Decide what's most important to you. Very high resolution, so you can capture highly detailed images? Instant capture, so there's no waiting around between shots? Or the ultimate flexibility of manual control?
Sharper images, with higher resolution
Because digital SLR cameras have bigger sensor chips than other cameras, you get sharper, more natural pictures (10 megapixels and above is common in SLRs). And because they're more detailed, your photos look as good blown up as they do in an album.
Many also come with image stabilisation (known as anti-shake) - a useful feature that gives you blur-free shots. Their flexible zooms are really easy to adjust, too - just twist the lens to bring subjects closer.
No waiting around, thanks to instant capture
With a digital SLR camera, you don't get the time delays
of a compact camera - just press the shutter and you'll instantly
capture the moment you want.
They also let you take shot after shot without the camera having to recover
in between - perfect for pictures of high-speed sports, or fleeting moments
like candles being blown out on a cake.
Lots of options, with different shooting modes
Today's
digital SLR cameras are really user-friendly, with automatic shooting modes
that mean you'll be taking professional-looking photos in no time.
They also come with loads of handy extra features, including high shutter
speeds to freeze fast action, larger zooms that let you focus in on tiny
details, and manual controls for when you're feeling creative.
Get closer to the action with interchangeable lenses
The
greatest benefit of being able to change the lens on your digital
SLR camera is the flexibility and creativity that it allows in
taking different shots. There are lenses that let you zoom
in on the subject from a great distance or those that provide
a wide angle suitable for occasions
such as a family wedding group photo or even a landscape.
The images are all taken from exactly the same position, using different lenses at different focal lengths
By twisting the zoom lens, the lenses move closer together, or further apart, increasing or reducing the focal length (and zooming in or out!) Longer focal lengths offer a narrower angle of view (the amount of scenery in your image.) Make sure any lenses you buy fit your camera - Canon and Nikon lenses are designed for different makes.
Argos guide to digital SLR cameras
- Digital SLR cameras explained
- How do I choose the right digital SLR camera?
- Get more from your digital SLR camera
- See our Jargon Buster for further explanation of technical terms