Digital SLR Cameras
You’re seriously considering to be a professional photographer. Sure you’ve taken great shots from your compact digital camera but you’ve just enrolled for advanced photography class to learn the finer points in digital photography. You definitely need a new digital SLR camera for practical lessons. Since these cameras are indeed expensive, getting to know some of the best digital slr cameras ensures that you will indeed learn a lot from your photography class but more importantly be able to take excellent pictures that you can be proud of to show to family and friends later on.
Digital SLR Camera Buying Guide
1) Interchangeable Or Fixed Lens?
Interchangeable lens means the freedom and ability to change from one lens to another such as from supertelephoto to ultra-wide-angle to macro lens to capture images at different focal lengths. This is the main reason why you buy SLR in the first place right?
Fixed lens, as the name implies means that the lens cannot be removed thereby limiting the camera’s capability. Some of the better fixed lens models employ translucent, immovable mirror that directs most (not all) of the light to the sensor thereby allowing use of LCD screen while bouncing some to the viewfinder.
2) Body Or Kit?
For those new to advanced photography, it’s better to go for kit option as opposed to body only as it’s a good way to learn how to use the camera with an interchangeable lens (i.e. starter lens) that is suitable for beginners as recommended by manufacturers.
3) Sensor Sizes
Sensor sizes are important in that they lead to better performance. A bigger sensor means more light are spread on any given pixel thereby giving rise to sharper and higher quality images. This is also the main reason why digital SLR camera can beat any point-&-shoot camera for the same resolution. The most common sensor sizes are based on Four Thirds, APS and 35mm-film formats.
4) Resolution
Of course the bigger the better but how much is too much? Due to higher sensor sizes, you might not need a SLR camera more than 4 megapixels for printing a standard 4" x 6" photos clearly. For larger print photos of 16" x 20" and above, a 6 Megapixels resolution is recommended. For advanced photographer that demand maximum detail, anything above 10 Megapixels is good enough.
5) Viewfinder & LCD Screen
A viewfinder is the small window, usually on the center top, back portion of the camera that you view from just before pressing the shutter to capture images as for the case of film cameras. With the growing popularity of LCD screen to view the full image, the viewfinder has taken a back seat. That said, a larger LCD screen will definitely make it easier for you to view the subject matter up close just before snapping. Go for at least 2.5-inch color LCD screen for greater viewing experience.
6) Frame Rate & Burst Depth
Frame rate determines how many frames (shots) that you can take per second. This is particularly useful for photographers when taking shots of moving objects such as when a pitcher is about to throw the ball so he can capture flights of the ball at different times. Currently the low end is 1.5 fps - 2 fps with the higher end tipping at 4 fps - 6 fps.
Burst depth on the other end is the number of shots taken continuously before a slight pause kicks in. The low end is about 4 - 6 shots while the higher end can reach up to 40 shots.
** Therefore it is safe to assume that frame rate and burst depth depends on what kind of pictures you intend to take.
7) Manual Or AutoFocus?
It’s every photographer’s dream to have a SLR camera with an efficient autofocus system that knows how to focus accurately each and every time but usually that is not the case especially if the target object is not in the center of viewfinder or when trying to capture moving object. With manual focus, the ability to completely control over focus is possible.
Digital SLR Camera Reviews & Ratings
We got the best digital SLR camera reviews at CNET, Consumer Reports, Digital Camera HQ, Digital SLR Guide and PC Magazine. Professional digital SLR camera reviewers there tested some of the best digital SLR camera models from well-known makers such as Canon, Nikon, Olympus, Pentax and Sony. Digital SLR camera ratings based on image quality and ease of use determines the best digital SLR cameras in their class.
Best Digital SLR Camera (Consumer)
Digital SLR Camera Reviews #1: Simply magnificent with glowing digital SLR camera reviews from consumers and experts is the best rated Canon Digital Rebel XTi 10.1-MP Digital SLR Camera. High performance, simplicity and value combine seamlessly to produce this Canaon digital SLR camera that’s a must for aspiring pro photographers. This best digital SLR camera from Canon features 10.1-megapixel 22.2 x 14.8 mm APS-C size CMOS sensor with DIGIC image processing to create rich, detailed images for all to enjoy. Features large 2.5-inch, 230K-pixels TFT color LCD screen with 100% viewfinder for easier viewing. Able to shoot at 3 fps for 27 burst mode shots for that great split-second action scenes.
