inch LCD. The zoom ratio is 4x.
Several of the most popular modes are pre-installed in the camera, the possibilities for reconfiguring them for users are limited. Focus and white balance are automatic. The shooting speed is low - about 1 frame per second.
In addition to SD, you can use MMC as a memory card. The image storage format is JPEG only. The maximum capacity of a card is 32 GB. There is a timer function with a delay of 2 and 5 s. Picture format 4:3, 1:1, 16:9.
The built-in battery has a capacity of 450 mAh, which allows you to take about 250 frames.
Rekam iLook S755i
Specifications:
- Resolution: 12 MP (4000 x 3000)
- Matrix: CMOS 1/2.3″
- Sensitivity: 100 - 3200 ISO
- Optical zoom: no
- Customer rating: 74
- Price: from 1,667 to 3,090 rubles.
It has a matrix of 12 megapixels and the ability to record video in 720p format.
In this model, everything is extremely simplified - the most inexpensive components are used, so it is not necessary to expect excellent quality of work from it. The small viewfinder screen measures just 1.8″. The built-in flash allows you to take pictures at a distance of about 2 m. The settings are also very poor. The camera can only boast of a very low price.
Despite the relative simplicity, the device has the ability to auto white balance and focus. The device has a standard timer of 2 and 10 s.
The built-in battery is enough for shooting 200 frames.
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These models use the cheapest sensors with kf = 4 and higher. They have a minimal set of features and very simple built-in lenses.Such cameras are small in size and weight, they can easily fit even in pockets. You should not expect fantastic results from them, but these devices can provide the user with high-quality vacation pictures. The cost of cameras in this segment rarely exceeds 20-25 thousand rubles.
Fujifilm FinePix XP140
Specifications:
- Resolution: 16 MP (4608 x 3456)
- Matrix: CMOS 1/2.3″
- Sensitivity: 100 - 1600 ISO
- Optical zoom: 5x
- Customer rating: 96
- Price: from 12,784 to 12,990 rubles
Waterproof and shockproof 16 MP compact camera with video recording up to 4K (although 60 frames per second is only possible in Full HD). Ideal for amateur photographers - travelers (moisture protection even allows you to shoot underwater). The camera lens allows you to work from a distance of at least 1 m and has a 5x optical zoom.
Despite the relative simplicity of the model, its parameters will pleasantly surprise the user with an abundance of settings and the presence of fast autofocus. Contrast focusing is performed on 13 points, it is possible to focus on the face. The shooting speed is quite high - up to 10 frames per second. There is a timer and support for 4 frame formats (from 1:1 to 16:9). Sensitivity from 100 to 1600 ISO. There are Extended ISO modes: 6400 and 12800. There is no macro photography.
Despite the fact that Fujifilm is the inventor of the hybrid viewfinder, in its simple models it uses the standard option for compact cameras - a 3″ LCD screen on the back. Built-in flash, there is a red-eye correction. The camera has its own battery, it lasts for 240 shots.
Canon IXUS 190
Specifications:
- Resolution: 20 MP (5152 x 3862)
- Matrix: CCD 1/2.3″
- Sensitivity: ISO100 - 1600
- Optical zoom: 10x
- Customer rating: 94
- Price: from 10,000 to 13,862 rubles.
It has a versatile lens with aspherical lenses and 10x optical zoom. Like most Canon models of the IXUS and Powershot series, it has an optical image stabilizer.
The camera has a standard set of different shooting modes: macro photography, the presence of a timer for 2 and 10 s, support for 4:3 and 16:10 formats. The maximum sensitivity is 1600 units. Autofocus contrast, having 9 points. There is a face focus mode.
The device has a built-in flash and a red-eye correction mechanism. The shooting speed is low - only 0.8 frames per second. The viewfinder is a 2.7″ display located on the rear wall.
Nikon Coolpix B500
Specifications:
- Resolution: 16 MP (4608 x 3456)
- Matrix: BSI CMOS 1/2.3″
- Sensitivity: 125 - 3200 ISO
- Optical zoom: 40x
- Customer rating: 82
- Price: from 14,385 to 17,783 rubles.
This allows it to work with a 40x optical super zoom. The camera allows you to record videos in Full HD.
