DSLR Cameras: Wi-Fi & Near Field Communication
Which DSLR camera is right for you? Superficially, they may look similar, including the ability to change lenses, but there’s a huge difference between entry-level, midrange and professional DSLR cameras.
Entry Level
For the beginner who’s stepping up from a point-and-shoot camera, an entry level DLSR is great introduction. Most of these cameras are equipped with APS-C or DX image sensors. Measuring approximately 24 mm x 16 mm, the sensors are smaller than the full frame versions found in professional DSLRs, but they are still a huge improvement. For example, the image sensors found in the latest smartphone cameras measure 5 mm x 6 mm.
A bigger image sensor doesn’t just mean more pixels in a photo, it means more light is captured for better results. Entry level DSLRs are great for capturing your family vacation and other special moments with more detail and accuracy than a pocket camera or your smartphone. You can add new lenses for enhanced capabilities, including telephoto zoom and they’re compatible with midrange and even professional DSLRs from the same company, so your investment isn’t lost should you choose to upgrade to a more capable camera.
Midrange
Midrange DSLRs are the sweet spot for many people. Most employ an APS-C or DX image sensor, but they offer greater performance and considerably more control over photographs. For example, compared to an entry level DSLR, a midrange model is likely to offer a faster shooting speed (more photos per second), a greater number of autofocus points, a larger and higher resolution display, increased ISO sensitivity range, a faster shutter speed and greater control over settings like flash, exposure and white balance.
Midrange DSLRs are an excellent choice for photography enthusiasts who enjoy taking pictures of landscapes and nature. They’re also a good choice for parents who want to take photos of their kids in action while playing sports.
Professional
Professional DSLRs are the pro grade cameras you see being used in studios, at concerts and at professional sporting events. The single biggest difference compared to entry level and midrange DSLRs is the move to a full frame or FX sensor.
An FX sensor measures a whopping 36 mm x 24 mm, giving it two and a half times the surface area of a DX sensor. That lets it replicate the experience of using 35 mm film, which is where it gets the “full frame” designation. That super-sized sensor means superior low light performance and 4K video capability. Professional DSLR cameras also offer a massive upgrade in shooting speed (a big win for sports and nature photography) and much more precise control over functions like focus modes, exposure, flash and white balance. They are usually equipped with high capacity battery packs and most can accommodate two memory cards. These cameras with their advanced features and full frame sensors are renowned for delivering premium results with incredible clarity, whether used for portraits or capturing live events.
Additional camera gear
Accessories for your DSLR will help you take your shots further. A camera bag is usually one of the best ways to protect and store your camera.
Camera straps offers quick access and convenient carrying options for your DSLR. Extra memory cards, additional lenses, flashes, tripod, filters, extra batteries, and more offer you the freedom, security, and peace-of-mind to experiment and get creative with your photography without getting interrupted.
Want more info? Check out some of our resources:
DSLR Camera Buying Guide
Best camera kit for influencers
Should you buy a mirrorless camera, a DSLR or point and shoot camera?
How to master mobile photo editing for your DSLR photos
Top features of a DSLR vlogging camera
The difference between a DSLR and a mirrorless camera
Nikon D3300 DSLR Camera Review from Best Buy
Entertainment & Reviews
ByCrystal @ Surviving a Teacher’s Salary
This post may contain affiliate links, view our disclosure policy for details.
Disclosure: The reviewer has been compensated in the form of a Best Buy Gift Card and/or received the product/service at a reduced price or for free.
“Quality Time Deserves Quality Images”
I’m not going to lie – my camera is more valuable to me than my laptop. I absolutely cannot live without my camera! And I’ll tell you a little secret (well, it’s not really a secret…) I’m obsessed with Nikon DSLR cameras – it’s pretty much my only option when taking photos. Ever since I purchased my first DSLR 9 years ago as an investment before having kids, I have been totally ruined for anything but my Nikon DSLR camera! So when Best Buy offered me the opportunity to try out the Nikon D3300 I was really excited to get my hands on it! I was surprised at how light and compact it was!
