DSLR Buying Advice
What to look for when buying a DSLR camera
Key DSLR features
Low-Light Capability ISO speed
If you are likely to want to shoot in low light, whether it is sunset landscapes or cosy jazz clubs, good low-light performance is a must. Most DSLRs can shoot at ISO 1600 and some go to ISO 6400, but performance varies a lot between different cameras.
Image Stabilisation
Also known as anti-shake or vibration reduction, this is either built into the lenses (Nikon, Canon, Panasonic) or is sensor-based and built into the camera itself (e.g. Sony, Pentax, Samsung). Though it is considered that lens-based stabilisation is slightly better, it ties you into buying pricier lenses to get the benefit; sensor-based stabilisation works with any lens.
Burst Mode/Frame Rate
Particularly important for action and wildlife photographers is the ability to fire off a number of images in quick succession. Even the most basic DSLRs now boast a frame rate of 2.5fps but some are much faster. A good buffer memory is important; it is where images are stored before they are saved. The larger this is, the more images you can shoot before it fills and the camera grinds to a (temporary) halt. Raw files, being bigger, fill the buffer quicker then JPEGs do.
Anti Dust
Every time you change the lens on your DSLR, tiny dust particles can enter the exposed lens mount and land on yoursensor, appearing as annoying marks on your pictures. Dust is also created by wear and tear of the moving parts inside the DSLR camera. Most manufacturers have a dust-removal system that cleans the sensor in one way or another.
Customisation
One of the benefits of DSLRs is the degree of customisation they allow. Choose which dials control which features, or decide whether you want to shoot JPEG, Raw or both at the same time. Do you want the file numbers to start again when you reload a card or carry on where they left off? Control how your picture looks too in your choice of color space, in-camera sharpening and other parameters.
Before you buy DSLR or Compact Camera
DSLRs offer numerous advantages over compacts. Here are some key considerations to make when choosing a DSLR camera.
Size
DSLRs vary greatly in size and weight. On paper you might think that the smaller the better. But some people, especially those with big hands or long fingers, find small cameras difficult to hold and the controls too fiddly to access. On the other hand, small cameras are more likely to be taken along on trips than big, heavy ones. Decide whether you are a small camera or big camera person before buying.
Sensor type
Many people use the term CCD to describe their camera's sensor but in fact the CCD is just one of several types of sensor technology in common use. All have pros and cons, but all are capable of producing great results, so don't base your choice of camera on this factor along.
Systems and Lenses
Each manufacturer of DSLR uses a different mount for attaching lenses. If you already have a 35mm SLR system, it may be temping to stick with the same brand, especially if you own several lenses. While this may be the cheapest option, new lens technology means you may get better results from the new generation of lenses designed specifically for us with DSLR cameras.
Pixels
Don't obsess about the number of pixels a DSLR camera has. The more pixels are squeezed into a given space, the smaller they have to be, and this causes problems such as image noise. 6MP DSLRs can produce A3 prints that are as good as those from some 10MP models. Quality is dependent on a range of factors, of which the number of pixels is just one.
Build Quality
The main difference between expensive professional DSLRs and entry-level enthusiast ones is the build quality. Pro cameras are built to withstand knocks, scrapes and inclement weather which makes them bigger and heavier.