What is the best camera? Choosing a digital camera: Canon or Nikon.

January 1st, 2020, 07:13 pm

This rating differs from many commercial reviews in that all devices presented in the rating were actually tested in this magazine and many of them participated in comparative reviews.
Below in this article you can familiarize yourself with the table of all the parameters taken into account, a description of the criteria for assigning a particular grade, etc. Some parameters are subjective and based on my personal experience of using the device, others are obtained by calculation using the parameters of the technical characteristics of the devices.

Rating of devices in terms of the qualities most important for a beginner photographer


When forming this rating, I proceeded from the fact that some functions and parameters are more important for a novice user, and some less. In addition, priority was given to the parameters of the device, which would allow a novice user to get the best quality photos with minimal effort. In general, this rating based on rating parameters and coefficients is just a list that I would recommend to a novice photographer. This rating also takes into account the factor of the cost of the device, but it is not so high that we get only cheap devices in the first place. Here is a balanced list that takes into account both characteristics and cost. For a beginner, it is enough to take five devices from the list for the first time and decide on the selection criteria - the cheapest option or the highest quality images directly from the camera, or choose the device from which they like the most.
Choosing devices from the last five items from the list, a novice user will not only spend a lot more money, but also with a very high degree of probability will receive images from these devices with significantly worse quality than purchasing devices in the first five. The device for a novice photographer is the highest quality JPEG right from the camera, a user-friendly interface, low weight and a price range from low to above average.

Rating of devices with high consumer qualities by the most demanded amateurs


As in the previous rating, the result does not mean that the Sony A7 will be the best and only choice for the amateur. The rating shows the 5 best cameras that would suit an amateur. Then the choice is up to the consumer - which case the amateur is used to using, how important is the price, weight, whether there are preferences for the brand, etc. For example, the Sony A7 comes first here because it is a lightweight and small full-frame camera with performance that surpasses those of other cameras on this list.

Camera rating for professionals


Making a rating for professionals is a thankless task. They know everything themselves. Here I am rather giving a rating for amateur and novice photographers which camera to choose if they are seriously aiming to become professionals. I am a supporter of choosing a professional camera in this case. study in this case will be as effective as possible - you will immediately see all your mistakes and will learn to use the professional functions of the devices.

Rating for landscape painters who go on hikes or long journeys in which they encounter a wide variety of weather conditions. The first rating is intended for amateurs who, for example, just go hiking and choose the right camera for this.


A camera for shooting a landscape must have certain characteristics. For example, the color size is important, otherwise you can lose the color gamut, dynamic range, moisture protection is important, the number of shots that can be taken on a single charge is important, the weight is important. In some cases, these parameters are mutually exclusive. Here in the top five there are a variety of options.

Rating for professional landscape painters


The rating turned out to be almost the same, except that in one case Canon is in first place in the second Nikon. The difference in this case is that in order to get the highest quality Nikon shots, you need to use a tripod in most cases, while with the Canon 5D Mark III you can shoot handheld when Nikon would require a tripod.
In this rating, it is not entirely clear to me why the Fujifilm X-T1 is at the bottom of the list. It needs to be analyzed because from my point of view, for a hike, it is quite suitable.

Brief description of the devices that took part in testing:

• One of the most popular cameras among professionals, amateurs and even novice photographers. The device is very well known, it is one of the most popular devices on the market, it has a pleasant harmonious color reproduction, realizes very accurate metering and practically does not make mistakes with the white balance. For a beginner, this device can become a model that does not require much effort when shooting, and for a professional, it can become an excellent tool for a photo artist. Despite the fact that the device does not have the most outstanding dynamic range to date, this is compensated for by excellent performance at high ISO


• Comparative review


• Comparative review Nikon D800 and Canon 5D mark III:


• Canon EOS 5D Mark III vs. Nikon D800 Comparative Review:



• Canon EOS 5D Mark III Comparative Review:


• Canon EOS 5D Mark III vs. Samsung NX210 Comparative Review:


• Canon EOS 5D Mark III vs. Panasonic G5 Comparative Review:


• Canon EOS 5D mark III, Panasonic G5x, Leica X2, Sigma DP2 Merrill:


• Review continued: Canon EOS 5D mark III, Panasonic G5x, Leica X2, Sigma DP2 Merrill:


• Norway with Canon EOS 5D mark III, Olympus OM-D EM-5 and Canon 650D:

• Apparatus for beginners and advanced amateurs. Nice color reproduction, excellent metering, good JPEG, excellent rotary touch screen. It is worth noting a new type of matrix with dual pixels, which are also phase sensors. This greatly simplifies focusing in movie mode.


• Comparative review of Canon EOS 70D and Sony A7:


• Canon 70D Preliminary Comparison Review:

• One of the most popular amateur devices. The reason for this is the low price, pleasant color rendering, good exposure metering and minimal time for editing images. JPEG looks good too straight from the camera.


