Digital SLR buying guide

Posted on 14 Dec 2009 at 14:38

 

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Find out all you need to know about choosing the right Digital SLR camera.

Recommended minimum specifications

Resolution: 10 megapixels

Supplied lens: 18-55mm, f/3.5-f/5.6

Monitoring: 2½in, 215,000-pixel LCD screen

Continuous Shooting: 2.5fps

Supplied memory: None

Follow the steps to find your ideal specs

1. A digital SLR camera with the specifications shown above will cost around £300 and suit photography enthusiasts on a budget. Despite being an entry-level digital SLR, image quality will be in a different league to that of all but the best fixed-lens cameras, particularly when it comes to smooth, sharp detail with minimal image noise.
2. Spend more and you'll get a camera with a higher resolution: 10 megapixels is common for entry-level models. This gives finer detail, although the improvement over eight megapixels isn't as great as the figures might suggest.
3. The kit lenses supplied with budget digital SLRs can take excellent pictures, but their zoom ranges and macro-focus capabilities are limited. If you're interested in telephoto photography, consider buying a second lens, perhaps with a 70-200mm focal length. Alternatively, buy a body-only camera and an 18-200mm or similar lens. Aperture values tell you how much light the lens can capture at either end of its zoom range; the lower the f-number, the brighter the lens.
4. A 2½in, 215,000-pixel screen is standard among digital SLRs, but you'll be using the optical viewfinder to compose most shots. Its through-the-lens (TTL) view shows exactly what the camera's sensor will capture and makes manual focusing easy. A second, passive LCD screen is useful for displaying camera settings. Look for a camera with Live View if you want to compose shots using the LCD screen or want to be able to record video.
5. Most entry-level SLRs outperform even the fastest compact cameras. However, look out for a fast continuous mode, autofocus and shutter lag if quick-fire photography is a priority.
6. Digital SLRs don't usually come with any storage, so budget around £10 for a fast (at least 60x) 2GB CompactFlash or SD card to ensure that it doesn't create a performance bottleneck.

Author: Expert Reviews Staff