Digital SLR buying guide
Posted on 14 Dec 2009 at 14:38
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
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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
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