10 Tips to Choose an Affordable DSLR Camera

DSLR Cameras are increasingly becoming a type of camera that is in the reach of the average photographer as prices fall and manufacturers develop more user friendly models.

Here are a few factors to consider when looking for a DSLR:

1. Price - DSLRs price range in price from some quite affordable deals at the lower end to extremely high prices at the professional end. Set yourself a budget for your purchase early on but make sure that you keep in mind that you’ll need to consider other costs of owning one including:

• Lenses (some deals offer ‘kit lenses’ but you should consider upgrading)
• Batteries
• Memory Cards
• Camera Bag
• Filters, etc.

2. What will You use it For? - When you head into a camera store to purchase any type of question the first thing most sales people will ask you what type of photography you want to do. Make a realistic list of the type of photography you will use it for (macro photography, low light one, for “life” recording, portrait photography, etc.).

3. Size - DSLRs are all more sizeable than compact point and shoot cameras but there is a fair bit of variation in size between them. If you’re going to use it for on-the-go photography (travel, bushwalking, etc.), then small and light models can be very handy.

4. Previous Gear - the attractive thing about DSLRs is that in many cases they are compatible with some of the gear you might already have. This is particularly the case for lenses. The chances are that if you have a film SLR that your lenses might well be compatible with a DSLR made by the same manufacturer. However, it’s well worth asking the question as it could save you considerable money.

5. Resolution - ‘how many megapixels does it have’ is a question that is often one of the first to be asked about a new camera. On the other hand, more is not always best. Megapixels come into play as you consider how you’ll use your images. If you’re looking to print enlargements then more can be good - if you’re just going to print in small sizes or use them for e-mailing friends then it’s not so crucial.

6. Sensor Size - The term ‘crop factor’ comes up when you talk about image sensor size. In general a larger sensor has some advantages over a smaller one (although there are costs too).

7. ISO Ratings - Most DSLRs will offer a good range of ISO settings but some take it to the next level which is useful in low light photography.

8. LCD Size - While it might not change the way you shoot photos (people tend to use viewfinders at this level to frame shots), it certainly can be nice to view your shots on a larger screen.

9. Dust Protection and Anti Shake - Another feature that has started appearing in the latest round of cameras is image sensor dust protection (and in some cases self cleaning for image sensors). To this point this is a feature that is mainly on lower end DSLRs but it’s bound to appear on new professional models as well. Besides, one of the upgrade features is anti shake technology.

10. Burst Mode – It is especially great for sports and action photography. DSLRs vary both in the number of frames that they can shoot per second as well as how many images they can shoot in a single burst.
Thus, we can pick up a digital SLR camera for $500 to $700. These aren't professional models or the very best that current technology has to offer, but for the photo enthusiast on a budget-- or even the avid family photographer--they can be a big leap forward.

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