- Factors influencing the quality of photos
- Comfort of using the camera
- Choosing a digital camera for
- Additional functionality of
- Review of the best low-cost models of
- So, you have made the decision
The market of photographic devices becomes more and more extensive every year. A variety of special terminology can discourage an unsophisticated buyer who has just decided to learn how to photograph. Therefore, before you go to the store or order online, you need to decide how to choose a cheap and good camera. This we will tell you in this article.
to the contents ↑Factors influencing the quality of photos
From the huge amount of information and performance characteristics related to cameras, we distinguish the main ones that directly affect the quality of the photo.
Company-manufacturer
Unconditional market leaders in the manufacture of photographic equipment are Japanese and European companies:
- Of European firms, a decent company produces Leica( it's an expensive image device).
- Of the Japanese companies, the best are Canon, Sony and Nikon.
- There are good models among the products of companies Fujifilm, Ricoh, Pentax. Inexpensive cameras with a good camera for them are not uncommon.
But the Chinese products are not good quality.
Matrix resolution( number of megapixels)
It is believed that the higher the resolution of the matrix, the better the device. The same principle is exploited by manufacturing companies, trying to raise this figure to beyond-limits. In fact, in order to make a high-quality picture of 10x15, enough resolution of 8-10 megapixels is enough.
Important! As for 15-20 Mp, they are enough even if the image is printed in the form of a poster.
View of the matrix, its size
This parameter affects the photo quality even more than the number of megapixels. The larger the matrix, the better the photos. The size of the matrix is shown as a fraction( for example, 1 / 1.6 ").
Important! The smaller the number in the denominator, the better.
Zoom
This is a handy feature. But if the camera is equipped with a digital zoom, then with the approach of the object, the quality of the photo will deteriorate. Therefore, optical zoom should be preferred.
Image stabilizer
Undoubtedly useful option. Sometimes, in the hands of an inexperienced photographer, the sharpness of the pictures is insufficient, especially if the shooting is done in poor light. This function avoids such a result.
to the contents ↑Comfort of using the camera
The convenience of using the camera is no less important than the basic specifications, if you want to choose a reflex camera that is inexpensive and good.
Functionality and convenience of the device depend on such factors:
- Modes of photography. Most of the compact cameras have an automated mode setting( the camera independently selects the desired settings).As for professional models, they may not have an automatic mode. This means that the photographer adjusts the camera by himself.
- Screen. It can be sensory or ordinary. Plus the touch screen is that you do not need to press the buttons, and you can adjust the camera much faster.
Important! Some models are equipped, like video cameras, with a rotating screen. This can be useful when conducting a reportage survey.
- Battery type. The device can work from conventional finger batteries or a certain type of battery. In the latter case, you will need a branded charger. Naturally, the first option is more convenient because of the prevalence of batteries.
- Format of the memory card, the connectors of the camera. It is very convenient to buy cameras of compatible formats so that you can use the same cables and memory cards for different devices.
Choose a digital camera by the class
To make the right choice, it is not enough to know the technical characteristics of the device. It is important to know which device class is best for your requests. All cameras can be conditionally divided into 3 classes:
- Budget - the most simple and inexpensive models.
- Compact - devices with a minimum mass and small dimensions. Buy a cheap camera with good quality images is realistic.
- Creative - relatively inexpensive devices, which allow, however, to take excellent pictures. To this group, perhaps, can be attributed and extreme camera.
Important! Each of these classes is suitable for certain conditions of photography. Therefore, from the very beginning you need to decide where and in what conditions you will make the most of the photographs.
Inexpensive camera: who will it suit?
The main advantage of the simplest models is a small price. For a beginner photographer, a simple find will be a simple interface and a small number of settings.
The following models are best suited:
- for children making first steps in photography;
- for older people who are not easy to learn technical innovations.
If you are buying a camera for a child, you should buy a simple device for one more reason. The less detail the device has, the more difficult it is to disable it. And the person "at the age of" is easier to deal with a few buttons than to remember the appointment of a good ten different keys.