• Comparative review of Canon 700D and Samsung NX300:

Fujifilm X-T1

• New waterproof device from Fujifilm. At one time, the X Pro1 made a splash in the compact interchangeable-lens camera market. This time there was no success. The same technologies, the same drawbacks, the same color, the same matrix resolution. The only thing that has noticeably changed is the autofocus - it is noticeably faster. The camera is not for everybody. has color rendering features, as well as not always clear modes of high dynamic range which are not so easy to use. I either really like the camera or not like it at all. I have not seen other opinions about Fuji cameras. I must say that there are a lot of fans of this system and there are a large number of pictures taken with Fuji cameras, which could be called a work of art. In fact, the camera is good, but if you are objective you need to take into account the disadvantages that it has.


• Fujifilm X-T1 vs. Sony A7r Comparative Review:

• An excellent professional device. Due to the high resolution of the matrix, the range of its use is somewhat limited. In view of the large resolution of the matrix, you should shoot with this camera at short shutter speeds or using a tripod. Otherwise, many pictures after the photo session will be discarded due to noticeable blur. The device is not at all for a beginner and I would not recommend it to amateurs. It is much easier to shoot the Nikon D610, and the quality of the pictures with the D610 you can hardly distinguish from those taken with the Nikon D800. In the hands of a professional, this is an excellent tool, but in the hands of a novice user and even an amateur it is a headache.


• Nikon D800 Comparative Review:


• Comparative review of Nikon D800 and Canon EOS 5D Mark III:


• Comparative review of Canon EOS 5D Mark III and Nikon D800 / B600:

• An excellent device. Excellent color rendering, excellent matrix characteristics, excellent ergonomics, affordable price. Recomend for everybody. Objectively, one of the best, if not the best device in its class today. I have not tested the D610 specifically. The tests were done with the D600. These models are distinguished by different escapement mechanisms. In the D600 camera, vigilant photographers discovered a problem - the release mechanism sprinkles oil on the matrix (the photographer, others) when shooting, leaving oil stains on them. In the new apparatus, the mechanism was changed.


• Comparative review of Nikon D600 and Pentax K-5 II:


• Comparative review of Nikon D600, Nikon D5200, Fujifilm X-E1:


• Photographic Nikon D600:


• Comparative review of Canon EOS 5D Mark III and Nikon D800 / B600:

Nikon D7100

• An excellent device for an amateur, professional and even a novice user. can meet the requirements of any user. It has excellent matrix parameters. Very comfortable ergonomics, like all Nikon cameras. From my point of view, it has one drawback - being a competitor, Canon 70D does not have a rotating screen. A swivel screen is now needed in such devices and can greatly simplify the work of a photographer.

Olympus OM-D E-M1

• New Olympus model. What the company said with the release of this device - they said that this is the best device that they have ever made. Considering that there are practically no technological innovations in this device, we can say that the previous Olympus models were bad and finally they did a good one - they finally screwed all the screws well, removed bugs from the software, removed an unnecessary low-pass filter from the matrix. Considering the cost of the device, most likely, they first applied it, and then removed it, and maybe even more than once. Nonetheless, the unit is quite decent for Olympus system enthusiasts. For those who buy the Olympus system for the first time, I want to say that there are more worthy options, considering the absolutely horse-like price for this device, provided that it has a matrix with a crop factor 2. Now you can buy devices with a full-format matrix a little cheaper. Judging by the trend, in the foreseeable future there will be medium format devices with a price lower than the cost of Olympus with a 4/3 matrix and other devices of the 4/3 system. It is very commendable that Olympus now has a good unit, but personally I would like to understand the pricing of this unit. The cost of a full-format matrix, according to manufacturers, is 2 - 10 times higher than the cost of APS-C matrices due to the larger scrap and unused leftovers. I would like to understand how Olympus managed to create a matrix with a crop factor of 2 more expensive than full-size matrices, provided the parameters of the matrix itself are absolutely mediocre. This is what interests me now much more than the device itself and the pictures that can be obtained from it. Why am I talking about the high cost of the matrix? Yes, because there are cameras on the market with much more technologically advanced and convenient bodies, and the cost of electronic filling and mechanics is about the same now for any device.


• In fact, the device is not bad. Good color rendering, very high quality case, moisture protection. see pictures from this unit and choose. The device will not disappoint you.

• New device Pentax. This is the most controversial device I've ever used. In some cases, the device produces an absolutely wonderful picture, and in some cases, just miracles happen that are difficult to explain - the color of certain objects changes, the camera gives out a gray indistinct background, provided that other devices under the same conditions give a completely different picture. If you saw pictures of tests from London, then when shooting a sunset, I took 1 shot of a sunset on Nikon and it completely suited me, as you can see in the picture, and then I took 40 pictures of Pentax and could not get what would suit me. A very strange result considering that the lenses used on these cameras are equivalent. The camera produces pale colors. It would seem not scary, but in some cases I was unable to correct the picture so that it looked the way I like it. I spent a lot of time editing pictures from this camera, while the same scene from another camera took me no more than a few seconds. I do not recommend anyone to buy this camera yet.


