Who Wants The Best Digital SLR For The Money?
Posted on 17. Apr, 2009 by chris campbell in Photography
Once you've made the decision, that a tiny point and shoot cameras simply aren't going to cut it for you any longer, you've probably started looking in to the world of cameras known as SLR. SLR stands for single lens reflex, and if you think that sounds confusing, you ain't seen nuthin yet. There's a whole jungle of tech terms you get to learn, if you proceed further down this path.
Well, depending on the kind of shopper your are, or how much information you like to digest before making a purchase, you can be in for quite a ride on your quest towards buying a digital SLR. It's my intention here, to help make that ride as painless as possible.
With that little caveat out of the way, lets press on. Now if your more of a ready, fire, aim shopper, your going to like this next little bit. As a rule, it's pretty hard to buy a bad digital SLR camera in today's market. I'm not just referring to the fact that manufacturers and retailers are fiercely competing for consumer dollars in a tight economy. That's been going on for years with digital cameras. The other good thing, is that competitiveness has also driven up the quality, features and technology of cameras at a fevered pitch.
Long story short . . . it's hard to go wrong in this category. I'll make it even simpler for you. Pick any one of the following three digital SLR cameras, and you won't be disappointed. They are the Canon Digital Rebel XTi, the Nikon D40, and the Olympus Evolt E510. As of this writing, the 10 megapixels flavours for these cameras are all available for about $600. That includes a basic kit lens. That feels like highway robbery, compared to the $1000 I paid for a good point and shoot digital just a few years back.
Given the quality of all the top brands, the major differentiating factor between the final quality of your photographs has very little to do with the camera. That major factor is the person behind the shutter button. You, the photographer. Learning more about the art of what makes a good picture would be a good investment on your part. As well as spending some hands on time with the cameras your considering. Either borrow a friends camera, or sweet talk the sales clerk at your local photo shop into letting you take one home for a few days.
You don't want to believe everything your read and hear from sales clerks and websites, you'll want some first hand experience. Playing around with someone else's SLR either from a buddy, or a friendly camera store will give you a chance to form your own opinion about each camera.
Don't get overly hung up on technical specifications for each camera. A few extra megapixels here and there aren't going to make much difference. For a first time SLR buyer, as long as you get a good lens, with at least 8 or 10 megapixels, and a solidly constructed camera body, you'll be content.
If you really have a burning desire to delve deeper into specifications, tech jargon, and features, then go right ahead. I know that for some, that's just part of the fun of buying a camera, or any product. Just remember, in the long run, it's a lot more fun to be taking pictures than just reading about taking pictures.
