DSLR Buying Guide
The DSLR camera is one of the most exciting and fastest growing technology releases in recent years. It’s also in high demand, which means that if you don’t take the time to find the right one for your needs, you’re going to be spending a lot of money. Most people think that DSLRs are good for professionals only, but they’re actually great fun for anyone who wants to get a little more serious about their photography. They allow you to have more control over your photos, and allow you to make adjustments based on the kind of conditions that you’re shooting in. The following is a DSLR buying guide and what you need:
1. Lenses
The lenses that you use on the camera are going to make a huge difference in how your pictures turn out. You might want to get a zoom lens for taking pictures of nature or wildlife, but you’ll probably want a macro lens for photographing flowers or insects. There are also some specialty lenses that you can buy that allow you to shoot in low light, and improve the quality of your photos. The lenses for these cameras can get quite expensive, but they are worth the investment if you plan on using your DSLR camera regularly.
2. Memory Cards and Storage Media
The memory cards that come with these cameras can store a limited number of photos, which means that you’ll also have to buy a storage medium so that you can save your photos safely once you’re finished taking them. You can burn them to a DVD or CD, but you should get an external hard drive for more protection and flexibility. You should also test the speed of your memory cards by taking a few photos and checking the results. It takes about 5 seconds for the camera to write pictures to the memory card, so you shouldn’t buy one that takes too long.
3. Brand Loyalty
Choosing the right camera is more about getting the one that you’re comfortable with. You should have a feel for what your needs are when it comes to the features that you want. You can also check out user reviews to see how people who have used this brand and model of camera before like them. You should also pay attention to what other people are saying about the brand, because if enough users complain about problems, then it’s likely that they will be addressed by manufacturers so that future buyers won’t be affected by these issues. The only other option is to get a discount in return for a return.
4. Megapixel Resolution
The higher the megapixel, the more details that you’ll be able to capture in a single shot. One of the main problems with high-resolution cameras is that they take a lot of memory cards and cost a lot of money, because you’re paying for all of that extra information. You can find some newer cameras with higher resolution, but you should try to stick to older models that have more space for pictures on the same size media. The megapixels are also a marketing gimmick, so you really have to be careful when choosing a camera.
5. External Flash
These cameras do have an internal flash, but it’s not very effective for most photography. It’s best to buy an external flash that will allow you to adjust the lighting conditions and get the lighting that you want without having to spend hours in front of a computer screen. Most DSLR cameras come with a hot shoe on top of the unit so that they can support one or more flashes. The flash settings can be changed on the camera and also through a computer.
6. Display
The display doesn’t need to be fancy, but it does need to be at least 1.5 inches. You may want to invest in a DSLR camera with a display that measures at least 3 inches so that you can see what you’re doing, and make adjustments immediately with the display. The LCD screen is also slightly smaller than its counterparts on some other cameras, so it can make pictures look a little too small. The higher the resolution, the better it will be for viewing your photos.
7. Video
This is a feature that’s not included on all DSLRs, but it’s one of the most exciting features for many photographers. There are a lot of ways to take videos with these cameras, including HD video, and you should get an external microphone so that you can have better sound quality. You can record videos in high definition mode, or you can use an SD card reader to convert your photos into video files that you can later edit and upload. The features and price can vary drastically among the different DSLR cameras, so it’s best to do a little bit of research before deciding on a brand.
8. Warranty Information
The warranty is what protects you from defects and accidental damage, but it does not cover misuse. You should check out the kind of warranty policy that comes with your DSLR camera, and make sure that you understand what is and isn’t covered by the warranty. There are also third party warranties that can give you even more protection, but you should be careful because some of them may void your manufacturer’s warranty.
9. Battery Compatibility
You may want to buy an additional battery or a replacement if you plan on using your camera on a regular basis. You can also get a battery grip so that you can hold the camera in your hands without running out of battery power. You should take the time to learn about how long your camera’s battery lasts, and get rechargeable batteries so that you don’t run out of power. You should also buy a charger so that you’re not left without power while you’re out on a trip or in the middle of photographing something.
10. Image Quality Features
You have to make sure that your camera has all of the necessary features before you choose a brand. The sensor size, the ISO level, and the type of lens may vary among models. You need to research all of these factors before choosing the one that’s right for you. It’s also helpful to check out user reviews about the quality of a particular brand, so make sure you do this. You should also try to get a camera with better image stabilization if you’re taking pictures in the field, since this will help to prevent blurring and motion blur.
Conclusion
The DSLR camera market is highly competitive. You need to get everything right the first time so that you don’t have to deal with any problems later on. The competition can be enormous, but you don’t want to go for ultra-high prices that leave you paying more money for a camera that doesn’t provide the quality that you expect. You also don’t want to pay a high price for something that’s not worth it, so make sure that you do your research and comparison shopping before buying your first DSLR camera.