Tips to Choose the Best DSLR Camera
There are a number of reasons why someone would want to shift to using a DSLR camera from a point and shoot digital camera. These reasons could range from wanting to get better image quality in your pictures to having the option of manual controls on your camera. Also with photography becoming a more affordable hobby with the advent of digital cameras, it has also drawn more people towards it. After achieving a level of proficiency with digital cameras most amateur photographers would want to use DSLR cameras. But how do you choose the best DSLR for beginners and what are the factors that need to be kept in mind? In this article, we give you tips that will help you choose out the best camera for your needs.
Choosing the Best DSLR
Without beating around the bush, let us take a look at those factors that will help you decide which is the best DSLR for the money that you are spending on it. All the different features that you need to look out for in a camera to indulge in your interest in photography are listed out below.
Need of a Camera
One of the most important factors that will make your decision for you is what you are going to use the camera for. This is also probably the question that the salesperson at the store is going to ask you. Answer this question by figuring out what kind of photography you want to indulge in. Do you want to buy a camera to shoot pictures while going about life or do you want to specialize in sports or wildlife photography? Do not answer this question with what you would want to do in your fantasy land but anchor the answer in reality.
Cost of the Camera
Most of us have a fixed budget when we go out to buy a camera. This will be an important deciding factor when it comes to buying a camera. The price range where DSLRs are concerned is quite wide with basic models available for as less as USD 400 and going up to thousands of dollars. Setting a budget will ensure that you do not get confused with the variety you have at your hand. Remember that your budget will also have to include the cost of lenses (in case you are planning to upgrade them), memory cards, camera bag, batteries (a rechargeable battery is a must have), and if the company offers an option for the same, then extended warranty for the camera.
Tech Spec of the Camera
Camera manufacturers often overemphasize the number of megapixels a camera has. While important this is not the most important feature. If you have the concept of megapixels explained to you, you will realize that higher megapixels does not necessarily mean that the camera quality is better. A good resolution is definitely a must but high number of megapixels are needed only if you need to print huge sized images. Another important factor to keep in mind is the image sensor size. The bigger your sensor size, the more the number of pixels it can accommodate bettering image quality. But then again the need for this depends on the use you are going to put the camera to. If you are looking at buying a camera for sports photography, then look for one that has a very high shutter speed. Similarly a camera with burst mode will enable you to shoot a series of images by just pressing down on the shutter release. Image stabilization or anti-shake as the feature is better known is also an important feature. Other considerations are the range of ISO settings, the LCD size so that you can view the images you click, and the flash the camera provides. While cameras for professionals do not have a built in flash, most beginner level DSLRs for digital photography come with a built in flash.
These were some of the important factors to consider while choosing a DSLR for your use. Other factors to consider are the size of the camera as these cameras are not as light as point and shoot ones so if you are looking for a compact size, you will have to look around as DSLRs are generally weighty. If this is not your first DSLR camera, then check the previous gear you have and decide on your upgrade accordingly. If you had an SLR previously there is a possibility that the lenses you have are compatible with the DSLR you want to buy. The same can be true for a memory card which may be compatible with both DSLRs and point and shoot cameras. Also consider the possibility of a future upgrade as this may be something that you need to keep in mind.
Some of the DSLRs available in the market today are the Canon EOS Digital Rebel XSi Digital SLR Camera, Sony Alpha DSLR-A300 Digital SLR Camera, Olympus Evolt E-510 Digital SLR Camera, Canon EOS 40D Digital SLR, and Olympus E3 Digital SLR Camera. These were just some of the factors to keep in mind while choosing the best DSLR for your needs. You can also take a look at the different charts of comparison available online to help make your choice. At the end of the day the final choice can be made only once you have taken a look at the different models for yourself.
