Mar 13 2009
Top Ten Tips for good photos finding a camera - SLR buyer’s guide
Continuing our ongoing series about my Top Ten Tips, we are still working on #1, and focusing on taking our camera everywhere. Up for discussion are the different types of cameras and the merits of each. Previously, we discussed the camera phone’s usefulness as well as the point and shoot. This post is about SLR’s and their benefits. 
The reason pro’s and dedicated amateurs alike choose SLR’s is because of their flexibility and control. SLR stands for single lens reflex which is a fancy term meaning there is a mirror inside of the camera reflecting the image thru a single lens so you look through the lens as opposed to point and shoot’s where you look through the view finder. The main point, and easiest way to remember the difference is that an SLR is the only type of camera you can change the lens on.
Other advantages of SLR’s include (and there are many) they are more technically complex, control the focus, faster shutters and usually memory storage, a wider selection of focal lengths and accessories, future expansion, and the really really looking cool factor.
There are two major downsides to SLR cameras. One is that they are bulky and heavy. They should be housed in a specially made camera bag (or at least an adequately padded bag) which can also be cumbersome. If you do not see yourself carrying a SLR around, get a really good compact point and shoot. The second drawback is that they are expensive. You should plan on spending at least $400 for a decent SLR and starter lens; less if you try the ebay route. Used cameras are good ideas for starters and digital SLR’s have been out long enough that the used ones are technologically decent.
Here is a really great review source on the best SLR’s put out by Popular Photography . I suggest narrowing your possible list down to two or three and then proceeding with searching for reviews by the name of that camera. There is a wealth of information, and when making a purchase decision like that, you should be armed with enough information.
Here are a few tips to keep in mind when looking for an SLR.
1) megapixels - remember these bad boys? That’s right - the little color boxes that add up to clarity and definition. The more, the merrier. 8 megapixels plus should be sufficient.
2) after market options. Canon and Nikon are the two major brands of top grade photog equipment. All “brand families” have different size lens attachments. That means you can’t use a Canon camera and a Nikon lens. While there are other brands available, Olympus, Pentax, Sony, etc. - Canon and Nikon are the most friendly to third party lenses and add-ons. In my experience (I use Canon equipment) the actual Canon lenses are superior in quality however I do have some third-party brands (Tamron) that are adequate and certainly an excellent starting point. They are also cheaper, allowing the starter photog to have more options.
3) the “creative controls” - options for Aperture, Shutter speed, and ISO. You will need at least these three options I also recommend a fully auto mode AND a fully manual mode. You’ll use both.
4) Starter lens - you should start with ideally two zoom lenses. One in the 24-70mm range and one in the 70-100mm range. Basically, a wide-angle and a telephoto. A good place to browse lenses (fairly priced) is www.bhphotovideo.com I will give more information on lenses in a later post.