• Review link:


• Photo album Pentax K-3:

Pentax K-5 II

• Much has been written about the Pentax K-5 and Pentax K-5 II cameras. The most remarkable thing that I was able to take away from the reviews is how the shadows stretch on these cameras. I even expected a new direction in shadow-pull photography, or something like that, which would consist in shooting shadows and their subsequent stretching, would appear in the near future. I don't want to offend anyone - this model, like Pentax as a whole, has a lot of fans. However, I have yet to see the Pentax color rendition that has inspired me since the Pentax K10 / K20. Also, the K-5 models have one common problem - the blue amplification. It manifests itself quite often. There is nothing wrong with that, and this is compensated for, of course, by pulling out the shadows, but personally it gave me inconvenience.


• It is necessary to separately note the very good moisture protection of the devices. This is objectively the best implementation of moisture protection at the moment.


• Comparative review of Pentax K-5 II and Nikon D600:

Samsung NX300

• The device is at least interesting. The device has a pleasant color rendering, quite convenient control, a small body and good Samsung optics complement the positive qualities of this device. However, at the time of testing, the device had at least 2 problems - an inaccurate determination of the white balance and a problem somewhat similar to that of the Pentax K-3. In low-light or strong-light objects, the device loses information about colors - the colors become gray. And I'm not talking about overexposure or overshadowing. In the middle of the illumination range, everything is fine, but a step all the way to the right is a problem. Moreover, if you shoot low-contrast objects with another device, everything is solved in a few seconds - the contrast in the editor rises, the saturation and / or vibrance increases and the photo is like new. It doesn't work with Samsung. You can see this in the test photos. White balance is unpleasant, of course, but not fatal at all - everything is quickly corrected. Moreover, the white balance during the test was mostly incorrect only when a new prime lens was used. I think that this has already been corrected for the writing of this rating. Unfortunately, I can't check it anymore. In general, the device is not particularly good and not particularly bad. No. For some reason he is not at all remembered and it is not a pity to part with him. Despite the decent parameters of the matrix, it has not become widespread and will not be. What are the reasons to buy this unit? Nikaikh. There are other variants of devices that make sense to pay attention to. If you need a small device, I would rather look at the Canon EOS M or Canon Powershot G15. If you just need a device, then you can choose a worthy option from the devices presented in this rating.


• Samsung NX300 review:


• Comparative review of Samsung NX300 and Sony A55V:


• Comparative review of Samsung NX300 and Canon 700D:

• I have never been a fan of Sony color reproduction except for the Sony A850 / A900 and was initially skeptical of these devices. However, as it turned out, the color rendition of these devices is harmonious. Agree, the proposal to have a full-frame camera in a compact body with excellent performance is very tempting. The camera has already become very popular. The only problem is the lack of optics. So far, there are only 3 decent lenses available for cameras. Otherwise, everything is very good in my opinion.


• Sony A7 review:


• Comparative review of Sony A7 and Fujifilm X-T1:

• The camera is visually almost no different from the A7, it has the same color rendering and very similar matrix characteristics. The differences between these models lie in the matrix resolution - in the 7r it is equal to 36.6 μgapixel, and in the A7 camera it is 24 megapixel. There are other differences - the A7 camera has an electronic shutter, and phase sensors are built into the matrix, which the A7r does not have. But in the A7r on the matrix there is no low-pass filter. Much of what I have written about the Nikon D800 can be said about the A7r. With such a high resolution of the matrix, blur is possible. Therefore, I recommend everyone to take the A7 camera, especially since in some parameters it is even more technological.


• Review link:


• Link to comparison review of Fujifilm X-T1 and A7r:

Sigma SD1 Merrill

• The device is technologically very interesting due to the use of a 43MP Merrill matrix. However, the technology also has disadvantages, namely, the result is not always predictable. Editing pictures with Sigma is tricky. Despite the fact that by editing a picture, you can get an interesting result, the process of editing one picture itself can take more than 10 - 20 minutes per photo and much more, and this captures no less and even more than the shooting process itself. In a Sigma camera, the development process is more important than the shooting process itself.


• I do not recommend purchasing this device for those who need a stable result. Taking off the Sigma, for example, at a wedding, you will get green faces, completely unimaginable colors of seemingly ordinary things and waste a whole bag of batteries. But, if you want to feel like an artist, are not afraid to be beaten up by the people whom you have taken with your efforts, you can get pictures that are not yet possible to get from other devices. If you are happy with that, then this may be your choice. Nevertheless, before buying, look at the pictures from this device not on commercial resources, but pictures of ordinary users.


• Comparative review of Sigma SD1 Merrill and Fujifilm X-Pro1:


• Photos of Sigma SD1 Merrill:


• SD1 Merrill Review:

Samsung GH3

• Another apparatus of the 4/3 system. The standard resolution for this system is 16MP. I just recently published a picture in this magazine where you can compare the dimensions of the device and the dimensions of the matrix Panasonic GH3 and Sony A7. The picture is impressive. Apparatus 4/3 were created mainly to reduce the size of the apparatus. Now it has become completely irrelevant. There are devices with APS-C matrix and full-format matrix, the sizes of which are comparable and in some cases even smaller than cameras of the 4/3 system.


