Second lens
The second lens supplied with the camera in the so-called
double kit configuration. As a rule, these are “long-range” optics with variable zoom and coverage of a range of focal lengths beyond that included in the capabilities of the first complete lens. Also, a portrait prime lens can be offered as a second lens, or, less commonly, wide-angle optics. The presence of a second lens in the package significantly expands the shooting capabilities available to the photographer out of the box. However, in practice, such optics often have very modest characteristics compared to lens models sold separately.
Aperture
Aperture of the lens installed in the camera or supplied with it in the kit (for models with detachable optics).
In a simplified way, this parameter can be described as the ability of the lens to transmit light - in other words, how much the light flux weakens when passing through the optics. It is believed that two main indicators affect the characteristics of light transmission: the size of the relative opening of the lens and its focal length. Aperture is the ratio of the first indicator to the second; in this case, the size of the active hole is taken as one and is generally omitted when recording, as a result, such a recording looks, for example, like this: f / 2.0. Accordingly, the larger the number after the fraction sign, the lower the aperture ratio, the less light the lens transmits.
Zoom lenses (zoom lenses), as a rule, have different aperture values for different focal lengths. For such optics, two values of this parameter are indicated in the characteristics, for the minimum and maximum focal lengths, for example, f / 2.8–4.5. There are also vario lenses that maintain a constant aperture over the entire range of focal lengths, but they are much more expensive than analogs with variable aperture.
The high light transmission of the lens is important if the camera is planned to be used for shooting in low light conditions or for shooting fast moving objects: high-aperture optics allow you to shoot at low sensor sensitivity (which...reduces the likelihood of noise) and at low shutter speeds (at which moving objects are less blurry) . This parameter also determines the depth of field of the imaged space: the higher the aperture ratio, the smaller the depth of field. Therefore, for shooting with artistic background blur (“bokeh”), it is recommended to use fast lenses.
Focal length
Focal length of the camera lens.
Focal length is such a distance between the camera matrix and the optical center of the lens, focused at infinity, at which a clear and sharp image is obtained on the matrix. For models with interchangeable lenses (
mirrorless cameras and MILC, see “Camera Type”), this parameter is indicated if the camera is supplied with a lens (“kit”); Let us recall that, if desired, optics with other characteristics can be installed on such a camera.
The longer the focal length, the smaller the viewing angle of the lens, the higher the degree of approximation and the larger the objects visible in the frame. Therefore, this parameter is one of the key for any lens and largely determines its application (specific examples are given below).
Most often in modern digital cameras, lenses with a variable focal length are used: such lenses are able to zoom in and out of the image (for more details, see "Optical Zoom"). For "DSLRs" and MILC, specialized optics with a constant focal length (fixed lenses) are produced. But in digital compacts, "fixes" are used extremely rarely, usually such a lens is a sign of a high-end model with specific characteristics.
It should be borne in mind that the actual focal length of the lens is usually given in the characteristics of the camera. And the viewing angles and the general purpose of the optics are determined not only by this parameter, but also
...by the size of the matrix with which the optics are used. The dependence looks like this: at the same viewing angles, a lens for a larger matrix will have a longer focal length than a lens for a small sensor. Accordingly, only cameras with the same sensor size can be directly compared with each other in terms of lens focal length. However, to facilitate comparisons in the characteristics, the so-called. EGF - focal length in 35 mm equivalent: this is the focal length that a lens for a full frame matrix having the same viewing angles would have. You can compare by EGF lenses for any matrix size. There are formulas that allow you to independently calculate the equivalent of 35 mm, they can be found in special sources.
