Ready to make the plunge into the next level of photography? Do you want more manual control of your camera? Want the benefits and results only specialty lenses can lend to your photography? If you are ready to own a more serious digital camera, you should be shopping for a digital single lens reflex (DLSR) camera. Don’t get lost in a sea of camera bodies, lenses and flashes—let Pronto’s Digital SLR Camera Buying Guide provide you with the basics so you can begin to build out a well-planned inventory of digital photography equipment (see also Point and Shoot Digital Camera Buying Guide).
DSLR stands for Digital Single Lens Reflex. Without going into the actual camera mechanics, all you really need to know is that the camera operates in a similar fashion to the 35mm cameras of yore. Comprised of an intricate system of mirrors and a prism, what you see in your viewfinder is exactly what the camera will shoot.
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Full-framed cameras have a very similar sized dimension as the traditional 35mm film camera, and all of the lenses are interchangeable. Reduced frame DSLRs, because they’re slightly smaller in size, have their own family of lenses to choose from.
Megapixels
Because DSLR camera image sensors are larger than point-and-shoot cameras, a 6MP DSLR will produce higher quality images than a 6MP point and shoot. Most DSLR cameras come standard with 8-10MP which will produce superior clarity 20 x 30 printed images.
Image Format
There are two file formats, RAW and JPG. RAW is becoming the de facto file format for most photographers. If you shoot RAW, you’ll need post-production software. RAW isn’t a requirement for most enthusiasts but professionals will want it. Look for models that shoot in both RAW and JPG.
Interchangeable lenses
Research all the lens options before you commit to a DSLR camera brand. Once you purchase the camera, you’ll be tied to the brand and its accessories for a long time to come. Look at your current needs and developing interests.
Dirt and Moisture Resistance
Never forget that electronic components act far differently than their old mechanical counterparts. If you plan to shoot in windstorms, blizzards, or rainy days, make sure your camera is as dirt and moisture resistant as possible.
Nikon D40 w/AF-S DX 18-55mm f3.5-5.6G ED II Zoom Lens
6.1 megapixel CCD sensor; Nikon F-Mount Lenses; JPEG and NEF (RAW) file formats; Auto and manual focus and exposure; ISO 200-3200. Digital Photography HQ said its debut “was a significant moment for digital SLR cameras. The D40's incredibly affordable price made it a great option for budget-minded photographers looking for a solid professional-level camera, and virtually everyone who got their hands on it was satisfied by the high-quality images and comfortable design.”
6.1 megapixel CCD sensor; Nikon F-Mount Lenses; JPEG and NEF (RAW) file formats; Auto and manual focus and exposure; ISO 200-3200. Digital Photography HQ said its debut “was a significant moment for digital SLR cameras. The D40's incredibly affordable price made it a great option for budget-minded photographers looking for a solid professional-level camera, and virtually everyone who got their hands on it was satisfied by the high-quality images and comfortable design.”
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CNET.com - “Excellent feel and compact size; very customizable menu architecture; nice guidance for dSLR newbies; excellent noise characteristics for high-ISO shots…. The Nikon D40 Digital SLR Camera is a great transition camera for going from point-and-shoot to your first DSLR.” Source: CNET
Digital Camera HQ - “The Canon Digital Rebel XTi 400D Camera is a unique opportunity for curious and adventurous photographers to graduate from mainstream cameras and into the upper echelons of photography without getting too deep into unfamiliar territory or spending an exorbitant amount of money.” Source: Digital Camera HQ
PopPhoto.com - Sony Alpha 100 DSLR Camera: Editor’s Choice Entry-Level DSLR Camera of the year. “Our favorite feature is the top-mounted function dial, used to quickly adjust settings that would otherwise require delving into the menu. These include ISO, white balance, flash mode, metering pattern, AF mode, DRO mode, and image parameters such as contrast, saturation, and sharpness. All that makes the Sony Alpha 100 an advanced D-SLR at an entry-level price.” Source: PopPhoto.com
hot buzzWhat's the latest in the world of SLR Digital Cameras?
Reported on PopPhoto.com—“The Joint Photographic Experts Group (JPEG), which created the JPEG file format that is ubiquitous in digital cameras and imaging software, has announced that it will consider Microsoft's HD Photo image file format for standardization. If standardized, the format would be called JPEG XR. The standardization process paves the way for the new format to make its way into digital cameras and other digital imaging devices, as well as software.”
Entry level, reduced frame ($300-800) with at least 8 MP and full manual features, including ISO manipulation, larger range of shutter speed settings and variable auto focus options.GOOD PICK: Olympus SP-550UZ
High-quality, mostly full-framed ($800-3000). These DSLRs will be sturdier then the lower end (created with higher quality steel), some will be full-frame cameras, and all will have more manual options than the entry level. Most cameras in this category are 10MP. GOOD PICK: Canon EOS Digital Rebel XT
Highest-quality, full framed, full-featured ($3000+). These DSLRs will have between 10 and 13MPs, with the higher-end models featuring a dust and moisture sealed body, higher ISO and shutter speed capabilities, and more frames per second. This is the camera choice of many professional photographers. GOOD PICK: Canon EOS 30D
What are the terms and definitions I need to know about?
ISO
The lesser understood variable that manipulates light entering a camera, ISO is a feature mimicking the film ‘speed’ of the past. (Remember the numbers on the canisters of film? 100, 200 or 400?) DSLRs replicate the same ‘speed’, allowing you the power to shoot in near dark environments and get creative results.
Frames per Second
The shutter mechanism in a DSLR offers a set number of frames per second (fps). The lower ends will be 2-3 fps, whereas the higher end options are up to 10 fps. Meaning, holding your finger down on the shutter for a full second will create up to 10 consecutive images automatically.
RAW
RAW is a new file format the records all of the information taken ‘raw’, like the old film negative. There is no alteration or compression of the image performed in the camera. Thus, this work needs to be done in a post-processing environment on a computer. RAW files are extremely large and will take up room on a memory card.
The great thing about SLRs over point-and-shoot is the expandable nature based on how serious a photographer you are. If you're like me, and just want quality shots of general everyday things (vacations, kids, etc), then getting an entry level SLR with a kit lens should be more than enough. But i... more »
