So, the fateful day has finally come. That time when your needs and skills have long outgrown a basic compact camera and you’re finally ready to move on to bigger and brighter things, or to put it succinctly, bigger and brighter equipment.

Photography is a test of the skill more than talent, and much as many won’t admit it, good photography equipment plays a very important role in the honing of the skill needed. Like any craft, there are exceptions to the rule. Mystic stories have been told of professional photographers who simply use their basic point-and-shoot for a Sports Illustrated cover or the award-winning photojournalist who just takes a pocket camera to the scene. But to reiterate, these are exceptions. And one must tread on the rules first before breaking them.

The next step is obvious, of course. A digital single-lens reflex camera or DSLR is the only solution to attain and further improve the skills that you need.  But what is a DSLR? And why should you buy it? What makes it, in so many ways, better than any other camera type out there? These are the questions that need to be answered before moving on to the specifics. There are many resources for choosing the right digital camera for your needs. Prior to recently purchasing my Nikon D90, I thoroughly read through many reviews at Amazon. It’s also very helpful to check out the Amazon DSLR best seller list.

DSLR What?

A Digital Single Reflex Camera is a type of digital camera which makes use of an intricate mirror system with, as the name implies, a single-lens reflex. This reflex refers to the movement of the mirror which first reflects the light passing through the lens and then swings upwards. Simultaneously, the aperture is narrowed down and then a shutter opens to let the light in through the image sensor. After which, another shutter covers the sensor to end the exposure to light, and the mirror lowers itself. All of these processes happen in less than a second. And even the few milliseconds are essential for a good capture such as that needed for action photos. Looking for a DSLR unit, then, with little delay time from the first to the last step especially with moving subjects, might be one of your considerations.

Upon understanding, SLRs and DSLRs are a good deal more complicated than point and shoots in terms of processes. It is exactly these processes that are essential to bring in the needed image quality of the camera. It is because of such image quality that you, as budding photographer or professional, should buy a DSLR. Ask yourself, will my compact camera be able to capture such sharpness? Will my camera be effective in low lighting? Will it capture subjects on the move? Oftentimes, the quality difference may not be so obvious during light functions but it usually appears during tough photo ops and harsh environments. With these questions, the DSLR wins hands down. And again, output is one, if not the primary consideration in buying. In photography, one should always shoot (and buy) with the end in mind. The end should be a beautiful photography worth keeping for years to come.

DSLR vs. Compacts

The DSLR also has a wide range of extensions that a point-and-shoot will not usually have. The lens of a DSLR is interchangeable, thereby making it functional in all types of situations. Add to this the different convenient extensions such as a remote control, external flashes, vertical grips and the like. DSLRs have more accurate depth of field perception, closer sensors that minimize the intrusion of noise and it has a physical layout that’s easier to grip than compacts.

2 Questions to Consider Before Purchase

Now that the usage and description of a DSLR has been answered, it’s time to go into the specifics of units and models. By the time you’ve reached this decision point, you should have had already two related questions as honestly as possible: How far off are your skills in photography? It is this time when all pretense of either modesty or exaggerated expertise should be thrown out the window. Remember that this camera will be a very wise, albeit pricey, investment and will be a gauge as to how you grow further as a photographer from here on. When you’ve finished answering that question, a close follow-up question will be ‘What do you need?’

A beginner or light hobbyist will most likely need an introductory camera, one that transitions from the simplicity of a point-and-shoot to a more comprehensive alternative without letting him be intimidated with too much technicality or options. The Entry-Level DSLR Units are perfect for this. Entry-levels have auto-focus and point-and-shoot options that can be used apart from manual settings. Plus, they don’t nearly have as much options as a Professional DSLR so as not to confuse beginners. Entry-levels are bracketed at about $400 to $600 for a good brand and model.

