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Our Camera Design Tests
Lens
Updated Feb 08, 2021 at 07:40 am
What it is:
The lens built in the camera.
When it matters:
For point-and-shoot and bridge cameras because you're stuck with the lens.
Score components:
- 25.0% Max Aperture (Full-Frame Equivalent)
- 5.0% Max Focal Length (Full-Frame Equivalent)
- 40.0% Luminance
- 30.0% Light Falloff
Score distribution
[Coming Soon]
Test results
Our tests
Lens Type
What it is:
Whether the lens is interchangeable or built into the camera.
[Coming Soon]
Maximum Aperture
What it is:
The maximum aperture (opening for light in a lens) that the camera can achieve. Higher-end lenses will have it fixed for the whole focal length range.
When it matters:
A higher aperture gives you more flexibility for your exposure and gives you a very shallow depth of field for a portrait.
[Coming Soon]
Max Aperture (Full Frame Equivalent)
What it is:
The maximum aperture (opening for light) the lens can achieve. This is converted to a full-frame sensor equivalent to be compared across sensor sizes.
When it matters:
A higher aperture gives you more flexibility for your exposure and gives you a very shallow depth of field for a portrait.
Good value:
below f/5.0
Score distribution
[Coming Soon]
Minimum Focal Lenght
What it is:
The minimum focal length of the lens. This isn't tested; it's reported from the manufacturer. This isn't the equivalent focal length.
When it matters:
A smaller value will provide a wider field of view and allow your subject to be closer to the camera.
[Coming Soon]
Maximum Focal Lenght
What it is:
The focal length of the lens. This isn't tested; it's reported from the manufacturer.
When it matters:
A bigger value will provide a narrower field of view and allow closeups of subjects farther from the camera.
[Coming Soon]
Max Focal Length (Full Frame Equivalent)
What it is:
The maximum focal length of the lens. This is converted to a full-frame sensor equivalent to be compared across sensor sizes.
When it matters:
A longer focal length is helpful for closeups of subjects farther from the camera, like when doing wildlife photography.
Good value:
300-500mm for wildlife photography
Score distribution
[Coming Soon]
Luminance
What it is:
The luminance value in the center of the photo. It corresponds to the ratio of light captured by the sensor from the light source.
When it matters:
Light reaching the photo sensor of the camera is the most important thing in a camera. A better luminance will allow you to select a lower ISO, decreasing the noise in your photo.
Good value:
70%
Score distribution
[Coming Soon]
Light Falloff
What it is:
The ratio of the lowest luminance point to the highest in the picture. Typically, the lowest luminance transmitted by the lens is in the corner, and the highest is in the center. This is a lens limitation inherent to their design.
When it matters:
A light with good uniformity (low light falloff) is better because it gives you more flexibility. If required, you can add a light falloff effect later on with software.
Good value:
70%
Score distribution
[Coming Soon]
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