Great Features of A DSLR Camera

Digital single-lens reflex, or DSLR cameras are becoming increasingly popular today. Not so long ago, this product was only popular among professional photographers. Now, more and more people use this camera to capture the special moments in their lives.

There are some reasons why DSLR cameras have become more popular than before. First, camera manufacturers have started to produce more user-friendly DSLR cameras. To operate these user-friendly cameras, there is no need to follow complicated technical instructions. The manufacturers have provided some easy-to-use tools to help you take pictures easily. Second, DSRL cameras are becoming more affordable than before. They used to be a luxury item, but now everyone can buy one.

Compared to the point-and-shoot digital cameras, this type of camera offers more features. DSLR cameras allow you to shoot pictures in more creative ways with better results. Here are some key features of the DSLR camera.

1. Better image quality

The DSLR larger image sensor which enables you to obtain larger pixel size. When capturing images with a DSLR, it is also possible to use faster shutter speed to reduce image noise.

2. Flexibility

You can use interchangeable lenses to suit every condition and situation. Camera lenses range from 16 mm-40 mm but the 50mm lens is the common focal length. With a broad range of lens choices, it is possible for you to take more detailed pictures.

3. Manual controls.

This camera gives you more setting options. You can have your own settings and get images exactly the way what you want.

4. Depth-of-field.

It offers larger depth-of-field; this is a feature that you can use to create different image styles. It gives you the ability to take pictures of an object with a blurry background.

5. Value.

The DSLR maintains its value longer than a point-and-shoot digital camera, because DSLR cameras are not updated frequently. On the other hand, point-and-shoot digital cameras may go out of date in a short period of time. This is because the manufacturers make upgrades once a year or even more often.

Those are some great features of a DSLR camera. It is true that this camera comes with more features but it is not for everyone. Before buying this product, it would be better to know your photography needs. If you are pursuing to become a professional photographer, then you may need DSLR camera to support your goal. For more casual photographers, a point-and-shoot camera should be sufficient for your daily photography needs.

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A Guide To Buying A New Digital Camera

When you decide to go out and buy a new camera, you are buried with various brands, each with their numerous models of cameras. Smart as these competitors are, they always tend to make similar featured camera ranges, making it tough for the customer to decide on one. Apart from that, new models keep storming the markets. It would seem like a nightmare for you to purchase a new camera, only to find a newer, maybe better camera out the next week.

Firstly, determine your needs. What is the purpose of your camera purchase? Do you plan to use it for casual, everyday photography; or something more? This realization will help you to significantly narrow down your options of cameras.

As with any new venture you may be considering, research is of essence. Luckily, the internet is at your disposal. According to your needs, you can search for the best cameras in your budget. When you have a few options ready, look for user reviews. Many kind men and women post their experience with the certain cameras online. There are also a lot of videos of the same. This allows you to see the camera in the hand of a person, instead of the professionally taken product photographs you may have seen. The user tell you how it is used, their opinion on its quality and the concerns they might have. This is of great importance, as it is honest and unbiased. If a certain camera intrigues you, you can also check on the company website to see if any newer models of the same range are coming soon.

Many cameras may boast of very high megapixels, which will also come with a higher price. But do not get too attracted by this. Considering that you may need the camera for a moderate level of photography, along with editing on software and printing, an eight to ten megapixel camera is sufficient. The size of the camera may concern you too. A small camera comes very handy for taking on trips, whether close or far. Don't go by its size, it can still pack in quite a lot of features, which are more than enough for you.

Most cameras have pre-programmed scenes for various situations such as landscapes, night scenes, sports, portraits, etc. These scenes help you take good pictures in any scenario. However, for those who wish to experiment in photography, make sure your camera has a manual setting. This means that you as the photographer can change the settings of the camera to your liking. This gives you a chance to try different things. It may seem like a challenge at first, but it is also its charm. The optical zoom is also essential. The greater the zoom, the farther away the object you want to capture clearly can be.

Many cameras these days are waterproof and shockproof. These are very handy qualities to have in the camera if you are a frequent traveller. These cameras may also be sturdier than the others, as a person out on travel does not want to have to make a conscious effort to take care of the camera.

