Comparison Canon EOS M100 kit 15-45 vs Canon EOS M6 body

A lens supplied with the camera in a serial (kit) configuration. With it, the camera is ready to work literally “out of the box” - everything needed for shooting is already available, and there is no need to buy a lens separately (as is the case with the “naked body” of the body camera). The vast majority of these are optics with a universal set of medium focal lengths and a relatively low variable aperture ratio. Often, kit lenses have rather modest characteristics, and they are intended mainly for novice users, learning the basics of photography and simple everyday shooting. But there are also other options for whale lenses - top camera models can be equipped with fairly advanced optics. It wouldn’t hurt to clarify this point separately. We also note that the same camera can be supplied with different options for complete optics.

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 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.

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.

The presence of two control dials in the design of the camera.

This design feature makes it easier to control the camera and change settings on the fly: additional operating parameters are transferred to the second disk, and turning it to the desired position is easier and faster than “digging” in the on-screen menu items. This feature is found mainly in semi-professional and professional cameras, which involve frequent use of manual shooting mode.

Bracketing is called shooting a series of frames, in which in each next frame the shooting parameters (exposure, white balance, focus, etc.) change by a certain amount. This allows, for example, to choose the most successful shot from several options, or to determine the effect of changing the settings in one direction or another. Auto bracketing allows you to take such shots automatically. At the same time, it should be taken into account that the set of parameters changed in the process may differ in different camera models. For example, some devices are able to change only the exposure, others — the exposure and/or white balance, etc.

— USB C. A universal USB interface that uses a Type C connector. USB ports themselves (all types) are used mainly for connecting the camera to a computer for copying footage, managing settings, updating firmware, etc. Specifically The Type C connector is comparable in size to earlier miniUSB and microUSB, but has a reversible design that allows the plug to be inserted in either direction. In addition, USB C often operates according to the USB 3.1 standard, which allows for connection speeds of up to 10 Gbps - a useful feature when copying large amounts of content.

- HDMI. A comprehensive digital interface that allows you to transmit video (including high resolution) and audio (up to multi-channel) over a single cable. The presence of such a port makes it possible to use the camera as a player: it can be directly connected to a TV, monitor, projector, etc. and view your footage on the big screen. In this case, broadcast capabilities can include not only video playback, but also demonstration of captured photos in slide show mode. HDMI inputs are present in most modern video equipment, and connection is usually not a problem.
Nowadays, there are several versions of the HDMI interface on the market:

• v 1.4. The oldest version currently relevant, released in 2009. However, it supports 3D video, is capable of working with resolutions up to 4096x2160 at a speed of 24 fps, and in Full HD resolution the frame rate can reach 120...fps. In addition to the original v.1.4, there are also improved modifications - v.1.4a and v.1.4b; they are similar in basic capabilities, in both cases the improvements affected mainly work with 3D content.
• v2.0. Significant HDMI update introduced in 2013. In this version, the maximum frame rate in 4K has increased to 60 fps, and support for ultra-wide 21:9 format can also be mentioned. In update v.2.0a, HDR support was added to the interface capabilities; in v.2.0b this function was improved and expanded.
• v 2.1. Despite the similarity in name to v.2.0, this version, released in 2017, was a very large-scale update. In particular, it added support for 8K and even 10 K at speeds up to 120 fps, and also further expanded the capabilities for working with HDR. This version was released with its own cable - HDMI Ultra High Speed; all features of v.2.1 are available only when using cables of this standard, although basic functions can be used with simpler cords.

— Headphone output. Audio output allows you to connect headphones to the camera. As a rule, it is represented by a classic 3.5 mm mini-jack. The presence of such a connector provides the ability to monitor sound during video recording in real time. This is especially important when filming interviews, vlogs and other similar projects.

