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Digital SLR.
DSLR Cameras - What to look for when buying a digital SLR.
Buying a Digital SLR can be a daunting task; there are many great cameras to choose from, coming from a host of different manufacturers. No matter how many reviews you read your new digital SLR camera should have most of the items listed below if you are serious about photography.
Large Resolution: the size of your image is down to the resolution of the camera, known as Megapixels. The more Megapixels your camera has the larger the print you can achieve from your image. Each pixel holds information and when all the pixels are joined together you get your final image.
Large Sensor: The cameras sensor is a silicon chip that is covered by light-sensitive photo pixels. The size of the sensor is also a major factor in determining the quality and size of the image. The bigger the sensor chip the larger you can print your image.
ISO: The ISO controls the cameras sensitivity to available light. A lower ISO number will give you a better quality image and should be used in bright conditions. A higher ISO number should be used in low light conditions. Using a higher ISO number will leave digital noise in the image. If you are unsure about the ISO setting shoot with an ISO of 200.
File type: There are three main file types that your new camera should have. The most common type is JPEG, which is a compressed digital file type. This is ideal for taking many images. A TIFF file type gives you a larger file type which has better image quality. Both JPEG and TIFF are in some way adjusted by the camera. The Raw file type is completely untouched. These are ideal for images that will be processed later in Photoshop.
Buying a Digital SLR can be a daunting task; there are many great cameras to choose from, coming from a host of different manufacturers. No matter how many reviews you read your new digital SLR camera should have most of the items listed below if you are serious about photography.
Large Resolution: the size of your image is down to the resolution of the camera, known as Megapixels. The more Megapixels your camera has the larger the print you can achieve from your image. Each pixel holds information and when all the pixels are joined together you get your final image.
Large Sensor: The cameras sensor is a silicon chip that is covered by light-sensitive photo pixels. The size of the sensor is also a major factor in determining the quality and size of the image. The bigger the sensor chip the larger you can print your image.
ISO: The ISO controls the cameras sensitivity to available light. A lower ISO number will give you a better quality image and should be used in bright conditions. A higher ISO number should be used in low light conditions. Using a higher ISO number will leave digital noise in the image. If you are unsure about the ISO setting shoot with an ISO of 200.
File type: There are three main file types that your new camera should have. The most common type is JPEG, which is a compressed digital file type. This is ideal for taking many images. A TIFF file type gives you a larger file type which has better image quality. Both JPEG and TIFF are in some way adjusted by the camera. The Raw file type is completely untouched. These are ideal for images that will be processed later in Photoshop.
Focusing: should be to a high standard on your new digital SLR. Most new cameras have a high standard that is sharp and swift. A good DSLR should have three focusing modes. The first is a manual mode, the second is the auto-focusing mode and the third is continuous focusing mode. The third is ideal for sport or fast moving photography.
Burst Rate: Most DSLR cameras have a build in processor that handles the file transfer from the sensor to the memory card. The processor temporarily stores information about each shot. Once this is full the DSLR camera cannot capture any more images. The number of images the camera can take before the buffer is full is called the Burst Rate.
Exposure system: Your new DSLR should have an advanced exposure system that can handle most light conditions. There are several different types of exposure settings that you should have. The most common type is the centre-weighted metering system, which should be extremely accurate. The spot metering system is also accurate. It takes a reading from small areas in the scene.
Shooting mode: There should be several different shooting modes that give you complete control over auto control. Your DSLR should have a full manual mode where you control everything.
LCD Screen: Buy an SLR with a large LCD screen. This will be useful for viewing the images before saving them and will also be useful for changing the cameras settings.
White-balance: Most DSLR cameras will have an auto white-balance mode so that the colour quality of the light is automatically assessed. Most good Digital SLRs should have a manual mode which can be useful in some cases.
While the above are the most important thing to look out for, there are many more items that you may consider when buying a camera. Some of the new Digital SLRs have built in features that reduce camera shake and remove dust. Shop around before you buy, as price difference between some outlets can be sizeable. Memory cards seldom come included so don’t forget to budget for them.
Burst Rate: Most DSLR cameras have a build in processor that handles the file transfer from the sensor to the memory card. The processor temporarily stores information about each shot. Once this is full the DSLR camera cannot capture any more images. The number of images the camera can take before the buffer is full is called the Burst Rate.
Exposure system: Your new DSLR should have an advanced exposure system that can handle most light conditions. There are several different types of exposure settings that you should have. The most common type is the centre-weighted metering system, which should be extremely accurate. The spot metering system is also accurate. It takes a reading from small areas in the scene.
Shooting mode: There should be several different shooting modes that give you complete control over auto control. Your DSLR should have a full manual mode where you control everything.
LCD Screen: Buy an SLR with a large LCD screen. This will be useful for viewing the images before saving them and will also be useful for changing the cameras settings.
White-balance: Most DSLR cameras will have an auto white-balance mode so that the colour quality of the light is automatically assessed. Most good Digital SLRs should have a manual mode which can be useful in some cases.
While the above are the most important thing to look out for, there are many more items that you may consider when buying a camera. Some of the new Digital SLRs have built in features that reduce camera shake and remove dust. Shop around before you buy, as price difference between some outlets can be sizeable. Memory cards seldom come included so don’t forget to budget for them.
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