DSLR Camera Reviews
7 Important Considerations When Looking To Buy The Best Digital SLR Cameras For Beginners 7 Important Considerations When Looking To Buy The Best Digital SLR Cameras For Beginners
When the love for photography turns from casual to serious, beginners will want to move from point-and-shoot cameras to DSLR cameras. While the former offers photography decent enough for everyday images, the DSLR camera offers much higher image quality, bigger sensors, interchangeable lenses, and far more manual control.
It is close to impossible for beginner to sort through the features, functions, and price points of various DSLR cameras to make an informed choice. The following few paragraphs will try to simplify the process of buying and help you decide on the best DSLR camera for you that meets your needs along with your budget.
7 Important Considerations When Choosing a DSLR Camera for Your Needs
How do you make a decision regarding the most suitable DSLR camera to buy? The market is increasingly offering an array of DSLR cameras so that you have a real choice ahead of you. The following are the most important considerations hen looking for a DSLR to buy:
1. Price
The price is obviously an important consideration when looking to buy a DSLR. DSLR cameras generally range in price from the very affordable options at the lower end to the very high priced options at the professional end. It is important to set a budget early on, but you should also remember that you need to consider other costs of owning a DSLR camera such as:
– Lenses
– Batteries: DSLR cameras usually come with a single battery, but you might require a spare if you like to travel.
– Memory Cards: DSLR cameras usually come with a memory card, but you are likely to find it insufficient due to its size. You will probably want to upgrade to at least a 1 gigabyte card.
– Camera bag: If you are fortunate enough, the dealer may throw one in, but you shouldn’t expect it to be of good quality. Invest in a proper bag since the DSLR is a worthwhile investment.
– Filters: It is important to get UV filters for all the lenses you buy, but it can also be a good idea to consider other types later on too.
– Extended Warranty: The debate still rages on about whether or not it is worth buying an extended warranty, but it is something worth considering.
2. Sensor Size
The sensor size is one of the most important considerations when choosing a DSLR camera, but most people are not aware of. A DSLR camera contains an image sensor, which is responsible for recording the image you see through the viewfinder and sends it to the memory card. The larger the sensor, the more information it is able to capture and the clearer the images will be.
3. Use
When you head over to the camera shop to buy a DSLR, the first thing that the salespeople are likely to ask you is about the photography you plan to do. It is worth asking yourself what you plan to use the DSLR for up front since it will help you think about the accessories and features you will need.
Is it for sports photography? Do you plan to travel with the camera? Is it just a general purpose camera? Is it for Low Light Photography? Is it for Macro Photography? Prepare a realistic list of the photography you plan to be using it for.
4. Size
DSLR cameras tend to be more sizeable than point-and-shoot cameras, but a fair amount of variation exists in terms of size between them too. While some photographers don’t mind carrying weight gear around, it can be a good idea to choose small and light models if you plan to do photography on the go.
5. Compatibility with Previous Gear
The great thing about DSLR cameras is that they are in many instances compatible with some of the gear you might already own.
This is particularly true when it comes to lenses. Chances are that if you already have a film SLR, then those lenses might be compatible with a DSLR from that manufacturer. However, you shouldn’t assume that all lenses will be compatible, but it is worth asking the question since you could enjoy considerable savings.
If you already own a point-and-shoot camera, it can be a good idea to check the type of memory it takes since some DSLR camera models might also be compatible with them. While this probably will not be a major consideration since memory cards are now quite affordable than was the case previously, it could still be a factor to consider.
6. Resolution
The number of megapixels the DSLR camera has is an important consideration if you are looking to buy one. DSLR camera come with a wide variety of megapixel ratings. Megapixels typically come into play once you consider how you plan to use the images. If you will be printing enlargements, more can be good, but if you will be printing in small sizes then megapixels are not such an important consideration.
7. Future Upgrades
Will you be able to upgrade your DSLR in the future? While an entry-level DSLR will be attractively priced, it is likely to date more quickly than a higher end model and you risk outgrowing it as your expertise grows and your thirst for professional features grows too.
Ask yourself questions pertaining to your current level of expertise in photography as well as whether you are a person that first learns how to master something before moving to a higher model that provides more features and control.
The Bottom Line
The current range of photographic equipment in the market is more diverse than ever before and it can be a challenge to find the right DSLR camera for beginners. The number of variables between cameras is huge, even when they are from the same manufacturer.
The information and tips provided here should help you know what to take into consideration when looking to buy a DSLR camera for beginners so that you find one that matches your budget as well as your needs.