A digital single-lens reflex camera (DSLR) combines the optics and mechanisms of a single-lens reflex camera with digital imaging. DSLRs are powerful and versatile with large sensors for high quality photos. They offer a wide range of features—everything from autofocus to manual control over light sensitivity to rapid shooting in burst mode—making them user-friendly and adaptable for photographers at any proficiency level. So, whether you're a total novice or just looking for an upgrade, check out our buying guide below with a list of things to consider when shopping for your next camera.
Features to Consider
Display
Unlike film SLRs, DSLRs feature display screens. For point-and-shoot style framing, you can use a display in Live View mode rather than an optical viewfinder. The display monitor also lets you scroll back through your images before you upload them. If that's important for your process, then a larger display might better suit your needs.
Megapixels
Typically, DSLRs with more megapixels cost more money. But what exactly is a megapixel, and do more megapixels translate to better pictures? Eh, sort of. A pixel is a dot, and digital photos are made up of many, many dots—millions of dots! 'Mega' means 'million,' so a camera that captures images with 12 megapixels actually captures 12 million dots. More dots don't necessary mean higher quality; they mean larger images. So, if you want to print a super-sized image of your baby daughter to hang in her grandparents' living room, then megapixels matter a lot. If you just want to print a standard 4x6 inch image, then they matter a lot less.
Shutter Speed
When it comes to photography, light is your friend. In traditional photography, light develops the image. The shutter controls the amount of light that enters the camera, and the lens reflects the image onto film. With digital photography, the lens reflects the image onto a digital sensor, which interprets the data.
Like SLRs, DSLRs let you adjust the shutter speed for any kind of light. The longer the shutter is open, the more light gets in. Dim light requires longer shutter speeds, and bright light requires shorter ones. Some DSLRs come with wider ranges—from lightning fast shutter clips to much longer speeds, which offer greater versatility. The longer the shutter is open, the more likely it is for your photo to blur. This isn't a problem for still shots, but action sequences at long shutter speeds will blur considerably. However, some photographers like to use creative blur to capture interesting light and motion. If you plan to experiment, then consider a wider shutter speed range.
ISO
Of course, sometimes you just want crisp images in low light, and that's where ISO comes in. The ISO value determines how sensitive the sensor is to light. A DSLR with a higher ISO range amplifies the electrical signal, and reduces the amount of light necessary to hit the digital image sensor and expose the image. That way, it's possible to take fully developed action shots at very fast shutter speeds in low light. While 'normal' ISO range is between 200 and 1600, it's also possible to find them as high as 204,800—for when you want super sharp images in a dark basement. Ultimately however, a large ISO range is nice, but 'normal' will suit most hobbyists.
Sensors
Cameras have sensors that contain photodiodes (pixels), which capture light. Unlike point-and-shoot cameras, DSLRs feature larger sensors with larger photodiodes that collect more light and therefore more information. While they're certainly more expensive, large sensors also reduce photo noise (i.e. grain). This is especially important when you're taking photos in dim light. A high ISO forces the sensor to absorb light faster. The photos are brighter and clearer, but often at the cost of greater image noise. However, large sensors have large pixels that counter image noise for cleaner photos. The bottom line: larger sensors, not more megapixels, generate higher quality images. The only downside to a large sensor is cost. So, if you can afford it, get it.
Extended Dynamic Range
The digital sensor on your DSLR might not rival the dynamic range of human eyes, but software in the camera can enhance images for more lifelike contrast. To create the illusion of extended dynamic range, this technology brightens image highlights, and then increases the shadow brightness for balance. Many DSLRs offer extended dynamic range, but different camera companies call it by different names. For example, Nikon calls it 'active D-lighting' and Canon's name for it is 'highlight tone priority.' It's a nifty little feature, especially for beginner photographers who aren't ready to dive into the imposing waters of full-blown Photoshop. Keep an eye out if you want an easy enhancement tool.
Video
These days, most DSLRs double as video recorders. (What an age!) While DSLR video considerations could fill another guide, we'll address a few here. First, check if the DSLR in question offers 4K or just full HD 1080. If you're going to be filming regularly, the 4K is a smart investment. In terms of shooting itself, any videographer worth their salt will tell you to shoot in manual. However, when you're just starting out, a solid Auto Focus helps tremendously. Added features like Continuous Focus or Focus Tracking, which might not be available in entry-level DSLRs, help steady the focus during action sequences.
Brands
Brands, brands, brands. If you're new to photography, brands are intimidating. There are so many! How to choose? Start by knocking down the twenty-five or so main brands to four-ish. It doesn't even necessarily matter which four. DSLRs are so good these days that pretty much every major brand builds exceptional cameras. By reducing the seemingly infinite options to four, it's easier to weigh their respective pros and cons. We chose Canon, Nikon, Sony, and Pentax.
Canon
The rivalry between Canon and Nikon is as old as time—or rather, as old as early 20th century Japan. Both are excellent brands. However, if you're just starting out, some would say that Canon has the edge. In addition to stunning colors and exceptional quality images, Canon also offers superior customer service. When you don't know quite what you're doing yet, it helps to talk to someone who does.
