Your first DSLRMaybe it all started with a Kodak 110 (remember those?) or even a Disc camera (that was my first), but if you're like me, you've had many different kinds of cameras come in and out of your life. From Polaroids to disposables and now, digital. But the one common thread amongst all of them is that they were all just point and shoots. No complicated lenses, no setting f/stops and shutter speeds, just aim and click. But things have changed and now you want to start taking some better photos. Maybe you've had kids or are just looking for a new hobby, but whatever the reason, you've decided to move to the next level. Hopefully, this guide will help.
What is a DSLR?DSLR stands for Digitial Single Lens Reflex, which is the digital cousin of the film SLR. Single Lens Reflex refers to the fact that the image you are seeing in the viewfinder is coming directly from the lens itself, so what you see is, composition-wise, is what you get. With a traditional point and shoot, you are looking through a viewfinder that is positioned above the actual lens and shows you only approximately what the lens sees. Digital point and shoots get a little bit closer with the rear screen displaying an image that is captured by the lens, but lacks any of the manual controls (for the most part) to adjust that image prior to it being captured.
By looking directly through the lens at the image you want to capture, you are able to 'fine tune' the image to match the idea of what you think it should look like. This means that you are able to adjust how much or how little light comes in, which part of the image is focused on, the exact cropping and composition of the image and so forth. All of these feats are impossible, or quite difficult, when using a point and shoot.
In addition, the most important feature of a DSLR is the ability to change lenses. With a point and shoot, you've got one lens and one lens only. Normally, these lenses will zoom anywhere from 7x to 12 closer, but they cannot be changed. With a DSLR, you have the ability to change the lens on the camera to achieve the desired outcome of the photo. Shooting a large, natural scene? A wide-angle lens would be in order. What about some fast-moving sports action? You'll need a telephoto. The versatility of a DSLR is it's biggest strength. This versatility is what brings me to my next point.
It's not a camera, it's a systemThere are many manufacturers of DSLR cameras. Some you've probably heard of (Canon, Nikon, Olympus), while others may not be so familiar (Sigma, Leica, Yashica). While the basics of each camera remains pretty much the same, each manufacturer has different features that make their camera unique. But features are not the only thing that separates each camera. Each camera has their own, unique, lens mount. This means that lenses made for a Canon will not fit on a Nikon and lens made for Olympus will not fit on a Sigma. This is an important differentiator because when you're buying your camera, you need to think about what lens are available and how expensive those lenses are.
The major brands, Canon and Nikon, have had the same lens mount system for decades. This means that a camera purchased today can be used with a lens that was made 20-years ago. Because of this, there are a dearth of used lenses for these cameras on the market. This also means that other, third-party companies also manufacturer lenses that will fit on those cameras (usually at a lower price than 'branded' lenses). Companies like Olympus, which created a brand-new lens mount for their DSLRs when they introduced them a few years back, don't have as wide a range of lenses, both new and used, for their cameras. This means that the lenses that are available are usually more expensive. However, with the success of these cameras comes more players into the marketplace to produce lenses for this mount, which drives the prices down.
The bottom line is that you're not just buying the camera, you're buying an entire system. A little forethought about what type of pictures you'd like to take (macro, action, nature) will help you determine how many and which lenses you'll need to purchase either immediately or in the future. The availability of inexpensive 'glass' also allows you to experiment a little more without spending a fortune.
The usual suspectsAfter you've figured out which 'camera system' you're going to purchase, there's some complimentary items that you'll need. Some are a requirement, while others are just recommended.
You will definitely need a memory card. All digital cameras store photos on a removable memory card. Which type of card depends on the camera's brand and some even take two. Once you determine which kind of memory card your camera takes, you'll need to purchase one. One of the benefits of DSLR cameras is there ability to take photos rapidly and at high resolutions. It is because of this that I recommend purchasing a card with a lot of space (at least 2GB) that is fast (133x or above). This will allow you to get the most out of your setup. As a recommendation, I would purchase two cards, instead of one. You can arrive at the same total amount of space, but having more than one card is recommended (2, 2GB cards as opposed to 1, 4GB card). The reason for this suggestion is because memory cards are not infallible and have been known, in some cases, to go bad. Imagine your out on a two week trip and on day one, your card fails. Without a backup, the camera is useless.
The second 'must-have' is a good camera bag. Unlike a point and shoot that can be stowed in your pocket, a DSLR requires a bit more space and little more protection. In addition to the larger piece of equipment, you'll also need something to tote around your extra lenses, filters, memory cards, etc. A good camera bag is worth its weight in gold. There are many different kinds that fit many different situations, so you'll need to figure out what's best for you.
This last item is a suggestion, but one that I feel is extremely useful: a good flash. While all DSLRs on the market today feature a built-in flash, they are normally not very powerful and usually create very harsh lighting conditions in your shots. A good flash that sits in the 'hot-shoe' of your camera can do wonders for your photos. If you plan on taking photos indoors for any extensive amount of time, a good flash will make a huge difference.
Have funWhile each camera system has features that differentiate it from the next, all will accomplish the basic tasks of the beginning photographer. You can't go wrong by choosing any system and each will allow you to grow as your skill set improves. The most important thing to remember is that the camera is just a tool. It's your imagination that makes a truly great photograph!