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Lowepro Slingshot 200 Protects Your Camera

One of the challenges that a photographer may encounter when travelling is the protection of her camera and other equipment. Of course, you really have to take care of them since the equipment is relatively expensive. You could not afford to have your camera scratched or damaged. That is why there are several products, particularly backpacks that protect your camera during your travels. A camera backpack is absolutely perfect in keeping your camera safe and sound.

One of the most trusted brands in the market is Lowepro, which provides very innovative and durable camera backpacks. Surely, this brand will protect your camera even in worst circumstances when travelling. Convenience is what Lowerpro can surely guarantee, too. We all know that getting your equipment from your bag is quite a hassle when we talk about camera backpacks. Now, this is problem is solved through designing a camera backpack that will completely outdo other products out there.

I am talking about the Lowepro slingshot 200. This all-weather backpack has a very unique sling design that allows you to carry the bag and get ready with your camera in just seconds. It is truly accessible and convenient for photographers and travelers alike. They do not have to waste time in taking off their bag and putting the bag to the ground for it to be opened.

And this backpack only weighs 2.05 pounds, which is lightweight. It has an interior size of 22 X 15 X 30 cm, an exterior size of 24 X 18 X 44 cm, and its outer fabric is made of water-resistant micro fiber and ripstop nylon. This backpack is designed to carry a digital SLR body with a compact zoom lens attached, and 1-4 extra lenses or flash units. Lowerpro slingshot 200 comes with great features, which makes this backpack a really good buy. It has this All-Weather feature, which makes this product weather-resistant. This means that even if it rains or it shines, your camera is well-protected. You do not have to worry anymore.

Other features include the zip-stop buckles (provides security for the equipment), the tuck-away stability strap, the built-in memory card pouch and the built-in micro fiber LCD cloth (for extra protection of the memory card and the camera LCD screen), the silent zipper pulls (reduces noise pollution), the sliplock attachment pulls, accessory pockets (for photography accessories) and the mesh back pad (for comfort).

It is amazing that despite its excellent feature, the product remains affordable and convenient to purchase. You can find this product in any online store that sells camera and its equipments. Indeed, this product is a good catch. This product only costs $89.95. Buy now!

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Top Camera Settings Checklist - What to Set Before You Shoot

Learning cameras can be fun, entertaining, and challenging. With the new found ability to take remarkable pictures comes a hefty checklist of camera settings, lighting worries, and framing issues. While most DSLRs have a plethora of settings, there are a few that constant constant monitoring and changes as your shooting environments and subjects change.

Shutter Speed

The shutter speed is one of the first items I think about before I snap a picture, and while I rarely keep a camera set to shutter priority, I must have a mental priority of the shutter speed needed to freeze motion. In most cases, I am fine with the fastest shutter speed my camera may obtain at a given exposure, but in my mind I need to have a minimum shutter speed (which I wish was a setting on my camera), that if I go below that number, I need to make a change. For portraits, it may be 1/60-120th of a second while for candid photographs I may strive for 1/250th of a second. I am always looking and paying attention to this number in almost every circumstance.

Aperture

There are a few less applications where not paying attention to your aperture may ruin your photos, but they exist nonetheless. Think about how much depth of field you need in any particular photograph to get all necessary objects in focus. If you are shooting single portraits, wide open apertures of >f/2.8 may be perfect for keeping those eyes in focus while a group photograph of several rows of people may require f/5.6-f/8 to keep everyone sharp.

ISO

While accidentally having your ISO set to 800 while photographing outdoors in bright light (guilty) may not render your photos useless, you will lose detail and sharpness at higher ISO settings. I typically keep a base setting for each environment and fine tune those settings as needed. If I know I'm going outside for example, I will go ahead and set my camera to 200-400ISO, even before checking my exact lighting conditions. This should allow me to shoot perfectly in the sun or in the shade without having any issues. Even though I may end up eventually lowering it to 100ISO if my lighting is bright enough, at least if I forget my pictures will still be great.

