The new craze with digital photography is the DSLR (Digital Single Lens Reflex). This is a digital camera that looks, feels and responds almost like a 35mm film camera. Many reasons are at the root of this craze causing the sales of DSLR cameras to increase by 50-80% this year!
Many new DSLR cameras are now under $900. Five years ago a less powerful DSLR would have cost $12,000-$20,000 and were used almost exclusively by large newspapers and news services. And just a few years ago a similar DSLR would have cost $3,000.
Unlike the “Point’N’Shoot” digital camera a DSLR has interchangeable lenses which makes it much more flexible then a camera with a built in lens. You choose the quality of the lenses. These can range from average to professional, and you can find many that match your budget and photographic needs and ability.
Because the DSLR body is larger then the Point’n’Shoot’s body a larger imaging sensor (CMOS, CCD) can be used which allows for more light to hit the sensor. This gives you a higher quality photo at higher camera speeds (ISO setting), example a Point’n’Shoot’s photo at ISO 100 might equal a DSLR’s photo at ISO 400 or even ISO 800. The higher the ISO the lower the light needed to take a good photo without a tripod or moving objects being blurred.
Most DSLR cameras can save 5-15 photos in their buffer before you have to wait for the buffer to empty. This allows for a person to capture objects in action or events that need to be taken fast (i.e. weddings, parties, sporting events, etc.). They also have stronger computer processors that help in the capture and downloading of photos. No more missing the shot because you where waiting for the photos to download.
There is almost no shutter lag when taking a photo! So you don’t have to time your subject blinking so you don’t accidentally press the shutter and by the time the photo is taken their eyes are closed.
To me one of the biggest advantages to a DSLR is that you are actually looking through the camera’s lens. That way you can see exactly what you are taking. Plus, because you can see more (no glare, brighter eye piece, and less eye strain) you can compose your photo much better. No batteries are used as you look through the eyepiece so you are able to view your subject longer without using up your batteries. This also allows you to take hundreds of shots on a single changed battery.
Currently, there are five main entry level DSLR cameras selling under $900:
http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/canoneos350d/
http://www.dpreview.com/news/0507/05071503kmmaxxum5d.asp
http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/olympuse300/v
http://www.dpreview.com/articles/nikond50/
http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/pentaxistds/page2.asp
- Check selection of interchangeable lenses, and there cost for each brand of camera. Some Brands have many lenses to choose from and range from amateur to professional while others have fewer lenses to choose.
- Actually hold and test shoot the various cameras before you commit to a specific camera. Each has its own feel and features.
- If you have older lenses that could fit a specific DSLR, try them out on that camera before you purchase it. Not all lenses work well with a digital DSLR, even if they are the same brand as the camera.
- Purchase the camera body from a local dealer. They can answer any questions you might have and help you with operating the new camera. Also, you can try out the camera body before you leave the store. Put the camera though its paces, making sure all is in working order.
Remember these are the entry-level DSLR cameras. Most take great photos but have less “bells and whistles” then more expensive DSLR cameras. If a person is thinking of using a camera for professional use they might look at the next level in DSLR.
Lens selection also plays great importance in photo quality, so try to get the best lens you can afford. It might be better to purchase the entry-level DSLR and put more money towards a good lens. As I was once told by a well know professional photographer “buy the glass not the camera for digital technology is going to change much faster then camera lens technology”.
If you have any questions or would like a specific topic discuss please email me. Thanks for subscribing and happy photo taking
