You fancy buying a new camera and you don't really know what to buy but you've heard the term "digital SLR" bandied about and everyone says they're great. You search the internet for digital SLR buying tips and there are loads but nobody tells you what the SLR bit actually means and maybe you should know before you take the plunge so here is a brief description.
Digital SLR means digital single lens reflex and it has to do with the way that light is directed within the camera enabling a single camera to allow many different lens focal lengths. You see what the lens sees, these cameras are fast and you can use different lenses. However, this article isn't about the technicalities of single lens reflex technology, it's about digital SLR buying tips, so here are some of mine:
Tip 1 - Firstly you need to know that there is nothing to choose in terms of picture quality between the big brand names on the market, so don't stress about that, but some cameras are better suited to certain types of photography.
Tip 2 - Ask yourself what it is that you'll take photos of the most. Is it your pets and/or kids in action? Is it landscapes, portraits or close-ups? Do you mostly take photographs at night or in daylight, indoors or outdoors? Do you plan your photography sessions in a studio or take most of your pics on the spur of the moment? If you've sorted this out in advance, you'll be able to compare the camera features which apply to your favourite form of photography. After all, there's no point comparing flash settings if you hardly ever use the flash on your current camera.
Tip 3 - One of the best digital SLR buying tips I can think of is to familiarise yourself with the terminology. Don't go to a camera shop and allow yourself to be baffled by the shop assistant asking you how many megapixels you want or what type of image stabilisation would be appropriate.
Tip 4 - Now you are familiar with the features of one of these cameras, match the features with your photography style. For example if you most take action shots, then you will need a camera with a fast continuous drive which means that you can take photos in quick succession.
Tip 5 - Choose which aspect is most important to you, e.g. price, size or number of megapixels and read reviews in magazines or online. Choose a few well-known brands and make yourself a spreadsheet comparing the features that you really want. Ignore the rest or you may get confused.
Tip 6 - Probably the most important of digital SLR buying tips. Compare prices. Money is short these days and deals abound. Check out your local shops, particularly the big chains which often have offers available but don't forget to look online too. If you're an amateur, a good second hand camera may well be adequate for your needs and will save you a lot of money.
Follow these digital SLR buying tips and your buying experience should be stress and embarrassment free.
Digital SLR Buying TipsIf you are passionate about photography, and you want a SLR camera that will produce high quality images with every click, then the Nikon D90 Digital SLR Camera is a fantastic choice. When you are looking to purchase a digital SLR camera, you will be spending a bit more money than if you were purchasing just a simple point and shoot camera. The D90 is a camera that all photographers of any level can use and produce professional standard images every time.
What Makes the D90 Image Quality So Good?
The designers of this SLR camera have taken ideas and functions from some of the higher priced and more professional Nikon SLR camera's and included them in this one. This is great news for the person looking to buy a new camera, whether for professional use or for use as a hobby.
First of all, the D90 has 12.3 megapixel image quality that has been taken from the more expensive and highly acclaimed Nikon D300. The D300 camera was one of the first Nikon cameras to have the DX-format with CMOS imaging sensor. The fact that it works so well and produces amazing images is important in that Nikon have now passed this technology onto many of their other SLR cameras.
A few other factors are important in the production of great photos. The D90 is able to produce low-noise images with exceptional details and tonal gradation. There is nothing worse than having to delete shots off your camera all the time because of a little bit of blur. This can be avoided with the D90 camera.
If you need to take photos at high speeds, then this is the camera for you. This unit is able to produce high resolution pictures at very high speeds, allowing for up to 4.5 images per second. The auto focus is also very fast, ensuring you don't miss one second of the action. There should be no excuse for missing that perfect moment with this camera in your hands.
Working out exposure can be trying at times. Well, the D90 can figure it out for you so that you can just get to work taking your great photos. There is advance scene modes that you can use when you are not too certain about which exact camera setting to use. If you select the appropriate mode, such as landscape, sports or night portrait, this camera will automatically optimize the exposure, image processing, Active D-Lighting and Picture Control so that you can capture your subject immediately and not have to play around with all the scientific parameters.
