DSLR Buying Guide

DSLR Buying Guide

DSLRs have grown in popularity over the last several decades as the technological advances make it easy to take pictures regardless of your skill level. Whether you're buying your first camera or upgrading your current model, there are several factors to consider including experience level, body type, and must-have features for creating dynamic photos.

DSLR Body Type

There are three main types of bodies: entry-level, mid-range or intermediate, and professional. Even the entry-level models will provide high-quality images as photography technology has really advanced over the past few years.

Entry-Level

Entry-level models are good for amateur photographers or those just starting out. User-friendly features make them simple to operate and an auto mode adjusts your settings depending on the lighting conditions to get optimum image quality. Entry-level cameras have interchangeable lenses, and they're a great tool for learning how to use exposure controls like aperture or shutter speed. The factory-installed preset settings help you achieve quality photos. Many models include a guide mode which leads you through the different features for a better understanding of how to work the camera.

Mid-Range

Mid-range, or intermediate, cameras are the next tier. They include an expanded set of manual controls to give you more creative freedom. These also have the ability to record 1080p videos and record audio when you attach a microphone. Mid-range cameras have hot shoes where you can attach an external flash and other accessories. Faster internal processors mean the camera works faster and can take more pictures in a shorter timeframe. The best time to buy a mid-range model is when you have mastered an entry-level model. Many professionals use mid-range cameras as a back up when they're out on a job. 

Professional

Professional cameras are the highest quality DSLRs on the market in terms of the build and the features. They give you complete manual control, with image processors that provide excellent image quality. The added memory card slots hold more than one card and give you extra storage, which is a must when you're taking hundreds or thousands of photos in a single session. Professional cameras have interfacing abilities so you can record, add a microphone, and connect to multiple devices. You can shoot raw images and video with professional cameras. There are two main types of cameras in this category: speed/low-light models for outdoor photography and high-res models for commercial purposes like fashion shoots and art photography.

Sensor Size

Camera sensors come with different sensor sizes such as full-frame, APS-C, micro four thirds etc. most DSLRs come with a Full frame or an APS-C sensor but exceptions are always there. Size of the camera's sensor determine the amount of light that the camera can capture. Simply speaking, bigger the sensor, higher will be the amount of light it can capture, and hence better quality (even in low light conditions). 

Full-frame sensors have same size as that of a 35mm film, and offer greater image quality as more detail comes through since the sensor is larger. Cameras with this sensor size are heavier and larger than other models, but they do come with added perks, including:

• Improved performance in low-light situations meaning less noise due to larger pixels
• They work well with wide-angle lenses
• Greater colour saturation and gradations

APS sensors are similar in size to the original APS film. Though they are smaller than a full frame, yet they have their own advantages of being better for longer focal because they have a crop factor, and also result in cameras being smaller as these sensors smaller.

Types of Lenses

After you have chosen the body of your camera, you would need to buy some lenses for your DSLR. There are many different kinds of lenses available such as:

• Kit lenses are lenses that come out of the box with most cameras (most common being 18-55mm lens).
• Prime lenses have a fixed focal length and wide aperture, they have a good low light performance and are used for creating highly focused images.
• Wide angle lenses are used for creating a field of view greater than that of a standard lens, fisheye lens is an extreme example of a wide angle lens which can produce a viewing angle of upto 180 degrees.
• Macro lens is used for close up photography, of small objects such as insects. This kind of lens ends up producing a highly focused and magnified image of the subject.
• Telephoto Lens is a long focus lens, used for taking pictures of far away objects. These kind of lenses can have zoom factors as big as 300x (this can vary depending on crop factor of the camera).

Modern DSLR Features

Modern DSLRs come with a variety of built-in conveniences, including connectivity.

• Many have Wi-Fi capability, which lets you upload pictures without connecting to a computer or device. The wireless adaptability is quick and convenient, and you can pair your camera with a smartphone to instantly send pictures to it and upload them to social media or send to a friend via messaging. You can also control your camera from a smart device with compatible apps. - Use a virtual lightroom to enhance pictures or make a slideshow from your phone.
• Select models have GPS technology with the ability to tag photos so you and other people know where they were taken. When you have thousands of pictures, it makes remembering the time and place easier.

Shopping for a DSLR camera means knowing which type and features you want. Do your research on the style that works best for your skill level and the types of photos you want to take, then shop around to find one that meets your must-have list and budget.