DxOMark rating
The result shown by the camera in the DxOMark ranking.
DxOMark is one of the most popular and respected resources for expert camera testing. According to the test results, the camera receives a certain number of points; The more points, the higher the final score.
Total MP
The total number of individual light sensitive dots (pixels) provided in the camera's sensor. Denoted in megapixels - millions of pixels.
The total number of MPs, as a rule, is greater than the number of megapixels from which the frame is directly built (for more details, see "Effective number of MPs"). This is due to the presence of service areas on the matrix. In general, this parameter is more of a reference than practically significant: a larger total number of MPs with the same size and effective resolution means a slightly smaller size of each pixel, and, accordingly, an increased likelihood of noise (especially at high ISO values).
Effective MP number
The number of pixels (megapixels) of the matrix directly involved in the construction of the image, in fact — the number of points from which the captured image is built. Some manufacturers, in addition to this parameter, also indicate the total number of MPs, taking into account the service areas of the matrix. However, it is the effective number of MPs that is considered the main indicator — it is this that directly affects the maximum resolution of the resulting image (see “Maximum image size”).
A megapixel is 1 million pixels. Numerous megapixels ensures high resolution of the captured photos, but is not a guarantee of high-quality images — much also depends on the size of the sensor, its light sensitivity (see the relevant glossary items), as well as hardware and software image processing tools used in the camera. Note that for small matrices, high resolution can sometimes be more of an evil than a blessing — such sensors are very prone to the appearance of noise in the image.
Video scene modes
The number and / or types of scene programs for shooting videos provided in the design of the camera.
Scene programs are a set of presets designed for different shooting situations - for example, in sunlight, on a cloudy day, in a darkened room, etc. Also, this list may include other specific modes - for example, creative tools. In any case, the presence of scene programs facilitates the choice of video shooting parameters, which is very useful for novice users.
File recording formats
File formats in which the camera can record video. Given that the footage is designed to be viewed on an external screen, you should make sure that the playback device (DVD player, media centre, etc.) is able to work with the appropriate formats. At the same time, many camera models themselves can play the role of a player by connecting to a TV via an audio / video output or HDMI (see the corresponding paragraphs of the glossary). And if the video materials are to be viewed on a computer, you should not pay special attention to this parameter at all: problems with format incompatibility in such cases rarely occur, but are usually solved by installing the appropriate codec.
Maximum video length
Restrictions on the length of the recorded video provided in the design of the camera. In some models, the recording time is limited in time (for example, 30 minutes) — thus, to record a longer video, it will have to be split into separate clips. In others, the duration depends only on the amount of free memory — you can record as long as there is enough space. There is also a combination of these options; in such models, video recording stops as soon as either of the two limits is reached.
Autofocus modes
Autofocus operating modes provided in the camera design.
— One picture. The main mode of autofocus operation is found in all modern cameras and is used most often. Designed for shooting motionless objects.
— Follower. This mode is used for shooting moving objects, the distance to which is constantly changing: the camera constantly monitors the position of the object, constantly adjusting the optics so that it is in focus. Usually found in middle and upper class cells.
— AI focus. A peculiar combination of the previous two modes is used when a stationary object can start moving at any moment. If the scene is static, autofocus works in the single frame mode, but if the object on which focus is made starts to move, the device switches to tracking autofocus mode. AI mode allows you to almost instantly set the optimal autofocus settings, which is especially useful for sequential shooting. Initially, it was found in expensive models, however, thanks to the development of technology, today it can even be used in inexpensive compacts (see “Camera type”).
— By the face. Autofocus mode that uses a face recognition system and focuses on them. This feature is especially useful for taking pictures of people at a great distance from the camera, when the face is much smaller than the frame size, such as in group shots.
— With a smile. A further development of the face autofocus mode described above, when, in accordance with the nam...e, the system reacts not just to a face, but to a smile. This mode can be combined with the function of automatic shooting at the moment of a smile.
— Animal in the frame. A mode designed primarily for shooting animals, which can be difficult (and often impossible) to make them sit still in the frame. It is usually a variation of the tracking autofocus described above, but specific features of operation may vary depending on the camera model.
This list is not exhaustive, and other specific autofocus modes may be provided in the design of modern cameras.
Focus points
The number of focus points (autofocus) provided in the design of the camera.
The focus point is the point (more precisely, a small area) in the frame from which the autofocus system reads data for focusing. The simplest systems work with a single point, but their capabilities are very limited, and this option is practically not found today. Modern digital cameras have at least three focus sensors, and in the most advanced models this figure can reach several dozen.
