The difference between an SLR and a digital camera. How is a DSLR camera different than usual? Some manual settings

The question of which camera is better - a SLR or a digital one, sooner or later becomes before anyone who is trying to choose a new camera for himself. Both types are "by ear", so the choice often becomes quite difficult.
  It is worth mentioning that the "mirror" and "digital" - this is solely a characteristic of technical parameters. The SLR camera may well be both film and digital. Digital can be mirror or non-mirror, therefore, it is impossible to compare these concepts: it is worth comparing digital SLR and non-mirror cameras.

Features of Digital Cameras

In a digital camera, an image matrix is \u200b\u200bused - an photosensitive plate consisting of autonomous cell elements. Using a system of lenses that are in the lens, the image is focused on the matrix. Further, the matrix already focuses the image by the light parameter. The image is then stored either in the camera’s memory or on an additional medium using an ordinary graphic file. This principle of operation is typical for non-mirror digital cameras, and for SLR.

SLR and non-mirror cameras

On digital SLR cameras, an additional mirror viewfinder is also installed. Thus, in the target channel, with which the image is framed before shooting, there is a mirror-prism system. With its help, the image enters the eyepiece of the camera, and there the photographer can see the picture before shooting. That is, in SLR cameras you can see the picture in the viewfinder in advance. This is a very convenient technological solution that helps the photographer to fine-tune the frame borders, illumination and sharpness of the subject, as well as set the depth of the space that is being photographed.

A significant advantage of the mirror viewfinder is the fact that it is not subject to changes in the visible placement of the object if the position of the photographer changes: the light enters it directly through the lens.

The non-specular camera shoots exclusively with an orientation to the LCD screen - it is used instead of the viewfinder. The picture here is also displayed before shooting, but its resolution is very low, brightness and color reproduction are also weak. Only after shooting will the photographer be able to evaluate exactly what the frame will be. In a non-mirror digital camera, the optical axis of the viewfinder is offset compared to the axis of the main lens. As a result, the viewfinder is already undergoing parallax - the movement of the photographer during shooting.

In SLR cameras there is the possibility of using an interchangeable lens - in non-mirror cameras it is very rare. Also, the quality of images in SLR cameras can be significantly improved if you use high-quality optics for specific needs.

Few conclusions

So, we can summarize the comparisons:

1. A digital camera and a SLR camera are fundamentally different camera parameters that cannot be compared with each other. Only mirror and non-mirror, digital and non-digital (film) are subjected to comparison.
2. Both types of cameras - mirror and non-mirror - use a matrix for image acquisition and processing.
3. In SLR cameras, there is an additional viewfinder that allows the picture without distortion even before shooting. In non-specular cameras, the viewfinder is parallaxed and displays the image before shooting in much worse quality.
4. In a digital SLR camera, you can change the lenses. If we talk about non-mirror digital cameras, then this can be seen very rarely.

Thus, everyone can choose for themselves the type of camera that is more convenient for a particular type of activity. A professional photographer will probably choose a mirror digital gadget, a non-mirror one will be quite enough for a non-professional. Prices are also usually higher for SLRs than for non-mirror ones, although much depends on the manufacturer. In any case, SLR and non-mirror cameras with a similar set of functions from one manufacturer will cost differently - SLR is more expensive.

Photography has firmly entered the life of modern man. Despite the appearance of decent cameras in smartphones, the demand for cameras has not changed at all. Experienced users understand the characteristics of cameras, their functions and device, but novice photographers can get confused in the variety of models. Let's try to figure out what is the difference between a SLR and a digital camera.

First you need to understand that a SLR camera can be analog (film) or digital. A digital device, in turn, can be a DSLR or not. Below we will consider what the difference is in the device and camera functions.

Even a purely visual SLR camera differs from a digital compact in massiveness and a serious lens. To understand exactly what is the difference between compact cameras and DSLRs, you should look inside the equipment.

Reflex camera

This type of camera is more complex in terms of its structure and principle of operation. This affects not only the functionality (it is wider), but also the size and weight of the camera. In addition, mirror models have more mechanical parts, which makes them vulnerable to bumps and falls. Cameras with mirrors consist of two parts:

• camera (body or carcass);

• removable lens.

Inside the lens is row of lenses and aperture   - they let light through. The task of the diaphragm is to control the amount of light that enters the matrix. This affects the amount of noise, color reproduction and overall picture quality.

After the light passes through the lenses and the diaphragm, it enters a translucent mirror, where the light flux is divided into two parts. The first part is sent through a system of mirrors and a convex lens to the pentaprism, where the image is turned over and gets into viewfinder.   This is where the picture is available to the human eye.

Due to the fact that the whole process is based on the laws of physics, there are no distortions or loss of image quality. The photographer sees exactly what will be in the final picture.

The second part of the flow from the translucent mirror is sent focusing system. Here, using special sensors, the calculation is carried out - the object is in focus or not. After that, the lenses shift to catch the focus. When the photographer is convinced that the picture suits him completely, he presses the shutter button, the mirror moves away and all the light falls on the matrix. Photo taken.

