SLR camera - inexpensive and good

The market for photographic devices is becoming more and more extensive every year. The variety of special terminology may discourage an inexperienced buyer who has just decided to learn how to photograph. Therefore, before you go to the store or place an order online, you need to decide how to choose a cheap and good camera. We will tell you about this in this article.

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Factors Affecting Photo Quality

From the huge amount of information and operational characteristics regarding cameras, we single out the main ones that directly affect the quality of a photograph.

Manufacturing company

The undisputed market leaders in the production of photographic equipment are Japanese and European companies:

• Of the European companies, the German company Leica produces worthy products (this is an expensive image device).
• Of the Japanese companies, the best are Canon, Sony and Nikon.
• There are good models among the products of Fujifilm, Ricoh, Pentax. Inexpensive cameras with a good camera are not uncommon for them.

But Chinese products do not differ in good quality.

Matrix Resolution (Number of Megapixels)

There is an opinion 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 exorbitant heights. In fact, in order to make a high-quality 10x15 image, a resolution of 8-10 megapixels is enough.

Important! As for 15-20 megapixels, they are enough even if the image will be printed as a poster.

Type of matrix, its size

This option affects the quality of the photo to an even greater extent 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 indicated in the denominator, the better.

Zoom

This is a convenient feature. But if the camera is equipped with digital zoom, then with the approach of the subject, the quality of the photo will deteriorate. Therefore, optical zoom should be preferred.

Image stabilizer

Undoubtedly a useful option. Sometimes in the hands of an inexperienced photographer, the sharpness of the pictures is insufficient, especially if the shooting is carried out in low light. Such a function avoids a similar result.

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The comfort of using the camera

The ease of use of the camera is no less important than the basic specifications, if you need to choose an inexpensive and good SLR camera.

The functionality and convenience of the device depend on such factors:

• Photo Modes Most compact cameras have an automated mode setting (the camera selects the necessary settings on its own). As for professional models, they may not have an automatic mode. This means that the photographer sets up the camera on his own.
• Screen. It can be sensory or normal. The advantage of the touch screen is that you do not need to press buttons, and you can set up the camera much faster.

Important! Some models are equipped, like camcorders, with a rotating screen. This can come in handy when conducting a reportage survey.

• A kind of battery.The device can operate on ordinary finger batteries or a certain type of battery. In the latter case, a branded charger is required. Naturally, the first option is more convenient due to the prevalence of batteries.
• Memory card format, camera connectors. It is very convenient to buy cameras of compatible formats, so that you can use the same cables and memory cards for different devices.

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Selecting a digital camera by class

To make the right choice, it is not enough to have information about the technical characteristics of the device. It is important to know which device class is best for your needs. All cameras can conditionally be divided into 3 classes:

• Budget - the simplest and cheapest models.
• Compact - devices with a minimum weight and small dimensions. Buying a cheap camera with good image quality is quite realistic.
• Creative - relatively inexpensive devices, allowing, however, to take great pictures. This group, perhaps, can be attributed to an extreme camera.

Important! Each of the following classes is suitable for certain shooting conditions. Therefore, from the very beginning you need to decide where and in what conditions you will take most of the photographs.

Inexpensive camera: who is it for?

The main advantage of the simplest models is the low price. For a novice photographer, a real find will be a simple interface and a small number of settings.

Such models are best suited:

• children taking their first steps in photography;
• elderly 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 fewer parts a device has, the more difficult it is to disable it. And it’s easier for a person “aged” to deal with several buttons than to remember the purpose of a good dozen different keys.

Important! The disadvantage of cheap models is the small resolution of the matrix and low zoom. By the way, using the zoom, rather, does not help, but interferes, making the quality of the pictures worse.

Compact device - universal device

Most compact cameras are characterized by an optimal ratio of quality and price. Due to its small dimensions, the device can be taken with you on an excursion, beach, walk or corporate party. The camera will find a place in the jacket pocket and in a small handbag.

Important! Ultracompacts should be distinguished into a separate subgroup. In addition to small dimensions, these products are distinguished by a beautiful design and a large number of color options. Compared to conventional models, the ultracompact is slightly more expensive.

Inexpensive camera for creativity

If ordinary photos are not enough for you and you want to be creative, and professional equipment seems too expensive, you should pay attention to the ultrasound or creative camera. In order to get really good photos, it is not necessary to purchase a SLR camera. An inexpensive and good device from the “creative” category, in terms of its characteristics, can surpass even some models of professional cameras belonging to the lower line.

They are distinguished by:

• high quality optics;
• Manual settings
• pretty big matrix.

Important! The most modern 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 should be borne in mind that it is not always convenient for a novice photographer to deal with manual settings. And the automatic mode may simply be absent. In addition, the “creative” class camera has a large mass compared to a compact device.

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Additional functionality

These options do not affect the quality of shooting, but may be useful for a beginner:

• Possibility of wireless data transmission. There are models of cameras that can be connected to a computer, a smartphone or tablet over Wi-Fi. This function will allow you to upload a successful frame to a social network.
• Type of battery. It is advisable to buy a device with a standard battery, which can always be found on sale.
• The presence of a waterproof housing. 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 housing.

