Step into the DSLR World - Are You Ready?

*Photo from Pixelbing.com

Unlike 10 years ago, cameras now are very affordable. Almost every friend of mine has a camera today, if not, at least a phone with camera. The interesting thing I noticed when I was traveling is that more people are using DSLR now, whether they really appreciate it or not. Many of my friends are also considering upgrading their gears to DSLR. Here I am giving some advices on getting a DSLR. This blog is more about prepare yourself to buy a DSLR than how to use it. Hope you will find it useful when making a purchase decision.

Before buying a DSLR, ask yourself a question. Are you really passionate about photography? Passionate here I mean is you will go out and travel around for the sake of taking photos. Probably you will do this in the first few weeks when you get a new camera, but will this last long? Or most likely your excitement will be consumed by the overwhelming number of functions and settings. If you do not use the camera that much, then just stick to whatever you have now, P&S cameras are good enough in most cases.

Okay, if you love taking photos, then ask again what is your purpose. It could be just photos of casual outings with friends, or more serious tasks such as landscape, wildlife, sports, portrait and many more. Different DSLRs have strengths in different fields, but most of them are suitable for all use if your requirement is not that extreme.

Next, when you are choosing a DSLR for yourself, what should you look for? There are usually some common myths for the beginners.

Myth 1 Having more megapixels means better quality of photos

That's the most common myth many beginners have. Camera manufacturers always advertise this in the very first line of their commercials, such as great 16 megapixels or amazing 24 megapixels. Actually, megapixels are not representing the quality of the photo at all. Old DSLRs had about 8 megapixels but they are still far more capable than those 8 megapixel camera phone today. So what to look for if you want a camera with better quality of photo? The answer is sensor. In general, larger sensor means better image quality. Below is an illustration of the various sensor sizes. The most common ones you see in the DSLR world are 35mm "full frame", APS-C and four thirds, or called 4/3. PnS cameras are having the sensor sizes like 1/1.7" or 1/2.5". Now you see the different between them. Lens is another factor that determines the image quality. But you'll get to know that when you are more familiar with the DSLR.

*Photo from wikipedia.org

Myth 2 Pay for the features you don't really use

Nowadays cameras are more than cameras, they can shoot photos, record HD videos, geotag your locations, and even upload your photos to the internet straight from the memory card! So, do figure out what you really want and what you do not. For myself, I rarely record videos using my camera. So camera with 1080p video recording or 720p does not really matter to me. But I would love to have a camera that has the geotag function so that I can keep a map of photos that shows where I have been to.

Myth 3 Get the expensive camera because it is better

Expensive cameras are indeed better, but may not be the most suitable one for you. They usually are built in with many functions that are suitable for serious professional photographers. For example, weather-proof cameras are suitable for outdoor photo shooting under extreme weather condition such as raining and sand storming. However, it is hardly useful for you if you do not use your camera in that way. So again it is about cost and features.

Myth 4 I have a DSLR so I can take better pictures now

WRONG! a DSLR does not guarantee you better pictures, it is capable of doing that though. More important than having a good camera, it's that you need practice. I thought I had taken great pictures when I got my first DSLR, but when I looked at those photos now, they really suck. Other than just taking photos, you can look at those photos from professional photographers, understand their ideas and try to imitate them. Simply put, it's all about your skills rather than your gear.

Myth 5 Heavier DSLR is okay, I can take that

Trust me, nobody wants a heavy camera. You might think that you can tolerate the extra weight and size. However, you'll find it harder to carry and bring along as your excitement goes down and in the end, the camera will sit in your dry cabinet for ever. So, do choose a light-weighted camera if possible. Then you'll enjoy the every moment of shooting without arm or neck ache.

In all, buying a DSLR and making full use of it are never easy. To get the right DSLR for yourself, you must know your needs and find the camera that best serves its purposes. After all, photography is an art, not the specifications on the label of the camera.

 

Technorati Tags: Photography, DSLR, Camera, Tips