— Microphone input. Specialized input for connecting an external microphone to the camera. External microphones are significantly superior to built-in microphones in sound quality. Firstly, they are not so sensitive to the camera’s “own” sounds - from buttons, control wheels, focus motors, etc. (and if the microphone uses a long wire and is not attached to the body, these sounds will not be heard at all). Secondly, external microphones themselves have more advanced characteristics. On the other hand, their use is justified mainly for professional video recording; therefore, the presence of a microphone input, as a rule, corresponds to advanced video recording capabilities

Continuous shooting speed provided by the camera at the maximum frame resolution. At lower resolutions, the speed may be higher, but this value is considered the key characteristic.

In continuous shooting, the photographer presses the button, and the camera takes several shots in a row, usually at intervals of a fraction of a second. Such shooting is convenient, for example, for capturing fast-moving objects: it allows you to choose the most successful from a series of frames, or to show the dynamics of movement using the entire series. And the higher the speed, the more effective the shooting, the more frames the camera can capture in a period of time. On the other hand, speed requires appropriate hardware and can significantly affect the cost.

The shutter is a system that regulates the duration of exposure, that is, the effect of light on the matrix (for more details on exposure, see above). Here are the main types of such systems:

— Electronic. A type of shutter that is only suitable for digital cameras. Such systems do not have moving mechanical parts; exposure in them is carried out electronically. At the moment the shutter is pressed, when the shutter is “opened”, the matrix is completely reset; and after a certain time (corresponding to the exposure time), when the shutter is “closing”, the accumulated charge is read from it. This allows you to carry out full-fledged photography and work with different shutter speeds without using complex structures. Another advantage over the mechanical shutters described below is that such systems are perfect for Live View (see above): the matrix can constantly broadcast the image on the screen, only sometimes “interrupting” directly into shooting. On the other hand, such a constant work increases the likelihood of heating and the appearance of additional noise in the picture. To compensate for this shortcoming, various solutions are used, and in most cases it is almost invisible; however, for professional photography, electronic shutters are still considered less suitable than mechanical shutters.

— Mechanical. There are many types of mechanical shutters, however, in modern digital c...ameras, systems in the form of a pair of shutters are predominantly found. When the shutter opens, one of the curtains moves, and then the second “catches up” with it, closing the matrix. The main advantage of mechanical shutters is that when using them, the matrix always remains closed and opens only at the moment of shooting for a time corresponding to the set shutter speed (similar to how it happens in film cameras). Due to this, it is possible to avoid heating the sensor and the associated increase in image noise. On the other hand, additional mechanisms noticeably affect the weight, dimensions, cost and power consumption of the camera; when shooting fast moving objects, distortions may occur, and at low temperatures — failures and even failures. In addition, cameras with mechanical shutters are mainly designed to work through an optical viewfinder. For an electronic viewfinder or Live View mode (see above), you either need to install an auxiliary matrix (which further complicates and increases the cost of the design), or completely open the shutters and actually shoot in electronic shutter mode, which makes the very idea of \u200b\u200b"mechanics" meaningless. As a result, this type of shutter is currently used mainly in SLR cameras (see "Camera type") of the middle and top levels; it is also found in other varieties, but much less frequently.

— Electronic/mechanical. Systems that combine both options described above; more precisely, even — mechanical shutters, supplemented by the ability to work in electronic mode. One of the key disadvantages of purely mechanical systems is their poor suitability for ultra-short shutter speeds — it is not easy to provide the necessary shutter speed, and besides, the mechanism is subjected to significant loads in this mode. To eliminate this shortcoming, electronic-mechanical systems were created. They work as follows: at short shutter speeds, a purely mechanical method of operation is used up to a certain limit, and when the possibilities of mechanics are not enough, a combined mode is used. In this mode, the shutter curtains open for a relatively long time (longer than the required shutter speed), while the matrix works electronically (see above for more details), providing the required shutter speed. Theoretically, the combined method allows you to effectively shoot at ultra-low shutter speeds, but in fact the quality of the images is relatively low, and the “hybrid” shutter is often more of a marketing ploy than a really useful tool.