Supreme Image Quality With the Nikon D90 Digital SLR CameraThe best SLR Nikon camera you can get for the money, is the Nikon D90 SLR camera. Before you get too hung up an any particular brand though, let's have a closer look at SLR cameras in general.
Single lens reflex (DSLR) cameras provide many rewards over traditional point and shoot cameras, not the least of which is the ability to use several lenses. This enticing options is one of several arguments for why single lens reflex cameras are the weapon of choice by seasoned and beginning photographers. Those photographers that decide against a digital single lens reflex camera end up staring at a slightly off angle representation of their impending photograph. Focal length be a roadblock taking pictures this way, unless you pull back on the amount of zoom you use. Here's where a single lens reflex really shows it's stuff, as you the image composer get to see the same image the camera will take.
Those amateur DSLR users, will be delighted to hear that "Live View" is a standard amongst many digital single lens reflex cameras that encourage the use of a LCD screen as an alternate to the viewfinder.Live View is not exact, as there is a additional step of directing the intended photo to a separate sensor. The view screen then receives the buffered sensor image. For a light performance price, the photographer now experiences the scene without using the viewfinder. While live view has been a hot item, it often meant giving up autofocus which annoyed many consumer. The the Canon T1i has made some progress towards compensating for this.
When the digital single lens reflex camera is cited, it's this type that most persons would associate with. For this article, these are the cameras we will be hashing out here. Like most professional digital single lens reflex cameras the model of lens you can utilize, is withing your control. With the option of a mixture of lenses, you can capture photographs from just about any space, focal length, or perspective.
If you were looking for the advantages of best SLR Nikon without the hassle of toting pounds of lenses, you have some selections. These types of cameras are rare and harder to find and aren't really manufactured much anymore.
Given the competitive characteristics of the single lens reflex camera market, I've found the lowest price and best selection by shopping on the web. The highly trusted websites offer customer service and support as good or better than average camera stores.
The Best SLR by NikonThe new Canon EOS 7D is designed to pack in as many professional features it can at the best price possible. According to many photography experts, with its high resolution (18MP) and a great AF system, this model proves to be a great alternative to the Canon EOS 5D Mark II, which is about 00 more expensive than the 7D.
As mentioned above, this model has a 18MP image sensor and a ISO range of 100-12800. On the back, you will find a 3-inch LCD display screen that consists of 920'000 dots. This model also has a wireless flash controller. As for its construction, it measures at 5.8 x 4.4 x 2.9 inches and weighs just 30.7 ounces.
Many also consider the new Canon EOS 7D to be a direct competitor of the very popular Nikon D300. At the time of writing, the Nikon D300 is about 0 more expensive than the 7D. Despite that, the 7D seems to have better specs, whether it is in terms of sensor resolution, continuous shooting speed, and ISO range.
The Canon EOS 7D can shoot up to 8fps in continuous shooting mode. It can shot up to 126 images in this mode. It can also capture full HD videos at 1080p or 720p. You can even use manual exposure controls while you record your videos. These are just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to the features of the new Canon EOS 7D. The good news is, this model is now available for pre-order at around 99 each.
Canon EOS 7D (18MP) CMOS Digital SLR Camera Review (Body Only)Nobody likes to be constrained by a budget, least of all me, and even more so, by wife. But hey, that's a story for another discussion. Let's stick to talking about digital cameras here, and more specifically Nikon digital SLR cameras. It's no secret, that Nikon makes some of the best digital SLRs out there, and they have quite a few to choose from.
For this discussion, we're going to stay away from the beginner entry level SLR models, and focus on those cameras that appeal to those of us with more photography skill, or simply a bigger budget that compensates for a lack of skill. I don't really fit into either of these categories at the moment, but hey, things are changing.
Lets start with the Nikon D90. A camera that just beats the ,000 entry barrier, but comes with a generous 12.3 megapixels. Now I know you may have read my other discussions about how megapixels really don't matter, but that works better for people and cameras that don't have many. The D90 comes with other nice features like dust control, live view (all you purists out there just need to get over it), and some nice face detection abilities.
