Although the prices of DSLR cameras have gone down with the introduction of several entry-level professional cameras, they are still pricey compared to digital compact cameras. It is, therefore, important to get acquainted with DSLRs first before investing in them, by understanding how they work and what the specifications listed on catalogues and stores mean.
What is a DSLR Camera?
DSLR is an acronym for Digital Single Lens Reflex. SLR cameras have always been used by professional photographers because of the high quality photos they produce. In the past, professionals use the analog versions which record the images captured on film.
With the advent of digital technology images are now recorded on memory cards, which allows photographers to capture more images and easily make adjustments in their shots by instantly reviewing the pictures taken on the camera's LCD. Put simply, DSLRs are SLR cameras on steroids.
Understanding the Features of DSLRs
The following are the common specifications found on DSLRs:
Megapixels. This is a common feature in all digital cameras, whether SLR or not. The term "mega" means millions and "pixel" means dot. Pictures captured by digital cameras are made up of millions of dots. Thus, a 10 megapixel camera is capable of taking pictures made up of ten million dots.
Higher megapixel photos can be printed in large sizes without considerable loss of image quality (there is of course a limit to the size at which the image will still be sharp). Also, higher megapixels allow the photos to be cropped with good image quality (again, there is a limit to quality size). High megapixel pictures, however, occupy more memory space and take a longer time to upload on the computer.
Lens. The lens specification is usually indicated in this manner: "18-55mm. f/3.5-5.6 lens." This is the standard lens commonly being bundled with most entry-level DSLRs. This a zoom-type lens or with a variable focal range, which means it can change focus from 18mm to 55mm, and is suitable for most portrait photography needs. The "f/3.5-5.6" indicates the aperture settings. The first number is the aperture setting at 18mm, while the second number at 55mm.
Other lenses with greater focal length and different aperture settings are available, but are usually sold separately. Most lenses today come with anti-camera shake to prevent blur from hand movement while a shot is being taken. On Canons this is indicated as "IS" for Image Stabilization, on Nikons as "VR" for Vibration Reduction, and on Sonys as Super Steady-Shot. Finally, there are lenses with fixed maximum aperture settings even if they are zoom-type.
Aperture. This refers to the circular opening on the lens that plays a role in the absorption of light. The amount of light absorbed by the camera is an important factor in the image quality of a picture.
The lower the aperture number means the wider the aperture opening is. In low light conditions, such as indoor or outdoor with overcast skies, the wider the aperture opening the better, which means smaller aperture number.
ISO. According to Chris Roberts in Digital SLR Guide, this term has been derived from the Greek word "isos" meaning equal. Roberts, however, is careful to point out that this term, as applied to cameras, is not an acronym for the International Organization for Standardization. The International Organization for Standardization, which is also known as ISO, sets international standards for products and services in terms of quality, safety and reliability. As it refers to cameras, ISO refers to the speed at which the camera absorbs light.
The higher the ISO the faster the camera absorbs light. This is usually indicated in the product specification as "light sensitivity." The maximum ISO speed in most entry-level DSLRs is 1600. For more expensive DSLRs the maximum ISO speed is much higher. Higher ISO is most helpful in taking photos in low light conditions.
Autofocus. This is usually indicated with a number and the word point preceding the word autofocus, such as 9-point autofocus. The numbers indicate the points at which the camera will focus when taking a picture.
The focus points are seen spread on the viewfinder as dots or small squares when the shutter button is pressed halfway. More focus points is advisable for taking action shots or subjects that constantly move around, since the focus points spread throughout the frame ensure more coverage of the subject.
Continuous Shooting Mode. This means the camera can shoot continuously at a set speed, and the speed is indicated on the camera specification as "fps" or frames per second. It refers to the number of photos that can be taken per second when the camera is in a continuous shooting mode.
Thus, a camera with a "3fps" means it can take three photos per second. Higher fps is recommended for photographers who take lots of high speed action shots, such as sports and racing events.
Live View. Most higher model DSLRs now come with a live view function, which means photos can be taken using the LCD screen in addition to the viewfinder.
While some models may have LCD screens, these are used only to preview the pictures taken and may not be used for taking shots.
Movie/Video Mode. This means that the camera can take videos and they are usually in high definition formats.
Photography Needs
Since a DSLR is by no means a small investment, it is important for the aspiring photographer - whether as a budding professional or a hobbyist - to determine his or her photography needs before buying. Is it portrait, landscape, high speed action or a combination of them? Thus, if the aspiring photographer wants to concentrate only in taking pictures of landscapes it does not make sense for him or her to invest in cameras with high fps, or a wild life photographer would be wise in buying a lens with long focal range than a portrait photographer.