• Now about the device itself - an excellent body, convenient control is perhaps all that can be said about the device. The quality of the pictures is nothing outstanding. Color rendition with features inherent in Panasonic devices. In general, the device is not bad, but you don't need to buy it. There are much more interesting and promising options.


• Panasonic GH3 comparative review:

• What is the main value of this device - excellent image quality directly from the camera and a red dot on the body. The device really produces an excellent picture that does not need editing. The camera is ideal if you do not know its price - 100,000 rubles. The technical characteristics of the camera are well below average, the lens is fixed, the screen is the worst of all classmates on the market, and there is no viewfinder. The new Leica Vario X camera with a variable focal length lens is now available. 5 years ago, Leica was the base for a separate nomination in the market for quality compact cameras. If you wanted a camera like this, there was one alternative - the Leica. What now? And now there is Fujifilm, and most importantly, the Sony RX1 has entered the market at a cost comparable to the cost of the Leica X2 and below the cost of the Leica Vario X. Give at least one reason why I should not just buy what, but simply include the Leica X series cameras in the list of consideration? I do not find.


• Leica X2 comparative review:

A set of specific parameters was used to evaluate the apparatus. Some of the parameters are shown below. Parameters, as a rule, were assessed on a scale from 1 to 20. Some parameters are based on subjective assessment, for example, color rendition, usability of the device, and some parameters are calculated automatically based on the actual parameters stated in the technical specifications. Each of the parameters is assigned a weight - the degree of influence of this parameter on the consumer qualities of the device. The device is also evaluated not only from the point of view of the sum of the parameters, but also from the point of view of the importance of these parameters for certain groups of users. For example, the parameter "JPEG quality from camera" is important for a novice user, but practically of no value for a professional. any professional uses RAW format to get the maximum effect from the camera and does not turn on the camera JPEG mode, not only because it is unnecessary, but also to save battery power and save space on a flash drive. Thus, one and the same device may be extremely interesting to a professional and not be of value to a novice amateur. Each tested apparatus is ranked according to the area of ​​application. which gives a more adequate picture when choosing a device.

In this article, we'll compare three very popular APS-C type DSLRs - the Nikon D7100, D5200 and Canon EOS 700D. If you are planning to update your photographic technique in the near future and do not know which of these models to choose, then this article is what you need. We will look at the strengths and weaknesses of each model, after which it will be much easier to make a choice.

The Nikon D7100 is the most interesting of the three, and the most expensive at the same time. The camera costs about $ 1200 (body only). Canon 700D can be purchased for $ 750. The Nikon D5200 is an entry-level model that costs $ 700.

When buying new photographic equipment, there is always a desire to buy something good right away. You can easily get carried away and purchase a more advanced camera, in this case, the D7100. The difference between the D7100 and other models is very significant, around $ 500. For that amount, you can buy a very good lens to replace the Kit lens, or buy a second lens for creative photography. At the same time, there will be those photographers who, by paying extra money, seek to get more opportunities. Everything is very individual!

If you already have Canon or Nikon optics, you should make your choice more carefully. For example, if you already own a Nikon lens, think twice before switching to Canon, as your old lenses will not work with a new camera. As a result, you will have to sell old lenses and lose money anyway. If you do, make sure the Canon EOS 700D has features that the D5200 or D7100 lacks. Also, if you already own lenses and plan to take photography more seriously, you might be tempted to buy the D7100.

In this comparison, we will make every effort to provide you with all the information you need to help you make the right decision.

We'll start, as always, with a quick overview of each camera, so that you have a better idea of ​​each candidate. Then we will compare the technical and functional features of the cameras in the table, so you can better appreciate the differences between the D7100, D5200 and 700D.

Nikon D7100

The camera was announced on February 21, 2013. Despite such a short period of time on sale, it has already won a gold DPReview award. The DSLR offers simple controls and a wide arsenal of customization options to help photographers maximize their potential and create creative photographic works. The most prominent feature of the D7100 is the lack of an optical low-pass filter. This results in higher image resolution, better frame clarity and the risk of moiré effects.

The Nikon D7100 is weather-sealed and waterproof. The camera is made of magnesium alloy, therefore it is very strong, relatively light in weight and provides high degree protection from moisture and dust. The camera inherits the high-performance 51-point autofocus system from the Nikon D300 range and uses algorithms developed for the D4. This makes the D7100 focusing almost instantaneous and very accurate. The best camera performance will be provided by a combination with a powerful fast lens.

Nikon D7100 is a DX format camera. The DSLR is equipped with a 24.1 megapixel DX sensor. The D7100 is capable of 1.3x crop mode for better focus and frame coverage. It is not recommended to use this mode for video recording as it results in oversampling the video.