The Nikon D3300 with AF-S DX NIKKOR 18-55mm lens has an ISO of 100-12,800 which is great for capturing great images – even in low light conditions! Have NO idea what that all means? Don’t worry! This is a fantastic and affordable option for a starter DSLR if you want to take awesome photos or even start dabbling in some beginner photography classes.
Plus it has a video option which makes recording those memories super easy on the go without having to tote along extra equipment. I always recommend a Nikon like the D3300 as a great starter camera because it’s an affordable DSLR and you can get some amazing photos just by pointing and clicking the shutter! Nothing fancy involved! BUT if you’re like me and you want to learn more it has all the options for an amateur photographer to dabble, learn, and shoot in a more manual mode with advanced settings to change.
The Nikon D3300 comes with the standard cords, Nikon charger and battery and easily recognizable Nikon strap. Plus we were also sent the WU-1a Wireless Mobile Adapter which allows you to not only use your phone to snap photos with your camera from across the room (up to 49′ away!) but it also allows you to share your photos to a mobile phone or tablet (android based)! I haven’t had the opportunity to play around with the WU-1a adapter much yet but it will come in great handy when taking photos of my kids and our new baby!
One of the things I really liked about the Nikon D3300 is the extremely simple and clear digital panel for you to read (and change) your camera settings.
You can see everything at a quick glance above. I found it extremely easy to change my advanced settings and view them at a glance. The digital panel is nice and large with a clear viewing so I can see the settings change easily. And if you don’t understand f stops, ISO settings, white balance, or any of those other advanced settings there is a “Guide Mode” (see below) that can help guide you through various options that the camera has to offer.
Check this out! You can go to the “Guide Mode” to view and delete photos, see set up options for changing your settings, and also this awesome “Retouch” option for you to edit your photos.
Also on the included lens you have the option for Automatic or Manual. If you’re new to a DSLR you can shoot in Automatic mode and let the camera do the focusing for you. If you’re like me and dabbling with some new photography techniques and trying to learn more about taking better quality images you can put your lens in manual mode and manually focus the camera.
On the turn dial you can put it simply on “AUTO” and let the camera do the thinking for you to take some pretty phenomenal photos, or you can turn the dial to choose a lot of other options from no flash, portrait, landscape, sports, night time, close up and more! It’s easy to spot at a glance what setting to use!
Here’s an example of the same exact item with and without flash above. On the left I used the flash and on the right I turned the flash off simply by using the turn dial. Nothing fancy, no advanced settings, no editing – just point and click!
We all know that with some photography know how and good software you can create some pretty amazing photos, so I wanted to focus on how photos turn our with absolutely NO DSLR experience and NO editing. No fancy settings, no manual focusing, nothing! None of my images are edited except to add the text on. I LOVE the Nikon D3300 “Effects” option on the turn dial. All you do is rotate the dial and you can get all sorts of fun special effects that make you look like a pro.
My dog Jenny & our Christmas tree are all taken at the same time just in different modes by rotating the dial.
Here are just a few more photos – NO editing, NO flash, just pointed and clicked!
Whether you’re new to the DSLR world or you’re knee deep in photography classes and wanting to try your hand at a more advanced camera the Nikon D3300 offers the best of both worlds for newbies and amateurs!
Check out the Nikon D3300 at Best Buy here!
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Nikon cameras, budget and SLR
Nikon is a Japanese manufacturer of optics and imaging devices. It was founded in 1917. Engaged in the production of optics for the Japanese Navy. After the Second World War, they retrained for the production of products for the population. In 1946, the first Nikon camera was released. Since then, the company has been improving its technology and producing new cameras.
Since 2006, the company has practically ceased the production of film cameras, and concentrated on the production of digital cameras. In addition, Nikon manufactures photographic accessories, binoculars, scanners and microscopes. Camera lenses are produced under the Nikkor trademark.
Nikon is one of the most successful companies in the camera market. Their main competitors are Canon and Sony.
Nikon’s range of cameras is quite wide. For lovers of the classics, an improved diaper reflex camera F6 is currently being produced.
Digital cameras are divided into three main categories: SLR, COOLPIX series and Nikon 1 series.