For the more advanced photographer (not the same as the guy with the bigger wallet), you should have a look at the D200. If your looking for speed from a camera, this baby's got it. By speed, I'm talking about a fast shutter speed, and the ability to take rapid fire pictures one right after the other. It's been out for a while, since 2005, which explains why it's only got 10 megapixels, but it's also a testament to how good a camera it really is. To still be a viable model, almost four years after it's launch.
The Best Nikon SLR Cameras Over ,000The Mavic Crossmax SLR disc wheelset is Mavic's top of the line cross- country race ready wheelset. The Crossmax SLR includes Mavic's top features giving it unparalleled combinations of strength, lightweight, durability and fast engagement. Making these some of the world's fastest mountain bike racing wheels going.
Lets start with the rims, which are made of Mavic's exclusive alloy "Maxal". Which is an aluminum alloy, which is 30% more resistant than 6106 alloys, making for a lighter and stronger rim.
The rim is made using Mavic's SUP process. Which simply means the rim is welded and then milled at the joint to create an extremely strong bond. This construction technique also helps in making sure the rims are created with a much more precise overall balance.
Double wall rim construction coupled with Mavic's Fore Drilling means only the inner wall is drilled through. This makes the rim 4 times more resistant to fatigue stress as well as increases rim rigidity by 20%. This also creates a smooth rim bed perfect for UST tire mounting.
Yes these wheels are UST tubeless compatible. No more tubes, no more rim tape and no more hassles.
Spokes are Zicral, which is a highly resistant and lightweight aluminum alloy. Then Mavic uses a lacing design they call Isopulse. This spoke lacing design consists of lacing the spokes radially on the drive side and crossed 2 on the non-drive side. This lacing pattern provides better wheel stability and a much clearer transmission of energy thanks to a better spoke tension balance between left and right flanges.
Mavic's Hubs feature "FTS-X" or Force Transfer System X. A further improved FTS free wheel system to meet the demand of intensive mountain bike riding. Strengthened pawls, self-locking axle end screw to make the free-wheel mechanism even more hard wearing and a new seal halving friction torque.
The hubs of the Mavic Crossmax SLR disc wheelset also come equipped with double sealed cartridge bearings. To top it off Mavic incorporates a micro adjustability system, which allows you to quickly adjust your wheels according to the feel, and performance you're after. The wheels can be set up tighter to keep out the elements and add more precision or run in a looser setup for the least amount of drag possible.
Mavic Crossmax SLR Disc WheelsBatteries are an important part of using a SLR camera. If you're a professional, you're probably taking a lot of photos, and not having enough power in your camera at the right time can make you lose that great photo. Here are some SLR camera batteries that you can consider using.
Chromex 4SR44 Silver Oxide 6V
Another name for this battery is PX28 and it's mainly used in digital cameras. You can find this battery size in lithium and alkaline if you need to use them in other ways.
Duracell 1/3N Lithium 3V
Other names for this battery are CR1/3N, 2L76 or DL1/3N.
Duracell 28L Lithium 6V
Some batteries that are similar to this one are Sanyo 2CR1/3N, PX28 Lithium, Energizer L544 and PX28L. Besides its use in digital cameras, this battery can also be found in some dog collars.
Energizer 2L76 Lithium 3V
You will not find this battery every time you look for it and it's similar with Duracell 1/3N in many ways, so they're interchangeable.
Energizer AA Lithium 1.5V
This battery has the great advantage of lasting five times longer than a regular alkaline battery when used in a digital SLR camera. This battery works absolutely great when temperatures are very low, so even if you're in the middle of Alaska, these batteries are the ones you need to have. You can also use them in portable GPS systems.
Energizer L544 Lithium 6V
If you're looking for a Duracell 28L alternative, then these batteries are the ones to use.
Fameart AA 2300mAH NiMH Rechargeable Batteries
The Fameart batteries are sold in four packs and they're very good when used in walkmans, digital cameras or portable media players. Most battery chargers will accept these batteries.
Fameart AA NiMH Rechargeable Batteries at 2500mAh
I've tested these on cameras that drain batteries faster, like the Minolta Dimage 7i, the Finepix 602 or the Olympus Camedia.