If you are familiar and have mastered all uses of manual settings, and actually like controlling your shots, then semi-pro, if not professional cameras should be a consideration. Both of these cameras are more ideal for rough weather, outside use, action shots or long shooting days. It is also guaranteed that both of these cameras will have a high ISO performance which makes it ideal for indoor or studio shoots, portrait shots, macro shots or when you’re experimenting with artificial lighting and will have image stabilization systems that can withstand fast camera movement.

Customizing your Needs

Finally, there are individual details which should be checked as well such as whether the photographer wants a light or heavy body? What kind of lens and extensions can he acquire and purchase along with the camera’s product line? What type of photography will he most likely get into? What brand is he comfortable with? What can he actually afford for now? All these add up to finding just the right model. Plus, some more factors below.

Sensor Size

Although some might argue that sensor size is not as important as what more dedicated professionals might think, there’s still no arguing that sensor size does impact the composition of the photograph. It actually depends on the photographer.

First, we must understand how the sensor size actually affects a photo. The sensor size is mostly responsible for how a photo is pre-cropped, so to speak, during its composition. The ‘crop factor’ works in such a way that a smaller sensor size will capture a smaller part of the landscape or scene. The bigger the sensor size, the more part of the landscape it can take.

In the market, the three main sensors with variations in size are Four-Thirds, APS-C and Full Frame. The first is considered as new technology as it has just been recently developed and launched by Panasonic and Olympus. The sensor size is not based on any SLR unit and is considered as the smallest of the three. Although the smallest, there is very little difference (for most uses, anyway) in terms of the added noise to the photos even in low lighting situations or high ISO performances. Four-thirds makes use of a new lens mount and is meant for an all-digital format.

What most commercial brands use such as the popular four, Canon, Nikon, Sony and Pentax, is the APS-C Format. It has a crop factor of 1.5x to 1.6x, quite standard and apt enough for landscape shoots. To achieve or replicate the effect of a full-frame format, most photographer just buy special wide-angle lens with its APS-C format. It’s a by far cheaper alternative.

Full frame formats are the bulkiest and most expensive of the lot. Although for some this is worthy investment especially since there’s no crop factor involved. This also means that even with minimal light and very low ISO, a full-frame format will produce credible results more than any other format. As a bonus, the viewfinders of full-frames are the biggest and brightest available. For those who already own expensive telephoto lenses, using full frame formats will further enhance the quality of your shots. Wide-angle lenses will be of no use since it will lose the effect of actually being wide-angle.

Overall, if sensor size is important to you and you know how to take advantage of it, purchase a unit with one.

Speed

Earlier in this article, it was mentioned that a lag of even a few milliseconds in photography is fatal. This is especially true with photography with a lot of motion such as sports and events. Speed is one of the greatest things about a DSLR. A compact camera will have plenty of lag time from the time the shot is taken to the time is it fully captured. Blurs and Unnecessary noise is one of the enemies of a good photograph. So, if you’re going t be taking lots of moving shots, search for a camera with high speed capabilities and following, look for one with high continuous shooting capabilities as well.

Entry-level cameras usually allow continuous shooting of about 3 frames per second. This is useful for more casual purposes such as taking pictures of the children or pets. A semi-professional or mid-range camera will usually go for about 5 frames per second. A more powerful semi-pro such as the Nikon D3s and Canon EOS 1D Mk IV will allow the photographer about 11 frames per second.

Check out some reviews online for the latest on burst rates and continuous shooting speeds. In this age, it seems a faster DSLR is born every second.

Anti-Shake Systems

IS Systems or image stabilization systems have been set up to counter any form of blur placed in during hand shakes. This way a photo is not ruined by any unnecessary noise especially with photos that are susceptible to it such as with action shots with telephoto lenses. Some cameras may have optical IS while others will have sensor IS. Optical IS is placed inside the lens while the sensor-shift IS works inside the sensor.

It basically produces the same effect although a sensor-shift IS may be more advantageous to those who constantly change their lenses as it can benefit all the lenses rather than just the one with an optical IS built intrinsically.

Different camera brands offer different IS systems. Canon, Nikon and Panasonic offer optical IS inclusive in their standard kit lenses while Sony, Olympus and Pentax use a sensor-shift IS.