SLR cameras are divided into two types: amateur and professional. SLR cameras have a unique system that allows you to see the subject through the lens used to take the picture. Among professional models, the D700 model is very popular, as well as the new D4.
Consumer SLR cameras are now on the crest of a wave of popularity.
In the top sales of online stores there are such models as D7000, D3100, D5100 and of course D90. Amateur cameras differ from professional ones in that they are more compact and somewhat limited in their capabilities.
The COOLPIX series are conventional compact zoom cameras. In turn, this series is divided into three groups. Group S (Style), are compact, modern and colorful design and low cost. Popular model S2600.
Group L (Life) are practical zoom cameras. The model line includes both superzooms and cameras with a wide-angle lens. In group L, the L25 is popular.
The P (Performance) group is designed specifically for those who want a versatile camera that keeps up with the times at an affordable price. These are hybrid cameras that look like SLR cameras. One of the most popular models is the P510.
Nikon also manufactures a specialized camera for people leading an active lifestyle COOLPIX AW100. The model is waterproof, frost-resistant and durable, equipped with a built-in compass and GPS with a world map.
The Nikon 1 series are compact cameras with an interchangeable lens. So far, only three models are presented: J1, J2, V1. Differ in an intellectual choice of a picture, a mode of instant shooting. Captures up to 60 frames per second.
Nikon continues to look for new camera technologies. The main trends in the development of the company are the improvement of optics and cameras.
The best shot: choosing the right camera
The quality of the picture primarily depends on the camera, if we talk only about the technical aspect. For many years, the leading positions in the photo gadget market have been shared by Canon and Nikon DSLRs.
Since the days of film, it has been thought that a professional camera should be equipped with a reflex viewfinder. But today everything is not so clear. In 2017, Sony became the leader of the ratings. Their ILCE-9 mirrorless camera demonstrates features that were previously considered possible only with representatives of the mirror type.
Professionals and amateurs argue endlessly about which camera is better, and manufacturers regularly announce new features. Modern cameras produce high-quality 4K video, are equipped with smart autofocus, sensitive touch displays and a dozen automatic modes, with which even novice photographers can take high-quality pictures.
How to choose a professional camera
Are professional cameras really better than amateur ones, or is it a marketing ploy? Try to choose a camera by features, and you will be amazed at the wide price range of models with almost identical interiors.
It is very difficult to make a mistake in choosing a professional camera. As a rule, such models are presented in the most expensive lines.
All about professional photography
Cameras designed for photojournalists are considered professional cameras. A camera for a photographer “in the field” is a specialized working tool, and the requirements for it are specific. Such devices are used in sports championships, races and iconic global events.
They are distinguished from the general background:
- Indestructibility and decent dimensions. Reliability is important for a professional camera. A plus is a dust- and moisture-proof case, as well as a long battery life. Using the professional Canon EOS-1D X Mark II or Mark III cameras, the photographer can fully rely on automation, even if the shooting lasts for many hours at a time.
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- Shutter life designed for difficult atmospheric conditions.
- Accurate and fast autofocus.
- Quality matrix.
- High speed operation.
- Special fast format memory cards.
SLR cameras Canon EOS 5D Mark IV, Canon EOS-1D X Mark II, Canon EOS 7D Mark II, Nikon D850, Pentax KP – premium professional models. They are designed to withstand increased workloads, support high processing speed and fast autofocus.
The high technology announced in premium cameras is pre-tested on cheaper cameras.
So unless you’re planning to go to the Paris-Dakar rally or haute couture week, and your photographs aren’t paying hundreds of dollars yet, you don’t have to spend a lot of money on a professional camera.
What kind of camera to choose, so as not to go broke and get a decent working tool? The market offers a huge selection of models with excellent performance at an affordable cost. Canon PowerShot Professional Camera (G7X Mark III) features a multi-layer CMOS sensor, OIS and 2x zoom, shutter speed from 1/25600 to 30 seconds, 180° flip LCD selfie screen, all for $650 – in 10 times cheaper than the top cameras of the Mark family.