The more autofocus sensors there are in the camera, the more advanced its autofocus capabilities will be, the more specific techniques it allows you to use. In this case, the selection of specific points used can be carried out both automatically, simultaneously with the choice of the subject program, and manually (however, the second option is more typical for professional cameras). In addition, the abundance of focus points has a positive effect on the quality of the tracking autofocus (see "Autofocus Modes").
In general, more focus sensors are generally considered a sign of a more advanced camera; however, differences in quality become really noticeable only if the difference in the number of points is significant - for example, if we compare models with 9 and 39 points. A lot also depends on the location of the points in the frame - it is believed that sensors distributed over a wide area work better than densely located in the center of the frame, even if their number is the same.
Viewfinder
The type of
viewfinder provided in the design of the camera.
A viewfinder is an eyepiece in which the photographer is able to see the image being shot, and in some cases additional information (the location of autofocus sensors, individual shooting parameters, etc.). Regardless of the type, viewfinders are useful in that they allow you to clearly see the image you are shooting, even in bright ambient light (which can cause displays to “blind”). Their disadvantages are the need to bring the camera close to the face, as well as the inconvenience when working with glasses (although the latter is partly offset by diopter correction in the viewfinder itself). The types of viewfinders can be as follows:
— Electronic. Such a viewfinder is a system of lenses with a small screen behind them. It is widely used in advanced cameras with non-replaceable lenses (see "Camera Type"), can be used in MILC cameras, and relatively recently full-fledged "
SLRs " have appeared (in particular, made according to the so-called "translucent mirror technology") equipped with electronic viewfinders. The advantage of such a viewfinder is that, in addition to the image itself, it can display a large amount of service information (for example, about shooting parameters); the main disadvantage is the need to supply power from the battery (although the power consumption of such a system is still much lower than that of an
...external display).
— Optical. In this case, an optical viewfinder means an independent system with its own eyepiece and lens, built into the camera body and directed parallel to the optical axis of the lens (mirror and prism systems are separated into separate categories). Such a system can be located both directly above the lens and in the corner of the body. The advantages of optical viewfinders are simplicity, low cost and compactness, due to the absence of a complex system of mirrors or prisms in the design. Such a viewfinder can be used in any non-reflex cameras (classic digital or MILC). The main disadvantage of this option is the mismatch between the position of its lens and the main lens of the camera (the so-called parallax effect); in most cases, this does not create inconvenience, but when shooting at close distances, you have to take an amendment (although there are camera models with viewfinders that automatically correct).
— Optical and electronic. A specific type of viewfinder that combines elements of both systems described above. Usually, such structures are based on an optical viewfinder, which provides for the possibility of projecting various service information onto a visible image. And in some models, the system can also be switched to a fully electronic mode, blocking the access of light through the optics and observing only the picture on the screen through the viewfinder.
— Optical (mirror). As the name implies, the design of such a viewfinder is based on a system of mirrors. Through this system, the real image perceived by the camera lens is fed into the viewfinder eyepiece (in other words, the photographer is actually looking directly through the lens). SLR viewfinders are used exclusively in cameras of the corresponding type (see above). Their advantages are the absence of the parallax effect and the ability to immediately evaluate a number of shooting parameters, such as depth of field, the effect of installed light filters, etc. The main disadvantage of reflex viewfinders is the need to raise the mirror at the time of shooting. This complicates and increases the cost of the design, makes it less reliable, and the operation of the mirror lifting mechanism can cause vibrations and the “stirring” effect.
— Optical (pentaprism). In fact, it is a kind of mirror viewfinder (see above), in which the role of a part of the mirrors is assigned to a pentaprism — a glass structure of a special shape. The action of the pentaprism is based on the effect of the so-called total internal reflection; it is believed that in this way it is possible to achieve a brighter and clearer image than when using classic mirrors. Other advantages and disadvantages are identical to conventional reflex viewfinders (see above). The pentaprism is widely used in mirror devices.
— Is absent. The complete absence of a viewfinder in the design of the camera; For sighting in such models, a display is used. This feature is typical mainly for digital compacts (see "Type of camera"). Firstly, the dimensions of the body of such models often do not allow for a viewfinder to be included in the design; secondly, the specifics of the use of such cameras is usually such that the display is quite enough for them, and sometimes it is even more preferable — for example, when shooting from a non-standard position (above your head, with your arm outstretched in front of you, etc.).