Move Up To The World Of The Digital SLR Camera

A digital SLR camera or a single lens reflex (SLR) camera is one of the most popular cameras amongst photographers today. These cameras not only provide high quality images but the photographer can also largely control how he wants the final product to look. Hence, people who are extremely fond of clicking pictures have a great time while using a SLR camera. If you have a creative spark in you then you will want to consider one of these at some point. I use a Canon Digital SLR because in LBD (life before digital) I used Canon film cameras and the lenses were compatible. Consequently I only needed to purchase the camera body. The same is true of all of the major producers. Look into it because it can save you a lot of money.

The SLR is not cheap but they are getting cheaper. The price historically started at about $5,000 – which is very steep. So,only those who were either professionals or wannabes purchased an SLR for themselves. Nowadays however, in order to make the SLR available to a larger number of photographers, companies such as Canon and Nikon have come up with SLRs falling in the price range of around $1000 without extra lenses.

What is it that attracts people to an SLR ? One of the main reasons is that an SLR produces pictures which are of much higher quality than point-and-shoot cameras. The contrast and color are extremely good since the lenses used in an SLR are of very good quality. It is an old maxim in the photography world that much of the quality in your images comes from the glass you put in front of the camera. The better the glass the better the photo, it worked in the film days and it still works in the digital age. The camera is important but don’t skimp on the lens.

The photographer can change the lenses in an SLR, depending upon the shot that he/she plans to take. For example, a wide angle lens can be put to good use to take landscape pictures, while telephoto lenses help to take extremely detailed pictures of small objects and to bring the distance closer. Thus, one can pick and choose according to the environmental needs.

Today some of the manufacturers have started building in image stabilization to their lenses. This really helps when taking long focal length images. While it uses additional power it can be extremely useful

The creative opportunity available to the photographer is much more when using an SLR rather than a compact camera. This is because of the fact that a SLR has a lower contrast and image sharpening features and if you want to be really creative you can shoot in Raw. This doesn't mean that you shoot with no clothes on. Raw mode leaves you with an image that has had no in-camera manipulation. Hence, the photographer can do a lot of editing on his own to get the kind of effect that he desires. This can be viewed as a disadvantage as well by those who are not truly photo enthusiasts. So, for you guys, a point-and-shoot camera is the best option as not only is it cheaper but also adjusts things automatically. Note that more compact cameras are now supplying a Raw mode.

Since an SLR is comparatively more expensive than other digital cameras, it is very important that you get yourself a proper insurance for the camera. Especially if you plan to travel a lot with your SLR, insurance is extremely important. And also make sure that damage protection does form a part of the insurance deal as some insurance policies do not provide it. So, read the fine print before signing on the dotted line!