For the most part, digital imaging is pretty much a hot item today and people have long since traded their film-based auto-focus cameras with digital ones. After all, it's more convenient and cost-efficient to get all your still shots recorded in one device rather than having to change films when your old one runs out.

The birth of the digital SLR camera has provided a new opportunity for many people to try photography as a hobby in spit of their busy schedules. According to recent reports, sales for digital-based cameras have increased over the years as more people have started growing more interested in pursuing digital photography as a worthwhile hobby.

Professional photography, however, is a different matter altogether.

With professional photography, the choice of SLR camera is important in bringing out the desired effect that you want in your still shots. This is not just a matter of capturing moments but making the photographs tell the story and eliciting a response from its spectator.

Selecting the right digital SLR camera can be quite a challenge what with the wide variety of options available in the market. For upcoming photographers, cost is one of the many things that they need to consider. Prices of cameras vary so before you decide to shop around for one, you will want to decide on how much you’re willing to spend. But price is not the only determinant of a cost-efficient gadget. It goes without saying that you should also look into the quality of the product and its overall performance.

Remember that you will be investing on a gadget that you will probably use for quite some time so it pays to be extra careful when choosing an affordable digital SLR camera.

Here are some things that you need to look for when shopping for your first DSLR camera.

Image quality

When people shop for digital cameras, the first thing that they usually ask about is the product’s image quality. Resolution has always become one of the first measures of quality for such types of gadgets. The rule of the thumb is that the more megapixels the camera has, the better its image quality. For beginners, a camera with six to ten megapixels in resolution is good enough. Such image quality is suited for basic prints and enlargements without the exorbitant price tag.

Professionals who are looking for a DSLR camera to supplement their current equipment will usually opt for those that have higher resolutions. The latest ones usually come with sixteen to eighteen megapixels and are capable of producing large image files without sacrificing detail definition even after editing.

Sensors

With traditional SLRs, having a larger sensor is important especially if you want to maximize the potential of lighting in creating quality images. Typical DSLRs usually come with smaller sensors than their film-based counterparts so it’s a good idea to pay close attention to this detail when you go shopping for your camera. It’s best to go with at least a 35mm frame sensor which is the standard for most traditional cameras.

Shutter speed and performance

Your choice of DSLR camera will also depend on where you’re going to use it for. People who are into action photography will probably require a camera that has an impressive shutter speed. This will enable you to capture certain details that get lost in the action. With DSLRs, you will find that the shutter speeds are varied across different models and brands. Shutter speed is normally measured in frames-per-second so look out for this particular detail when considering certain camera models.

Features such as multi-sensor modules will come in handy when you need to take pictures in places that have poor lighting or where your movement is pretty limited. It’s also a good idea to check on the camera’s response time. Shutter lag, or the gap between pressing the release button and the actual capture of the photo, should be kept to a minimum to make sure that you’re not missing on crucial details.

Handy features

If you're always on the go, it's better if you get a DSLR that is relatively more compact than most of its kind. SLRs are generally bigger than point and shoot cameras but this is not to say that size shouldn't be one of the areas that you should consider when making your selection. It would be a good idea if you chose a model that you can easily take around with you.

Aside from the size, a camera that allows for easy upgrades. There are even those that come with their own lens packages. You will want to go with a DSLR camera that can be easily updated and is also compatible with the operating system in your computer. You may want to get a model that comes with a USB connectivity option as well as one for wireless or Firewire so you can easily transfer your images to your computer or printer.