What is the Best Entry Level DSLR Camera?
If you have found a passion for photography you may want to look into snapping up a new DSLR camera. The basic ‘point and click’ models are excellent these days but to move up the ladder you need to purchase a DSLR. Upgrading to this type of model will give you more creative control, flexibility and let you improve your photos.
If you are looking to be either a professional photographer or an avid amateur you really do need to move to a DSLR camera. These are just some of the added features you can expect:
- Changeable lenses – You can experiment with different lenses from telephoto to wide angle.
- Lens Filters – You will find it easier to obtain quality lens filters for a DSLR to further improve your photos.
- Better Auto Focus – All new DSLR cameras will have a certain number of ‘focus points’ which will make getting great shots easy.
- Better Quality Photos – While some point and click cameras will have a larger mega-pixel rating you may find that they cannot get better photos than a DSLR.
What is a Digital SLR?
Basically, DSLR stands for ‘Digital Single Lens Reflex’camera and is a different system from other digital cameras on the market. They provide a more realistic view finder as well as removable and changeable lenses. The modern DSLR has improved to a point where they can be considered equal to or superior in image quality and usage to the old film based SLR.
So how do they work?
- Like any camera the lens takes the light onto the sensor where the picture is created.
- Different to compact cameras when you look through the viewfinder you are seeing what is coming through the lens.)
- The light is bounced off mirrors inside the camera’s “pentaprism” to the viewfinder.
- Digital SLRs allow the adjustment of many factors including ISO, shutter speed & aperture.
- The major difference between a “DSLR” and a compact camera is the way the lens attaches to the camera and allows for precise auto focus.
Overview of Models
There are a diverse range of models available on the market ranging from more easy use DSLRs like the Olympus digital Camera E-PL2 through to very expensive professional set-ups. Here is an overview of different levels of cameras and what you can expect from the different brands:
- Entry Level DSLR – Easy to Use camera with good selection of functions. Looking at between 10-16 mega-pixels and some with twin lens kits. May exclude some more professional features such as frames per second and weather seals for the price. Quality of photos are still excellent.
- Mid Range DSLR – A mid range DSLR will give you a few more pro features up from the entry level models. Look for something at least 14 mega-pixels but also look at the camera’s shutter speeds. You can gain access to a greater range of accessories to buy including specialty lenses, speedlites and grips.
- Pro Level DSLR – There is a big range of professional cameras but you will need a good deal of money and a need for it. While they will provide great shots at a fast rate with high mega-pixel ratings, it will be wasted unless you are using it commercially or artistically.
The Mega-pixel Myth
While mega-pixels are really important, they should not be the only factor when buying a camera. Mega-pixels determine the final resolution of a single photo. The more mega-pixels, the larger you can make a print. If you are not looking at printing huge enlargements or advertising on a billboard, 10 mega-pixels will suit you just fine.
You need to look at a few different models of camera and decide based on the following:
- Price
- Mega-Pixel count.
- Camera’s shutter and processing speeds
- Expandability – Expanded range of additional lenses and accessories.
