Comparison Canon IXUS 185 vs Sony W830

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.

The maximum size of photos taken by the camera in normal (non-panoramic) mode. In fact, this paragraph indicates the highest resolution of photography — in pixels vertically and horizontally, for example, 3000x4000. This indicator directly depends on the resolution of the matrix: the number of dots in the image cannot exceed the effective number of megapixels (see above). For example, for the same 3000x4000, the matrix must have an effective resolution of at least 3000*4000 = 12 million dots, that is, 12 MP.

Theoretically, the larger the size of the photo, the more detailed the image, the more small details can be conveyed on it. At the same time, the overall image quality (including the visibility of fine details) depends not only on resolution, but also on a number of other technical and software factors; see "Effective MP number" for more details.

The sensitivity range of a digital camera matrix. In digital photography, light sensitivity is expressed in the same ISO units as in film photography; however, unlike film, the light sensitivity of the sensor in a digital camera can be changed, which gives you more options for adjusting shooting parameters. High maximum light sensitivity is important if you have to use a lens with a low aperture (see Aperture), as well as when shooting dimly lit scenes and fast-moving objects; in the latter case, high ISO allows you to use low shutter speeds, which minimizes image blur. However, note that with an increase in the value of the applied ISO, the level of noise in the resulting images also increases.

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.

An image stabilization method provided by a camera. Note that optical and sensor-shift systems are sometimes combined under the term "true" stabilization, due to their effectiveness. See below for more details.

Stabilization itself (regardless of the operating principle) allows you to compensate for the "shake" effect when the camera is not positioned correctly - especially when shooting handheld. This is especially important when shooting with significant magnification or at long shutter speeds. However, in any case, this function reduces the risk of ruining the frame, so cameras with stabilization are extremely common. The operating principles can be as follows:

— Electronic. Stabilization is carried out by means of a kind of “reserve” — a section along the edges of the sensor, which is not initially involved in the formation of the final image. However, if the camera electronics detect vibrations, it compensates for them by selecting the necessary fragments of the image from the reserve. Electronic systems are extremely simple, compact, reliable and at the same time inexpensive. However, for their operation, it is necessary to allocate a fairly significant part of the sensor — and reducing the useful area of the sensor increases the noise level and degrades the image quality. And in some models, electronic stabilization is enabled only at lower resolutions and is not available at full...frame size. Therefore, in its pure form, this option is found mainly in relatively inexpensive cameras with non-replaceable optics.

— Optical. Stabilization is achieved when light passes through the lens — due to a system of moving lenses and gyroscopes. As a result, the image gets to the sensor already stabilized, and the entire area of the sensor can be used for it. Therefore, optical systems, despite their complexity and rather high cost, are considered more preferable for high-quality shooting than electronic ones. Separately, we note that in SLR and MILC cameras (see "Camera type") the presence of this function depends on the installed lens; therefore, for such models, optical stabilization is not indicated in our catalog in principle (even if the kit lens is equipped with a stabilizer).

— With sensor shift. Stabilization performed by shifting the sensor "following" the shifted image. Like the optical one described above, it is considered a fairly advanced option, although in general it is somewhat less effective. On the other hand, sensor shift systems have serious advantages — first of all, such stabilization will work regardless of the characteristics of the lens. For cameras with non-replaceable optics, this means that the lens can do without an optical stabilizer and make the optics simpler, cheaper and more reliable. In SLR and MILC cameras, sensor shift allows even "non-stabilized" lenses to be used with convenience, and when "stabilized" optics are installed, both systems work together, and their efficiency is very high. In addition, sensor shift is somewhat simpler and cheaper than traditional optical stabilizers.

— Optical and electronic. Stabilization that combines both of the above options: initially, it operates on an optical principle, and when the lens's capabilities are not enough, an electronic system is connected. This allows for an increase in overall efficiency in comparison with purely optical or purely electronic stabilizers. On the other hand, the disadvantages of both options in such systems are also combined: the optics are comparatively complex and expensive, and not the entire sensor is used. Therefore, such a combination is rare, mainly in individual advanced digital compacts.

— With sensor shift and electronic. Another type of combined stabilization systems. Like "optical + electronic", it improves the overall efficiency of stabilization, but at the same time combines the disadvantages of both methods (they are also similar: more complicated and more expensive camera plus a decrease in the useful area of the sensor). Therefore, this option is used extremely rarely - in single models of digital ultrazooms and advanced compacts.

The minimum distance from the camera lens to the object being shot, at which the lens is able to focus in the normal shooting mode (not with macro shooting, see "Macro shooting, about it").

The minimum distance from the lens to the object being filmed, at which the camera optics is able to focus when the camera is in macro mode. Macro shooting is a special mode of operation designed to obtain large images of small objects; the distances to the objects being shot during macro shooting, usually, do not exceed 10 cm. The smaller the minimum distance for macro shooting, the larger and more detailed image the device allows you to get in this mode (ceteris paribus).

The number of scene programs provided in the camera design.

Scene programs are preset settings for some of the most common shooting scenes - for example, Portrait, Landscape, Sports, Sunset, etc. In addition to these presets, this list may include special effects and creative tools (such as color swap or fisheye), as well as exposure modes (see below). The presence of scene programs is especially useful for beginners and non-professional photographers, as it eliminates the need to tinker with each setting separately - just select the most suitable program, and all the necessary settings will be set automatically. The more scene programs the camera design provides, the wider its automatic adjustment capabilities.