If you want a digital camera with good performance and, especially, if you’re going to focus on the DSLR segment, the situation changes radically. For example, compact cameras can easily exceed 1000 lei, and the cheapest DSLRs are rapidly approaching the psychological threshold of 2000 lei.
In such a situation, the best compromise you can make to have a quality camera at a low price is to buy one in the second hand. However, to obtain the best price-performance ratio and to get in possession of a camera without significant defects, it is essential to pay attention to several aspects.
Depending on the sale price for a new model, you can get an idea of ââhow much a second-hand one should cost (obviously, and depending on your budget).
Below we have listed the 9 best digital cameras that comes with many advanced features and can be ideal for photography.
- 4x Optical Zoom - 27mm Wide Angle Lens
- 16MP CMOS Sensor
- 1080p Full HD Video - Vlogging Camera
- SD Card Compatibility: At least Class 10, no larger than 512GB (SD, SDHC, SDXC)
- 2.7" LCD
- Sensor: The 20.1 MP sensor delivers beautifully detailed photos that make for gorgeous enlargements, while in-camera stabilization...
- Zoom: With a 35x optical zoom, you can get close to distant subjects without moving an inch. It's perfect for travel photography,...
- Finer Details: More pixels mean you can enlarge, zoom in, and crop your photos without losing detail
- Sweep Panorama: The camera features Sweep Panorama, so you can capture the whole scene
- Optical SteadyShot: This feature reduces blur even in low light
- 16 Megapixel CMOS Sensor
- 5X Optical Zoom - 28mm Wide Angle Lens
- 1080P Full HD Video - Vlogging Camera
- SD Card Compatibility: At least Class 10, no more than 512GB (SD, SDHC, SDXC)
- 2.7" LCD Screen - Rechargeable Li-Ion Battery
- SHOOT DECENT IMAGES WITH EASE - The digital camera captures high-clarity FHD 1080P videos and 44MP photos with the newest CMOS...
- PORTABLE FOR TRAVEL & NICE BATTERY LIFE - The kids camera is a perfect everyday and take everywhere camera with it's petite body,...
- VERY EASY TO USE - Conducted with ergonomic design, from easy to access buttons to simple functions menu, the led fill light...
- ENCOURAGE CREATIVE - If you are tired of its automatic results, the point and shoot camera allows you to customize pictures. 16X...
- SUPERIOR SUPPORT FOR THIS GIFT - Backed by a one year hassle-free promise- refund and replacement. Digital camera, SD card,...
- ăFHD 1080P & 44MP DIGITAL CAMERAă: This compact digital camera for indoor/outdoor can be used for making video features with...
- ă16X DIGITAL ZOOM & MULTIFUCTIONAL HD DIGITAL CAMERA ă: This kids digital camera supports 16x digital zoom, You can zoom in or...
- ăFOR YOUTUBE VLOGGING RECORDING & WEBCAMă: This vlogging camera supports video mode, built-in microphone, you could gain clear...
- ăPAUSE FUNCTION & EASY TO USEă: The pause function allows you to pause when recording or seeing playback videos. And the...
- ăCONVINENCE & WHAT YOU GETă: Smaller than cell phones, portable camera is small enough to fit your pocket, easy to carry at...
- đăMeaningful GiftăThis black digital camera for kids is equipped with a high-level CMOS Sensor and anti-shake function,...
- đ·ăMini-Size & Easy to UseăSpecial mini-size design for kids to easily handheld, this point and shoot camera is small and...
- â€ăSafe Materials & Creative FiltersăMade of high-grade and eco-friendly reliable materials, the kid camera is safe and...
- đ·ăSmall but PowerfulăWith two powerful rechargeable batteries, you can record up to 180 min videos on a single charge. The...
- đ©ăWarranty & Package ListăWe provide a one-year satisfaction warranty, along with a no-hassle replacement policy, any...
- 20 MP Super HAD CCD sensor for beautifully detailed images.
- Reduced blur with SteadyShot Image stabilization
- Sony Lens w/ 5x Optical Zoom. Reduced blur with SteadyShot Image stabilization
- Capture your videos in 720p HD Movie mode, Simplify camera menu with Easy Mode
- Kit Includes: Sony W800/B (Black), 64Gb memory Card, Case, SD card reader, Microfiber Lens Cloth
- Waterproof to 15m (49') - 2m (6') Shockproof Rating - Dustproof
- WiFi Connectivity - 1080P Full HD Video - Vlogging Camera
- 16 MegaPixel BSI CMOS Sensor - 4X Optical Zoom - Digital Image Stabilization
- Rechargeable Li-Ion Battery - 2.7" LCD Screen
- SD Card Compatibility: At least Class 4, no larger than 32GB (microSD, microSDHC) - MMC Card not supported
- 24.1 Megapixel CMOS (APS-C) sensor with is 100â6400 (H: 12800)
- Built-in Wi-Fi and NFC technology
- 9-Point AF system and AI Servo AF
- Optical Viewfinder with approx 95% viewing coverage
- Use the EOS Utility Webcam Beta Software (Mac and Windows) to turn your compatible Canon camera into a high-quality webcam....
Choosing The Best Digital Cameras Buying Guide
Type of Cards for Storing Photos
Maybe you like a particular camera, but you have to be careful and what kinds of memory cards it uses. Currently, the most popular format is SD in its many variations (SD, SDHC, SDXC, microSD, microSDHC, microSDXC). Still, there are also CF cards (especially for some DSLR models), but also Memory Stick Pro Duo cards for the cameras. Sony.