Size and Weight

Size and weight are usually indications of the durability of the camera. This means that the heavier and bigger it is, the more likely it is to withstand harsh shooting conditions such as outdoor shooting and all-night events. The difference in the size between and entry-level camera and a professional camera is quite obvious.

The priority of size and weight in cameras actually depend on what the photographer’s needs are. Portability is important for some photographers such as travel and lifestyle photographers while a heavy and metal body is important for others. Consider what your priorities are. There are a wide range of size and weight to choose from out there, from mere ounces to a five-pound body and lens. Take in mind how you’ll be using the camera in the long run. Feel its weight in your hands and imagine lugging it around for several hours. If you can live with its weight and size, then it’s a good buy.

LCD Displays and Live View Modes

Now, more and more cameras come with a live view mode, the same feature a compact has which allows a photographer to frame a picture using his LCD Display. This was once a foreign concept in SLRs as traditionally, a view finder was used to frame the shots. Some photographers may find the live view feature necessary while others consider it a distraction. Live view modes in today’s market are also usually more expensive.

Again, ask yourself what your needs will be. For example, will you eventually go into movie modes, in which case a live view is absolutely essential? Will you be shooting from awkward locations, in which case a live view can assist you with framing shots even without having to look through the viewfinder?

Apart from Live View modes, LCD Displays today can also be inclined to certain degrees to help with overhead or underhand shots. For those looking into go to experimental photography, this is a great feature to have.

Movie-Ready Capabilities

Inserting a movie-ready capability to a DSLR has been a recent trend for many companies, and why not? Creatively speaking, it can be a perfect match for amateur and even professional moviemakers out there for several reasons. It is by far cheaper than and advanced video camera. The lenses are interchangeable with the movie maker having the ability to go from fish-eye to pin cushion. And it’s lighter too. It’s compact and can be brought everywhere.

A lot of development still has to be brought to the HD Movie Camera though as it still doesn’t have the ability to autofocus during movie clips.

Nevertheless, for many photographers and videographers, this may be the next step in digital film making.

On-Screen Guides

Because of today’s changing market, most DSLR cameras are not targeted to beginners. Companies have now built in on-screen guides, easy-to-use navigational system and user-friendly icons to its display. Some even offer special effects and animations in the same way that a compact camera has. This is a small score though and should not be on top of the considerations in buying a DSLR.

Considering a Hybrid Camera?

The DSLR is unique because it uses the system of the mirrors along with an optical viewfinder to capture an image. There is, however, an even more unique camera in the market nowadays. The mirrorless or hybrid camera does away with the use of mirrors altogether and inserts a small ‘big sensor’ which makes for a lighter body with the same image quality as an SLR.

A hybrid camera is lighter, smaller and more portable than a DSLR, their viewfinders are usually bigger and they have smaller lenses. Overall, it imitates the feel of a compact camera with the capabilities of a DSLR.

It is still a relatively new product though and so far, only two companies have released their versions of the hybrid. Most models today still offer limited capabilities. Panasonic and Olympus have both come out with very different camera formats. The first is quite similar to an SLR with an electronic viewfinder while the second one imitates the feel of a compact camera by doing away with an electronic viewfinder and composition is done through the LCD Screen. One has the option to buy a clip-on electronic viewfinder though, although to note, electronic viewfinders to date have still not surpassed or equal the high-resolution quality of an optical viewfinder.

Disclaimer

Although this article deals largely with how to purchase the right DSLR camera and the considerations in choosing them, the right equipment though is only half the battle in photography. One has to put a limitation to canvassing for the right camera unit. The truth is, there is no right camera unit. Each photographer tackles with a unit differently, and therefore he or she has the ability to take advantage or to neglect a camera’s capabilities as it fits him.

Check out online reviews. Ask for assistance. Discuss with friends. Always remember though, that it is YOU and your skills that matter at the end of the day. And it is in your capabilities to handle a camera’s strength and weaknesses that will mark your authenticity as a true photographer, not the camera.