Choosing a Digital SLR

If you are serious about your digital photography, sooner or later you will consider purchasing a digital SLR.

SLR stands for single lens reflex, which refers to the reflection of the mirror which allows you to see through the lens while composing your picture.

One of the biggest reasons photographers choose a SLR, is the ability to use different lenses. One can choose from wide angle, zoom, portrait, macro and many other types of specialty lens. This of course means more creative photography and more interesting photos.

The digital Single Lens Reflex also offers more creative control than point and shoot cameras, although point and shoot cameras as of late are adding more SLR like controls. In general a SLR is usually faster and more responsive than a point and shoot. This combination of responsiveness, elaborate control over the capture, and the ability to change lens, makes the digital SLR a perfect choice for more creativity.It is is usually at the top of the ladder in resolution and offers many settings and options. Most of these cameras offer a "raw" mode. This has been likened to a digital negative. Instead of the cameras software automatically adjusting the white balance, the saturation and sharpness of the image, the photographer makes all these adjustments. The sensors of these cameras are generally more advanced. Some camera manufacturers use a CMOS sensor which gives greater dynamic range. Full frame sensors are available that are equal to a full frame of 35mm film.

The DSLR usually has greater control over the aperture and shutter. They offer very fast shutter speeds and continuous shooting as well as a bulb setting which lets the photographer hold the aperture open until he releases the shutter. This type of camera is not for everyone though. It is usually much heavier and bulkier than a point and shoot. It can become very tiring after carrying it around for awhile. It cannot be tucked into a shirt pocket. In fact, if you are using different lens and attachments, you will probably need a fairly large case to carry your equipment.

Because of the higher resolution and raw formats (if you choose raw), the size of your images is much larger. This means you will need more portable memory, and later when downloading to your computer, much more hard drive space.

Another possible disadvantage for some is that a digital slr usually does not offer a movie mode. If you take a lot of movies with your digital camera, you may be disappointed that the SLR does not offer a movie mode.

Most SLR's require that you view through the viewfinder instead of the lcd monitor. Newer model SLR's do offer a "live view" option that does allow you to compose using the lcd.

A digital SLR is the choice for creative control and quality. If you want to take more impressive photos, you will eventually want a digital SLR. In the end however it is the skill and creativity of the photographer that is most important.

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Alan Orr is a musician of over thirty years and a digital composer living in the mountains of New York State. This will be a series of articles on the subject of home digital recording. The next will focus on the Digital Audio Workstation software. You can find an easy guide to home digital recording and digital photography at http://www.hotconcept.net You will cover all the essentials, from what you need to start, to quantizing your music, all in a couple of hours.

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