How to buy a dslr camera

Want to know how to buy a DSLR Camera? With this article I aim to teach you everything you should look out for, so keep on reading and by the end of it I guarantee you will know which DSLR camera you are going to buy.

Here are a few things you need to look out for:

Price

Knowing your budget is always a great place to start. Sure we would all like the top of the range equipment but when you’re starting off it would be impractical and unaffordable.

When purchasing a DSLR camera you should also take into consideration that you may want to purchase some lenses, batteries, memory cards and other accessories. Saving money on a camera by choosing a less expensive model may allow you to purchase a better lens or vice versa.

Size of the Camera

The size of your camera may also be an issue. When upgrading from a point and shoot digital camera to a DSLR you will notice a sizable difference. DSLR cameras also range in size and weight from model to model, however most entry level cameras are of the same size and weight.

Camera Usage

The type of usage you’re going to use the camera for will determine the camera you’re going to need.

A photographer looking to photograph beautiful women all day is probably looking for a camera with a high megapixel count that is going to capture every detail giving the best possible image quality. A photographer who shoots sporting events on the other hand is probably willing to give up a few megapixels for a camera that allows him to shoot at a fast frames per second rate in order to capture a burst of images.

When it comes to purchasing a camera it’s important to take into consideration what you are going to be using it for, if this is going to be your first camera then chances are that you won’t be shooting any NFL matches or NBA games soon, so frames per second really shouldn’t be that much of an issue for you.

If you’re looking to photograph events that have low lighting such as weddings, music gigs or any other event where a flash isn’t allowed then you will want a camera that can work well at high ISO ranges (100-1600).

Megapixels

Megapixels are something that the whole camera scene are obsessed with and this is thanks to marketing campaigns saying that their latest cameras have 200,000 billion pixels, however in reality the quality of an image is often determined by the correct exposure settings and camera sensor than anything else.

Other Features to consider

ISO Levels

Without being too technical the ISO range of a camera determines along with aperture and shutter speed the amount of light that can get into the cameras sensor. The more light that reaches the sensor the quicker the shutter speed you’re able to use. You may have heard the term “bumping the ISO”, this means that the photographer will raise the ISO so that they can get quicker shutter speeds to capture their image.

Most entry level DSLR cameras will have a range of 100-1600 where as higher end models will often have ranges of 50-12800.

LCD Size

Having an extra half an inch over another camera’s LCD can make a huge difference when reviewing your images back on your camera, the bigger the screen the better.

Creative Modes

When upgrading to a DSLR camera it can sometimes feel like a daunting experience however with the help of creative modes you can slowly start to understand your camera more and more with each picture taken.

Entry level DSLR cameras will have pre defined modes such as “sports, Portrait, Landscape and night” modes which can easily be selected at the turn of a dial. Don’t expect this feature on the higher end models however because by the time you are using these types of cameras you will know how to set the correct exposure or camera settings.

Which DSLR Camera Should You Buy?

Before I start I should mention that I’ve always used Canon DSLRs and i’m in no way biased against any other camera manufacturer. However I can only recommend cameras that I know you will use and love because for the simple reason I have used them and I have loved them in the past.

Canon Rebel XS

The Canon Rebel XS is a great little camera that won’t confuse you with any non essential buttons or options. The rebel XS is a great camera to start out with as it boasts an impressive 10.1megapixel CMOS sensor and can shoot at a respectable 3fps.

The Rebel XS is often packaged with an 18-55mm lens which is perfect for a wide range of everyday photography situations.

The Rebel XS is the most affordable entry level camera package and can be picked up for less than $550 with free postage.

For the best deals on the Rebel XS or for more information Click Here.

Canon EOS Rebel T1i

The Rebel T1i is the bigger sister to the Rebel XS and comes with an impressive 15.1 megapixel sensor to capture even the finest details. The Rebel T1i also has the added function of being able to capture movies and the best part is that these movies are in full high definition.

The Rebel T1i can also function up to an ISO range of 12,800. Whereas the Rebel XS could only go up to ISO 1600.

Overall the Rebel T1i is an upgrade in every direction over the XS and if you have a little more money to spend then I would recommend the Canon Rebel T1i over the Rebel XS.

For more information on the Rebel T1i or for the best deals available Click Here.

Canon EOS Rebel T2i

You may have guessed that the T2i is an upgraded version of both of the above cameras, if you guessed this then give yourself a pat on the back because you were right.

The rebel T2i boasts a very large 18.0-megapixel CMOS (APS-C) sensor which captures images with amazing vibrancy and clarity. The T2i has a better and more comfortable button layout than the two cameras above and has a dedicated button which will take you to recording HD movies in an instant.

With all of these added features you would expect the T2i to be a lot more expensive however this isn’t the case and you can easily pick a Rebel T2i up for less than $800 Here.

Find the best Price on the Rebel T2i

Thanks for reading, if you have any suggestions for any cameras that you would like to see added to this list then please let me know in the comment section below.