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Difference between revisions of "Key Camera Specifications Explained"
Key Camera Specifications Explained (view source)
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<code>''In actual terms, a phone sensor could present a 10-25MP value, while the advertised value can reach 100 or 200MP. Semi-professional and professional cameras have reliable sensor MP ratings and are more capable due to the image processors incorporated inside.''</code> | <code>''In actual terms, a phone sensor could present a 10-25MP value, while the advertised value can reach 100 or 200MP. Semi-professional and professional cameras have reliable sensor MP ratings and are more capable due to the image processors incorporated inside.''</code> | ||
All cameras no matter their type, have a lens system that allows them to capture images. Smartphone cameras have mostly fixed lenses, while professional cameras have removable lenses, giving them the best flexibility but also making them highly expensive. Lenses can be characterized by focal length, aperture, distortion, astigmatism and many other physical properties. For most users, however, the focal length is the single most important factor. Note that the focal length is a way to measure the distance at which a lens focuses light towards an imaginary 35mm film or sensor. | |||
While professional photographers discuss about their optics as commonly having 18mm to 55mm focal lengths, hobby photographers use 1x, 4x, 8x, or zoom factor properties. A lower focal length is required for closeup or portrait photos while a larger one is adequate for large, landscape scenes. | |||
<code>''There is absolutely no substitute for having a large number of fixed lenses or a variable one that can cover most requirements. Even complex post-processing does not create the best results. You need to understand what focal length you need for any task, through experience. Lower values are for close-ups, larger one for long distance shots''</code> | |||
== Lenses, Magnification (zoom factor, focal length) == | |||
===Introduction to the magnification factor=== | |||
In general, it is better to avoid completely the zoom factor consideration and focus only the lens focal length being used for each camera's optical system or, in professional cameras, to compare between different optical systems. This is due to to the fact that the zoom factor only relates to the ratio between the initial focal length of a variable system and the maximum focal length it may reach. In general, it may be flexible to have a large magnification factor although higher ranges come with issues in focusing and comfortable, precise user setting. | |||
For instance, a magnification or zoom factor of 5 can be for a lens set that goes between 10mm to 50mm, as well as the one between 50 and 250mm. However, the 10mm focal length has a totally different impact on the maximum adequate focusing distance than a 50mm one. The higher the lens focal length, the closer an object may look and the better your chances of focusing on it properly. However, large focal length come with the issue of less light that may enter the optical system and higher influence of even sight movement on the stability of the camera shooting. | |||
<code>''Try to avoid the temptation of using the magnification or zoom factor for anything more than reference between similar optical systems in a product class, as between smartphones or cameras. You cannot compare the lens system capabilities of one with the other because the sensor and lenses used are different''</code> | |||
=== The magnification or zoom factor=== | |||
When operating in the default mode, all cameras have a 1X or no magnification factor. This allows a camera to take a picture that is close to what our eyes perceive. Our eyes also have a lens, although our lens is extremely flexible compared to our cameras. In order to take a wider picture than our eyes see, such as for a panorama, you need less than 1x zoom factor, while for closeup pictures, such as on subjects at events, pictured from a distance higher than 50 meters, you need at least 8x to 16x zoom factors to end up with usable pictures. This is why you need at least 4x zoom factor for decent amateur or hobby results, even on smartphone cameras. | |||
Most consumer and semi-professional cameras will advertise the zoom factor in two ways: an optical one and a digital one. The optical zoom factor is the most important and the single definite argument to make a device more flexible. A good camera should be able to accommodate high zoom factors although this will also make it more expensive, as lens systems that are able to achieve such results are more complex to manufacture and configure. Digital zoom factor is created by applying various post-processing techniques, leading to slightly more blurred images, as you would create if your image would be stretched or zoomed in your image editor. There are various ways in which a camera signals transitioning from an optical to a digital zoom, and you need to avoid going over the known zooom factor limitations of your current lens. | |||
It is advisable to observe that the higher your optical zoom factor or lens focal length is, the more your camera will be prone to suffer from the slightest movement or instability. When creating closeup pictures, it is good to have an extremely steady hand but it is much better to capture images using tripods and stands. Professional cameras have the advantage of high variety of lens systems that are tailored to any photo, from closeups to long distance or telephoto lenses. They can also be used on different cameras, which means if the camera has the same mounting system it can be easily used on your new one. For instance, these optical systems can have polarizers and lens hoods which improve capturing abilities in intense sunlight. | |||
<code>''Get used to different lenses and zoom factors, but avoid ever using digital zoom or higher than optical zoom magnifications while taking pictures, to avoid reducing image clarity. Use tripods and stands to have steady shots at closeup captures.''</code> | |||
===Determining the zoom factor from focal length (professional cameras)=== | |||
Having a good understanding of a professional camera is essential and covers the optical system. A professional camera may be sold as a base, without any optical lens system, with one optical kit or with two, depending on product and manufacturer's preference. Optical systems can also be purchased separately and replaced as needed, if they fit the same mounting systems. If they do not fit the same mounting systems, special adapters are required. | |||
To calculate an equivalent zoom factor for an optical lens system when given the focal length, you take into account the minimal and maximal focal distance measured in mm. For instance, one lens system may go from 55mm to 210mm while another may go from 18mm to 45mm. The first one will have an optical zoom factor of 3.8X or 4, for most practical purposes, while the second one has only a 2.5X optical zoom factor. | |||
<code>''Keep in mind that even if you determine the magnification factor it matters much more what focal length your camera has, as this will determine how well it can focus at a specific distance from your subject.''</code> | |||
== Effective Sensor Surface Area == | == Effective Sensor Surface Area == | ||