Important! Minus cheap models - a small resolving power of the matrix and a weak zoom. By the way, using zoom, rather, does not help, but it hinders, making the quality of pictures worse.
Compact unit - universal device
For most compact cameras, the optimal ratio of quality and price is characteristic. Due to the small dimensions, the device can be taken with you on an excursion, a beach, a walk or a corporate party. The camera can be found in the pocket of the jacket, and in a small handbag.
Important! In a separate subgroup it is necessary to allocate ultracompacts. In addition to small dimensions, these products are beautiful design and a large number of color options. Compared to conventional models, the ultracompact costs a little more.
Inexpensive camera for creativity
If conventional photos are not enough and you want to show creativity, and professional equipment seems too expensive, you should pay attention to the ultra-zoom or creative camera. In order to get really good photos, you do not need to buy a mirror camera. Inexpensive and good device from the category of "creative" for the totality of its characteristics can exceed even some models of professional cameras, belonging to the lower line.
They are distinguished by:
- high-quality optics;
- manual settings;
- is quite a large matrix.
Important! The latest models allow you to take pictures in RAW format.
Despite the fact that this class of photographic devices has a number of advantages over compact devices, it must be taken into account that it is not always convenient for a beginner photographer to understand the manual settings. And the automatic mode can be simply absent. In addition, the camera "creative" class has a large mass compared to a compact device.
to content ↑Additional functionality of
These options do not affect shooting quality, but can be useful for a novice wizard:
- Possibility of wireless data transmission. There are models of cameras that can be connected to a computer, a smartphone or a tablet via Wi-Fi. This function will allow you to upload a successful frame to the social network.
- Battery type. It is advisable to buy a device with a standard battery, which can always be found on sale.
- Waterproof case. As a rule, for underwater shooting, the camera is enclosed in a special box. However, there are special waterproof models that do not require an additional enclosure.
Review of the best low-cost models
Let's consider the most popular models of cameras with the optimal ratio of quality and price.
Canon IXUS 175
A good inexpensive camera of compact size with all the necessary functionality:
- The device is equipped with an 8x optical zoom and a 28mm lens.
- There is also a ZoomPlus function that doubles the zoom range.
- The sensor at 20 megapixel provides excellent photo quality. The
- Diagonal display has 2.7 inches.
- Its resolution is 230 thousand points.
- Included with the camera is a charger.1 charge makes it possible to make about 220 shots.
- The capacity of the flash card is 16 GB.
Important! This is an excellent option for a beginner photographer, since the device is extremely easy to use. It is enough to turn on the device, adjust the time and date - and everything, you can take pictures. There is also an automatic mode, which relieves the photographer from manual adjustment of the device.
For more experienced fans there is a program mode that opens up the possibilities that are present in more expensive devices. There is an opportunity to view photos using the slideshow mode.
Canon Digital IXUS 275 HS
The inexpensive camera Canon Digital IXUS 275 HS has compact dimensions, stylish design and extensive functionality for creating high-quality photographic materials:
- Powerful zoom lens with 12X makes it possible to zoom in on distant objects without compromising image quality.
- Ultra-wide lens allows you to take group shots and panoramic photos.
- It is possible to communicate with the tablet or smartphone via Wi-Fi, which allows you to quickly upload photos to the Internet.
- You can view received photos on your HDTV.
- Images are very detailed. Contrast and sharpness of photographic materials is excellent.
- The camera is not terrible and tremors, because the device is equipped with a "smart" optical stabilization system.
- Thanks to the HS system, shooting is possible with insufficiently good lighting.
Important! There are also such functions as Smart Auto and "creative snapshot".
Rekam iLook S955i
A cheap camera with good shooting quality and with a maximum resolution of 21 megapixels. Shooting in good conditions allows you to get a photo of almost perfect quality.2.7-inch display allows you to view the pictures with maximum comfort.