The camera is capable of shooting Full HD video at 60i, 30p, or 24p. The most enticing feature for videographers will be the ability to output uncompressed video to an external recording device. This will help professional video enthusiasts gain more control over their workflow during post-production. You can also enjoy high quality stereo sound thanks to the standard 3.5mm jack. In addition, the camera has a headphone jack.

This is only a fraction of what the D7100 is capable of. Nikon has gone to great lengths to create a stunning camera for professionals and hobbyists alike.

Nikon D5200

The camera was announced on November 6, 2013. The Nikon D5200 is an updated version of the D5100. The camera is designed for beginner photographers and hobbyists. The camera was created to satisfy the needs of consumers who care about the performance of photo and video images. The Nikon D5200 has some additional features over the D3200 and D3100. As a result, the Nikon D5200 can be safely called a worthy replacement for the entry-level Nikon D3200 and D3100 DSLRs.

The D5200 is equipped with the latest 24.1-megapixel DX-format CMOS architecture sensor. This is a very high resolution for an APS-C sensor today and is most commonly found in full frame cameras. The camera is equipped with a 39-point Multi-CAM 4800DX focusing system, as well as a 2016 pixel RGB sensor. This combination provides very accurate and fast object tracking.

The D5200 is capable of recording Full HD video with stereo sound and also has a 921k-dot tilting display. The camera is designed for beginners and therefore has features that will appeal to this audience.

The camera has some interesting features that will be useful for beginners. These features include special effects for photography, video, and image editing. They will help you get the most out of your images without using a photo editing program. The Nikon D5200 is energy efficient and can shoot up to 500 images (CIPA) on a single battery charge.

Canon EOS 700D

The camera was announced on March 21, 2013. The Canon EOS 700D has a stunning design, many features and great technical capabilities. Unfortunately, the new model does not differ much from its predecessor, the EOS 650D, but it still has interesting innovations. The EOS 700D features updated Live View, a higher digital zoom ratio (10 instead of 3), and the top dial button rotates 360 degrees and has 8 parameters instead of 10. The new model comes with an improved 18-55mm STM lens.

When it comes to pricing, according to the latest figures, the 650D costs $ 800 and the 700D costs $ 750. On Amazon, the 650D costs about $ 735, and its updated version is $ 750. Judging by the prices and performance of the cameras, the EOS 700D cannot be said to replace the previous model. The camera is rather a good alternative for the EOS 650D. Either way, the Canon EOS 700D is a great entry-level camera aimed at the aspiring photography enthusiast and hobbyist.

The 700D features an 18-megapixel APS-C CMOS sensor and Canon's latest DIGIC 5 image processor. In addition, the EOS 700D features an updated hybrid focusing system.

On the back of the camera is a 3-inch, variable-angle Clear View II touchscreen display. With a combination of stunning hybrid focusing, a tilting display and an advanced STM lens, the EOS 700D is capable of producing not only great photos, but movies as well.

The 700D is equipped with a 9-point focusing system, advanced metering system, high burst speed of 5fps, original modes including Basic + mode, Intelligent Auto mode and Full HD 1080p movie shooting. It has a built-in Speedlite transmitter for external flash control.

According to those who have already worked with the camera, the 700D is capable of producing stunning photos. The image is clear, with excellent detail and color reproduction. Users appreciated the high burst speed and noise reduction capabilities, which allow you to get high-quality images even in low light conditions at high ISO settings.

Thus, despite the fact that the 700D is in many ways similar to its predecessor, this camera will be a godsend for videographers and will not disappoint amateur photographers.

Canon EOS 700D vs. Nikon D7100 vs. D5200 Specs Comparison

At this point, you have already gotten enough information about each camera. It is difficult now to make a choice and give preference to one of them. In this section, we will compare the Canon EOS 700D, Nikon D7100 and D5200 to give a deeper understanding of the differences between the three DSLRs.

Nikon D7100 Nikon D5200 Canon 700D

Judging by the results of the comparison, it is simply impossible not to fall in love with the Nikon D7100. It is made of magnesium alloy, has a weather seal and better ergonomics, and features a 51-point focusing system with the same algorithms as the D4. Leveraging Nikon's cutting-edge exposure metering technology, this model features a large 1228K-dot display, pentaprism viewfinder, 1/8000 sec shutter speed, 6fps burst speed and excellent battery life. The D7100 is really impressive, and despite the high price tag, there is a lot to pay for. Of course, if some of the above functions are not of interest to you, then pay attention to the 700D or D5200, which will not only allow you to save money, but also will not disappoint with the quality of the photos you create.

Of course, all the extras like the high-point focusing system, 6fps continuous shooting, weather seal and rugged construction cost extra money. Therefore, think carefully about which of the above you need. You may decide to abandon the idea of ​​acquiring such expensive photographic equipment altogether.

The absence of an optical low-pass filter does not significantly improve image quality. In fact, there is a lot of information on the internet that the difference is barely noticeable. Check out some sample images and see for yourself! Yes, it is noticeable that the pictures are sharper, especially in RAW format and at 100% zoom, but the difference is small.

