Digital SLR Cameras

“What is the difference between compact and Digital SLR cameras? Should people with digital SLR cameras be tempted to sell their compacts or should they keep both of them?”

There are several manufacturers of Digital SLR Cameras

The main difference between Digital SLR cameras and standard compacts is that Digital SLR cameras have the ability to use different lenses, filters and accessories (such as flashguns and remote controls) and you can therefore have much more control over your pictures. Digital SLR cameras will offer an “auto” mode, many different “picture” modes and will usually give you a “manual” mode allowing you to set the aperture and shutter speed you want. This ability to select the aperture and shutter settings will enable you to get many effects such as “freezing” a moving object or having your subject in focus while the background is blurred.

Digital SLR cameras are essential for the serious amateur photographer  - but you definitely shouldn’t get rid of your compact as it is invaluable in many situations.

If you cannot afford to look at new Digital SLR cameras, why not go for a second hand one? Check out ads in magazines or photography shops. Photographic manufacturers are always improving and updating their equipment and many amateur and professional photographers part-exchange their existing kit to buy the latest gear - so there is always a bargain to be had. I have often bought a second-hand camera and lens at very reasonable prices and they are still going strong after many years!

IMPORTANT! Before you buy second hand Digital SLR cameras make sure that everything functions. There should be no obvious scratches and chips and be sure to check that the lens has a secure connection to the body and is not loose. Test the lens to make sure that both the focus and zoom (if it has one) operates smoothly throughout its entire range without any “stickiness”, “catching” or unusual noise.

Used photographic equipment that is in good condition can be bought from reputable dealers at a reasonable price and will normally come with a guarantee.

If you are thinking of purchasing Digital SLR cameras the following two links will take you to Amazon USA and Amazon UK and show you what they have available.  You can see a camera in all price ranges which I hope will help you choose which is best for you.  If you see what you want the links will of course also allow you to purchase.  To see the Amazon USA results click here and to see the Amazon UK results click here .

Why you need Digital SLR Cameras

• Digital SLR cameras will produce sharper less grainy pictures, especially if you are taking landscape pictures with low light conditions.
   
• Digital SLR cameras are far more responsive - you can take continuous photographs faster, you have more control and best of all you can be a lot more creative!
   
• With Digital SLR cameras there is a function that allows a precise preview of depth of field, which means you see the exact picture you are about to take.
   
• Manual control enabling you to choose your own shutter speed and aperture allowing you to control the depth of field (keeping your subject in focus but giving a nice blurry background to your photo). Digital SLR cameras also come with automodes that automatically adjust the shutter speed and aperture, so you can use either manual or auto settings – brilliant!
   
• Digital SLR cameras have an optical viewfinder which means that you actually look through the lens so “what you see is in the viewfinder is what you get in the picture”.
   
• You can change lenses on Digital SLR cameras, ranging from wide angle to telephoto, depending on what subject you are photographing.
   
• You can add lots of accessories to Digital SLR cameras such as flashguns and filters to give your pictures the WOW factor!
   
• They have a large ISO range (not all Digital SLR cameras have the same ranges and will vary between each make). A large ISO range gives more flexibility when taking pictures in different situations.

One thing to check when buying Digital SLR cameras is to see if the one you are looking at can display image histograms. Histograms are the digital equivalent of the light meter and let you know if your picture has been exposed properly. This tool is a great advantage if you are new to photography.

Obviously, Digital SLR cameras will be heaver to carry around than a point and shoot, but if you are really keen on photography then I think Digital SLR cameras are a must. You will, of course, still need your point and shoot – keep it in your pocket for when that unexpected photo opportunity happens!