If you’re reading this, you’re probably either upgrading your point-and-shoot camera or you’re completely new to photography. Either way, a Digital Single Lens Reflex camera, or a DSLR camera, is a wonderful investment that is worth your money. Knowing that there are hundreds of intriguing options out there, it’s important to choose the right one as per your needs. Plus, it’s not like the cameras in the market these days are easy to tell apart.
Each camera comes with different features and specifications which can be overwhelming to choose the right option at first. But, with this guide, you’ll be well-equipped with all there is to know about DSLR cameras. Here is all the information you need before you buy a digital single-lens reflex camera.
You Need to Have Basic Photo Editing Skills
Most new photographers think that buying a DSLR camera means shooting perfect shots every time without needing to edit the photos. However, you need to learn at least a few basic photo editing skills in order to use one of these cameras. For example, you need to know that most good cameras out there shoot images in a format called RAW which holds more image data than most other formats such as JPEG.
You then have to develop the RAW files you shot in order to get the best results, it’s the same thing photographers used to do with their camera analog film. Otherwise, you’ll end up with plain photos which don’t utilize the potential of your new camera.
Lenses Are Important
One of the main reasons why people prefer DSLR and mirrorless cameras is because of their ability to swap lenses for different ones. These types of cameras are called Interchangeable Lens cameras. They give you a lot of options and freedom when it comes to taking special shots. For example, you can use a telephoto lens to shoot close-up images of birds, and a wide-angle lens to shoot natural landscapes.
As explained by the team behind Camera Race, if you check, you’ll notice that most fixed-lens cameras don’t offer that much flexibility. Your phone’s camera, for instance, is considered a fixed-lens camera. These lenses are usually very expensive and the good ones can cost more than the price of an entire DSLR camera.
The Sensor
The camera sensor is one of the most important features of a DSLR camera. Unfortunately, many people don’t understand what a sensor does or how important it is in taking pictures. The sensor’s main function is to record the images you see through the viewfinder and to send these images to the camera memory card. The size of your DSLR camera’s sensor is also important when it comes to the quality and clarity of the images you take.
The bigger your camera sensor is, the clearer your images will be and the more information it will be able to capture during your shots. Full frame sensors are considered the largest sensors, they are the same size as a 35 mm camera film. This is why you’ll notice that full-frame DSLR cameras are a bit expensive compared to others with crop sensors.
Resolution
Many people believe that megapixels determine the clarity of images and therefore, are important for the quality of the photos they take. The truth is, megapixels are important for shooting images, but they’re just not as important as you think they are. We’re only under this impression because most phone and camera manufacturers talk about megapixels all the time when they market their products.
When in reality, anything above 7 megapixels is more than enough for sharp and quality photos. Plus, all entry-level cameras these days come with a resolution that is above 15 megapixels, which is more than enough even if you need it for a professional career. Instead, you should focus more on the lens of your camera and the size of its sensor as they contribute more to the quality of the images you get.
The Camera Body
If you’re a beginner, most entry-level DSLR cameras will pretty much feel the same to you, however, there are a few things to keep in mind when you shop for a new one. Most cheap models would come with regular view screens, unlike LCD view screens that give you a better place to review your photos when you buy the right brands.
This is why you need to look up the models and brands of the best DSLR cameras on the market before you choose one for yourself. For example, other models would even have screens that pop out of the back and rotate to the sides which can help you take better angles for photos. Some models would come with a touch-screen which is a lot easier to use than having to press the little buttons on the back of the camera.
DSLR cameras come with all sorts of specifications and feature nowadays, which makes it very hard to choose the right camera for your specific needs. You have to consider things like the size of the sensor in your camera and which lens you use to take certain shots. But once you find the perfect camera for yourself, it becomes worth the investment as you learn a new hobby and create a potential career.
