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Saturday, February 9, 2013

What is a DSLR ?

DSLR Cameras

 

DSLR stands for “Digital Single Lens Reflex”, simply it is a camera that use the mirrors to direct light from the lens to the viewfinder, the main different between a DSLR and other digital cameras is in the reflex design scheme.

In the reflex design scheme, light travels through a single lens and a mirror is used to reflect a portion of that light through the view finder - hence the name Single Lens Reflex.The image that is seen through the view finder is also the image that is captured by the camera's sensor.


Advantages of DSLR Cameras

 

1- Image Quality :
DSLR Cameras has a very good quality compared with another types of cameras, because of large size of sensors, also ability to take pictures and record movies in low light (depend on ISO of the camera) .

2- Optical Viewfinder :
Due to the reflex mirror DSLR’s are very much a what you see is what you get operation.

3- Manual Controls :
DSLR is designed in such a way that it is assumed that the photographer using it will want to control their own settings. While they do come with good auto modes the manual controls are generally built in in such a way that they are at the photographers finger tips as they are shooting.

4- Speed:
DSLR’s are generally pretty fast pieces of machinery when it comes to things like start up, focusing and shutter lag.

5- Large ISO range :
this varies between cameras but generally DSLRs offer a wide array of ISO settings which lends itself to their flexibility in shooting in different conditions.
 

 Which DSLR Camera is for You ??

 

Here are a few factors to consider when looking for a DSLR:
 Price :
DSLRs price range in price from some quite affordable deals at the lower end to extremely high prices at the professional end. Set yourself a budget for your purchase early on but make sure that you keep in mind that you’ll need to consider other costs of owning one including:

a- Lenses : 
Some deals offer ‘kit lenses’ but you should consider upgrading.

b- Batteries :
All models will come with one but if you are travelling you might need a spare.
 
c- Memory Cards :
Some models come with one but most are inadequate in terms of size. Even if you’re lucky enough to have one included you’ll probably want to upgrade to at least a 1 gigabyte card.
 
d- Camera Bag :
Some dealers will throw one in – but once again don’t expect a high quality ‘free’ bag. Your DSLR is something worth protecting – invest in a good bag.
 
e- Filters :
At the least you’ll want to get a UV filter for each lens you purchase – but you might also want to consider other types down the track also.
 
f- Extended Warranties :
There’s a variety of opinions on whether they’re good or not – but they’re worth considering.

g- Resolution :
Megapixels come into play as you consider how you’ll use your images. If you’re looking to print enlargements then more can be good – if you’re just going to print in small sizes or use them for e-mailing friends then it’s not so crucial.
 
h- LCD Size :
It’s amazing how much difference half an inch can make when viewing images on your cameras LCD. I noticed this recently when testing a camera with a 2.5 inch screen after using my own 1.8 inch one. While it might not change the way you shoot photos (people tend to use viewfinders at this level to frame shots) it certainly can be nice to view your shots on a larger screen.
 
i- ISO Ratings :
Most DSLRs will offer a good range of ISO settings but some take it to the next level which is useful in low light photography.
 
So which DSLR camera is right for you?
 

Sources :

http://digital-photography-school.com/how-to-buy-a-dslr-camera
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Digital_single-lens_reflex_camera