Are digital SLR cameras right for you?

By Dina Gerdeman

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You've been using point-and-shoot digital cameras for years, perhaps with mixed results, and now you're starting to wonder if it's time to invest in a digital single lens reflex camera. The type of camera that's right for you depends on how serious you are about capturing high-quality images.

Your compact point-and-shoot is probably all you need if you're taking mostly family shots: your mom blowing out candles on her 60th birthday, your daughter pulling to her feet for the first time, your son hitting a home run on the Little League field. But if you’re the kind of photographer -- amateur or professional -- who is literally sprawled on the floor of the basketball court, determined to get the perfect action shot, you are probably ready to make the switch to a digital SLR camera.

Digital SLR cameras typically cost much more than regular digital cameras -- in some cases several hundred dollars more -- but many photographers feel that the high-quality images they produce are worth the extra expense. DSLRs, which use a mechanical mirror system and pentaprism to direct light from the lens to an optical viewfinder on the back of the camera, have multiple image sensors and excellent light sensitivity. Plus they have a wide variety of settings and can be souped up with add-on lenses and flash units -- all of which allows you greater flexibility and control in getting just the right shot.

DSLRs tend to be more responsive, with less shutter lag, faster auto focus and a high "burst rate," which is the ability to go from one shot to the next quickly. Some SLRs are able to process as many as six frames per second. This speed comes in especially handy if you are trying to capture multiple shots during sports and other fast-motion activities.

In addition, most compact cameras have limited light sensitivity, which means in low-lit conditions, the quality of the images can be compromised and appear grainy. DSLRs have image sensors that are much larger and of higher quality, offering better image quality when shooting in low light conditions.

The ability to use interchangeable lenses with DSLRs allows for greater flexibility. You can buy wide-angle, portrait, telephoto and other specialty lenses that can be attached to suit your photography needs. If you’re taking action shots that are far away from the camera, for example, you can invest in telephoto lenses that allow you to capture impressive images from incredible distances. Or a macro lens will allow you to pick up amazing detail in small items. The lenses themselves can cost between $200 and $700.

Years ago, DSLRs did not allow users to set up their photos on an LCD screen, but most cameras, including ones by Canon, Nikon, Olympus and Panasonic, now come with the ability to do a "live preview" of the photos you’re taking. Some cameras even use a second sensor for live preview, which allows for faster auto-focus when taking the picture.

The DSLR does have many advantages, but remember, it still may not be the right camera for you. DSLRs are bigger, bulkier and heavier, particularly if you cart around extra lenses. Think about how you typically use your camera. Perhaps you should think twice about buying an SLR camera if you want something small you can easily slip into your pocket for trips to the amusement park or beach. If you tend to pull out your camera mostly for special occasions, like your child's fifth birthday party, you may not really want or need a bulky camera with multiple lenses.

Although digital SLR cameras do come with "auto" settings, the best quality images come from fiddling around with the many settings, including manual zooming. So again, a DSLR camera might not be the right choice for you if you don’t feel like messing around with settings much and instead want to stick with the "auto" function to take static shots of your kids saying, "Cheese!"

However, if you find that your digital camera is just not cutting it and you expect professional-level performance, you may be ready to upgrade to a DSLR. 

 

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