target="_blank" rel="nofollow" href="#x6_x_6_i109"> FIGURE 1-11: This camera has a maximum shutter speed of 1/8000 second.
Consumer dSLRs have sync speeds from 1/160 to 1/200 second while more expensive models are a bit faster (1/250 second). Faster shutter speeds are possible with an external flash and a feature called high-speed sync. I talk more about that in Book 4, Chapter 3.
There are a number of other camera specifications that are not listed here because, frankly, they are either the same for most cameras or irrelevant to most photographers. This includes color spaces, release modes, file formats, white balance, and so forth. They may be interesting, but not the best way to decide what camera to buy. Generally speaking, you’ve decided on a camera before the point where things like metering technology make a difference.
Autofocus system
The autofocus system is another area where you can compare cameras. Each camera has a number of autofocus (AF) points and AF area selection modes. Cameras use AF points to automatically focus on subjects. Having several points spread over a large area gives you a greater chance of having an AF point where you need it. AF area selection modes enable you to choose how the camera decides which points to use. You can have the camera decide, or choose to manually select an individual point for greater precision. You can also choose a group of points, often called a Zone, to lock onto and track action, as shown in Figure 1-12.
FIGURE 1-12: This camera has four AF point selection modes.
Here are a few examples: The entry-level Canon T6 has 9 AF points located in the central region of the viewfinder. The similarly priced Nikon D3300 has 11 AF points, which cover the same basic area. More expensive cameras will have more AF points and a larger number of selection options. The Canon 80D and Nikon D7200, for example, have 45 and 51 AF points respectively, spread over a wide area.
Movies
All current dSLRs shoot movies (Figure 1-13 shows this in action). Full HD video is the standard format. Most cameras also have an HD option, which is smaller than Full HD. Support for older VGA is diminishing. 4K video is emerging. Here are their sizes:
❯❯ Full HD movies (including Sony AVCHD) are 1920 x 1080 pixels.
❯❯ Sony cameras have a special intermediate HD movie mode recorded at 1440 x 1080 pixels but played back at 1920 x 1080 pixels. These movies use the MP4 format.
❯❯ HD movies are 1280 x 720 pixels.
❯❯ Standard definition (SD) movies are 640 x 480 pixels.
❯❯ There are currently two types of 4K movies. Nikon dSLRs and Sony mirrorless camera movies are 3840 x 2160 pixels in size. Canon 4K movies are 4096 x 2160 pixels. Nikon and Sony set the size of their 4K movies according to the UHD alliance standard, which is twice the width and twice the height of Full HD. Canon uses the size established by the Digital Cinema Initiatives venture, which is twice the width and height of 2K video.
FIGURE 1-13: Shooting a video with a professional Canon dSLR and extensive rig.
When you look at your camera's movie specs, look for how much control you have over movie settings, especially exposure and shutter speed, as well as different movie sizes, compression settings, formats, and frame rates.
Shooting modes and scenes
Digital SLRs have a handful of “classic” shooting modes (sometimes called exposure modes). They include programmed autoexposure, aperture-priority, shutter-priority, manual (you might see these four called PASM modes), and Bulb. Bulb mode may not be on the mode dial. When it isn’t, it should be accessible as a function of shutter speed. Cameras like the Pentax K-3 II have new, ingenious modes like sensitivity priority automatic exposure, where you set the ISO like you would aperture or shutter speed, and shutter- and aperture-priority automatic exposure (think manual mode with Auto ISO).
Most cameras have several scene modes that help you take photos of specific subjects. You select the subject or shooting conditions, and the camera sets itself up to capture them most effectively. Standard scenes include Portrait (see Figure 1-14), Landscape, Action, and Close-up. Additional scenes vary from camera to camera and often include Night Portrait, Child, Candlelight, Sunset, Pet, Surf & Snow, Fireworks, and Food.
FIGURE 1-14: This camera has several scene modes right on the dial.
Many cameras have even more user-friendly modes designed to automate the camera and make shooting easier. Examples modes include Scene Intelligent Auto, Superior Auto, Sweep Panorama, various automatic HDR (High Dynamic Range) modes, time-lapse, multiple exposures, and more.
In-camera processing
Most dSLRs allow you to process JPEGs and Raw files in-camera (the Raw file is converted and saved as a JPEG). You may be able to resize photos, crop them (see Figure 1-15), modify the exposure, white balance, color profile, and perform many other retouching tasks. Being able to touch up photos in the camera takes the pressure off of having to use a computer and complicated software to accomplish these tasks. I think they are incredibly useful features for most photographers to have.
FIGURE 1-15: Look for in-camera processing features like cropping.
Filters and other creative effects
Look for fun filters and other special effects to add pizazz to your photos. They help you express your creativity without having to mess around with a computer. Each manufacturer has its own names. Canon calls them Creative Filters; Nikon has Filter Effects; Sony uses the term Picture Effects; and Pentax lists its effects as Digital Filters. Some specific examples include Toy Camera (always a fun filter to use), Miniature, High-Key, Retro, Replace Color, Monochrome, Pop Color, Posterization, Soft Focus, and many HDR effects. I’m applying a creative Art Bold effect to a photo in Figure 1-16.
FIGURE 1-16: Creative effects and filters help make photography more fun for everyone.
Media
Digital cameras store photos and movies on memory cards. Be sure to look at your camera’s specifications before buying new memory cards to confirm compatibility. For specialty cards such as FlashAir, check that company’s website for compatible cameras. Here are the card types, then:
❯❯ SD cards
