Photographers who are ready to step up to a more advanced camera will enjoy the flexibility of the SLR digital. Although more expensive than the compact camera, prices continue to fall with many SLR models under $700.

Choosing an SLR digital camera is a bit daunting because of the number of makes and models available, and there is a learning curve with the digital SLR.

Putting a little thought in what you want in a camera begins with the type of photos you want to take.

Decide What You Want in a Camera

Do you want to shoot snapshots of family, friends, sporting events, and holidays?
Do you enjoy traveling and taking photos of landscapes or close up of flowers?
Compact cameras are able to shoot great snapshots, sporting events and holidays, but what if you have a low light situation, or want to capture movement rather than a blur.

Camera Settings

With an SLR camera, there are simple dial-up settings you can use, such as the sports setting or fast action setting that automatically sets your ISO or the amount of light entering your camera sensor to shoot in lowlight situations or capture motion, such as that moment when a basketball player puts it in the hoop. ISO settings can reach 1600 and more for just those situations.

Settings on an SLR digital range from multi-shoot or burst that will shoot multiple shots as long as your finger is on the shutter release, a macro setting to shoot extreme close-ups and night mode that aids in low light situations.

These settings are referred to as the creative mode where the camera does the work while the photographer composes the shot. . Auto focus capabilities are included in most digital SLR freeing the photographer to concentrate on the photo.

For those who prefer to have more control over their photos, a manual mode allows the photographer to set the aperture, ISO, focus and shutter speed.
When purchasing a digital SLR, look for ones with image stabilization, which most digital SLR’s include. It reduces camera shake especially when using slow shutter speeds. However, image stabilization will do nothing for motion blur, when the subject moves.

Check for lens compatibility in a digital SLR. Often when purchasing a digital SLR, older lenses from film cameras will fit if it is the same model. However, the settings on the digital SLR will not function using the older lens, such as auto focusing or other automatic controls.

Price

SLR digital cameras are more expensive than the compact cameras and a buyer needs to be aware that many retailers will sell just the body without a lens. However, you can still purchase a good quality camera with a lens for under $1000.

The Canon EOS Rebel T2i 18 megapixel for example, is a great beginning camera at a little over $600. An 18-55 mm lens is included and it shoots high definition movies as well.

Keep in mind that in purchasing a digital SLR camera there will be other costs associated with it. You will need battery replacements or a battery charger. Many SLR’s use batteries that is rechargeable, which cuts down the cost of buying batteries.

SLR’s use memory cards that store photos as data. Some SLR digital cameras include a memory card, but are generally inadequate in size. The best bet is to purchase at least a one-gigabyte memory card, especially if shooting an event. This allows roughly 200 shots per card. Most memory cards can be used again by deleting the photos either while it’s in the camera or with computer software.

Purchase at least a UV filter to attach to the lens for protection. The filter keeps dust and dirt off the lens and protects against scratches.

Camera Size and Weight

Digital SLRs are heavier than compact cameras and should be taken into consideration when choosing a digital SLR. When shopping for a camera, handle it as you would when taking photos. Try different lenses to check whether it is comfortable in your hands and consider other equipment you may be carrying such as a camera bag with extra lenses or a flash unit.

Megapixels

Unless you are going to print photos billboard size, a high amount of megapixels or resolution is not very important. In many cases, sensors with higher resolution tend to create noise or static on a photo, which can be dealt with within the camera or with photo editing software. A 10-megapixel camera will give you a good quality 16” X 20” print. Digital SLR’s have built-in noise reductions that reduce graininess in high-resolution photos.

The Nikon D3000, 10.2 megapixels with 18-55 mm lens and a 55-200 mm lens is a great beginning SLR camera at less than $800. This Nikon includes a guide mode to assist the beginner in capturing great images.

Sensor Size

One of the most important considerations in deciding what digital SLR to purchase is the sensor size, because that is what determines image quality. Sensors receive light, which turns the information into data that forms the image. The larger the sensor size, the better the quality of the photo.

Cameras with smaller sensors show less of the scene using any focal length lens at the same distance. To compensate, photographers can purchase specific lenses that compensate for the smaller sensor size.

For those who enjoy taking close shots with a telephoto lens, a smaller sensor is ideal because the smaller angle of view enhances the telephoto effect.

The Advanced Photo System type C or APS-C sensor is found in most digital SLRs. The size of the sensor is smaller than that of a 35 mm camera and yet produces great photos especially in telephoto work because of the lower field of view.

Keep in mind that the larger sensor size is more expensive. A full-frame size sensor, which is the equivalent to a 35-mm camera is primarily used by professional photographers and have a significant higher price range. A Nikon D700 is a full-frame camera currently selling for $3,000.

Internal Sensor Cleaning

An essential feature to any digital SLR is the ability of the camera to clean the sensor automatically, especially if a photographer changes lenses. Dust and dirt will show in photographs as intrusive spots. Cleaning the sensor yourself is risky and having the sensor cleaned can be expensive.

Whatever your photographic needs, chances are you will find a digital SLR that is perfect for you. A little comparison-shopping goes a long way in choosing the right equipment for creating great photographs.

Hope you like it!

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