Focusing Mode

This is a setting that is frequently overlooked unfortunately because there is no current method of correcting out of focus images. While you can reduce grain from high ISO or alter your exposure in post, missing focus will ruin every photograph. If your subject is reasonably still, single shot modes will suffice. Pick a focus point (chose the center if you do not already have a composition in mind) and lock focus on your subject. Feel free to recompose after locking focus as long as your subject is not moving towards or away from you. If your subject may move, focus using a servo focus mode and position your focus point to the position of the frame you would like your subject. You may need to change your aperture to give you extra depth of field. Chose your focus points carefully as you will not be able to recompose after locking focus though as the camera will continually adjust focus.

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Heaven Is a Single Lens Reflex Camera

"The wish to capture evanescent reflections is not only impossible... but the mere desire alone, the will to do so, is blasphemy. God created man in His own image, and no man- made machine may fix the image of God. Is it possible that God should have abandoned His eternal principles, and allowed a Frenchman... to give to the world an invention of the Devil?"

The French chap who made this quote was quite convinced that taking photos would not happen because it was against God's will. This, I would suggest, is the first of what would become a classic tradition in the world of photography and that is "What is the Right Way" arguments to get the end product, the photo. We will poke our nose into some of these camps of "The Right Way" in later writings.

Film, as it left the world of glass and metal plates and became celluloid (plastics in today's terms) came in two forms, flat or sheet film and roll film. Sheet film had a variety of sizes but had to have "holders" or reusable containers that would slide into the camera, and this was quite limiting.

Roll film settled down into basically two formats. The first was the roll film with the paper backing. This backing took up room, requiring a camera with some space inside. It seemed like everyone had their own idea as to film size and the camera to use it, resulting in a real mess of film as well as a huge variety of cameras.

One camera format variation was based on film that was 2 1/4 inch wide by various lengths and became known as the "Medium format" camera. This type camera became popular around the 1930's and earlier. These were generally "Bellows" (fold out) type cameras which changed into the workhorse camera, the "Twin Lens Reflex" beginning in the 1950's.

Later these developed into the "Single Lens Reflex" led by the Swedish jewel, the Hasselblad. Just holding one of these was a thrill for any photographer. Interchangeable lens were an innovative advantage with these type cameras and it later had a 21 MM lens (150 degree coverage?).

It should be noted that the "through the lens viewing" cameras were really difficult to construct and came into to general usage later due to the high tech nature of the mechanical process. Our present digital cameras are not bothered with rolling film and flopping mirrors.

Perhaps the most ubiquitous camera was based on another film that was rolled up, without paper, in a small can, the 35MM film canister. A great variety of cameras were made for this film. But unlike the larger paper backed roll film, the 35MM the format and basic camera were much the same. Again, the prime beginning was around 1900 and the canister came about the 1930's.

Actually the 35 MM single lens reflex camera was not fully developed until the early 1950's. Most of the improvements and production moved from Germany to Japan. It is remarkable to think that these innovative film cameras are now completely outdated.

Due to its handy size, the improvement in lens quality and technical quality, the 35 MM became the camera of choice and is really the daddy of the earlier digital cameras. The common digital camera in mass use has departed significantly from the standard 35 MM but the camera in use by most serious photographers looks all but identical to the last of the great film cameras, the 35MM SLR.

Interesting note: In a design contest for the interior workings of the renovated Hasselblad, one of the winners was Sixten Sason, the designer of the original Saab bodywork. Saab was the first automobile company to come out with the crash proof interior frame work. Hasselblad was having structural problems with the new single lens reflex.

Wade Swicord spent some fifteen years as an architectural photographer. He stopped looking at buildings and started building them and now lives in Chattanooga, TN. For some very excellent free instruction on how to use Photoshop, do click on http://photoexpertshop.com/. You will receive five value packed instructional videos on using PhotoShop.

