Comparison Nikon D3500 kit 18-55 vs Nikon D3400 kit 18-55

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.

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).

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.

The fastest X-sync speed supported by a digital camera.

This characteristic is relevant only for models equipped with mechanical shutters (see “Shutter type”) and allowing connection of an external flash (see above). Recall that the operation of such shutters is based on the use of two curtains — one opens the matrix, the second, following the first, closes it. At the same time, at low shutter speeds, the shutter speed may not be enough to open the matrix completely — as a result, the exposure is carried out due to the gap between the shutters, which “runs” through the matrix. When shooting with constant lights, this is usually not a problem; however, the duration of the flash pulse is very short, during this time the said gap between the curtains does not have time to pass over the entire area of the matrix, and the picture is only partially illuminated. This means that you can shoot with flash only at shutter speeds at which the shutter opens fully.

The slowest X-sync shutter speed is, in fact, the slowest shutter speed at which the shutter can fully open. In most modern cameras, this figure is about 1/250 – 1/200 of a second, which is quite enough in most cases. And high-end professional models can support X-sync at shutter speeds of 1/1000 or even slower.

The maximum number of photos that the camera can take on a single battery without recharging/replacing it. In fact, this number usually turns out to be less (sometimes quite noticeable) due to the fact that part of the charge is “eaten up” by the lens mechanics, using the display, changing settings through the menu, etc. Nevertheless, this parameter is a good indicator of the battery life of the device, and different models can be compared with each other.

The model name of the case, case, or similar carrying and storage device that the camera is designed to hold. This name will come in handy when selecting accessories for the camera.

The model name of the charger for which the camera is designed. This name is useful when choosing accessories for the camera. However chargers are usually supplied as a kit, but such a device, like any other, may fail or be lost.