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Review of the best low-cost models

Consider the most popular camera models 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 28 mm lens.
• There is also a ZoomPlus feature that doubles the zoom range.
• The 20 megapixel sensor provides excellent photo quality.
• The diagonal display has 2.7 inches.
• Its resolution is 230 thousand points.
• A charger is included with the camera. 1 charge makes it possible to take about 220 shots.
• Flash card capacity is 16 GB.

Important! This is a great option for a novice photographer, as the device is extremely easy to use. It is enough to turn on the device, set the time and date - and that’s all, you can take pictures. There is also an automatic mode, saving 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. It is possible to view photos using the slide show.

Canon Digital IXUS 275 HS

The inexpensive Canon Digital IXUS 275 HS has compact dimensions, stylish design and extensive functionality for creating high-quality photo materials:

• A powerful 12X zoom lens makes it possible to approach distant objects without compromising image quality.
• An ultra-wide lens makes it possible to take group shots and panoramic photos.
• It is possible to communicate with a tablet or smartphone via Wi-Fi, which allows you to quickly upload photos to the Internet.
• You can view the received photo materials on the HD TV screen.
• Images are well detailed. The contrast and sharpness of the photo materials is excellent.
• The camera is not afraid of shaking, as the device is equipped with a “smart” optical stabilization system.
• Thanks to the HS system, shooting in poor lighting conditions is possible.

Important! There are features like Smart Auto and Creative Snapshot.

Rekam iLook S955i

A cheap camera with good shooting quality and a maximum resolution of 21 megapixels. Shooting in good conditions allows you to get a photo of almost perfect quality. The 2.7-inch display allows you to view photos with maximum comfort.

Having bought this device, it is possible to use the following modes:

• Standard.
• Sports.
• Portrait.
• Night shooting.
• Scenery.
• Auto mode.

The focal length is 5.3 mm, the mass is only 100 g.

Nikon Coolpix A300:

• The resolution of the matrix of this camera is 20.1 megapixels.
• It is possible to create good pictures thanks to the 8x optical zoom and NIKKOR lens.
• Dynamic Fine Zoom allows you to expand optical zoom up to 16x.
• The “Intelligent portrait” mode gives you the opportunity to make beautiful portrait shots.
• The magnitude of the focal length is 4.5-36.0 mm.
• Matrix: ½; 3 inches
• A lithium-ion battery is used as a power source.
• The power supply unit is network.
• It takes 2 hours 40 minutes to fully charge the battery. One battery charge is enough to record video for 45 minutes or 240 pictures.

Canon PowerShot ELPH 180

An innovative budget model that has 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+ GPU.
• There is an optical image stabilization.
• The magnitude of the focal length is 28-224 mm.
• There is an 8x zoom.
• There are different scene modes and different exposure settings.
• The Canon PowerShot ELPH 180 has a rechargeable lithium-ion battery.
• A charger is included. One charge is enough to take 220 shots.
• The mass of the device is 126 g.

Nikon Coolpix L340

The year this model appeared on the market is 2015. This is a budget 20-megapixel camera with powerful zoom:

• The zoom ratio is 28, and the Dynamic Fine Zoom function allows you to expand the value of this indicator to 56.
• It is possible to record HD videos with a single click.
• A convenient grip and vibration suppression system neutralize camera shake.
• The advantages of the device also include: extremely simple operation, a large LCD screen, powered by AA batteries.

Important! Using this camera, it is possible to obtain high-quality portrait photos, landscapes, photos from holidays and parties. Pictures are equally successful in different lighting conditions. The system selects the best angle for shooting.

Samsung DV180F

Budget camera with a fast wide-angle lens and precise focus:

• Great for group shooting and shooting in the dark.
• There is a video recording mode.
• A feature of the model is the presence of a front display.
• Useful options include remote control and a tripod mount.
• There is a digital image stabilizer that allows you to take good photos even in adverse conditions.
• The screen size is 2.7 inches.

Panasonic DMC-GF7

Budget model for beginners with a beautiful elegant design:

• Screen size is 3 inches, resolution 720x480 pixels. This allows you to take pretty good clear pictures.
• It is possible to record videos in FullHD format.
• The Snap Movie function allows you to shoot short clips and create the effect of moving photos.

Here is a far from complete list of modes with which you can create interesting effects:

• Old times.
• Sepia.
• Retro.
• Monochrome.
• Expressive.
• Fantasy

There is also a Wi-Fi module. It is possible to remotely connect to the camera and transfer files to other devices. Of the useful options there is a built-in flash, good detail shots.

Important! Of the minuses, a small memory buffer and a small battery life can be noted.

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So you made a decision

How to choose a camera inexpensive and good - figured out. Whichever option you choose, when buying, you need to pay attention to such points:

1. The absence of visible defects, problems when pressing buttons and backlashes.
2. Serviceability of the camera, trouble-free operation of all available modes. To do this, take a few pictures and check the sharpness. If it is possible to shoot video, it is advisable to shoot a short video with sound.
3. Serviceability of the charger and other devices that are included.
4. Availability of warranty card. In addition, you need to inquire about the conditions of the guarantee.

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Stock footage

As you can see, the price factor when choosing is not the main one. Your needs are still a priority. A good inexpensive camera is a reality. An expensive device is far from always the best. The main thing is that you need to trust only trusted manufacturers and buy only certified products with a guarantee.