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).
Light sensitivity (ISO)
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.
HDR
Camera support for
HDR.
HDR stands for High Dynamic Range. The main application of this technology is shooting scenes with significant differences in illumination, when there are both very bright and very dark areas in the frame. The features of modern digital photography are such that in the normal shooting mode, only a rather narrow range of brightness can be correctly processed; as a result, with a large difference in illumination, the image contains either too dark or overexposed fragments. HDR avoids this phenomenon: in this mode, the camera takes several shots with different exposure settings, and then glues them together in such a way as to reduce the brightness in bright places and increase in dark places. This allows you to shoot, for example, landscapes against the backdrop of a bright sunset sky, the interiors of dimly lit buildings with bright windows, etc. In addition, HDR can also be used as an artistic technique — to give the picture an unusual colour scheme.
Note that this effect can also be achieved using post-processing in a graphics editor; however, using the camera is much more convenient.
Full HD (1080)
The maximum resolution and frame rate of video captured by the camera in
Full HD (1080p).
The traditional Full HD video resolution in this case is 1920x1080; other options are more specific and practically do not occur in modern cameras. Regarding the frame rate, it is worth noting first of all that a normal (not slow-motion) video is shot at a speed of up to 60 fps, and in this case, the higher the frame rate, the smoother the video will be, the less jerks will be noticeable when moving in the frame. If the frame rate is
100 fps or higher, this usually means that the camera has a slow-motion video mode.
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.
Connection ports
— 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.
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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
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.