|
  |
|
|
Choosing your first DSLR
Choosing your first DSLR - considerations
Its important before spending well-earned money on a DSLR that you consider what features you need and what basic equipment in addition to the camera you will need. The question is, where can you find these things out? A good place to look is in the many magazines out there that cover digital photography and digital cameras. Many of these magazines also have websites full of useful reviews and tutorials. There are also the websites run by enthusiasts, many who started out just like you and have developed their hobby into a business. These sites can be very professional and as good as many of those run by publishers. [See links below for examples.] Features
The first feature that most of us consider above all others is the resolution. These days, DSLRs start at 6MP (mega pixels) and go as high as 21 MP in the Canon EOS -1Ds Mark III. However, resolution is only one aspect of what is really important with all cameras - image quality. Another important factor is noise, the presence of unwanted and random colored pixels, often most visible in shadow or areas of the image where one tone predominates (such as blue skies). The way each manufacturer approaches noise differs. The end result therefore varies considerably, with some cameras being prone to noise more than others. The size of the CCD (the light-gathering chip) is one factor that determines the amount of noise. Generally, the smaller the CCD (as in compacts) the greater the presence of noise and conversely, the larger the CCD (as in professional full-frame DSLRs), the less noise is a problem. Another factor in determining the levels of noise is the hardware and in-camera software used by the manufacturer. Finally, the use of high ISO settings and long exposure times can increase the level of noise. Generally speaking, the use of RAW settings is best to minimize noise in the post-processing work flow. You can then deal with the noise in software, such as Photoshop or the camera manufacturer's software bundled with the camera for this purpose. If you only take pictures using the JPEG setting then the in-camera noise reduction system will do its work for you, though some cameras allow you to choose from various levels of noise reduction. The thing to remember is that the more noise-reduction that happens in-camera, the more the image will appear soft. In the worst case scenario it can appear smudged. So, if the camera has a RAW setting, use it. Other features to consider:
As well as resolution and noise reduction, other features to consider include:
• Live View - using the LCD screen to view the scene rather than the viewfinder.
• Navigation controls - how easy and intuitive is the menu system?
• Handling - how does the camera feel in your hands; is it too small; too bulky; too heavy; are the buttons in the right places?
• Exposure modes - are you looking for scene modes (macro, landscape, portrait etc.) or do you want more sophisticated control?
• Flash - how powerful is the built-in flash (check its Guide Number (GN) rating)?
• Kit lenses - what lenses does the camera come with and are they any good. Would you be better off buying just the body and lenses separately?
• Image stabilization - this will reduce the effects of camera shake, meaning you can hand-hold the camera at lower speeds. Is it built-in or do you need to buy special lenses; usually more expensive but better quality optics?
• Dust reduction - some cameras have systems to shake dust off the sensor to reduce the need to clean the sensor; try to avoid changing lenses unless you really need to if you can, as this only increases the amount of dust getting onto the sensor and spoiling your images. So, choosing which DSLR camera to buy can be a difficult one. As well as price you need to consider all the things above, as well as what you actually want or need to do with the camera. Then there is what other basic equipment you need, such as camera bag, tripod, filters and possibly software. To help ensure you make the right decision, see if you can borrow a friend's camera and try it out for size etc. If this isn't possible, don't be afraid to go along to several camera shops and try handling various cameras. Certainly, you should never buy before you try!
|
Contributor's Note
I have been a photography enthusiast since an early age, worked as a freelance photographer for several years and have a library of thousands of images and still counting!
|
|
Canon UK
| Nikon UK
| Pentax UK
| Samsung Cameras UK
| Panasonic UK
| Olympus UK
| Camera Review
| ThinkCamera
| DP Review
PLEASE VISIT THE CONTRIBUTOR'S WEBSITE
Mac Aficionado
mac expert, authority, specialist, pundit
macficionado.wordpress.com
|
|
No reactions yet.
Please login or sign up to rate this intel.
Please login or sign up to add a comment.
The copyright for this content entitled "Choosing your first DSLR" has been specified by the contributor as:
All Rights Reserved
This content may not be copied, distributed or adapted by anyone under any circumstances.
|
 |
May, 2012
2008
January, February, March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October, November, December
2009
January, February, March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October, November, December
2010
January, February, March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October, November, December
2011
January, February, March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October, November, December
2012
January, February, March, April, May
|
|
Not a member yet?
Qondio is a powerful network for making it online. If you have a website to
promote, we can help.
Sign up and get in on the action.
|
|
Welcome to Qondio! Discover the awesome power this network can deliver by going to our About page. Or you could skip straight to the Sign Up form.
|
|
