7 reasons to buy a digital camera

1. Zoom

So, you are filming a reportage, animals in their natural habitat, sporting events, neighbors from the house opposite - in general, you are in a position where it is impossible to get close to the subject. Optical zoom is needed here.

This feature has just begun its expansion into the world of smartphones. Yes, they tried to combine a long-range camera and a phone before, for example, in the form of ASUS Zenfone Zoom and Samsung Galaxy K Zoom, but only with the release of the iPhone 7 everyone started talking about optical zoom. Nevertheless, the maximum that we are still being offered is a two-fold increase. But what if you need to zoom in on the subject 10, 20, or even 30 times? What if you need to photograph the moon?

2. Light sensitivity

Almost all modern smartphones take good pictures during daylight hours. However, as soon as night falls, a mess begins: one makes noise, the other kills with a "noise reduction" detailing and smooth color transitions.

Tiny matrices of mobile cameras with the same tiny pixels are simply physically unable to capture enough light for a good shot.

Yes, manufacturers are trying to solve the problem by reducing the number of pixels and increasing their size, but cameras still shoot better at night and in low light conditions.

For example, while the Samsung Galaxy S8 has a matrix size of 5, 8 × 4, 3 mm, the Canon EOS 1300D amateur DSLR received a 22, 3 × 14, 9 mm sensor. Needless to say, full-frame 24x36mm cameras are still considered the best choice when it comes to image quality?

Compare also the aperture of a smartphone and a DSLR lens. In the first case, the hole is tiny, in the second it is much larger. Accordingly, the diameter of the light beam passing through the lens aperture also differs.

3. Interchangeable lenses

Today you shoot interiors, tomorrow you shoot landscapes, and the day after tomorrow you shoot birds in the garden. Each of these situations requires a different lens: an ultra wide angle up to 24mm, a wide angle up to 35mm, and a telephoto lens from 135mm. If the quality of the images is important, then you can buy fixes, and if the space in the bag and the efficiency of work - a good zoom. Moreover, each lens has its own handwriting, that is, the image transmission characteristic of it: one sharp, the other soft and airy, the third creates a magical bokeh.

So, DSLRs and system cameras allow you to change lenses. The smartphone is not, so you won't feel fully armed.

4. Settings

As there are plots in the world, there are so many options for settings. The manual mode is needed not only in cases when the automation makes mistakes, but also when you want to get a special shot. DSLRs, ultrazoom cameras, system cameras and some compacts allow you to set aperture, shutter speed, ISO and white balance, and also have special modes such as aperture priority or shutter speed.

The ergonomics of the cameras are tailored so that you can quickly change settings with one swipe of your finger.

Yes, some smartphones also have the so-called Pro mode, and there are special applications. However, if in the camera you adjust the physical parameters of the actually existing elements of the device, then in a smartphone all these settings are virtual, because its lens does not have aperture blades.

5. Flash

Indoor shooting is inconceivable without competent flash work. Yes, there is a flash in every smartphone, but it only gives frontal illumination. The camera can be supplemented with an external flash with a rotating head. It will allow you not only to hit the light on your forehead, but to direct it to the ceiling or wall, thereby creating soft natural lighting.

6. Protection

If you are going on a harsh hike or just decided to dive with scuba diving, then no smartphone is your companion here. But among the cameras there are special models for shooting in extreme conditions.

For example, Olympus Tough cameras are really indestructible. The TG-870 model remains operational when dropped from a height of 2.1 m, immersed under water up to 15 m, a pressure of 100 kg, at low temperatures down to –10 ° C. Of course, it is also protected from dust. Also, Pentax cameras are distinguished by special survivability.

7. Convenience

Let's face it: holding a smartphone while taking a photo is inconvenient. This thin and light piece of plastic, metal or slippery glass can be put up with if you shoot in comfortable conditions and are in no hurry. If you climb a mountain or rush around the registry office, or even come to a political rally to catch a hot shot, then it is important that the device is comfortable to hold in your hand and not afraid to drop it.

Almost all cameras, with the exception of some compacts and mirrorless cameras, have an anatomical grip, and each has a strap to hang around the neck.