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How to Clean Your Digital Camera

Ensuring your digital camera remains clean and in good condition is an integral part of successful photography. However, it is important to remember the old adage 'If it's not broken, don't fix it'. Take measures to avoid the lenses and screens becoming dirty in the first place. The best form of protection for your lens is achieved by attaching a UV filter to it at all times. This will prevent it becoming dusty or even worse, getting scratched. It is far easier and cheaper to clean or replace a damaged filter than a ruined lens. Filters are available in various price ranges and if your only wish is to protect the lens then a cheap version will do. Individual lenses stored apart from the camera body should always be kept with caps on both ends to avoid them becoming damaged or dirty.

One mistake people often make is to attempt to clean their lens with a cloth or tissue without first checking the lens for larger pieces of grit. These are then picked up by the cloth and dragged over the surface of the lens causing major damage that could have been easily avoided. Any visible grit should be removed using a soft brush or simply by blowing on the lens prior to using a cloth or tissue.

Lens Cleaning Fluids are usually alcohol based and should be used carefully. They are worth using as they will remove difficult smudges and fingerprints when they are used properly. Just add a couple of drops to your cleaning cloth and wipe the lens or screen gently in a circular motion. Always apply the fluid to the cloth, not directly to the item you are cleaning.

Disposable cleaning tissues are also available for cleaning lenses, filters etc. These are impregnated with cleaning fluids and it is important to use them only once and discard them after use. They are usually made from a very thin paper material which is much thinner than the domestic varieties available. Don't be tempted to use any that are not specifically designed for photography equipment as they are likely to be coarse and may damage your equipment.

If you are concerned about the environment and do not like the idea of throwing away used tissues, there are re-usable micro-fibre cleaning cloths available. It is important to keep these cloths in good condition and they should be regularly washed and stored correctly.

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Digital Camera Filters - What Do You Need And Why Do You Need Them

Filters can be used to control colour, exposure differences in a scene, to give more saturated colours and for special effects. Some of the effects, but not all, can be replicated on your pc using your image editing software but many photographers prefer to do the business at the shooting stage. This also cuts down on the amount of work needing done at the editing stage. We'll look at some of the different digital camera filters you may need and give a quick rundown of reasons to use them.

Round or Square Digital camera Filters

There are two basic types of digital camera filters, round ones and square one. Round ones are made to screw onto the front of the lens, whereas the square ones are made to slot into an adaptor which is screwed onto the front of the lens. The advantage of square filters is you can have an adaptor for each of your lenses, no matter what diameter the lens is but you only need one filter. You will need a round filter for each lens you have. You may find yourself using a combination of round and square digital camera filters.

I would recommend buying a UV or for each of your lenses and keeping it on permanently. A UV filter filters out the UV part of the spectrum on hazy days and at high altitudes but it also protects the front element of your lens from dust and damage. It's much cheaper to replace a digital camera filter than replace or repair a lens.

Neutral Density Digital Camera Filters

Neutral density graduated digital camera filters are a useful addition to the landscape photographer's accessory pocket. These filters have a grey top and clear bottom and are used to reduce the contrast range between the sky and the ground, the dark top darkening the sky. They come in different strengths, commonly 1 stop, 2 stops and 3 stops. You would meter the sky and ground to determine what filter to use. These filters can come with a hard edge for a sharper change from light to dark or a soft edge for a smoother change from light to dark. Graduated digital camera filters are much better in the square design as there is the flexibility to slide the filter up and down or rotate it if necessary

The Polarizer

Of all the digital camera filters, I would recommend you buy a polarizer. You can't replicate the effects of this filter using editing software and it is an extremely useful filter to carry around. This filter dramatically reduces reflections, not just on glass but also on foliage. You use this filter by rotating it and can see the effect as you use it. You will get deeper blue skies and more vibrant, deeper saturated colours. There are two types of polarizer by the way, linear and circular. The circular one is intended for autofocus systems so make sure not to confuse them. A polarizer will also cut your exposure so make sure you are taking meter readings and compensating for the filter. You may also want to change your white balance from auto to daylight with this filter as it your camera will compensate for the filter. The polarizer is one of the digital camera filters you will use regularly.

Other digital camera filters you may want to consider are special effects ones such as softeners and diffusers for, star filters and different coloured filters. it's easy to get carried away using special effect digital camera filters though so it's a good idea to experiment with those.

