less intimidating. They have a plethora of automatic modes and are easy to use. They use different image sensors, processors, and other technologies than more expensive dLSRs, which limits their performance somewhat, but makes them affordable.
At the more expensive end of the consumer level category, people want more features and a bit more performance out of their dSLR. These cameras tend to have higher maximum ISO speeds, better, articulated monitors, faster frame rates, and more options compared to entry-level models. They are also often slightly larger.
Mid-range models
Mid-range dSLRs are priced roughly between $1,000 and $1,500. They include a mix of enthusiast and pro-level features. This makes them a great choice for photographers who want a serious upgrade from a consumer-level camera and an inexpensive back-up option for professionals.
Mid-range dSLRs often have faster maximum shutter speeds than the less-expensive models, faster flash sync speeds, faster frame rates, better viewfinders, depending on the manufacturer, slightly larger LCD monitors with greater pixel counts, more professional setup options, a better autofocus system with more autofocus points, more custom shooting modes, more precise metering, better battery life, and a top LCD panel to display shooting information.
While this level of camera is considered light by professional standards, they’re larger and heavier than consumer dSLRs. Magnesium alloy is often used to strengthen the camera body. Figure 1-7 shows the Canon EOS 80D.
FIGURE 1-7: Mid-range cameras add even more power and features.
Professional cameras
Professional dSLRs are designed to excel in a professional setting. They have all the bells, whistles, features, and performance pro photographers need. These cameras are large and rugged. They weigh more, are made from magnesium alloy, and have more features than consumer or mid-range models. They also shoot faster, focus better, and provide more reliable metering. You’ll find flagship (the best model a company sells) cropped-frame and full-frame (see Figure 1-8) dSLRs at this level.
FIGURE 1-8: The full-frame Pentax K-1 is the flagship of the Pentax dSLR line.
Professional dSLRs that range from $1,500 to $2,500 have performance and form factor compromises that keep them relatively affordable. Ultra-high-end professional dSLRs run between $2,500 and $7,000. For example, the Canon EOS-1D X Mark II body lists for approximately $6,000 and the Nikon D5 body lists for almost $6,500. These cameras represent the pinnacle of a company's dSLR lineup. They have the best sensors, image processors, autofocus and metering systems, best ISO performance, and have a whole host of other premier features. Simply put, they are the best cameras you can buy in the 35mm equivalent digital SLR format.
Delving into Camera Specifications
Camera specifications (informally called specs) are details that describe a camera’s features and capabilities. Companies put this information on their websites and in the camera manual. Specifications can be technical, but this isn’t rocket science. Knowing a few basics will help you understand what each camera is capable of, and you’ll be able to compare models against each other.
Basic information
I’ve already covered specifications like the camera name, pixel count, sensor size, and so forth, so I won’t duplicate that here. If you need to review, flip back to the “Naming and Classifying Digital SLRs” section, earlier in this chapter.
Crop factor
When you look at camera listings and specifications you will quickly run across the term crop factor. As described earlier, crop factor is related to sensor size. Here’s why it’s important: Identical 50mm lenses will produce different photos when mounted on full-frame cameras versus cropped dSLRs. Why? Because the larger image sensor on the full-frame camera captures more of the scene than the smaller sensor on the cropped-frame camera. The smaller sensor captures a “cropped” area by comparison. By how much? By the amount of the crop factor. Figure 1-9 shows how much less a cropped-frame image sensor captures than a full-frame dSLR. It’s important to note that this does not make cropped-frame cameras worthless. Quite the contrary. In fact, having larger pixel counts than ever before has enabled newer cropped-frame dSLRs to compete more effectively. They are able to capture much more detail than they used to.
FIGURE 1-9: Smaller image sensors crop the scene by the amount of the crop factor.
ISO
ISO, also called ISO speed or ISO sensitivity, is a measure of the image sensor’s sensitivity to light. The camera specification will list an ISO range. This range will begin at 50 or 100 and increase to something like 12800 or 16000, sometimes vastly more. See Book 3, Chapter 4 for more information on ISO. I am setting the ISO speed in Figure 1-10 to 3200, well below the maximum of 16000.
FIGURE 1-10: Setting the ISO.
Shutter speeds
There are three shutter speeds that are listed in a camera’s specifications: the fastest, slowest, and the flash sync speed (the fastest shutter speed you can use and still fire the built-in flash). The fastest shutter speeds in use today range from 1/4000 second for consumer dSLRs to 1/6000 or 1/8000 second for more advanced models (see Figure 1-11). The slowest shutter speed you can typically set is 30 seconds.