Author Sunil S.
What is a DSLR Camera?
DSLR is an acronym for Digital Single Lens Reflex. SLR cameras have always been used by professional photographers because of the high quality photos they produce. In the past, professionals use the analog versions which record the images captured on film.
With the advent of digital technology images are now recorded on memory cards, which allows photographers to capture more images and easily make adjustments in their shots by instantly reviewing the pictures taken on the camera's LCD. Put simply, DSLRs are SLR cameras on steroids.
Understanding the Features of DSLRs
The following are the common specifications found on DSLRs:
Megapixels. This is a common feature in all digital cameras, whether SLR or not. The term "mega" means millions and "pixel" means dot. Pictures captured by digital cameras are made up of millions of dots. Thus, a 10 megapixel camera is capable of taking pictures made up of ten million dots.
Higher megapixel photos can be printed in large sizes without considerable loss of image quality (there is of course a limit to the size at which the image will still be sharp). Also, higher megapixels allow the photos to be cropped with good image quality (again, there is a limit to quality size). High megapixel pictures, however, occupy more memory space and take a longer time to upload on the computer.
Lens. The lens specification is usually indicated in this manner: "18-55mm. f/3.5-5.6 lens." This is the standard lens commonly being bundled with most entry-level DSLRs. This a zoom-type lens or with a variable focal range, which means it can change focus from 18mm to 55mm, and is suitable for most portrait photography needs. The "f/3.5-5.6" indicates the aperture settings. The first number is the aperture setting at 18mm, while the second number at 55mm.
Other lenses with greater focal length and different aperture settings are available, but are usually sold separately. Most lenses today come with anti-camera shake to prevent blur from hand movement while a shot is being taken. On Canons this is indicated as "IS" for Image Stabilization, on Nikons as "VR" for Vibration Reduction, and on Sonys as Super Steady-Shot. Finally, there are lenses with fixed maximum aperture settings even if they are zoom-type.
Aperture. This refers to the circular opening on the lens that plays a role in the absorption of light. The amount of light absorbed by the camera is an important factor in the image quality of a picture.
The lower the aperture number means the wider the aperture opening is. In low light conditions, such as indoor or outdoor with overcast skies, the wider the aperture opening the better, which means smaller aperture number.
ISO. According to Chris Roberts in Digital SLR Guide, this term has been derived from the Greek word "isos" meaning equal. Roberts, however, is careful to point out that this term, as applied to cameras, is not an acronym for the International Organization for Standardization. The International Organization for Standardization, which is also known as ISO, sets international standards for products and services in terms of quality, safety and reliability. As it refers to cameras, ISO refers to the speed at which the camera absorbs light.
The higher the ISO the faster the camera absorbs light. This is usually indicated in the product specification as "light sensitivity." The maximum ISO speed in most entry-level DSLRs is 1600. For more expensive DSLRs the maximum ISO speed is much higher. Higher ISO is most helpful in taking photos in low light conditions.
Autofocus. This is usually indicated with a number and the word point preceding the word autofocus, such as 9-point autofocus. The numbers indicate the points at which the camera will focus when taking a picture.
The focus points are seen spread on the viewfinder as dots or small squares when the shutter button is pressed halfway. More focus points is advisable for taking action shots or subjects that constantly move around, since the focus points spread throughout the frame ensure more coverage of the subject.
Continuous Shooting Mode. This means the camera can shoot continuously at a set speed, and the speed is indicated on the camera specification as "fps" or frames per second. It refers to the number of photos that can be taken per second when the camera is in a continuous shooting mode.
Thus, a camera with a "3fps" means it can take three photos per second. Higher fps is recommended for photographers who take lots of high speed action shots, such as sports and racing events.
Live View. Most higher model DSLRs now come with a live view function, which means photos can be taken using the LCD screen in addition to the viewfinder.
While some models may have LCD screens, these are used only to preview the pictures taken and may not be used for taking shots.
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Movie/Video Mode. This means that the camera can take videos and they are usually in high definition formats.
Photography Needs
Since a DSLR is by no means a small investment, it is important for the aspiring photographer - whether as a budding professional or a hobbyist - to determine his or her photography needs before buying. Is it portrait, landscape, high speed action or a combination of them? Thus, if the aspiring photographer wants to concentrate only in taking pictures of landscapes it does not make sense for him or her to invest in cameras with high fps, or a wild life photographer would be wise in buying a lens with long focal range than a portrait photographer.
Author Sunil S.
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