The compact camera on the device is much simpler. It consists of a one-piece housing with a retractable lens. In this case, it is not removed. The principle of operation is that light passes through the lenses, enters the matrix and after image processing by processor   it turns out a photograph.

This is the key difference between cameras: on a mirror device, the photographer sees the real image, and in the compact - what the processor sees.

Differences in the design of compacts and DSLRs

Based on the foregoing, we can conclude regarding the differences in the design of the SLR camera from a digital compact camera.

1. The SLR camera has a removable lens; it is non-removable in a compact camera.
2. In the DSLR, optical focusing (that is, achieved through optics, namely the displacement of the lenses), in the soap dish - electronic (the image is processed by the processor).
3. The compact camera does not have a mirror system.

In general, due to the simplicity of the structure, compact cameras are smaller in size, but they also have a subspecies, called the "ultrasound."   Outwardly, the ultrasounds resemble mirror models, but they also do not have a lens removed, and the fundamental difference is the ability to increase. Simple compacts cannot shoot distant objects; ultrasums have 40, 50, and even 60x zoom.

SLR cameras have the best display features, the ability to external flash and remote microphoneIn addition, their battery lasts much longer. Compact devices for the most part do not have the ability to connect additional accessories, the battery lasts for 200-300 shots on average, provided that no one will watch them on the device’s display. The display itself is much worse in performance.

Another important point - the optics of SLR cameras are made of glass. Compact cameras use plastic.

The matrix in SLR cameras is larger than that of soap dishes.   The size of the matrix directly affects how much light it collects. The larger the size, the better the photo. The full-sized matrix has a size of 24 * 36 mm, and currently the film and expensive professional cameras with a mirror have this size. In the mirror models of the middle and lower levels of the matrix can reach 13.5 * 18 mm or 22.7 * 15.1 mm. For compacts, this figure does not exceed 8.8 * 6.6 mm, but it also happens less.

The functionality of compacts and DSLRs

It has long been believed that compact cameras are devices that work on the principle of " pressed a button, got a photo". Here you do not need to know the basics of photo business, set the settings and think hard about the picture. Soap dishes were created for people who do not need to take high-quality pictures or photographs, but just need to capture the frame. The only changes that can be made on a compact camera are zooming in or out, and applying filters programmed into the model.

Mirror models offer their owners a real field for experimentation. There is an automatic mode, but people who have at least a minimal idea of \u200b\u200bshooting and want to get really interesting shots always put everything in manual mode.With a mirror device, you can change the shutter speed, focus or aperture size. All this affects the image. In other words, with a SLR camera, the photographer gets what he plans, and in the compact - what happens.

The DSLR focuses much faster, which makes it possible to conduct serial shooting without loss of quality. In addition, SLR cameras have better color reproduction. They can use filters that allow you to take interesting pictures.

What is a mirrorless camera

A relatively new trend of the market and not yet widely used is a mirrorless camera. The main difference between a mirror camera and a mirrorless one is in the presence of mirrors.

In fact, a mirrorless camera is a derivative of a SLR and a compact. From the compact, the case size and the principle of operation remained - the light enters the matrix, the processor reads the information and displays the picture in real time. In such a device there is no viewfinder, no mirrors, pentaprism and phase focusing.

A logical question arises - why do we need such a camera if it repeats the compact device. The fact is that such a camera uses matrix format mirrored devices. Due to this, the quality of photographs here is an order of magnitude better than in the compact. In addition, mirrorless cameras are equipped with removable lenses, which also makes the functionality wider, and the shooting quality is better.

In recent years, it has been proven that mirrorless cameras allow you to take pictures that are not inferior to SLR cameras. Despite the good performance of mirrorless models, they are practically not used in a professional environment.

Consider the pros and cons of these devices.

• compact size;
• fewer mechanical parts significantly increase reliability;
• low cost in comparison with mirror devices;
• in some cases, using the display is more convenient than the viewfinder.

• the image is formed by the processor, this affects the contrast and saturation;
• the picture is formed with a little delay, since it takes time to process it by the processor;
• the screen may glare in bright light;
• battery life is reduced due to a constantly on display.

Conclusion

A comparison of the three types of cameras shows that the difference between a SLR and a digital camera, as well as a mirrorless device, is mirror systems and phase focusing. In terms of operation, SLRs focus faster and more accurately transmit an image, but they are larger. In addition, they are quite fragile. In some cases this is a problem.

In general, it can be noted that compact cameras are suitable for amateurs who do not set a goal to create masterpieces. SLR and mirrorless cameras are more suitable for people who have interesting ideas and imagination. With their help, you can get professional high quality pictures.

In today's world, many people prefer to pay once and use the thing for a long time. The period when everyone was eager to buy cheaper has passed. You can always take the equipment in installments or on credit, but choose a really high-quality thing. In this article we will analyze which camera to choose, or digital.

The difference between a digital SLR and a digital camera

The main difference is the quality of the photo and the process of taking pictures. Mirror models independently set shutter speed, focal length and other shooting parameters, and do it very quickly. As a result, you get exactly the picture you want, without color distortion.

Why is a DSLR camera better than a digital one?