By purchasing this unit, it is possible to use such modes:
- Standard.
- Sports.
- Portrait.
- Night Scene.
- Landscape.
- Automatic mode.
The value of the focal distance is 5.3 mm, the mass is only 100 g.
Nikon Coolpix A300:
- The resolution of the matrix of this camera is 20.1 Mp.
- It is possible to create good pictures thanks to the 8x optical zoom and the NIKKOR lens.
- The Dynamic Fine Zoom system allows you to extend the optical zoom up to 16x.
- The "Intelligent Portrait" mode makes it possible to carry out beautiful portrait shots.
- The value of the focal length is 4.5-36.0 mm.
- Matrix: ½;3 inches.
- Li-ion battery is used as a power source.
- Power supply network.
- The full charge time of the battery is 2 hours and 40 minutes. One battery charge is enough to record video for 45 minutes or 240 shots.
Canon PowerShot ELPH 180
Innovative budget model, which appeared on the market since 2016:
- The maximum resolution is 5152x3864 pixels.
- The working resolution of the matrix is 20 megapixels.
- The camera is equipped with a DIGIC 4+ graphics processor.
- Optical image stabilization is available.
- The value of the focal length is 28-224 mm.
- There is an 8x zoom.
- There are different scene modes and different options for setting the exposure.
- The Canon PowerShot ELPH 180 has a rechargeable lithium-ion battery.
- The charger is included. One charge is enough to make 220 shots.
- The mass of the device is 126 g.
Nikon Coolpix L340
The year of appearance of this model on the market is 2015. It is a budgetary 20 megapixel camera with a powerful zoom:
- The zoom factor is 28, and Dynamic Fine Zoom function allows to increase the value of this indicator to 56.
- It is possible to record HD-video clips with a single click of a button.
- Convenient grip and vibration suppression system neutralize camera shake.
- The advantages of the device also include: extremely simple operation, a large-size LCD screen, powered by AA batteries.
Important! Using this camera, you can get high-quality portrait photos, landscapes, photos from holidays and parties. Pictures are obtained equally successfully under different lighting conditions. The system selects the best angle for filming.
Samsung DV180F
A budget camera with a high-speed wide-angle lens and precise focusing:
- Great for group shooting and shooting in the dark.
- There is a video recording mode.
- The feature of the model is the presence of a front display.
- Among the useful options are remote control and mount for the tripod.
- There is a digital image stabilizer that allows you to take good photos even under adverse conditions.
- The diagonal of the screen is 2.7 inches.
Panasonic DMC-GF7
A budget model for beginners with a beautiful elegant design:
- The screen size is 3 inches, resolution 720x480 pixels. This allows you to make quite good clear pictures.
- There is an opportunity to record video format FullHD.
- The Snap Movie function allows you to shoot short movies and create a moving photo effect.
Here is not a complete list of modes with which you can create interesting effects:
- The old days.
- Sepia.
- Retro.
- Monochrome.
- Expressive.
- Fantasy.
There is also a Wi-Fi module. You can remotely connect to the camera and transfer files to other devices. Of useful options there is a built-in flash, good detail of the pictures.
Important! Of the minuses, you can note a small memory buffer, a small battery life.
to the contents ↑So, you have made the decision
How to choose a cheap and good camera - figured out. Whatever option you choose, when buying, you need to pay attention to such moments:
- No visible defects, problems when pushing buttons and backlashes.
- Camera serviceability, trouble-free operation of all available modes. To do this, take a few shots and check the sharpness. If there is a possibility of video shooting, it is desirable to make a short video with sound.
- Serviceable charger and other devices included in the kit.
- Warranty card availability. In addition, you need to inquire about the terms of the guarantee.
As you can see, the price factor in the selection is not the main one. After all, your needs are of paramount importance. A good inexpensive camera is a reality. Expensive device - not always the best. The main thing is to trust only trusted manufacturers and buy only certified products with a guarantee.