DSLR Camera Information

So you’ve made the decision to name your price and upgrade your point and shoot to a DSLR.  You want the ability to change lenses to suit the scene.  The only problem is you don’t know where to start.  Heck, you may not even know what a DSLR is.  Well, don’t worry.  Here are some tips for bidding on the right one.

WHAT IS A DSLR:  The Acronym stands for ‘Digital Single Lens Reflex’.  Basically, a DSLR is a digital camera that uses mirrors and a pentaprism as a means for looking out through the camera lens.  DSLR’s have interchangeable lenses and super professional features that you just won’t find on a point and shoot.

FEATURES on a DSLR:

Image Quality – The image sensors in DSLRs are larger, which allow for better quality images.  In other words, a bigger image sensor equals more pixels captured which equals better pictures.  Your ISO will be much improved as well, leading to faster shutter speeds and less grain.

Interchangeable Lenses – The big pro of a DSLR camera are all the fun new lenses you can buy to optimize the quality of the image to meet the scene.

It’s faster – You will focus much faster, with much better accuracy.  Your camera will start up faster, and there will be a noticeable lack of shutter lag.

Options – Whether in auto or in manual control, a DSLR will give a variety of options to customize how you want to use the camera, and what kind of use you get out of it.  Whether you’re a pro or a hobbyist, you’ll be able to control how you want to take the shot.

Value – Unlike point and shoots, lenses and bodies in a DSLR have traditionally kept their value intact as time has gone by.

Anti Shake – Bodies are now coming out with anti-shake systems for photos taken in low light or a long lens.  Eliminate unwanted blurring!

HOW TO CHOOSE:

Now that you understand why you should have one, let’s get into some of the brands that are out there.

• Canon – Canon has a vast array of accessories and lenses and known for being a trend setting company.   They had the first lens using an ultrasonic motor, the first lens with built in image stabilization and were the first to use a CMOS sensor.  You won’t find a conversation about DSLR without Canon popping up.

• Nikon – Like Canon, Nikon has an large selection of lenses and accessories. They too now have ultrasonic and image stabilized lenses. Current Nikon DSLRs can use many of Nikon’s older manual focus lenses.  They and Canon are considered to be the two top dogs of the DSLR industry, but others are making noise.

• Sony – Sony has developed an extensive line of cameras. most of which now include image stabilization built into the body of the camera rather than the lens.  Sony Cameras, technically are labeled as SLT (Single Lens Translucent) because it’s bodies have a fixed translucent mirror.

• Pentax – Pentax DSLR bodies now utilize image stabilization in the body.  Pentax has been around for a while, founded in 1919 originally, though under a different name.  They have built on a long history and Pentax DSLRs can use any Pentax AF lens, plus earlier manual focus lenses, which is a nice perk.

• Sigma – Sigma DSLRs uniquely use  a sensor which measures all three colors (red, green and blue) at each pixel position. All the competitors  use sensors with individual red, green and blue sensitive pixels.

• Olympus – Most of their bodies now feature built-in image stabilization.   They developed a new DSLR that uses a four thirds system, which allows for the interchanges of lenses and bodies from different manufactures.