1. More correct color rendering.
2. The difference between a SLR and a digital camera is that the first allows the photographer to take pictures of different objects with individual lenses. There are separate for shooting buildings, portraits, special lenses for macro and micro photography. This greatly expands the field for work and allows you to make the photo better.
3. An important difference between a digital SLR and a digital camera is the instant focus on the desired object. In other words, you can take a series of shots in just a couple of seconds. It is very convenient for photographing objects in motion.
4. A significant difference between a SLR and a digital camera for both professional and amateur is the ability to manually adjust the focus. In digital models, automation often fails, so mirror models in this regard are much more reliable.

Which is better, mirrored or digital?

So, with the main difference and advantages of the SLR from the digital, we figured out, it's time to make a choice. First of all, we will deal with the quality of the photo itself. Many are looking for cameras with a large number of megapixels, but in fact, even the most expensive models do not always have this number exceed ten. So today's 16 megapixels are far from a guarantee of photo quality.

That is why when choosing a SLR or digital camera, pay attention to the quality of the matrix itself and the graphic process. Instead of the number of pixels, choose a good lens.

Remember that both models have strengths and weaknesses. So, the “mirror” has a much faster shooting and focusing speed, the sharpness quality is also higher, but all these parameters are fully reflected in the numbers on the price tag. And the sizes of all mirror models are not for women’s handbags, not to mention the weight. For digital models, the opposite is true: image quality and a weak matrix complicate the work, but the cost and compactness compensate for this.

As for the advice of most professionals, they recommend purchasing good digital technology for occasional use. "Mirror" can be searched only if you decide to learn all the secrets of photography.

A digital camera is very similar to a film camera, both externally and internally. The difference is in the way you get the image. The image is not captured on film, but on the matrix. The matrix is \u200b\u200ban array of photosensitive semiconductors. Then the picture is saved in electronic form. This is very convenient, since you can not show the film and do not have to print photos. Such cameras usually have a removable lens and a matrix of a sufficiently large size. But often the size of such cameras is rather bulky, and the weight is rather big. Sighting is carried out using the viewfinder. These cameras are designed for professional shooting, have many modes and functions. In addition, they are not always convenient to take with you; they require additional care and additional accessories. Unlike cameras, a conventional digital camera has a non-removable lens, a small matrix. Sighting is carried out using a liquid crystal screen, which in some cases can be rotated. Such cameras can also have a viewfinder: it can be of two types: electronic and optical. An electronic viewfinder looks like a small screen, but an optical viewfinder looks like a viewfinder, which is often used on “film soap dishes”. Of course, basically these cameras are intended for amateurs. Their possibilities are quite limited and the prices are low. Such digital cameras are very compact, do not require careful care and are placed in a small purse.

Which is better: a camera or a camera, you decide.Of course, the choice of a photographing device depends on your needs and means, but the advantages of the camera over the camera are obvious. But remember that the photographing device is just a tool in the hands of the photographer, as a result, the photographer takes pictures, not the camera.

People who ask about how a DSLR differs from a digital one initially incorrectly formulate the question. It's like asking how a Labrador is different from a dog. DSLR cameras can be either digital or analog. Take, for example, models that existed long before the advent of digital technology, but currently the latter are used to improve cameras. Moreover, their function has not changed at all. So, we’ll figure out how the DSLR differs from the digital one, or rather,

As the name implies, its main feature is the mirror. It is located between the lens and the viewfinder, projecting the image onto the latter. A good SLR camera is characterized by full projection matching the resulting image. And it doesn’t depend on whether you use a digital camera or an analog (film) one. At the moment the shutter is released, the mirror rises, allowing the light to fall on the matrix (or film, respectively).

Currently, digital SLR cameras are becoming increasingly popular. Therefore, manufacturers produce a huge number of lenses and filters for them. The mirror allows you to get an image directly from the lenses and evaluate the slightest changes. And mirrorless cameras often give a distorted image in the viewfinder, which is not so important for a beginner in photo art, but can significantly complicate the work of a professional. However, even a beginner should better buy a SLR camera right away, as it will later become easier to find the necessary additions for it. Of course, in the event that you are really interested in photography. And for the filming of travel or family celebrations, a compact digital model is quite enough.

In order to understand how a SLR differs from a digital compact camera, it’s enough to simply take a couple of frames on one and the other. You can do this even in a photo equipment store. Then you will see the differences described above in practice and you will be able to understand which model is more convenient for you. It is also worth considering the dimensions of the SLR camera: it can not be put in your pocket. Therefore, you should always proceed from your own goals and priorities.

So, the difference between SLR cameras and mirrorless analogs for the most part is not in the quality of shooting, but in the quality of the picture that you see in the viewfinder. Determine for yourself how important this indicator is to you. Then you will know which camera to purchase. If you are interested in SLR cameras, you can consider film options, which are gradually becoming fashionable again among art photo lovers. And if the image that projects a compact digital camera onto the viewfinder is enough for you, then why bother with a bulky model? In any case, we hope that you will make the right choice and you will never ask how the SLR differs from the digital one, as this is simply incorrect.