How to Buy a Digital SLR


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  • You could be a confirmed photography junkie with years of experience on a 35mm SLR (single-lens reflex camera)—but the digital world can seem thick with unfamiliar details. This page explains the concepts you need to know so you understand how to buy a digital SLR. For a lesson in the digital basics (or just a refresher course), see how to buy a digital camera.

  • Introduction: How to Buy a Digital SLR

    • Prior to digital cameras, the SLR (single lens reflex camera) was the golden boy of consumer cameras. Thanks to one of the most elegant optical systems ever designed and a bundle of top quality features on top of that, it was as versatile as it was easy to get along with. Then the DSLR (digital single-reflex camera) came along and quickly displaced its big brother in the market. As of this writing, even low-end DSLRs can deliver astounding images, but that doesn't mean you shouldn't be discriminating when choosing one.
      • Note: This page is meant for the consumer who's already familiar with the basic jargon of digital photography. For a quick lesson, or just a refresher, read through how to buy a digital camera before going on.

  • Step 1: Choosing a Stabilization System

    • Unlike other types of digital cameras, the DSLR isn't married to a single lens. Whether you buy your camera "body only" or with a lens in the package, you'll have an array of lenses to choose from later on. However, there's one decision that will determine the kinds of lenses you can use. Every DSLR model uses one of two image stabilization systems:
    1. In-lens image stabilization is a system in which the stabilizing mechanism is located inside the detachable lens, as opposed to the body.
      • In-lens stabilization may be the more reliable system when using telephoto lenses and other lenses with long focal lengths.
      • Brands featuring this system include Canon and Nikon.
        • If you buy a Canon or Nikon and want image stabilization, you'll be limited to lenses with this stabilization system.
    2. Built-in systems contain the mechanism in the body, directly steadying the image sensor.
      • The built-in solution offers greater convenience (standard 35mm lenses will be automatically stabilized), lowers the cost of individual lenses and may be of greater benefit in low-light situations requiring a slower shutter speed.
      • Pentax, Sony and Olympus use this system.

  • Step 2: Dealing with "Crop Factor"

    • The image sensor in most DSLRs is smaller than a 35mm frame of film. This causes a phenomenon called "crop factor," in which the lens is, in effect, lengthened, causing the subject to appear closer and the field of view to be narrower than it otherwise would. The result is an image that appears to be cropped (reduced) compared to the same image on a 35mm camera.
    1. If you're longtime SLR user who might find the altered focal lengths too disorienting, look for a "full frame" DSLR, a feature that alleviates this effect.
      • Many nature photographers appreciate this effect, but it can hinder wide-angle photography.
    2. If you're a first-time SLR owner, consider buying a wide angle lens along with your camera, in order to compensate for crop factor.
      • Most DSLR packages only include a general purpose zoom lens with a midrange focal length—i.e. one that neither pulls out very wide, nor zeros in especially close.
      • Because of crop factor, the "widest" setting on the standard zoom lens may not be wide enough for certain day-to-day applications, such as squeezing your whole family into a holiday shot.

  • Step 3: Sorting Out Sensor Issues

    • Because the image sensors in DSLRs vary more from model to model than they do on fixed-lens cameras, there are other choices to face beside how you deal with crop factor.
    1. CCD vs. CMOS sensors. These are the two types of image sensors used in DSLRs to capture an image. Different companies will make different claims about the superiority of one or the other.
    2. Sensor proportion: The image sensors of most DSLRs mimic the 3:2 aspect ratio of a frame of 35mm film. However, if you want more versatility when cropping pictures, consider the 4:3 ratio featured on some models.

  • Step 4: Assessing Durability

    • DSLRs are used by mountain climbers and war reporters. If yours will get most of its mileage on family vacations, however, you most likely won't need one that's shock-proof and bulletproof. Rugged gear can be both heavier and more expensive, so choose according to your priorities:
    1. Body construction
      • If your camera will mainly be capturing scenery and family, a plastic body will do.
      • If you'll be roughing it, look for an aluminum or steel chassis and consider a magnesium alloy or titanium shell.
    2. Lens construction
      • If you foresee the possibility of dropping your camera on a hard surface, select lenses with metal lens mounts.

  • Step 5: Browsing Online

    • You'll want a broad overview of DSLRs on the market in order to decide which model is right for you. A good way to orient yourself to a camera's features, assets and drawbacks is to explore both the manufacturers' blurbs and independent, unbiased reviews.
    1. Browse manufacturers' DSLR sites:
    2. Browse DSLR reviews:

  • Step 6: Getting Up Close

    • DSLRs are both bulkier and heavier than point and shoot cameras, so before buying a particular model, make sure you find its design photographer-friendly.
    1. Take a field trip to a local camera or electronics store that stocks the models that interest you.
    2. Tell a clerk that you'd like to take a test drive.
      • Because they're high-end, DSLRs are often behind glass rather than tethered with the other floor-models at your local camera or electronics store.
    3. If at an electronics superstore, once you flag down an elusive employee, make sure to let him or her know that you're interested in handling more than one model.
    4. Pay special attention to the way your right hand curls around the grip: it should fill your palm comfortably.
      • A grip that's too small, too big or too angular can be a repetitive strain.
    5. Note size and weight of each camera.

  • Conclusion

    • Now that you're versed in the facets of digital SLR technology, it's time to buy that DSLR and explore something a little more scenic than the Internet. Ansel Adams said, "There are no rules for good photographs, there are only good photographs"—you may find this to be truer than ever with a digital SLR.

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