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Top 5 Tips For Using an SLR Digital Camera

Stepping up from your classic point-and-shoot to a more advanced DSLR is an exciting time for any photographer. But like anything, new features mean nothing if you don't know how to utilize them. Here's five tips that should help you get the most out of your camera.

1. Using Aperture

Basically aperture controls how much of the picture in your viewfinder will be in focus. A high aperture means everything will be in focus, and this is usually used for landscape pictures. If you want to highlight something in particular, go with a lower aperture. This is ensure that the foreground will be in focus, while the background remains fuzzy. No matter your camera, there's probably a manual setting that has the options P,S,A, and M. The A option controls the aperture, and this is probably the most useful override for the average user.

2. Landscape Composition

Whenever shooting landscapes, there's a simple tip that will give your photos a more dramatic look and add depth. It's the rule of thirds. Break your photo up into 3 parts in your mind. Either 1/3 or 2/3 of the picture should make up the sky or the foreground, depending on where you want the focus of your shot. Most beginners put the horizon at exactly 1/2 of the photo, which doesn't have as much effect.

3. Shooting Extra-Sharp Images

This one's pretty basic. The key to shooting really sharp pictures is keeping your camera steady. Although most cameras these days have built in stabilizers, the majority of pictures still have a slight blur to them. The only way to truly avoid this is by using a tripod. Although not practical in all situations, this is the only true way to avoid blur.

4. Using ISO

The ISO setting on your camera determine the film speed. Basically what this means is that the higher you set the ISO, the more light is let into the camera. So when shooting in dark situations, the ISO can be increased to capture more light. Unfortunately while it lets in more light, it also increase the noise in your pictures. As a rule, keep the ISO as low as possible and only increase it slightly in dark situations.

5. Always Try To Shoot In Soft Light

Despite what you may think, the best time to shoot pictures is NOT in full daylight. This actually causes overexposure washes out details, and can create unwanted shadows. The best time to shoot is actually at dusk or dawn. If you have to shoot during the day, make sure you do it from the side, not with the sun directly behind or in front of you.

Follow these basic rules, and you'll start to see a great improvement in the quality of your pictures. Your SLR Digital Camera is a fantastic machine with great capabilities. The key is to experiment with it and make sure you're not under-utilizing it. If you're still looking for one, my favorite is the new Rebel T3i from Canon. You can read more about my review for this camera on my main page.

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Choosing a Wedding Photographer - 4 Ways to Select the Right Camera Person

The day we get married is often the most important point in our lives. It's a time to celebrate a new union with our family and friends present. We've worked long and hard to prepare for this event, wanting it to be perfect in every possible way. It should be captured as such.

One of the most important preparations for wedding planning is to select the right photographer. The pictures and videos from this day need to reflect what the ceremony and reception were all about. You will look back on these with fond memories, with each image invoking a different emotion.

Choosing the professional responsible for taking pictures can be a process that is sometimes challenging or nerve wracking. This person is going to follow you and your soon-to-be spouse, like a shadow with a camera. You need to know they're going to get the job done. Here are four steps to select the right wedding photographer:

1. Prepare a budget
You don't want to bite off more than you can chew, and photographers can be expensive. Figure how much you can or want to spend on wedding pictures. Weddings are costly enough, even without a photographer.

2. Talk to several
Call around to locals in your area and see how much they will charge for the day. Many charge by the hour, so ask about their hourly rates. See if they're available that day, inquiring plenty of months ahead. The more you call, the better you can narrow down the list to the final choice.

3. Prune your possibilities to three or four and meet with them
Ask to schedule a consultation to see what can be done with your special day. During this meeting, inquire about their portfolio and ask for references so you can see what they've done with other weddings. See what kind of wedding packages they offer, and whether any fit within your budget.

4. Make sure to have all the details in writing
You should know what you want and what to expect from your camera person. If they give you an estimate, ask for it in writing, with it a list of everything encompassed by the cost.