Digital SLR Camera Reviews #2: Cementing its well-known brand with impressive digital SLR camera reviews from pros and consumers is the best rated Nikon D40X 10.2-MP Digital SLR Camera. Create memories with this Nikon digital slr camera that’s designed to be simple and fun to use. This best digital SLR camera from Nikon features 10.2-megapixels CCD resolution with Nikon processing engine to produce amazing images of absolute sharpness and vivid color. 2.5-inch, 230K-pixels LCD color display with 170-degrees viewing angle makes viewing prior to shooting easy. Capable of shooting up to 3 fps to capture live action moments. With 3D Color Matrix Metering II, get ready for challenging shots in any lighting condition.
Best Digital SLR Camera (Prosumer)
Digital SLR Camera Reviews #3: Shooting its way to greatness with rave digital SLR camera reviews from experts as well as consumers is the best rated Canon EOS 40D 10.1-MP Digital SLR Camera. If the 30D model sets the standard of excellence for digital SLR cameras, then surely the Canon EOS 40D sets a new benchmark. This best digital SLR camera from Canon is powered by 10.1-megapixel 0.87" x 0.58"APS-C size CMOS sensor and highly efficient DIGIC III image processor to produce rich, colorful images of exceptional brilliance. Large 3.0-inch, 230K-pixels LCD screen with Enhanced Live View shooting mode as well as 95% viewfinder lets you view images before shooting easily. With 6.5 fps and 75 burst mode shots, it’s in a class of its own.
Digital SLR Camera Reviews #4: Making a big splash with top digital SLR camera reviews from consumers and experts is the best rated Nikon D300 DX 12.3-MP Digital SLR Camera. Create memories with this newly announced Nikon digital SLR camera that’s designed for performance & excellence. With 12.3-megapixel CMOS sensor and EXSPEED image processing system, this best digital SLR camera from Nikon produces amazing pictures with absolute sharpness and color. Big 3.0-inch polysilicon TFT LCD display with Live View shooting mode, nearly 100% viewfinder and 51 AutoFocus points lets you see everything accurately before shooting. With capability of shooting at 6-8 fps and 100 burst mode shots, it’s ideal for speed-sensitive shots.
Digital SLR Camera Reviews #5: Slowly climbing its way to the top with good digital SLR camera reviews from experts is the top rated Sony Alpha A700 12.24-MP Digital SLR Camera. Creativity comes alive in the form of this latest Sony digital SLR camera that makes taking superb images a reality. This top rated digital SLR camera from Sony features newly designed 12.24-megapixel EXMOR CMOS sensor with new BIONZ processing engine to create vibrant, colorful and professional looking images every time. Large 3.0-inch, mind-boggling 921K-pixels LCD color display with 95% viewfinder and 11-points AutoFocus makes precise viewing nice and easy before shooting. Able to capture at 5 fps and 8 burst mode shots. With HDMI output, viewing photos to share with family and friends on HDTV is possible. Downside - No Live View.
Best SLR Digital Camera (Professional)
Digital SLR Camera Reviews #6: Making its mark with excellent digital SLR camera reviews from professionals is the best rated Canon EOS 1Ds Mark III 21.0-MP Digital SLR Camera. Reliability, responsiveness and versatility raises the bar to a whole new level for this all-powerful Canon digital SLR camera that’s surely a must for serious professional photographers. This best digital SLR camera from Canon is equipped with 21-megapixel 36 x 24 mm CMOS sensor and dual DIGIC III imaging processing engine to capture vividly rich, colorful, high-quality images bar none. Comes with large 3.0-inch, 230K-pixels TFT LCD display with Live View shooting mode plus 100% viewfinder for great viewing ability. With 45-point AutoFocus system and capability of shooting at 5fps at 56 burst mode shots, you’ll never miss a beat.
Resources: Digital Single-Lens Reflex Camera (Wikipedia)