Olympus LB-01 Lithium 3V
These batteries are the models that the Camedia model used to have initially. Other names for this battery are LB-01 and LB-01E.
Panasonic CR-V3 Lithium 3V
A lot of digital cameras use these batteries and they can be a good alternative for the LB-01 models.
Panasonic ZR6
This AA battery is made especially so it works great with digital cameras, which means that it will offer you more energy than a normal alkaline AA battery.
Uniross 2100mAh NiMH rechargeable batteries
These batteries are of the high capacity variety, and you also have the option to buy a battery charger from the same company.
Good SLR Camera Batteries RecommendationsWith more people getting interested in photography, there is an increase in demand for SLR digital cameras. More people want to buy SLR digital cameras but finding the right one may be a hard part. The cameras have different settings that may affect the result of the pictures. However, these setting may even make finding the right camera even harder. But getting confused on the type of camera to be bought may be avoided if you know what you want and you understand what you really need.
There are many things that must be considered in a buying a camera. One of the main considerations is the megapixel. The camera's resolution is also known as the megapixel. This means that when the camera has more pixels, the clearer and sharper the image will be. Thus, you may want to have a camera that has the greater pixel but this may be difficult since those cameras may be too expensive for you. Thus you may need to find a camera that has good pixels but it will also not hurt your budget too much. Having too high pixel count may also lead to unbeautiful images especially when the result is over pixilated.
Also SLR cameras have interchangeable lenses. The lens that one uses may depend on the type of image that he wants to achieve. Be it a portrait, macro or a standard lens, it should be used when the situation asks for the lens type.
If a person really aims to make his pictures better then the right thing to do would be to understand the functions of the camera and the lens type. When you already know how to use and make the best out of these gadgets, then you will have better pictures than a normal compact camera.
However, having a compact camera may still be useful especially during spur of the moment occasions where setting up a SLR digital camera may be inappropriate. Point and shoot cameras may still be useful if you want to take pictures of an occasion that may not need much pixels or changing the settings of the picture may not be needed.
Once you are already familiarized with the different cameras available, it is now the right time to buy the camera. Checking the Internet about the reviews of the camera that you like would give you an idea on how the camera worked for other people. This is also a good way for you to know if the camera would really be a good choice or not.
Being informed about the features of the camera and other important considerations would help you choose which camera to buy. It is important that you checked it out first before buying so that you will really have the one good investment. Also, when you are already in the store and you actually hold the camera, you can try to reach out for the buttons. This is also important so that you can try if you can easily manage to take pictures with this type of camera. When all things are set, enjoy having your camera and take lots of pictures.
Help Choosing the Right SLR Digital CameraIf you don't know what a digital SLR camera is in the first place, then you think you might not be interested in this article, but don't leave just yet! Digital SLR's are much better cameras than point and shoot cameras. Many photographers will tell you that the most important element of any camera is the lens. In fact, there are lenses out there that are significantly higher in price than the camera itself. All that is well and good, but what point am I making? Here's the point: a digital SLR camera will be a good investment for anyone who wants to take great photographs. Another point is the fact that camera prices have been falling and there's no time like the present to jump in. I will get into some features that you should expect when purchasing in a moment. First, SLR stands for single lens reflex, or to clarify, the camera directs light through the lens to the viewfinder. When you press the shutter button, the light is momentarily directed to the sensor element to capture the photo.
Digital SLR Camera Features: The Lens
As I mentioned in the article's introduction, the lens is arguably the most important element of the camera. Most people buy an SLR because they can interchange lenses. You must be careful in selecting your camera because there are cameras out there that are labeled as digital SLR cameras but have fixed lenses. A fixed lens SLR is very limited because you cannot change the lens. I would not recommend this type of camera. Anyway, if you are buying the camera for a specific type of photography like sports or nature photography, look at the available selections of lenses before you purchase the camera. If you really like a specific telephoto lens, make sure it is available for the camera you wish to purchase. If you are a plastic surgeon, as another example, make sure the macro lenses you want are available for the camera you wish to purchase.