If we talk about a specific specialization, then the EGF up to 18 mm corresponds to ultra-wide-angle fisheye lenses. Wide-angle is considered "fixed" optics with EGF up to 28 mm, as well as vario lenses with a minimum EGF up to 35 mm. Values up to 60mm correspond to "general purpose" optics, 50 - 135mm are considered optimal for shooting portraits, and higher focal lengths are found in telephoto lenses. More detailed information about the specifics of various focal lengths can be found in special sources.Optical zoom
The magnification factor provided by the camera by using the capabilities of the lens (namely, by changing its focal length). In models with interchangeable lenses (see “Camera type”), indicated for the complete lens, if available.
Note that in this case the magnification is indicated not relative to the image visible to the naked eye, but relative to the image produced by the lens at minimum magnification. For example, if the characteristics indicate an optical zoom of 3x, this means that at the maximum magnification, objects in the frame will be three times larger than at the minimum.
The degree of optical zoom is directly related to the range of focal lengths (see above). You can determine this degree by dividing the maximum focal length of the lens by the minimum, for example 360mm / 36mm=10x magnification.
To date, optical zoom provides the best "close" image quality and is considered to be superior to digital zoom (see below). This is due to the fact that with this format of work, the entire area of \u200b\u200bthe matrix is constantly involved, which allows you to fully use its capabilities. Therefore, even among low-cost models, devices without optical zoom are very rare.
Communications
-
GPS module. The camera has a built-in GPS satellite navigation module. In digital cameras, the GPS module is used primarily for setting the so-called. geo-tagging to photos: information about specific geographical coordinates of the shooting location is recorded in the service information about each image. However, the matter is not limited to this, and models with this function can have many additional features - from classic navigation to special programs like a database of points of interest with hints based on the current location.
-
WiFi. A wireless standard originally developed for computer networking, but more recently allowing for direct connection between devices. The ways in which Wi-Fi is used in cameras can vary. Thus, the most popular option is to connect to a smartphone, tablet or other similar device for remote control (see below) and / or transfer footage to an external device. Some cameras have built-in software that allows you to directly connect to the Internet through wireless access points and upload photos and videos to popular network services. And in models running Android (see above), specific features depend only on the installed software and may include full access to social networks through client programs (see below) and even web surfing through a browser.
— Bluetooth. A wireless interface used to communicate with various electronic devices. In cameras, Blu
...etooth is most often used to connect to a computer or laptop and transfer footage; In addition, it allows you to use the direct printing function on printers equipped with Bluetooth. The range of Bluetooth communication is up to 10 m, and the devices do not necessarily have to be in direct line of sight to each other.
- NFC chip. NFC (Near-Field Communication) is a wireless communication technology designed to connect various portable devices with each other at a distance of up to several centimeters. In cameras it plays an auxiliary role, designed to facilitate connection with other devices (smartphones, tablets, etc.) using a longer-range standard (Wi-Fi or Bluetooth). Instead of delving into the settings - looking for devices, connecting them manually - just bring the NFC camera to a gadget equipped with the same chip and confirm the connection request.
— Control from a smartphone. The ability to remotely control the camera using a smartphone, tablet or other similar gadget. The connection between the camera and the control device is usually carried out via Wi-Fi (see above), while a special application is used for control, and the gadget’s screen plays the role of a viewfinder. The specific capabilities of such control can be different - releasing the shutter on command, selecting exposure parameters and other shooting settings, focusing by touch, etc. Often, it is also possible to “drain” the footage onto the control device and, through it, to the Internet. Note that for cameras used with mobile phones (see “Camera Type”), this function is not indicated: such a camera is usually mounted directly on the device, and there is no talk of remote control.Built-in flash
The presence
of a built-in flash in the design of the camera. The meaning of this function is generally obvious: in situations where a flash is needed (for example, in low light or backlit conditions), it allows you to do without external accessories. On the other hand, the power of built-in flashes is usually very low, and many of the features implemented in external equipment are not available for built-in flashes (for example, the lamp cannot be turned up to provide diffused light). Therefore, in more or less advanced cameras, this function, usually, is combined with the ability to install an external flash (see below), and in professional models, a built-in lamp is often absent altogether.