Digital SLR Camera: Research your needs

In order to end up with the digital SLR camera best suited to your needs, you have to clearly understand what you are looking for and what options are available to you. This is done by researching in two areas.

Firstly, you research the market to find out what kinds of digital SLR cameras are available, familiarizing yourself with the different features, styles and price ranges etc. Secondly, you examine your own unique requirements in a digital SLR camera.

Research the Market: Digital SLR Camera essentials

The first part of the research step is to investigate just what's available in the digital SLR camera market. The range of options can seem daunting, but you can make a good start by understanding the following major features:

Lens: The beauty of the SLR is the ability to attach the body to a variety of lenses. You can purchase an SLR body only and add lenses of your choice; the alternative is to buy a kit that includes one or more lenses with the camera. In evaluating the lens you will consider focus type - Auto, Manual, Continuous, Fixed; also aperture and focal length (distance from lens to focal plane).
Imaging and Sensors: An image sensor is a device that converts the brightness and color of a captured scene into electronic signals. Complementary Metal Oxide Semiconductor (CMOS) and Charged Coupled Device (CCD) are the two main types of image sensors and equivalent to film in a film camera.

Still Image Capture Resolution: This is expressed in megapixels. High quality is 1600 x 1200 pixels (or higher), also known as 2.0 megapixel cameras, are good for 8 x 10 inch or larger prints. Medium quality is 1024 x 768 (0.8 megapixel camera): and is good for 5 x 7 inch or 4 x 6 inch prints, and low quality is 640 x 480 (0.3 megapixel), which is recommended for web and email only.

Entry level digital SLRs are around 6 to 8 megapixels, the mid-level are 8 to 10 megapixels, and the professional level are 10 to 30+ megapixels.

Still Image Format: This is the file format the images can be saved in, such as JPEG, RAW, DCF, DPOF, or EXIF.

Flash: Can be built in or external. Built in flash may be auto pop-up or require you to push a button to activate.

Battery type/life: Digital SLR cameras can use NiMH (high capacity rechargeable), NiCd (common rechargeable), Lithium (non rechargeable) or Alkaline (rechargeable and non-rechargeable). Lithium batteries have a shelf life up to ten years. Alkaline rechargeable can be recharged from 12 to 25 times.
ISO Rating: A higher rating means the camera is more sensitive to light and can take pictures in darker environments.

Max Shutter Speed: Fast shutter speeds are critical for capturing movement or action.

Noise reduction: This feature reduces the graininess of photos taken at high ISO settings.

Memory: Digital SLR cameras use the same range of memory cards as digital cameras. The memory cards are CompactFlash, Secure Digital (SD), Smart Media, MemoryStick, xD picture card and Microdrive compatible.

Accessories: Most digital SLRs will come with a bundle of accessories which can include: Lens, Strap, Viewfinder Shield, Extra Batteries, Eye Cup (allows you to wear glasses and use camera), Lens Cap, Lens Hood, Software, USB Cable, and Video Cable.

Research your needs: Questions to ask yourself

Now it's time to determine what your requirements are in a digital SLR camera. For example, will you use the digital SLR camera only for taking snaps of your kids or do you have an interest in nature photography?

You can start this process by considering the following questions - as well as any others you think of yourself - and recording your answers.

Have I used a digital SLR camera before?
	If you have used a digital SLR camera, work out what you did or didn't like about the digital SLR camera. You may be looking for one exactly like it, hoping to upgrade, or even trying to avoid any particular features that you found inconvenient.

How much do I want to spend?
	Digital SLRs come in a very wide range of prices and can get very expensive when it comes to the professional models.

Is this my first SLR camera?
	There are “entry level” SLRs which make the transition from point and shoot a little easier.

What type of photos will I be shooting?
	You might be shooting live action or blossoming flowers, or possibly in low-light conditions

Do I have a preference for Still Image Format?
	A range of formats are available, such as RAW, TIFF (now available in some models), or JPEG, which partly determine the quality of the resolution of your images and the storage capacity of your memory cards.

Will I be shooting black and white photos?
	Some cameras have a monochrome mode.

Is this an upgrade from a previous camera?
	If so, you need to find out if your current lenses fit the new camera and if the memory format is compatible.

Do I need a diopter adjustment?
	This can be good if you wear glasses, as it allows you to adjust the viewfinder to match the difference in your eyes.

Do I want the option of interchangeable lenses?
	This is the standout feature of SLRs.

What type of lenses will I want?
	There are telephoto and wide angle lenses. You may require rugged (weatherproofed) lenses, or standard lenses might work fine.

Understanding your needs is the key to a successful purchase and you can revisit your list of needs at any time during the buying process.

Once you complete this Research step, having informed yourself about the essentials of digital SLR cameras and identified your needs, you are ready to move on to the next step: Evaluation.

Video Links

Canon 40D 10.1MP Digital SLR Camera - User review
Review of the Canon 40D 10.1MP Digital SLR Camera, demonstrated by an older male photography enthusiast. (5m 50s)