Digital SLR Camera Features: Resolution
What resolution is acceptable? Well, it depends on the application of the camera. If you are taking passport photos, I would be hard pressed to recommend anything above 4 megapixels. Since most of us are not taking passport photos, I would get the highest resolution possible. If you want great images on large prints, I would recommend a sensor with at least 8 megapixels. Remember that as the technology progresses, higher megapixel count cameras will appear. Getting a digital SLR camera with a high megapixel sensor will yield great photos, but remember that you will need more memory to take those photos and the camera will take longer to write the images to that memory.
There are many more features to consider when buying a digital SLR camera. We have more information and tips on our website. We also discuss the major brands out there in detail. Feel free to take a look, we are open all night.
Digital SLR Camera - Selecting The Right Digital SLR Camera For You
Specifications
Fuji's FinePix S3100 is one of the best cameras out there, and is a very hot seller. The camera can take great pictures that are still of high quality even when enlarged, though only when operated correctly. Though, this is not a camera that is usable by anyone. This camera is not recommended for beginners, and is strongly recommended for advanced photographers. The camera must be on for about three seconds (which is referred to as warm-up), with the memory card inside, before one can take see the object they want to photograph. As users inside a larger (higher memory) card, the problem only becomes worse. The camera works similarly as many of the very expensive SLR cameras. What you view through the camera is actually coming through the lens, but actually on a screen on the inside. Many people with glasses even claim that this useful, and makes looking through the camera much easier. You can also click a button on the camera and instead have the image shown on the 1.5" LCD screen.
Many cameras that have automatic exposure as well as focus require the user to click the shutter button down somewhat and then wait before clicking to take the photo. If they do so, the picture taken will usually be of low quality (blurry usually). On another note, the image on the LCD tends to freeze while the camera is being adjusted. Many users find this a problem because what they wanted to take a picture of originally may not be in the same position as it was when they wanted to take the picture. It is only a few seconds "lag", but to users makes a world of difference. Due to this, it is not the best camera for those taking action shots. The auto-focus, although is never perfect, is not the best on this camera. Users have claimed that many photos turn out blurry despite claiming to have auto-focus. This SLR camera comes with a very detailed manual, and if one follows it properly, they can likely overcome many of the problems mentioned here.
It is not an extremely small camera, thus it is not good for someone who wants something to be able to slide into their pocket. Nonetheless, it is easy to carry around, and is not heavy. The camera has a 6x optical zoom future, which is almost double what many other cameras offer. Although, with this comes a bit less of a wide angle ability with the camera. Users also have the option of choosing from two conversion lenses that make the images clear (keep in mind, these are very expensive). On the actual camera, the user can choose one out of 3 sharpness levels, and there is also five quality settings. There are also four scene modes (portrait, night, etc...). Options such as red-eye reduction are available for users to choose from. The camera is quite a good one, but is recommended for those with some degree of photography experience.
Don't Buy a Fuji SLR Camera Till You Read ThisHave you heard about the best new digital SLR camera to hit the streets? How about the worst? As the prices of digital SLR cameras have been plummeting like crazy, it's become more important then ever to be able to distinguish the best from the worst. Don't assume that a low price is indicative of a low quality SLR. It could just be the deal you've been looking for. Let's review a couple of worthy contenders in the ring of digital SLR cameras.
It's pretty hard to review digital SLR's without bringing up the Canon Rebel XTi digital SLR camera. The XTi, and it's predecessor the XT has been a solid value for anyone looking to make the move to SLR technology. A consistently strong seller with a solid base of existing users makes the Canon Rebel a worthy for best general purpose SLR camera ever.
With a current price under 0 including a lens kit, it will continue to be popular for some time. The latest model to share the Rebel crown, is the XSi, which is currently scheduled to be on the shelves mid 2008. It brings more megapixels, a better battery grip, a larger LCD, "live view", and a plethora of other new features to the Rebel lineup.
No digital SLR camera review would be complete, without the inclusion of the Nikon D40 digital SLR camera. An equally robust competitor with the Rebel lineup from Canon. For those making a purchase based purely on the Nikon brand name, there's no reason to look much further. The D40 is a great camera for those looking to make the leap from simple point and shoot cameras to the more sophisticated and versatile SLR world. The D40 still has numerous auto settings, so newbie users won't feel rushed up the learning curve of SLR with it's countless manual tweaking options.