The last thing any of us needs on our wedding day is an incapable or unprofessional photographer. You need to be sure that whoever is your final choice will be there on time and will do everything they promised. The day is stressful enough without having to worry about these details.

For additional information on the topic of wedding photography, a great website to visit is http://www.jillyansawyerphotography.com/.

Thom Casey independently author's articles for WebDrafter.com, Inc. ( http://www.webdrafter.com/ ) for SEM clients. The views and opinions expressed in this article are those solely of the author, and not of any other person, company, or organization. No guarantee or warranty, express or implied, is made regarding the accuracy, fitness, or use of the content herein.

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Shopping For An SLR Camera

So you are thinking about buying an SLR camera but need to be convinced that spending the money to get one is worth it? Well I'm here to help you out and to show you how SLR cameras blow the flash off point and shoot cameras. SLR stands for Single Lens Reflex and is a type of digital camera that allows the user to switch between different lenses depending on their need.

1) Price. Be prepared to spend some money. When you buy an SLR you're getting just the camera body you have to purchase the lens,flash,carrying bag and external hard drive,which you will probably need,separately.Investing in a tripod will also make things easier for you as SLR cameras are heavier than point and shoot cameras. Many manufacturers offer starter kits that come with everything that you need to get you going but even these are going to run you about $500. Yes an SLR camera is an investment but they are worth it if you are serious about taking high-end photos.

2) Flexibility. Having the ability to switch from say a macro lens to a telephoto lens gives you more opportunities to photograph a wider range of subjects in greater detail.

3) Image Quality. Point and shoot cameras are no match for an SLR when it comes to image quality, this is really noticeable at ISO settings of 400 and above.

4) Speed. SLR cameras are built for it and depending on the make,model and lens setup are designed to take anywhere between 3 to 10 photographs per second. They do this by using a shutter and mirror system that work together to rapidly capture light and project it onto an image sensor.

5) No Digital Noise. If you closely examine a picture taken with a point and shoot camera you will see very tiny flecks. This is due to the image sensors being too small,they simply do not have the space to effectively handle say 5 million pixels. This causes them to interface which causes the flecks or digital noise,this problem really rears its ugly head in low light conditions. This is not an issue with an SLR camera due to its mirror/shutter way of capturing images.

6) Raw Mode. This mode is truly WYSIWYG (What You See Is What You Get). Pictures taken in this mode are unprocessed and uncompressed which gives you a much purer image. It also allows you a wide range of editing possibilities however to edit photos in raw mode you will need some additional software. My personal favorite is Lightroom by Adobe but there are others such as Paint Shop from Corel and Pro4 by ACDsee. The prices vary depending on the features so I would suggest checking on Amazon or eBay to find the best deal.

7) Instant On. With an SLR camera once you turn it on it's ON! and ready for action,unlike point and shoot cameras where there is a certain amount of lag time from when you turn it on to when it's ready to take a picture. Instant-On is perfect when you forget to turn your camera on and that perfect shot is quickly fading away.

8) Flashes. That dinky little flash that you see sitting on top of a point and shoot camera is NO match for a powerful flash gun! Many SLR cameras come equipped with a hot shoe or sync socket that allows you to attach a flash gun. A flash gun gives you more lighting options such as being able to bounce light off ceilings and walls,which diffuses the flash and eliminates red-eye.

The superiority of an SLR cameras is something that a serious photographer can appreciate yes they are expensive but that expense will be offset by the money you will save on having to buy film and having it processed,if you don't have a darkroom,and who knows once you get good you might even be able to sell some of those photos to a news agency or a magazine! Below is a few suggestions for some really good beginner SLR cameras and the links where you can learn more about them.

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You Bought a New Digital Camera, Now Learn the Basics

After much thought and calculations, you got yourself a new digital camera. You may be eager to capture the moments in your life, with your family and friends; or maybe you want to click pictures of your surroundings and the things you see. The whole world is your canvas. And the camera you just bought is your tool. However, before stepping out and using your new acquisition, it is essential that you know the basics. Fortunately for you, this process is fascinating in itself!

