Choosing a camera that fits your lifestyle is essential.
Digital SLR (Single Lens Reflex) cameras are the choice for professional and serious amateur photographers. They offer a wide selection of lenses and are much more versatile than many point-and-shoot digital cameras. The optical quality of an SLR camera is also much greater as they are more sophisticated than point-and-shoot cameras. When selecting a D-SLR, one must also consider budget; digital SLR cameras can range from a few hundred dollars to thousands of dollars. Your investment depends considerably on what you will be shooting. Do your research to make sure you choose the right digital SLR for your photographic needs.
Instructions
1. Compare camera sensors. Some D-SLR cameras such as the Canon EOS 5D MK II and EOS 1D Mark IV are equipped with Full Frame Image sensors, which are the equivalent of a 35mm film frame; they have better image quality and performance in low light. Full Frame sensors are usually equipped in high end camera bodies.
2. Compare camera resolution. Popular D-SLR cameras are in the range of 10.2-megapixels to 18.0-megapixels. However, do not solely base your decision on the number of megapixels. A higher number of megapixels offers greater resolution in larger sizes. Most photographers do not use more than six to eight megapixels, unless in the Fashion and Advertising industries; photographers in these settings need their work to be exceptionally large for editorial spreads and billboards.
3. Become familiar with the LCD Monitor. Make sure the LCD is large enough to read all of the controls, view the histogram and use the playback feature easily. Many digital camera LCD Monitors have back-lit screens for reading information easily, and may have anti-glare coating to cut down on ambient light glare.
4. Compare the physical size of the digital SLR camera. Some cameras are heavier than others and are made of stronger materials such as magnesium alloy. The Canon EOS Rebel T2i or Nikon D60 camera bodies are compact and lighter than the bulky and solid bodies of the Canon EOS 1D Mark IV or Canon 5D MK II. Hold the selection of cameras while visiting a camera store for a lengthy amount of time. Notice if there is any fatigue or stress on the wrists; if so, consider finding a lighter camera if necessary. Also keep in mind the location in which you will be using the camera and if you will be holding or carrying it for a significant length of time.
5. Compare the frame rate of the camera. For subjects that are in motion, fast, continuous frames rates are needed. This can be measured with frames per second. Professional camera bodies such as the Canon EOS 1D Mark IV has a frame rate of 10 Frames per second, continuously. The mid range EOS 60D has a frame rate of 5.3 frames per second. Entry level Rebel T2i captures 3.7 frames per second.
6. Become familiar with the modes the camera features. Many modern digital SLR cameras have shooting modes for different situations, manual modes for advanced users and custom user modes that make shooting convenient when in the same lighting situation often. Many cameras also have file modes such as JPEG only, or the option of RAW and JPEG. High-end cameras typically have both RAW and JPEG file modes.
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