The Canon EOS 700D is packed with technical features. The camera is equipped with good hybrid focusing, a tilt-and-turn touchscreen display and a microphone. All this contributes to the fact that with this camera you can create beautiful videos. It is not for nothing that cameras such as the EOS 600D, 650D and 700D are among the preferred cameras for hobbyist videographers.

The differences between the 700D and the D5200 are not big, but the D5200 lacks a touchscreen display, it also has a smaller viewfinder, but a better focusing system and a more advanced metering sensor. Other advantages of the D5200 include the ability to record 60i uncompressed video, the presence of an HDMI connector, a more powerful battery and a smaller size compared to the 700D.

ISO sensitivity performance

Now that we know the differences between the three cameras, it's time to analyze the performance of the cameras and see which model performs better at high ISOs. High ISO performance is very important for many photographers because it helps to shoot at slow shutter speeds and in low light. Not everyone can afford to buy a fast lens, and if your lens doesn't have a large aperture, you can increase your ISO and hope for a good result.

Sample images from each camera were analyzed.

ISO 100/200 - Photos are clean and sharp. Exceptionally high image quality on all cameras. The D7100 and D5200 have a resolution advantage, so these images appear sharper.
ISO 400 - There is a little noise in Nikon photos, the 700D is very sharp, but this difference is only visible when viewed at 100% and in dark areas. Images from the D7100 and D5200 look the same.
ISO 800 - Noise, noticeable in dark places in photographs taken with the D7100 and D5200. Compared to the competition, the 700D's results are more impressive. All images retain good detail.
ISO 1600 - noise becomes more and more noticeable, it is not very visible in the midtones and highlights. Small details start to get lost in pictures. The photos of the D7100 are sharper and better than those of the D5200. The 700D's advantage is becoming more evident.
ISO 3200/6400 - Very noisy images on all cameras. On the 700D, the loss of detail is more noticeable.

It is difficult to come to a definite conclusion and decide who is the winner. The D7100 and D5200 have high ISO performance. The 700D's results are impressive, with less noise in these shots. On the other hand, the Nikon D7100's lack of a low-pass filter helped in maintaining detail. Canon has a slight advantage in terms of ISO performance, but not much of a difference. All cameras do a good job of shooting in low light conditions.

Let's take a look at some sample videos before moving on to the final section.

Sample video shot with Nikon D7100 and 16-85mm f / 3.5-5.6G VR lens by Paul Van Allen

Sample video captured with Nikon D5200 and Nikkor 24-85mm f / 3.5-4.5G ED VR lens

Sample video shot with Canon EOS 700D and STM 18-55mm lens

Conclusion

Today we took a close look at the capabilities of three great DSLRs. Nikon D7100 certainly deserves the attention of enthusiasts who would like to take advantage of all the additional features. The main advantages of the model include a magnesium alloy body, weather seal, improved ergonomics (especially when using large and heavy lenses), 1/8000 sec shutter speed, improved focusing system, improved exposure metering system, continuous shooting at 6 frames per second, large pentaprism viewfinder and much more.

As you can see, the list of options is quite long and the D7100 is the best option for amateur photographers, and it can also serve as an excellent additional camera for professional photographers. Keep in mind, too, that the D7100 costs significantly more than the other two cameras. If you are not interested in the additional features of this model, then feel free to choose between the D5200 and EOS D700. It may be more profitable for you to give the difference in price to get a good lens.

The Canon EOS D700 and D5200 are excellent cameras. The 700D performs better at high ISOs than the D5200, however some artisans may appreciate the added benefit of the D5200 resolution. Both of these cameras are better suited for beginner photographers. Many people may be attracted by the presence of a touchscreen display in the D700. The D5200 has its advantages, the main one being the 39-point focusing system.

If you can't afford the D7100, or are just taking your first steps in the world of DSLR photography, choose the EOS D700 or D5200. It's worth noting that the D5200 does not have a built-in autofocus motor. This means that autofocus will not work in combination with older lenses. When purchasing a lens for this camera, make sure that autofocus is available.

Choosing a camera for personal use is an interesting and creative process. The choice itself already represents a whole educational excursion into the world of digital photography. This is not the case for professionals; they know exactly what they want from a camera. And amateurs will have to decide on the criteria that they present for their camera. Comparing cameras of different brands by one or another indicator and helping with the choice is the task of this article.

Several major brands are now offered for amateur photography:

• Olympus;
• Sony;
• Canon;
• Nikon;
• Kodak.

Sony is recognized as a pioneer in the production of high quality electronics and digital cameras. Traditional quality and fame attracts many, but today this company is increasingly going into the production of professional equipment. It is characterized by a large number of functions on the camera using electronic technology. A small but well-considered optics park is also Sony. Also, traditionally, cameras from this company have better video quality.

