Tips on Purchasing Your First Digital Slr Camera

Tips on Purchasing Your First Digital Slr Camera

As a pro photographer, I am often asked "I am ready to upgrade from my point and shoot camera. What type of digital Slr camera should I buy?" I am known in my community as the photography devotee and I was asked this quiz, just the other day as I stood in line at a uptown coffee shop. "Do you like Canon or Nikon better?" It was hard to get my cup of coffee the other day, but I do enjoy talking about cameras and helping citizen make a wise and practical decision that fits their funds and needs.

First you should correlate your needs for a digital Slr system. I have rated over 12 new Dslr cameras in my most recent delineate on my website and have categorized users into three levels:

1) Serious amateur

2) Rising pro

3) pro with some bucks

Each user level has determined differences in features and in pricing. Many of the newer features in current model Slr cameras contain video capture, image stabilization built into the camera body, face detection, Iso range to 3200 or 6400, live view system, dust allowance ideas and dynamic range optimization. More developed features contain fast fps (frames per second), size of the sensor and mega- pixels.

What are your needs for a new camera system? If you are unfamiliar with some of the terminology above, you will have some research to do in order to make a wise decision. I recommend to start with a small list of features that you know you would like to have and then go online or to my website and research Canon, Nikon, Sony, Olympus, Pentax, and Sigma manufacturers. I always recommend going to a local camera store for the expertise of the sales people. They can guide you straight through an leading decision like this and you can have a hands-on demonstration of your camera choices. Be ready as you may pay more there than if you ordered on-line. You must correlate how much their knowledge is worth to you. I have also found that if you make a purchase at a local store, they will supply you with free classes and customer support.

The more you know about the features ready in the line-up of the current digital Slr cameras, the great choice you will make in development this very leading first time purchase.

I have also categorized each camera into a pricing level

1) Low- under 00

2) Moderate - 00 - 00

3) High - 00 and up

In the moderate and high ranges most cameras will contain the body only. This is because they are geared more for professionals, while the low type is aimed more at amateurs who may not know a lot about lenses. So make sure you know what is included when you make your purchase.

There are many beloved camera choices in the low type such as the Canon Rebel Xsi and the Nikon D90. Do not overlook other manufacturers if this is your price range. Also look at the Sony a350, Pentax K2000, Olympus E-520 and the Sigma Sd15. Cameras in this price range will be affordable and great starter systems to get you going in the photography arena.

If you are interested in using your new digital Slr camera for pro use, whether on a part-time or full-time basis, I recommend you do not purchase from this category, because you could embarrass yourself when your client shows up with the same camera. They are actually intended for amateur use only.

The next step up is the moderate price level. Many excellent cameras exist in this type and are still reasonably priced, in my opinion. The top choices are the Canon 5D, Nikon D-300, the new Olympus E-30 and the Fuji S-5. If you are mental of going pro now or sometime in the near feature, the features in these cameras are far great than the low category. You will absolutely get more bang for your buck.

The top level includes cameras fluctuating from 00 to over 00 for the new Nikon D3X priced at roughly 00 (body only). Typically photographers pick in this range for the full frame sensor highlight and large amount of mega-pixels (20 or more). Other features contain a very top Iso range up to 6400, very fast frames per second, ideal for sports photographers, rugged camera bodies built for nature photographers. These systems have the pro in mind for every feature. They are staggering cameras and you will not have to worry about clients showing up with the same camera as you.

Purchasing a new camera is like purchasing any new electronics. The prices and features vary and the choices are plentiful. My guidance has always been to go one step over what you think you need. In the long run, you will not be sorry and the extra merge hundred dollars that you spend will soon be long forgotten.

Tags : DSLR Camera

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