Nikon
Historically, Nikon is the brand of innovation. They also have bigger sensors than Canon overall, which means bigger pixels and better images. Recently, Nikon also started serving up better low-light performance, which translates to greater versatility. In addition, they offer lots of little features like GPS which, while minor, add up.
Sony
Sony is new to the DSLR game, but it's been making camcorders for years. When it comes to cameras, Sony's strength is still video quality, and their sensors are top notch. Moreover, they're often more willing to take risks than other well established brands. If there's one setback, it's that Sony cameras typically aren't as intuitive as their competitors.
Pentax
With full steel and magnesium-alloy bodies, Pentax builds 'em tough. (This makes them a favorite among traveling photojournalists.) They're also small and easy to tote around with an intuitive menu system. However, since the user community is comparatively smaller, they're harder to sell when you want an upgrade.
Starter Accessories
So, you've finally narrowed down your camera choices, but now you have to worry about accessories too? Ugh. Well no, you don't—not unless you want to. However, getting started with a few choice accessories will really boost your photography game. A solid prime lens is easy to use, but opens up a whole new world of creative options. Aluminum tripods deliver inexpensive stability, and flash, while intimidating, isn't so hard with a few key pointers. Experiment! Enjoy! It's all about the process.
Prime Lens
Unlike zoom lenses, prime lenses have a fixed focal length. They're compact, but feature larger apertures for creative 'Bokeh' shots. (If you don't know what Bokeh is, it's that artsy technique where the background appears blurry to enhance the foreground subject.) You can also take images in lower light without raising your ISO sensitivity, which results in clearer images. There are different lens lengths for different subjects and styles. For example, an 85mm prime lens is great for portraits, but a 35mm is better for street photography.
Tripod
There are so many types of tripod—travel, studio, pocket, monopod. It's hard to know where to start. For a beginner photographer, an aluminum tripod is your best bet. A carbon fiber tripod is certainly stronger, and many landscape photographers swear by them, but aluminum is less expensive. It's perfectly fine if you're just learning to set up your shots. For tripod heads, start with a ball head. They're small, light, and let you work quickly. If you plan on shooting outside, you might want to consider getting a sandbag to tie down your tripod in the wind.
Flash
A hot shoe flash (a flash accessory attached to the hot shoe on the top of the camera) is a great way to enhance the quality of your DSLR pictures. Since flashes tend to wash out the subject when used directly, try one with a movable head so that you can bounce the light off an umbrella or the wall.
Memory Card
Most DSLRs support smaller SD memory cards, so that's a good place to start. When it comes to memory size, bigger isn't always better. For still photography, 16GB is an optimal size. While a much larger memory card might seem easier, the convenience doesn't outweigh the potential for technical failure. If a large memory card fails (and they do), you lose everything. Whereas if you start with 16GB cards, you need to switch them out more, but there is less potential for loss and error.
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Are camera choices intimidating? Yes. Are they impossible? No. We at Focus want to help. If you're feeling overwhelmed, our experts are always happy to talk. There are no perfect cameras, but there is your perfect camera. Whether its help with DSLRs, mirrorless cameras, camcorders or accessories, call us at (718) 431 7900. To take a look at some of our top recommendations, check out the list below.
Solid Starter Cameras and Accessories
Canon EOS Rebel T6s
Beating out the Pentax K-3, the Canon EOS Rebel T6s is the PC Magazine Editors' Choice for sub-$1,000 SLRs. If you're the type of person who wants to blow up your photos for framing purposes, then the 24-megapixel image sensor will suit you nicely. However, if you want to record video, beware that this Canon only records in HD (not 4K). It also comes with a vari-angle touch LCD screen to move or pivot, which offers unobtrusive shooting from different perspectives. When dealing with unfavorable lighting, pair it with the compact Canon Speedlite 430EX III-RT On Camera Flash.
Pentax K-3
Though its PC Mag title was usurped by Canon, the Pentax K-3 is still an excellent camera with a slew of its own refinements. Pentax is known for building super durable cameras, and this one is no exception. With a weather-resistant lens and a quick autofocus system, this is definitely a 'go anywhere' type of DSLR. The control layout is top notch, and the dual SD card lots offer more room to store video. Try it with a prime lens like the Pentax DA Limited 40mm f2.8 Camera Lens for crisp shots with a beautifully blurred background.
Sony Alpha a77II
With a top sensitivity of ISO 25600, the Sony Alpha a77II takes clear photos in dim light, which is helpful if you plan to take pictures without a flash. The burst shooting feature lets you take twelve frames per second, so you can capture a subject in different phases of action. In fact, Sony offers a myriad of features for photographers who want to work with moving subjects in a variety of light conditions. For better framing and accuracy, try it with the Manfrotto Compact Advanced Aluminum Tripod. It's light, portable, and offers full movement control.
Nikon D3300
Considerably less expensive than its competitors, the entry-level Nikon D3300 is small yet powerful. Like the Canon Rebel, it offers 24 megapixel photos and Full HD videos. While it only shoots 5 photos per second in burst mode, the D3300 has expandable sensitivity to ISO 25600 for taking pictures in low light. It also comes with a Guide Mode to help familiarize new users with the system. If you're totally new to photography and don't want to spend a lot of money on a pricy camera, this DSLR is a dream. Don't forget your Sony 16GB SD Memory Card!