Olympus is a relatively recent player in this market. An earlier mistake made by the manufacturer in using its own memory card was quickly corrected. The SD memory card is currently universal and is used in cameras of all major manufacturers. Olympus focuses on the production of miniature cameras, a large selection of cameras for extreme, submersible and heavy-duty. The decision of waterproofness and super-strength inevitably leads to some decrease in other important indicators. Additionally, Olympus has its own developed software product for the primary processing of photographs, their labeling and storage, as well as Sony.

The well-known leader of traditional film photography, Kodak, tried to enter digital photography, but today this brand can not be considered. Some cameras under this brand have been made with high quality, but the increasing requirements have far outstripped the former Kodak DSLRs. Other lesser-known brands such as Fuji, Samsung, Rekam, Pentax can also be classified in this category.

Canon and Nikon, two established digital photography brands, present a wide range of digital cameras for both professional and home use. It is these two firms that are worth paying attention to due to the wide range of functions, sizes and costs.

Experts advise to think about how much manual exposure settings, the choice of image parameters, and special effects will be needed. If you do not engage in highly artistic photography, then in most cameras there is an automatic mode, which is sufficient for amateur photographs of attractions. There are also several genre modes, the choice of which allows you to take a picture of very good quality under various conditions. The pursuit of millions of pixels should also have reasonable limits.

If the amateur photographer is not going to take panoramic shots, if he is not going to print a poster on the whole wall, then the matrix resolution does not need to be selected to the maximum of those presented. DSLR and non-SLR cameras, compact, with increased protection against moisture, with the ability to change lenses - comparing cameras by these properties is a thankless task, each has certain functions. An amateur is faced with a difficult choice.

Camera selection by functionality

It should be remembered that the image quality is influenced by the resolution and the size of the matrix. A simple increase in resolution on an older generation matrix will not give the desired effect. For reference: the existing sizes of the matrix diagonal in ascending order are 1 / 2.3˝, 1 / 1.7˝, 4 / 3˝, 1˝, APS-C and fullframe. Resolution is expressed in pixels. The number of pixels depends on how much you can enlarge the picture on the screen, how large the print can be. An increase in the number of pixels without an increase in the area leads to a loss of quality, and, conversely, when the size of the matrix with the optimal resolution is increased, more light enters each point, the picture is brighter, and the sharpness also increases.

A DSLR camera has a number of advantages in terms of the convenience of frame composition, assessment of the illumination falling on the matrix, and focusing accuracy. They use larger and higher quality matrices, for example, a fullframe has the size of a standard film frame 24 x 36. In fact, in the viewfinder of an SLR camera we see what will be reflected in the picture. The undoubted convenience is complemented by improvements and other camera parameters. A DSLR is the most expensive camera.

The presence of a viewfinder in addition to the display adds convenience when shooting, this factor brings a simple camera somewhat closer to a DSLR in frame assessment. An important nuance for an advanced amateur photographer is the ability to change the lens. This quality will make the camera versatile: from a camera for shooting landscapes and panoramas "fisheye" to "camera with a telephoto lens". Interchangeable camera lenses definitely have optical zoom. Unlike digital, optical zoom does not stretch the image like in a computer, but actually brings it closer. It should be noted that digital zoom, as an addition, is equipped with any camera.

A number of small, but important in handling parameters - batteries, the presence and device of a photo flash, ports for connecting to a computer or TV, a focusing lever, a zoom lever. And, finally, is the camera comfortable in the hand, how much the owner likes it. Which camera is better is up to the user who has analyzed all the above parameters and their aspirations.

Choosing between the two most famous brands

Using the example of the two most popular brands, we will consider the main characteristics of cameras of various classes. It is between these cameras that you have to choose most often. Nikon or Canon? The data are summarized in the table, a random selection of the most typical models in the line was made.

As can be seen from the table, the parameters of the cameras are largely comparable. Canon cameras have a slightly wider range. Compared at the amateur level, the possibilities are the same, but if you need to vary the shooting mode Nikon provides more. According to the experience of professionals, Canon cameras have the best combination of the ratio of the size of the matrix and the resolution, which, with small indicators, gives a very impressive result. Canon cameras are available in a wide variety of models.

The power problem can be the decisive factor when buying a camera. It's good when the camera can work on ordinary batteries, which can be bought at any kiosk. At the same time, the format itself implies the presence of batteries and a charger for it. When the camera has a non-standard battery format, the problem of replacing it can disrupt the planned photo session, and far from home it is generally akin to a tragedy.

The choice can be influenced by what brand friends and acquaintances use. This will help you to better know all the characteristics, and also will not create problems with changing memory cards, using the same software, etc.

Comparison of cameras on forums on the Internet among professionals will never end unequivocally. It all depends on personal preference, the choice occurs almost on a subconscious level.

Any good camera will give you hours of creative communication with the beautiful. The choice is yours.

I am constantly updating and supplementing this article. The article was last edited 06/13/2018 (added new names for 2000D, 4000D). Ask your questions in the comments (my site ‘Radozhiva’ does not require absolutely any registration, and you can leave no e-mail or name).

