For many years the SLR film camera has been the choice of both amateur and professional photographers alike for the best and most versatile camera equipment. And now that the digital photo age has begun, the digital SLR is still the best choice for those that want more than just snapshots. Here are a few things to look for when choosing a digital SLR camera.
First of all, if you already have a SLR film camera with multiple interchangeable lenses, then you may be able to save a lot of money by just buying the same brand of digital SLR as most brands allow their older film camera lenses to be used on the new digital models. But just make sure before you buy because a few major brands do not allow this kind of migration and so there is no benefit in staying with that brand for lens equipment savings.
Resolution is important in digital SLRs,and is usually represented by how many megapixels the camera uses to save its digital photo files. For most uses a 6-8 megapixel camera will work fine with enlargements on up to 11 X 14, but if you like making even larger prints or do heavy image editing, you may want even more resolution to work with to ensure that your photos remain clear and sharp.
If you like to use fill flash for many of your outdoor shots, you will want to consider a digital SLR that has a very fast flash sync too, such as 1/500 second. Below 1/250 second the flash sync speed is really only useful mainly for indoor shots instead.
Being able to see the images and controls that you use on a dSLR is important too, so check the LCD screen for brightness and visibility not only indoors but also outside too, as this is an area where some very good SLRs can let you down. Also make sure that the viewfinder itself gives you a bright, clear image in all types of light, enabling you to easily see and manipulate the camera settings at all times.
If you like to use your camera for closeup shots then you will want to get a dSLR that has a mirror lockup feature. This lets you lock the mirror up out of the way before taking the photo and reduces the camera shake that is inherent when the mirror flips up out of the way and then lands back into position again. This doesn't normally create a problem for most average shots, but when taking closeups and vibration of the camera at all can results in a blurry unfocused image.
Also check the size and weight of a digital SLR camera before buying it to be sure that it will not be uncomfortable to carry for a prolonged period of time, and that the knobs and controls are easily manipulated. Some cameras are so small that their controls can be difficult for those with larger fingers and hands to easily use.
These simple suggestions can help you buy a digital SLR camera that will best fit your own unique needs.
In the recent years, people have gained more reasons to love documenting events in photos. The dawn of digital SLR or single lens reflex cameras have given people more reasons to take their interest in their photography further.
Like regular digital cameras, digital SLR cameras function without the help of the film. Before, people had to bring a roll of film every time they would bring their cameras. While the film allowed people to capture pictures, the shots were quite limited; a roll of film would allow them to take a maximum of 36 photos. That is hardly acceptable, since most people are shutterbugs.
It was quite common that people wished they could take more photos of surprising events, but they weren't able to do so because they ran out of film. Some people could have opted to tote more than one roll of film with them, but that is quite a hassle, especially for people who hate to bring too much.
With digital SLR cameras, people do not have to worry about using up all the film. With a decent memory card inserted in the camera, one can take a hefty number of photos. Another good thing about not having to use films is that photographers can choose which photos they want, without having to actually print the photos. This is a huge money saver, since people won't have to have the images processed in the shop. Also, this allows the people to readily review and edit the photos.
Moreover, since the images can be easily uploaded on the computer, the photographer can just delete the shots he won't use. Another plus is that the memory card is reusable; as soon as the pictures are transferred to the computer, then the photographer can take more pictures.
The digital SLR camera can also be used with a variety of lenses. Telephoto lens allows the photographer to take photos of distant subjects, while wide angle lens provide a wider picture. Other lenses like perspective-control and macro lenses may also be used. Because the lenses can be changed, the photographer can achieve a variety of looks in the photos. This feat is impossible with regular digital cameras, since the lenses are already built-in and aren't changeable.
People using digital SLR cameras can also notice that there is better image quality compared to regular digital cameras. This allows even the amateurs to get good quality photos.
The difference in image quality is even more noticeable in higher light sensitivities. Taking pictures of spur-of-the-moment happenings becomes easier with a digital SLR camera. Because there is a shorter shutter delay and faster continuous shooting, it becomes easier for anyone to take pictures of moving subjects. These cameras have faster autofocus, so people can take comfort in knowing that they won't miss photo-worthy moments.
With the many advantages of the digital SLR camera, it is no wonder that more people are embracing photography as a hobby. And since these cameras produce great pictures, it is also a good start for amateurs who want to take photography as a profession.
Both Jim Johnson & Jonathan Popoola are contributors for EditorialToday. The above articles have been edited for relevancy and timeliness. All write-ups, reviews, tips and guides published by EditorialToday.com and its partners or affiliates are for informational purposes only. They should not be used for any legal or any other type of advice. We do not endorse any author, contributor, writer or article posted by our team.