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Many online stores, such as Amazon or B&H Photo Video, regularly publish reviews of new products, make ratings based on the number of sales and positive reviews, as well as tests and comparisons that help the buyer to understand which camera model to choose.
Features of professional cameras
The operation of any camera can be conditionally divided into two stages:
- the photographer focuses and evaluates the exposure;
- light hits the matrix, the signal is processed and recorded in the camera’s memory.
According to the shooting stages, the following are important for the quality of the photograph:
- focusing system. It is precisely its fine adjustment that allows you to get a sharp picture. In the viewfinder, you can see the operation of the focus sensors in the form of rectangles. In cameras there are linear and cross sensors. For professional cameras, it is considered necessary to have 9 or more cross focus points.
- metering system. In professional cameras, the possibility of fine exposure compensation is implemented, when the photographer can adjust the parameters without relying on automation.
- matrix and signal processing system. There are various models of matrix and processors, options for processing images, and their combinations.
Optics
The optical characteristics of cameras are very important for photography. Each device is equipped with a lens or set of lenses. The main quality criterion is the focal length (in millimeters).
Camera lens can be:
- standard with 45-55mm focal length. Models such as the Canon EOS Rebel 800D (T7i) professional camera provide a picture from the perspective of human vision;
- Wide 24-35mm. With Canon PowerShot A2400 IS you can go to landscape and interior shooting.
- ultra wide , like the Sony Alpha 7C, with a 7–24mm focal length. Choice of press photographers and wedding photographers.
telephoto lenses with a focal length of 85-300 mm are also available in the online shops. Increased aperture settings allow you to take pictures in poor light conditions. Telephoto lenses such as the Sigma are in demand for location shooting, field reporting and sports competitions.
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Manufacturers offer a wide range of compatible optics and accessories. However, not every lens will fit the chosen camera.
For example, in the eternal competitors of Nikon and Canon, they even unscrew in opposite directions.
Nikon D3500 professional DSLR comes with two lenses out of the box. This solution is suitable for beginners and those who are planning to upgrade or expand their fleet of backup cameras.
The best camera: how to choose a resolution
Resolution is a parameter that indicates the number of photosensitive points of the matrix, more precisely, the maximum image size in pixels. 5-megapixel and 25-megapixel devices are on sale. The resolution of a professional camera should be sufficient for large scale printing.
Pay attention to the shutter lag – the delay between pressing the shutter button and the start of the frame exposure. Professional cameras can shoot bursts at full resolution at 16 frames per second. In this case, a continuous series can last up to 150 or more frames.
Number of megapixels
Oddly enough, hundreds of megapixels are absolutely not needed for a good camera.
What’s more, the 5-megapixel camera is capable of capturing great photos. The number of megapixels is directly proportional to the maximum size of a printed or displayed photo. For example, photos taken with a Canon IVY CLIQ 2 camera with a 5-megapixel sensor can be printed in high quality at a size of 152×216 mm. And on a 16-megapixel Panasonic Lumix DMC-G85 camera – on a sheet of 305×406 mm. That is, the more pixels, the larger the resulting image can be.
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In the specifications of the camera, you can find one more parameter – the size of the matrix, that is, the physical diagonal. The larger it is, the better the picture quality and less noise in low light conditions.
RAW support
RAW is an image file format. In RAW, everything that is caught by the photosensitive elements of the camera’s matrix is \u200b\u200bfixed. That is, it contains more original information. In the process of processing, converting the image into the final image, this gives certain advantages, for example, it prevents the merging of shades.
Sports photography
For a professional camera, the subject’s speed is not a problem. Nikon D6 is a professional camera that manages to make 14 frames per second and capture jet planes flashing in the sky. The photographer will have to choose the best shot, and all of them will be correctly overexposed and in focus.
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Modern cameras are equipped with highly stabilized sensors. For example, in Sony Alpha 9camera shift is compensated by an optical stabilizer along five axes. The effect is preserved even when working with third-party optics installed through an adapter.
Lenses greatly expand the possibilities of photographers. In a specialized store, you can buy both a universal zoom for a hundred dollars, and a super-telephoto lens that costs more than a mid-range car, like the Sigma APO 200-500mm f/2.8 EX DG Lens for Canon EF.
