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How do I choose the right digital SLR camera?
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How do I choose the right DSLR?
Here we look at the key features and benefits of DSLR cameras and how they can help you to take better photos. Look out for these features when choosing your DSLR camera.
Lenses
The beauty of DSLR is the flexibility to switch lenses to make the most of your subject. A wide angle lens allows you to capture a panoramic landscape, whereas with a macro lens you can get up close to flowers and insects.
- Lenses are referred to by their focal length e.g. 50mm, which indicates how close your subject will appear in the image. Generally:
- 50mm lens - is considered the equivalent of what you would see with the naked eye.
- 18mm lens - will give a wide angle view.
- 300mm lens - will give a telephoto effect, allowing you to close in on distant subjects.
- Zoom Lenses (e.g. 70mm - 300mm) - offer varying focal lengths, letting you close in and zoom out from the subject.
- When buying lenses for your DSLR, look for the mount compatibility.
- The mechanism that holds the lens on the camera body differs between manufacturers, so check they're compatible before buying, e.g. all Canon lenses will fit a Canon body.
ISO Range
- The ISO refers to the camera’s light sensitivity. When taking a picture, the camera is reliant on the amount of available light to capture the image.
- If the light is low then the sensor in the camera can be adjusted to be more sensitive and vice versa. ISO can typically range from 100 (low sensitivity) up to 3200 (high sensitivity).
- With a high setting of 3200 the camera can take images in low light without a flash.
- However, it's worth noting that altering the ISO setting can affect the quality of the image. A high rating can sometimes cause the shot to appear grainy, although this can be used for creative effect.
LCD Screen
DSLR traditionally uses the viewfinder to compose the shot. However, some DSLR cameras now have Live View, which lets you frame your shot using the LCD screen.
- On some models the LCD screen can be pulled away from the camera body and rotated, allowing for the camera to be held in various positions.
- This is great for shooting in awkward situations, like over the top of a crowd.
- The screen allows you to review your pictures after you’ve taken them and a larger screen makes this easier.
Shutter Speeds
The speed at which the shutter opens and closes, measured in seconds.
- The camera sensor records the image when light falls onto it from the lens.
- The length of time that the shutter remains open determines how much light is allowed to fall on the sensor.
- To freeze a fast moving object you use a high shutter speed. A dark scene would require a slow shutter speed to enable enough light to get into the camera.
- At slow shutter speeds care should be taken to avoid blurring the image with camera shake.
Scene modes
Pre-programmed scene modes set the camera for various pre-determined scenarios, such as portraits, landscape, night time, sports, etc. to give you the best results.
- More advanced cameras now set the mode automatically.
- Of course, you can have full manual control of aperture, ISO, shutter speeds, etc. but these scene modes can be useful when starting off with your first DSLR camera.
Autofocus and Focus Points
All DSLR cameras support autofocus, allowing you to keep your subject in focus, especially useful with fast moving objects. Autofocus can be as simple as maintaining focus on the centre of the shot, right through to pre-determined points in a picture.
- It's important to ensure that any lenses you add will support autofocus. AF indicates the lens is autofocus compatible.
- For the more confident photographer, there is always the option to manually override the system.
Battery life
Digital cameras are power hungry devices.
- DSLR cameras have built-in rechargeable lithium-ion batteries (LI-ION) and come with a charger.
- If you’re planning a long trip or using the camera for prolonged periods, it’s worth having an additional battery as back up.
Flexibility
The major benefit of DSLR is the flexibility it provides. A huge variety of lenses, tripods, flashguns and bags mean you can create a DSLR system for any occasion.
- Don’t forget memory cards and spare batteries to ensure you can keep shooting.