The camera sensitivity can be selected from ISO 125 to ISO 3200. Exposure is measured automatically using one of three algorithms (3D, spot, center-weighted). Focusing is contrasting, it is possible to focus on the face.The shooting speed is up to 7.4 frames per second. Macro mode is present, the minimum distance is 1 cm.
The camera is equipped with a timer with a delay of 2, 5 and 10 seconds. Optical stabilization system (movable element in the lens).
The camera uses 4 AA batteries. Their resource is enough for 200+ pictures.
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Entry-level amateur cameras and semi-professional cameras
These cameras have already more advanced electronic filling - a matrix and a processor. In addition, their design often uses reflex viewfinders, automatic shutters and other technical options that are not available in compact cameras due to size or functionality limitations. An important difference between such cameras is the ability to change the lens, which allows you to significantly expand the possibilities of shooting.
Nikon D3500
Specifications:
- Resolution: 24 MP (6000 x 4000)
- Sensor: CMOS APS-C
- Sensitivity: 100 - 3200 ISO
- Customer rating: 98
- Price: from 29,190 to 35,280 rubles.
It is a further continuation of the D3300 line. It differs from its predecessors in high speed and battery capacity. And in comparison with more advanced models (for example, Nikon D7200 or D5600), this solution, not inferior to them, is 1.5 times less expensive. Can record Full HD video in MOV and MP4 format. Interchangeable lenses require the Nikon F interface.
The camera has the ability to set focus, exposure and white balance in both manual and several automatic modes. It also has the ability to focus on the face and adjust the aperture manually. Shooting speed - up to 5 frames per second. There is bracketing.
The viewfinder is mirrored, but it is possible to use an LCD display instead. A feature of the camera is a capacious battery that allows you to take more than 1500 shots.
Canon EOS 4000D
Specifications:
- Resolution: 18 megapixels (5184 x 3456)
- Sensor: CMOS APS-C
- Sensitivity: 125 - 3200 ISO
- Customer rating: 96
- Price: from 18,480 to 23,999 rubles.
Entry-level DSLR with 18MP APS-C crop sensor. Like all modern cameras can record video in Full HD. Among the solutions in this segment, this camera has the most affordable price; DSLRs in this price segment have no alternatives with an APS-C matrix.
The ISO sensitivity range is somewhat extended and is 100 - 6400. An experimental extended ISO12800 is present. Exposure has wide limits - from 1/4000 to 30 s. It is possible to manually adjust the shutter speed and aperture. The camera has a system for cleaning the sensor from dust. There is a standard built-in timer and exposure compensation mode.
The viewfinder is mirrored, but a 2.7″ LCD screen can also be used as it. The device has about fifteen preset modes for all occasions, which make it easier to use the camera for novice photographers - portraits, landscapes, movement, macro photography (you need a special lens), and so on.
The camera comes with an EF-S 18-55 III lens. Lens change is possible via the Canon EF/EF-S mount.
The camera uses its own powerful battery, which lasts for 500 shots.
Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark III
Specifications:
- Resolution: 16 MP (4608 x 3456)
- Matrix: Live MOS 4/3
- Sensitivity: 100 - 3200 ISO
- Customer rating: 94
- Price: from 37 448 to 53990 rubles.
Any device with a micro 4/3 mount is suitable as a lens. Like all modern models, it can record Full HD video. It also has the ability to record video in 4K.
A feature of the camera is a very accurate contrast focusing, which is automatically determined by 121 points. The manufacturer equipped this mirrorless camera with an electronic viewfinder with duplication of its functions on a 3-inch LCD display.
The camera has its own battery. The manufacturer guarantees that the battery capacity is sufficient to take 300+ photos.
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These devices must be able to operate continuously for a long time. After all, often professional photo reports consist of hundreds, or even thousands of shots, from which the best ones are then chosen. Therefore, the issues of reliability, resource and volume of information storage are in the first place for them.
Naturally, this technique has the best matrices: they use full frames, the same size as film frames. They not only have a high resolution, but also have a faster performance. Serious requirements are imposed on both the electronic filling and the quality of the shutter. The price of such top-end cameras can exceed several hundred thousand rubles.
