Choosing your DSLR Camera

With so many models of DSLR cameras out there in the market that are already in reach of average users, one question remains: What should I buy? And if you will be asking your friends or posting in forum sites you will just get yourself confused because there’s always a debate between Nikon and Canon users. It’s controversial when you talk about DSLR brands, people will defend what brand their using no matter what.

Most people don’t realize that camera brand doesn’t matter. These DSLR giants produce products with great reliability. The differences in terms of features will depend on models that you are comparing with and in terms of quality it will be relatively small.

How would I choose? Here are the factors that you should consider:

1.       Budget - How much I’m willing to spend on it? Prices may vary from Entry (Beginner), Mid-Range (Amateur) and Professional Level models. Camera bodies ranges from $500 up to $ 8,000.

2.       ISO Performance – ISO measures the light sensitivity. Higher ISO performer will produce less grainy images on less available light or darker situations. It means that you can shoot images in low light conditions by increasing your ISO with less noise and still get usable images. Some camera models will produce grains starting at ISO 400 while others are at ISO 800 or higher.

3.        Auto Focus – Sharper images are produced from precise focusing. The camera manufacturer includes the number of auto focus points in the description. The more auto focus points the camera has, the focus will be faster and accurate.

4.       Ergonomics – Most of DSLR cameras are designed to fit into the hands of the user and user friendly. It plays a vital role for the comfortable, efficient, precise and healthy use of a photographer. Buttons and knobs which can be easily adjusted without taking away your sight from the viewfinder. Some will suggest Nikon while others will suggest Canon. Again, be reminded that it’s your personal choice. Knowing your gear will help you navigate the buttons and knobs easily. It’s best to visit a camera store to have a grip of the camera, take pictures and decide which model that you should to buy.

5.       Megapixels/ Resolution – It’s often a myth when we talk about megapixels. The larger the images the better, right? It depends on what is your purpose but if you’re just a hobbyist and not planning to print a billboard size printout then why should you buy a higher resolution DSLR? A 12 megapixel DSLR can give you at least a print of 12” x 16” with details on it. Higher resolution also requires you to have higher capacity of memory cards and computer system in opening the images.

6.       Lenses – Most of the packages offer kit lens and it’s not beautiful lenses in the world. But it’s a great and affordable lens for the people who are just getting started with photography. You can take good pictures out of it without breaking your budget. A 18-55mm, 18-105 and 18-135mm usually ranges from $100 up to $250.

I know a lot of you still have questions about the gears and equipments especially for the lenses. We’ll talk about it later and I would suggest that you pay attention on the basic photography articles. Having a DSLR camera with lens attached on it will be enough as starting point for the next few months. Learn and shoot from it. Knowing more about photography will help you choose the right gear and equipment in the future. Photography is not about the best gears and equipments; it’s about how and what you can create out of it.
I hope that this guide will help you in choosing your camera. If you have comments or questions please let me know.