DSLR offers many
advantages compared to compact. Here is something to consider when choosing a
camera.
Buying Advice: DSLR
Size
DSLR is very
different in size and weight. At the low-end of the market, basic models are
very light, with few buttons and a framework for easy handling. Although the
holding is in different position from ordinary compact camera, DSLRs are
designed to have natural feeling with the right hand holding the camera body,
while the left hand supports the lens. In the DSLR segment, the camera body
becomes more rugged and withstands the weather better, and in the professional
segment, it can weigh more than 1kg excluding lens.
Pixel
Do not be
obsessive about DSLR’s number of pixels. The more pixels cram into a given
space, the more they will be smaller, and this causes problems such as image
noise. Physically, sensor of DSLR is bigger than one of a medium compact. It
means that the pixel has more space to gather light and produce a well-exposed
image. As a result, the megapixel index of DSLR is similar to a compact camera
but the final quality is much better.
Sensors
Even in the DSLR
segment, there are different sensor sizes, although two most common versions
are the APS-C and Full Frame. APS-C is a smaller version found in the basic
model for the semi-professional model, while the full-frame version of 35mm
size is used only in the professional model. The increasing rate improves image
quality and file size a lot.
Lens systems
Each manufacturer
will use a different mount for mounting lens. Canon, Pentax and Nikon use the
similar mount to the 35mm line, while Sony takes full advantage of the Minolta
SLR mount. It means that each model which is produced by these manufacturers
offers compatibility with older lenses. Olympus is a popular system without any
enlarged problems which may appear on standard lens used on APS-C body. The
third party manufacturers like Sigma and Tamron make lens for
several systems.
DSLR system purchasing
Canon
EOS system of
Canon has been available more than 20 years, with eight models in the current
row. 600D combines a small, lightweight camera body with excellent image
quality, while 7D benefits from harder magnesium alloy structure and faster
burst speed. In the business segment, 1D Mk IV provides 10fpst speed burst,
with 1Ds Mk III supplies tiny details because of full-frame 21MP sensor.
Current models: EOS 1100D, EOS 550D, EOS 600D, EOS 60D,
EOS 7D, EOS 5D Mk II, EOS 1D Mk
IV, EOS 1Ds Mk III, 1DX
Canon EOS 1100D
Nikon
The amateur and
professional users are equally and thoughtfully served by DSLR of Nikon, with
the successful D3100 model in the low-end, followed by D5100 and D7000. In the
semi-professional segment, with D300 and D700, D800 and D800E full-frame with
D3s, D4 and D3x combined excellent image quality with strong design and
impressive flexibility in low light.
Current models: Nikon D3100, D5100, D90, D7000, D300s, D700,
D800, D3s, D3x, D4
Nikon D3100
Four Thirds
They can be small
in size but Olympus E-450 and E-620 is full of the technical innovation, as
well as the semi-professional, while the leading E-5 of the company combines
waterproof layer, LCD screen and quick auto focusing system.
Current models: E-450, E-620, E-30, E-5
Olympus E-450
Sony
Sony has steadily
increased the number of Alpha DSLR cameras since the first launch in 2006. A290
created a basic, easy to use and great DSLR, with A390 and A580 added the
ability to live view along with the tilting LCD screen. A65 and A77 are SLT
models (Single Lens Translucent) for AF (auto focus) continuously during live
view and burst mode.
Current
models: A290, A390, A580, A560, A900, A35, A55,
A65, A77.
Sony A290
Pentax
Pentax DSLR line
is lightweight, easy to use, including basic to moderate models. K-5 offers
14MP sensor, live view capability as well as the protection against dust and
water, while K-r scores well due to its ease to use and good specification.
Current
models: K-r, K-5
Pentax K-r
Main features
Ability in low
light: If you want to
take pictures in low light, whether it is the landscape of sunset or a cozy
jazz club, good low-light performance is required. Most DSLR can shoot up to
ISO 3200 and ISO 6400, but performance is different between distinctive
cameras. High ISO speed makes sensor more sensitive, it means that it can
capture with fewer light. Some professional DSLR can shoot in dark conditions
and still generate reasonable quality.
Anti-vibration
system: Also called as
stabilization or vibration reduction, it is built into the lens (Nikon, Canon)
or based on the sensor and installed in the camera (Sony, Pentax, Olympus). It is thought that the anti-vibration system based
on lens was slightly better, it forced you to buy more expensive lenses to get
that benefit; the anti-vibration system based on sensor worked with any lens.
Burst mode /
frame rate: The special
importance for photographers shooting action and wildlife is the ability to
take images continuously. At the present, even the most basic DLSR models have
a frame rate of 2.5fps, but some do much better. Good caching is very
important, that is where the images are retained before they are stored. The
more it becomes larger, the more you can take images before the camera is full
and switches to pausing status (temporarily).
Dustproof: Each time you change lenses on DSLR, dust
particles can enter the bare lens mount and remain on the sensor, creating
annoying stains on your photo. Dust is also made by the wear of moving parts in
the camera. Most manufacturers have an anti-dust system to clean the sensor in
one way or another.
HD Video: The rising popularity of recording home movies or
even professional movies on DLSR means that the appearance of high-definition
video mode is becoming increasingly important. There are pretty much DSLR now offering
this function, from the basic EOS 550D to professional models.
Buying Advice: Flashgun
Many DLSR have
built flash units which are pretty good for pictures generally, but if you want
to create or strengthen, separated flash units are essential.
As the lens, you need to find a flash
which is compatible with the camera. These modern units offer greater
automation and more operations are frequently needed when using the flash which
is becoming redundant. However, manual control is still useful for unusual
situations or creative purposes.
Advice on flashgun purchasing
Another advantage of separate flash unit
is that it will provide faster recovery time than built units on the camera. It
is quite useful if you snap more photos. Also, concern more about power energy;
flash use more energy, and this can reduce the battery life of the camera a
lot, but flashgun has separate batteries.
Flashgun
