Digital SLR Buying Guide

Introduction


A Digital SLR, or single-lens reflex camera, are digital cameras that use a mechanical mirror system and pentaprism to direct light from the lens to an image sensor circuit and processor within the camera. These cameras are desired and used by professionals due to the advanced features and technology . Here is a breakdown of the kinds of SLRs out there and what you should be looking for while you shop.

 

Types

 

  • Interchangeable-lens full system digital SLR - As the name states, a photographer has the option to switch lenses as needed, , in order to go from ultra-wide-angle to super telephoto. This ability sets these cameras apart from others of its kind.
  • Fixed-lens digital SLR - The lenses on these cameras are fixed, meaning they can't be removed. This stationary quality severely limits their versatility. Most of these models use a semitransparent, non-moving mirror to bounce some light to the viewfinder while letting most through to the sensor, allowing the photographer to use their LCDs for composing.
  • SLR-like or SLR-style - These are standard digital cameras that use a small liquid crystal display (LCD) for the electronic viewfinder (EVF) in place of the SLR's pentaprism or a point-and-shoot's optical finder. While these cameras may look like DSLRs, they have no mirror, and the EVF doesn’t compare to the image quality of a decent pentaprism viewfinder.

 

Important Features to Consider

 

  • Greater lens versatility - DSLRs allow the user to choose from a variety of interchangeable lenses. Several manufacturers' SLR lens systems offer a wide selection of lenses, each optimized for a particular intended purpose. There are multiple zooms, ultrawide-angles, supertelephotos, and specialty optics such as macro and perspective-control lenses to give a photographer more options and control over the pictures they shoot in the field and in the studio.
  • Better image quality at a given resolution - 10 megapixels from a digital SLR beats 10 megapixels from a standard digital camera. This feature produces a very dramatic difference at higher light sensitivities, making pictures much more clearer
  • Increased complexity - Choosing and changing lenses while shooting can become tedious and confusing. Additionally, the digital SLRs generally have several buttons and dials, which can intimidate some beginning users.
  • Higher prices - More features, more lenses, and more options all mean a higher price range for digital SLRs in comparison to non SLR cameras.
  • Typically bigger and heavier - The SLR mirror box, pentaprism, need for larger batteries to power higher performance components, and more durable materials cause this camera to be heavier and bulkier than a point-and-shoot's design. However, the weight and size difference is fairly nominal with others when looking into ‘entry level’ DSLRs. Additionally, the introduction of Live View mode has made it possible to frame with a DSLR the way you do with a point-and-shoot model, but because DSLRs are significantly bigger and heavier than your typical snapshot camera, and not really designed to be held at a distance in front of you, the process can be a bit awkward and inconvenient to use the LCD for framing.
  • A more functional "shooter's" design - Designs vary per personal taste, but, in general, digital SLRs tend to have easily accessible thumb and forefinger wheels for exposure settings, discrete buttons for other critical features such as exposure compensation and white balance, vertical position shutter releases, and less menu surfing.
  • Larger sensors - Most DSLRs also have a function that allows accurate preview of depth of field due to having larger sensors compared to most compact digital cameras. These large sensors allow for similar depths of field and picture angle to film formats, as well as their comparatively high signal to noise ratio.
  • Greater flexibility - Access to a much broader range of accessories, including powerful external flashes, alternate power sources, wireless transmitters, and remote triggering devices.
  • Better performance - Typically, digital SLRs have a faster autofocus, shorter shutter delay, faster continuous shooting, and a bigger memory buffer. DSLRs also allow an accurate preview of framing close to the moment of exposure.

 

See our list of top digital SLR cameras for specific recommendations.