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Aerial photography
Today a photographer can show familiar things from completely unexpected angles.
A bird’s-eye view opens up unprecedented horizons for photography. The market offers flying drones with cameras that take photos and videos in resolutions ranging from 720p to 4K.
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Light sensitivity and noise level
Sensitivity is a characteristic of the camera that allows you to take pictures in different lighting conditions. The parameter characterizes the sensitivity of the matrix or film (in film cameras) to light. The higher the sensitivity, the less ambient light is needed to get a good photo. In the characteristics, this indicator is indicated in conventional ISO units. In professional cameras, shooting capabilities are brought to perfection. The photographer can shoot in semi-darkness, by the light of candles and a dim light bulb.
Light sensitivity and aperture ratio are not synonymous. Light sensitivity refers to the parameters of the camera, and aperture is the digital value of the lens aperture when it is at its maximum open position.
There are always noises in digital photos. They are called noise and are completely invisible at minimum ISO. In poor light, the shutter speed is lengthened, the level of sensitivity also increases, as well as the amount of interference. Digital noise leads to a deterioration in clarity and detail, and a decrease in image quality.
A good camera is equipped with noise reduction and other useful features. For example, in the Nikon D780, the camera matrix cannot boast of high megapixel values, but it has back-illumination technology that allows you to place large light-sensitive pixels across the entire area of \u200b\u200bthe sensor.
Night and landscape photography
Professional cameras shoot in almost any environment. And traditionally, the camera may not have a built-in flash. Nikon D6 it is unnecessarily. Poor illumination of night streets or a dimly lit room will not hurt to get clear pictures without a tripod and additional lighting.
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Color accuracy is important for landscape, nature and fashion photography. Here you need a high resolution camera. Today, bulky studio devices have been replaced by compact, convenient models with many automatic functions. Quality comes first with the Hasselblad X1D-50c professional medium format mirrorless camera. The linear dimensions of its sensor of 50 megapixels are one and a half times higher than full-frame cameras (43.8×32.9 mm), which allows you to work with a minimum depth of field.
General rules for choosing a camera
Most often, when it comes to professional cameras, we mean working tools for those who are planning or are already involved in commercial photography. These photographers need solutions that provide maximum image quality when shooting in a variety of conditions and without a specific genre reference.
For different purposes and photographers, camera selection factors will vary, but the basic ones remain:
- ergonomics and ease of use;
- functionality;
- performance.
Choosing a professional camera for specific purposes
There are several approaches to professional photography that evaluate the quality of images. The photographer must clearly understand for what purposes he plans to use this or that tool. Decide whether the ability to shoot in extreme conditions is important to you, where high resolution is not a paramount parameter, or accurate color reproduction and the highest possible resolution should be the main criterion, even at the expense of size, weight, camera speed and convenience for the photographer.
How much does a professional camera cost?
Professional cameras are usually part of an ecosystem that includes many different lenses, accessories and attachments. A good camera will give your pictures depth, atmosphere, sharpness and confidence in the frame even in difficult lighting conditions.
Before buying, ask yourself if you really need a professional camera. Of course, any photographer dreams of the best equipment, but many iconic photographs were taken on simple cameras and even on a smartphone.
Many photographers prefer to improve the performance of their technique with new lenses.
Let’s look at examples of how much a professional camera costs. If you really want PROs, be prepared to start at $1,000, and you’ll have to shell out the same amount for each lens.
For $2000-3000 on Amazon, you can choose a universal camera that will be appreciated by both a seasoned professional and an advanced amateur. Canon EOS 5D Mark IV, Nikon D850, Sony a7R III are especially popular in this category. Nikon D750 or Fujifilm X-Pro3 will cost a little less.
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Experienced shoppers know that any professional model becomes cheaper after the release of a new improved camera. In addition, manufacturers are constantly expanding the functionality of devices. If a couple of years ago only top models shot 4K video, today even budget-level cameras can do it. In the upper price segment, technology is improving at breakneck speed, spreading to cheaper models.