One of the significant professional advantages of photographic equipment is the presence of a huge number of different accessories. For professional cameras, if, of course, the budget allows, you can buy various accessories in the form of tripods, additional batteries, filters, etc.
Pentax K-1 Mark II Body
Specifications:
- Resolution: 36 MP (7360 x 4912)
- Sensor: CMOS FullFrame
- Sensitivity: 100 - 6400 ISO
- Customer rating: 98
- Price: from 169 990 rubles.
It has the ability to record video in FullHD 1980 x 1080 format. It is positioned as a universal camera for a wide range of tasks. The camera body is made of lightweight and durable magnesium alloy. The viewfinder does not use an ordinary mirror, but a special pentaprism.
The main advantages in comparison with competitors (full-frame Sony Alpha and Canon EOS 5D) and past models are a wide ISO range, in-camera image stabilization, a large number of shooting modes and the ability to increase detail due to Pixel Shift technology. In addition, astrophotography functions have been added to the camera - Astroguide and Astrotracer. Among competitors, Pentax products, perhaps, have the most complete functionality.
The camera has 33 focus points and phase detection autofocus. The shutter speed can be changed from 1/8000 s to 30 s. Shooting settings can be very diverse, the user has the ability to adjust all parameters for each preset mode.
The camera is sold without a lens, only the carcass. You need to buy a lens based on the requirements for the adapter - KA / KAF / KAF2.If you buy a camera with a whale lens (Pentax K-1 Mark II Kit), the price will be 30-50 thousand rubles higher.
The capacity of the built-in battery is enough for 760 shots.
Canon EOS 6D Mark II
Specifications:
- Resolution: 27 MP (6240 x 4160)
- Sensor: Full Frame CMOS
- Sensitivity: 100 - 6400 ISO
- Customer rating: 96
- Price: from 81450 to 113 054 rubles.
It may not be fast enough for sports reporting, but for professional news, portrait and landscape photography, this is one of the best solutions on the market. The camera is supplied without a lens, the purchase of which should be approached, having decided for what purposes the technique will be used. Lenses compatible with Canon EF mount are required.
The variety of operating modes, as well as their fine tuning, is amazing. The camera can be quickly reconfigured to the desired type of shooting, focusing method and exposure selection. The camera has the ability to remote control from a smartphone or tablet.
The viewfinder is mirrored, it is possible to use it as a 3″ LCD display, which can be rotated at any angle.
The number of shots in continuous shooting in JPEG format is 150, in RAW - 21, which corresponds to 23 and 3 with continuous operation at maximum speed. It is possible to record 4K video in interval shooting mode.
The resource of the built-in battery allows you to take more than 1200 frames on a single charge.
Nikon D850
Specifications:
- Resolution: 46 MP (8256 x 5504)
- Sensor: CMOS FullFrame
- Sensitivity: 100 - 3200 ISO
- Customer rating: 94
- Price: from 173,950 to 213,772 rubles.
It has a resolution of 45 megapixels and a shooting speed of up to 9 frames per second. Full 4K video recording at 30 frames per second is possible. The camera has the ability to directly connect a TV or other video playback device via an HDMI cable.
Sold without lens. Interchangeable lenses must have a Nikon F mount.
Compared to its predecessors, this model has many new features: touch control, button illumination, and a joystick. All this greatly simplifies the work with the camera. Naturally, there are all the necessary functions for setting shooting modes: white balance, exposure, focus, etc. Exposure corresponds to the best professional cameras - from 1/8000 to 30 s. As a viewfinder, you can use the rotary display.
Please note: the built-in battery has a fantastic capacity - it allows you to take 1840 frames in maximum resolution on a single charge.
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In summing up the results of the presented rating, the winners in each category will be indicated.
Among the budget cameras, the undisputed leader is the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-W830, which provides the best shooting quality of all competitors in this price range.
Of the compact cameras, the Fujifilm FinePix XP140 should be recognized as the best, which has not only excellent picture quality, but also moisture and shock protection functions. This is the best compact travel camera.
In the category of entry-level amateur cameras and semi-professional cameras, the Nikon D3500 model, which is one of the best cameras for recording video in Full HD, will be optimal in terms of price / quality ratio.
Professional cameras have their own leader - Pentax K-1 Mark II, which, for an acceptable price in its class, has more advanced technical characteristics.