Every day in the comments on my blog ‘Radozhiva’ the same question is heard - ‘ which Canon DSLR camera to buy?‘. In this article I will share my thoughts on this matter. Please note that the article is heavily filled with subjective factors, since there are a lot of little things to consider when choosing a camera. I work as a professional photographer, and also do reviews of photographic equipment, I shot with almost all Canon and Nikon SLR cameras, you can say I ate a dog with these cameras and lenses.

All Canon DSLR cameras can be roughly divided into 3 classes:

1. Amateur- these cameras are aimed at people who just need to get a high-quality photo without delving into the subtleties and settings of the camera. Most often, amateur cameras are best for people who are not taking photography professionally, but just want a good camera for home, leisure, travel, family, nature, and the like, so that the camera is light, easy to operate and inexpensive. Actually, Canon has the largest lineup of cameras in this segment.
2. Advanced amateur- have advanced functionality with a large number of specific settings that can be dealt with for a long time. These cameras are suitable for advanced hobbyists who already know how to understand the settings, or want to get a good potential for mastering photography skills. Also, these cameras are noticeably more expensive and heavier. The hallmark of advanced amateur cameras is the presence of an additional monochrome display on the top of the camera, which helps to quickly access a number of settings.
3. Professional- these cameras are created for people who are engaged in photography professionally, they know a lot about photography and are not afraid of manual settings. Usually these cameras have much better body and functionality. A distinctive feature of these cameras is the lack of a built-in flash (for the pros, it is not particularly important). Usually these are full-size cameras or cameras with Kf = 1.3. Also, cameras in the upper price range have a combo body with a special additional grip that helps to hold the camera in portrait (vertical) orientation. I do not specifically touch on this class of cameras in this article, because there is a million and one nuance when choosing professional equipment, and professionals themselves often know what kind of camera they need.

A camera is a complex technical device, and technology does not stand still. I indicated on the plate your rating of cameras based on the date of release of the camera and its technical characteristics... I think the best amateur camera right now is the Canon 800D, as you can see from the table below.

As for the advanced hobbyist camera, the full-frame Canon 6D and Canon 6D Mark II are very interesting options in my opinion. If you don't want to mess with the full frame, then Canon 7D Mark II is an excellent advanced amateur camera.

I did not include Canon 20Da and 60Da cameras in the table because of their specific features, which are of little interest to an ordinary amateur photographer. If you are on a budget, then a good option for an advanced Canon amateur camera is,.

Usually cameras of advanced amateur and professional classes are sold separately from the lens, such a kit is called a 'body', and when the camera is sold with a lens, it is called a 'kit' (this is how cameras from the amateur segment are most often sold), and the lens from the kit the shipment is called a 'whale lens' (sometimes abbreviated and simply called a whale, which creates confusion - both a kit and just a lens from such a kit are called the same word).

Attention: you cannot take pictures with one “body” camera, you should always take pictures with a lens :)

Important: Usually, if you buy a camera with a whale lens (the so-called whale kit), then such a kit will cost less than buying a camera and the same lens separately.

Choosing other lenses requires a separate large article, but in addition to the standard (universal kit) lens, I recommend getting a high-aperture discrete lens. Such a lens does not know how to zoom, but it has a higher one than the "whale" one. This will allow you to easily shoot in low light conditions, control the depth of field (create), create a ‘bokeh effect’, get brighter and more vivid colors in photos.

Whether you're a beginner or a professional looking for cutting edge technology or using a standard set of digital camera features, this has been a record year for everyone. Even with fewer and fewer people buying cameras, there is no doubt that the performance of cameras released in 2016 surpasses anything photographers have ever seen. This year we saw new cameras from all systems from M4 / 3 to medium format devices.

Never before has there been such a wide range of cameras on the market, whether it is video capture devices with amazing autofocus or pocket cameras with excellent image quality.

This way, whatever your budget, you will find something to suit your needs. Even smartphones were able to revolutionize photography in 2016.

Because of this variety of products on the market, it is very difficult to make a choice, so Fotar magazine has prepared for you a rating of the best cameras 2016-2017. This year we decided to slightly change the format, now this is not a separate rating for DSLR and mirrorless systems, plus each camera has additional information - the scores of tests by the DxOmark laboratory and the DpReview magazine. We also included two new sections in our rating - the best quadcopters and the best action cameras.

The best camera 2016-2017 for the pros

Canon EOS 1D X Mark II

The Canon 5D series of cameras has a rich heritage. The first EOS 5D was the professional full-frame DSLR, the Mark II was the first to bring Full HD video to DSLRs, and the Mark III became a favorite among photographers. The 5D Mark IV has quite a few tweaks and improvements, so it will surely find its place in the market.

Best Cameras 2016-2017 with crop sensor for semi-professional

First Place: Fujifilm X-T2

The best quadrocopter 2016-2017 up to 100 thousand rubles.

DJI Mavic Pro

Third place: Olympus Stylus Tough TG-Tracker