Before starting any venture, it is always best to be well versed with what you deal with. This means that before getting started with your camera, you must go through the manual. Most people toss it aside, thinking they will figure it out on their own, and most of the features may be easy to figure out. But to do through the written matter is to learn the full potential of your camera. Once you know this, it is much simpler for you to experiment and get the photographs you desire. The manual also gives you some pointers on the up keep of the camera; it tells you about its batteries, what not to do, etc. All of this is useful information for you.

Once you are familiar with the matter, it is time for you to experiment. Don't start off thinking you will click pictures worthy of framing. Take a few unflattering pictures first. Tinker with the settings of the camera. After reading the manual, you will know what each button is for, so don't worry about it. Take pictures that are too bright, too dark, or completely out of focus. It is through your mistakes that you will understand the value of all the settings. That will give you the means to judge what setting will work, and what will not. And most importantly, it will give you the opportunity to be care-free and have fun!

After the trial run comes the more serious work. But don't fret, even in this seriousness is a lot of intrigue. Once you are comfortable with your camera, you can continue to take the pictures that you want. If you want standard ones of people and landscapes, it is a simple process of pointing and shooting. But where's the fun in that, right?

Try to compose your picture artistically. Choose a subject and see how best you can frame it. The LCD screen on your camera allows you to preview it. In most cameras, the screen can also contain a grid of nine squares, three columns and three rows. This allows you to effectively compose your picture. Try placing the subject in one of the boxes and see the outcome of the interaction it has with the surrounding. Once you are well acquainted with the camera, another thing you will be a good judge of is lighting. It is a very important component of photography. Many well taken photographs have played only with the light, giving a mesmerising effect in itself.

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Article Submitted On: May 24, 2011

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Canon and Nikon VS the Rest - How to Chose a Camera Manufacturer

While Canon and Nikon are most often regarded as the most popular DSLR manufactures, many other brand names offer competitive products. Pentax, Sigma, and Sony are some of the other big names that have been making headlines with new innovative products and features. But despite such headlines, choosing a DSLR manufacture involves further consideration than looking at a single camera.

Lenses

More important than a camera body is the lens that will accompany it. Quality between manufactures is minimal in most cases but the differences between a quality lens and a cheap kit lens is often noticeable. As you begin to grow as a photographer, your need for quality lenses will grow as well and ensuring that your camera manufacture offers the quality of lenses needed to transition from amateur to professional remains essential. Typically Canon and Nikon offer very high quality lenses for their cameras. Other manufactures like Zeiss, Sigma, Tamron and Tokina also build lenses for Canon, Nikon, and select other brands. As a result, Canon and Nikon will almost always yield the largest choices in lens both proprietary and 3rd party at a range of levels from amateur to professional.

Camera Bodies

These days, it is very difficult to find a bad camera. Almost every DSLR created offers stunning features at a range of price levels. This is especially true at the consumer/pro-sumer levels with a host of competition from various manufactures. However, as you begin to move up in quality and camera, many brands fail to offer products at this level. Both Sigma and Pentax do not have any current full frame cameras and Sony has only recently entered this segment competitively. Though Sony is attempting to infiltrate professional markets heavily this year, it still only offers limited choices in models. As a result, choosing a manufacture such as Sony or Sigma may result in having to sell your lens and camera collection when you begin to break into professional markets. That is not to say that Sony doesn't currently offer amazing feature packed DSLRs because they have several cameras, but currently they have only 1 camera for full frame users.

What other people use

It can also be important to know what other people in your field or industry are using. From the ability to trade and borrow lenses to gaining respect from your fellow photographers, there are definite advantages to using the same manufacture. You will probably discover for each field there are preferred cameras, manufactures, and equipment depending on your shooting needs. For those who need the best low light ability, Nikon will likely be a manufacture of choice with their low noise sensors while clients who need large prints will often use the high megapixel Canon models in many cases.

DSLR cameras are designed for flexibility. They allow you to expand your kit as you grow in skill by offering interchangeable lenses and multiple bodies at a variety of price and quality levels. Choosing a camera manufacture is an important first step as it will likely pave the way for your future direction in photography.

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