A Practical Look At Picking A Digital SLR Camera

Choosing a digital SLR is similar to buying a car. There are numerous models available, and each is designed to fit specific needs. For example, suppose you're shopping for a new vehicle, and your main concern is fuel economy. If you purchase a gas-guzzling performance car, you're likely to be disappointed. This same principle holds true when buying a DSLR.

This article will take you through the most important factors to consider. First, we'll explain some of the advantages a digital SLR offers. We'll then provide a few questions to ask your self before selecting a model. The following guide, though brief, will help you choose a camera that accommodates your creativity behind the lens.

One of the benefits of using a digital SLR is its speed. Its image sensor tends to be larger than the one installed in a typical point-and-shoot (PAS) camera. As a result, the shutter needs to be open less time to capture any given image. This has a direct effect on a photograph's clarity; a faster shutter speed minimizes noise and camera shake.

Another advantage is that DSLRs offer more flexibility with respect to their manual settings. Even though you'll be able to adjust the settings on a PAS, most models are designed to allow photographers to shoot in auto mode. By contrast, a digital SLR is designed to let the user make the decisions.

A DSLR also accommodates an array of specialized lenses. Wide-angle, macro, telephoto, and zoom lenses allow you to capture shots in a way that is all but impossible with a point-and-shoot. This is important since different lenses are designed to provide a different perspective. A close-up shot of a flower requires a different lens than a panoramic photo of a large field.

While you should remain open to experimenting with various photography styles, you're likely drawn to one or two specific areas. For example, you might want to focus on live action photography, such as sporting events. Or, you may be interested in shooting landscapes, portraits, or taking macro shots of flowers and flora. Do you plan to photograph in low-light conditions, or indoors?

A good DSLR will be able to produce high-quality images of your subjects in nearly any style, and in most shooting conditions. But noting your preferred areas will help you prioritize the features you need. For example, if you intend to spend most of your time shooting landscapes, you'll need a camera that offers a longer focal length.

In the past, digital SLRs were substantially more expensive than point-and-shoot cameras. A price difference still exists, though it has dwindled over the years. One of the main factors contributing to the difference is the various gear DSLR owners need. For instance, you'll want to buy at least one or two - and perhaps several - lenses. You should also have UV filters, a few memory cards, and spare batteries.

Invest in a durable bag for your camera and gear, even if you receive a complementary bag when you buy your DSLR. Also, consider buying a tripod. Depending on the type of photography, there may be many occasions when camera shake threatens to ruin your shots.

Before buying your digital SLR, add the costs for these items to your budget. Can you afford them? You can postpone the purchase of some of the gear, but others, such as lenses, batteries, and a high-quality bag, are important to own from the beginning.

As mentioned earlier, some features will be more important to you than others. Noting the types of photography you intend to pursue will help identify those you need most. Think about shutter speed, image stabilization, and resolution (reflected primarily by the number of megapixels--this is important if you decide to blow the picture up later or use a poster printing company). Do you need fast auto-focus, built-in zoom, or an LCD viewfinder (and if so, how big)? Will you be shooting in dry conditions? If so, dust control will be valuable.

The process of buying a DSLR is more complex than a lot of budding photographers realize. Avoid taking a haphazard approach. Go through the process detailed above. You'll be more likely to find a camera that fits your photography needs, helping you to improve your skills along the way.