Choosing a Consumer Digital SLR Camera

So you're in the market for a new camera and don't know where to start? Let's start with the basics of DSLRs and modern photography. If you're upgrading from a point and shoot or moving away from film you will approach the buying decision from different viewpoints. I will cover them separately.

Coming from a digital point and shoot you will probably first notice the much larger size and weight. There are some models available on a standard called 4/3s (four thirds) that are very compact but still give you all the features of a SLR system, but even these are larger than most point and shoots. Don't think of this as a disadvantage, it's the larger optics and image sensor that give you a better picture.

If you are converting from film to a DSLR you will probably first notice the smaller size and weight. Most consumer DSLRs are based on a "crop" or DX sensor, it's about 60% of the size of 35mm film. This will be most noticeable with your lens; the focal length in proportion to the sense makes them appear longer then what you may be expecting. For example a 200mm will look more like a 300mm on the crop sensor digital, 200mm x 1.6 (60% sensor size) = 320mm. Keep this in mind when looking for lens, most digital users carry a 35mm in place of the trusted 55mm (35 x 1.6 = 56mm)

In common to both new buyers are megapixels, the sales people will be all over this one. Camera manufactures are constantly looking for ways to differentiate themselves and for a long time it has been megapixels. Don't get caught in that trap, 6.1mp cameras were producing professional images for years before 8, 10, and 12mp cameras.

Given the same size sensor any increase in the number pixels will result in more pixels fighting over the same amount of light. Think about that for a minute. Many new cameras have a lowest ISO setting of 200. Without going into all the details of ISO (i.e. ASA or film speed) this means that more digital noise introduced into you images.

One of the major advantages to a DSLR camera is the interchangeable lenses. These are specific to the manufacture and it's why we often say you are buying a "system" and not just a camera. If you stay in the hobby long enough you will end up with lenses, flashes, meters, and all sorts of accessories for your system. These will outlast you new camera body by a long shot, I have some Pentax K mount lens that are over 20 years old. Don't let that scare you off, you don't have to stick to one system forever - I don't really shoot Pentax much anymore, but remember to look at all the other parts and accessories when you shopping around.

This article isn't going to go into the details of all the brands and their entry level cameras. I will cover some of the major distinguishing differences. If you are coming from a point and shoot camera and want to continue to use the view screen to compose your shots, commonly called live view, you will notice a big difference in the brands. Currently in the beginning of 2010 each manufacture has taken a different approach to this, and if this is your main selection criteria you will notice right away. I really encourage you to use the viewfinder and consider live view an nice extra feature as it will really open up your options for choosing a camera.

The major brands in the US as of this writing are Canon, Nikon, Sony (Minolta), Olympus, and Pentax. Canon and Nikon are the leaders with Sony coming on strong. Each manufacture tries to distinguish itself in different ways:

Canon - Pushing HD video recording and still image quality, the default setting produce bright and colorful images. This can be adjusted if it doesn't fit your tastes but is closest to the output of point and shoot models.

Nikon - Sports and action focused. Their default images are a bit more neutral, but again can be configured to you preferences.

Sony - Strong focus on Live View at generally lower prices. They are making a push for a better market share but go to a store and hold one; many people find the ergonomics difficult.

Olympus - The only major manufacturer focused on the 4/3 format, making for some very portable DSLRs. Their lens selection is as great as Canon or Nikon but what they do offer is very good and in the most common focal lengths.

Pentax - Focused on digital crop sensor cameras and a previous leader, they were a little late to digital and have been playing catch up for the past few years. Oddly enough they also offer a medium format professional system, but not a full frame 35mm digital. They also have some of the best prime lenses and by far the largest selection of lenses from the past 40+ years.

Any of these can produce great images; it's all a matter of deciding what features are important to you. If you're unsure or still new to photography you may find you needs are different then what you expected. The major manufactures offer room for growth, so don't worry too much about it. Try not to over spend until you are sure it's the system for you.