The Best Digital SLR Camera ReviewAs a beginner in photography the thought of choosing a digital SLR camera must be very daunting! But don't despair, the world of digital photography is open to anyone and in this article I will offer some advice to steer you to choosing the best digital SLR for a beginner.
The first question to ask yourself is what will you use the camera for? If it's for recording family days out and holidays and all you really want is to take some decent quality photographs and digital point and shoot camera may be your bst option. They are far more compact and easy to carry and you will be more inclined to take it wherever you go. That said, a modern digital SLR is itself light and compact - don't be put off by people you see carrying huge bags of equipment and weighed down by 3 feet long lenses!
If you want to learn the art of photography and get involved in the creative process a digital SLR is the ideal tool. A range of helpful features is common now and even entry level DSLR's produce amazing results. Don't be baffled by the lists of features. Think about what they actually do and how will they help me to take the kind of photographs I want to. For example, higher end cameras will offer much faster shutter speeds. These are great for action and sports photography, for example capturing a bird in flight, but if you never plan to take such pictures don't spend more money for them.
Budget is of course a key factor when choosing the best digital SLR for beginners. You don't need to spend a fortune to get great results! Don't be baffled by salesmen and do your own research first - I stress again think about what kind of photography you're interested in. One of the key things beginners get baffled by when choosing a digital SLR is megapixels. These are basically the tiny dots that make up each picture, like you see on a television screen. Even entry level digital SLR's will have upwards of 6 megapixels and this is pefectly adequate for most situations. Unless you want to enlarge your pictures to poster size this is fine. Many point and shoot and entry level cameras have 10 or even 12 megapixels now. These again produce incredible results and would even be good enough to submit to stock sites to make money with your digital camera. Many would argue the lens at the front of the camera is more important than the number of megapixels.
So, set your budget, decide what type of photography you will use your digital camera for and research prices. Prices of digital cameras do vary and it's always worth comparing. When it comes to actually buying I always recommend you go to a store and touch and feel your camera. Choosing the best digital camera for anyone it's important that it feels good in your hands and that controls aren't too small or feel fragile.
Choosing the Best Digital SLR Camera For BeginnersHave you ever wondered why your photographs are sometimes blurry or even feel that your hands are very exhausted after an hour of photo taking session? This may likely be the way you hold your SLR camera.
It is very important that you hold your SLR correctly in order to have a firm and stable grip. Without a proper knowledge on this, you may potentially encounter camera shake which delivers blurry photographs. To be honest, this can be very frustrating especially when photographing indoors or under low light conditions (without tripod or flash of course) where the shutter speed is slower.
I regard learning how to hold your SLR camera correctly being more important than learning other photography tips and techniques. There is no point applying mind-blowing techniques to your photographs, which turn out to be blurry. Also, it is inevitable that you will perceive to be more professional when you are holding your SLR camera in a professional way. The worst thing is to hold your SLR camera like you are taking a photograph using a compact camera!
Always remember that your left hand is the supporting hand, regardless of whether you are taking in portrait or landscape format. Have the base of your SLR camera resting on your left palm. You may want to have the lens resting on your left palm instead if you are using a heavy lens. The trick here is to have your left elbow tucking close to your body for added support. By doing this, you are already creating a good and firm support for your camera without your right hand.
Next, you simply have to ensure that you have a comfortable grip onto the camera's hand grip with your right hand. Turn your camera anti-clockwise direction when switching from landscape format to portrait. Remember that your left palm will always act as a support.
I strongly discourage you to turn your camera clockwise when taking portraits. This is because you will be giving your right wrist a lot of strain, especially when you are attaching a heavy lens onto your camera. Not only that, it is more challenging to press the shutter button this way, let alone to make any quick adjustment necessary when viewing through the view-finder.
Another trick is to wrap your camera strap around your right hand for added support. It is actually a good habit to always keep this practice. Who knows when "accident" will happen and your camera will always be close to you even if you let go both hands. Trust me, having your camera landing on the ground is not an item you want to have in your wish-list.
How to Hold Your SLR Camera Correctly