If you do not want to spend extra, you need to choose a room that supports memory cards that you already have or at least a lower-priced type of card, such as SD cards.
Accessories Are Included or Not
In addition to the camera itself, find out what accessories are included in the box. If the seller does not offer you any accessories for various reasons, find out what their price is, and if it is worth the effort to buy only the camera itself.
Accessories that you can consider according to your personal preferences include the power supply (without which you should not buy a camera), PC or TV connection cables (HDMI, USB, audio-video), power cards memory, protective cover, CD with software, microphone or even external flash.
If you need to purchase one or more such accessories separately, the prices can be quite high and can seriously affect your budget for such a gadget. Therefore, try to negotiate a lower price precisely from this perspective.Check the camera accessory package.
Used vs. Refurbished
If you’re not tempted by the idea of ââbuying a used camera but don’t have the money for a new one, you can turn to so-called refurbished products.
Refurbished products are products that have already been sold by stores, but have been returned by the buyer for various reasons. For whatever reason, these products cannot be resold as new for legislative purposes.
Theoretically, a refurbished camera should work just like a new camera, the only difference being that the product may have traces of use (for example, fingerprints on the screen).
By default, the prices of a refurbished camera are lower compared to a new one, but the reduction is usually 10-15%. In other words, in terms of price, a refurbished camera is positioned somewhere between new and used cameras.
If such a product tempts you, you should follow precisely the same steps as with a poe camera, the most important thing being to test the camera before purchasing.
Features of Digital Cameras
Resolution
The resolution of a camera represents the size that the photos will have in terms of pixels, and is determined by the sensor integrated into it. The higher the resolution, the larger the image, and – in theory – full of details. The advantages offered by a high resolution are to allow larger prints and to allow even cutouts to be pushed without compromising the image quality too much.
On the other hand, the higher the resolution, the higher the weight of the files, which translates into a faster depletion of available memory and longer transfer times. Larger files also require more resources from the image processor, which may limit the camera’s performance in other areas (such as burst speed).
For too long, the resolution of the sensor has been the central aspect taken into consideration in the choice of spy camera, perhaps because it is easily understood and quantifiable. As a result, all camera manufacturers battled with megapixels, churning out higher and higher resolution models.
The problem is that, after exceeding a certain threshold, the proportion between the level of detail and resolution is lost, due to the physical limits of the sensor. Several megapixels “disproportionate” compared to the size of the sensor often results in poorly defined images, softer and full of artifacts, when viewed at maximum magnification.
To date, given that the battle has moved to the field of connectivity and video shooting, a bit all models have similar resolutions, which are around 20/24 megapixels.
Physical Dimensions of The Sensor
We have explained on several occasions how the physical aspects of the sensor are the first factor that affects the image quality that can be obtained with a specific camera.
In the purchase guide for compact cameras, we have dedicated a lot of space to this aspect, in that case, essential given the considerable differences from one model to another.
As for reflex cameras, the story is a bit different: almost all models integrate sensors of the same format, the APS-C one. Although these sensors are defined as “reduced,” they have far higher dimensions than those of compact and smartphones.
Some high-end DSLRs, aimed at experienced and professional photographers, are equipped with a full-frame sensor, or even higher dimensions (24x36mm). This type of sensor, if associated with right lenses, guarantees exceptional image quality.
The diagram below shows the difference between the dimensions of a full-frame sensor and those of a “reduced” sensor. Note that Canon APS-Cs are slightly smaller than those used by other manufacturers.
It is worth mentioning that the equivalent focal length of a lens also depends on the physical size of the sensor. By associating any glass with a camera with an APS-C sensor, the equal focal length will be shown among the characteristics of the prism multiplied by the sensor multiplication factor. APS-C sensors usually have a multiplication factor of 1.5 (1.6 for Canon cameras).
ISO Sensitivity
Another factor to consider when choosing an SLR is the ability to shoot at high ISO sensitivity. Increasing the ISO sensitivity will allow you to maintain faster shutter speeds and thus avoid incurring blurred photos when the subject moves quickly or when shooting freehand in low light.
However, as ISO sensitivity increases, digital noise also increases, resulting in deterioration of image quality. The photos below show the noise level at different ISO sensitivities. Each image is a 100% crop of a shot taken with an APS-C SLR.
example of digital noise due to high ISO sensitivity
Rather than paying attention to what is the maximum ISO sensitivity at which a reflex can technically operate, it is good to keep in mind what is the maximum limit that allows you to take home images of acceptable quality. No data on the camera’s technical data sheet will give indications in this sense. If this feature is essential to you, the advice is to search for sample images taken with the specific model.
In the comparison between the best SLR cameras on this page, however, we have reported the models with unusually high resistance to high ISO or – on the contrary – which leaves a little to be desired.
Autofocus
Each DSLR is equipped with a more or less advanced focusing system, whose reliability usually is proportionate to the price. Even if the accuracy and speed of autofocus depend on a multitude of factors, a significant figure to guess – in principle – the performance is the number of AF points available, which parameter we have always mentioned in the mini- SLR camera reviews on this page.
How relevant this aspect is to determine which SLR to choose depends mostly on the type of shots you plan to take. Autofocus performance is essential when practicing sports and action photography or when shooting animals in freedom.
If, on the other hand, you plan to photograph landscapes, portraits, or still life, the efficiency of the autofocus can take second place compared to other camera features.
