Choosing a Digital SLR Camera – Summary
This article is a part of a series about choosing a digital SLR camera:
- Choosing a Digital SLR Camera – Part 1: The basics about a Digital SLR Camera
- Choosing a Digital SLR Camera – Part 2: Resolution
- Choosing a Digital SLR Camera – Part 3: Auto Focus
- Choosing a Digital SLR Camera – Part 4: Sensor Size
- Choosing a Digital SLR Camera – Summary
Whether you’re buying a digital SLR for the first time or upgrading an existing digital SLR unit, the decision making process is pretty similar. As always, we start off with the budget, then the intention of use, then finally, specification comparison.
As we’ve covered the key specifications to look out for when dealing with the feature list of a camera, the important pointers that we have to keep in mind is how these different features play into our most common photographic subject and shooting conditions.
Simply buying the most expensive unit may not be the best decision even if budget isn’t a concern as the more expensive a digital SLR gets, the more specific its purpose and functionality in most cases.
Apart from the technical specifications discussed, here are several subjective issues that you may want to think about as well.
Size and Weight
Many first-time digital SLR buyers will find the size of most entry-level models large compared to their previous pocketable cameras. Naturally, the excitement will be high for buying a much larger camera with a relatively large lens compared to compact cameras.
However, a lot of new digital camera users quickly get the impression that size matters (a lot) and develop user-envy when exposed to much larger mid-range and professional lines and may immediately consider upgrading to a larger camera.
Not so fast!
While a larger camera often has better ergonomics, the differences may not be as large as you think. The disadvantage of using a heavier and larger camera will be very obvious when you start shooting for an extended period of time. Holding a heavy camera and large lens for several hours while traveling would really strain ones neck and wrist. A smaller entry-level digital SLR will be a godsend for most people.
Oftentimes new digital SLR users are shy to whip out a large camera in public as well, this is a big disadvantage for a beginner as the more often you shoot, the greater your chance to succeed in photography.
If a camera is so large that it would require you to carry a large bag or too heavy to hang around your neck, chances are you’ll find carrying a camera too cumbersome and decide not to bring it at all. Remember that you cannot take a photograph without a camera. If a great photographic opportunity comes up and you don’t have a camera because you find your camera too heavy or bulky, then the digital SLR purchase will seem to be a wasted purchase.
Ergonomics
You’ll most likely use a camera at least an hour each time you bring your camera out of the bag. If the camera’s body design, weight balance, or button placement isn’t ideal in your hands or if parts like the viewfinder distance is too close your eye, for example, then every time you use your camera will be an agonizing and frustrating experience.
Make sure you test your potential unit beforehand and see how easy it is for you to change settings of the camera or changing batteries/memory cards. Look through the viewfinder and see if the viewfinder is bright enough. Does the camera’s design cause your hand to cramp, and so forth.
You can test most of these functions without the need to actually take photos. Oftentimes, you’ll find a camera that will fit your hand like glove.
After-sales Support
It is safe to say that virtually all digital SLRs in the market are very well made and should serve you for a long period of time before any part of the camera gets damaged. Oftentimes, people upgrade their cameras way before the camera is close to being too being considered old or worn.
However, even the best camera will inevitably fail one way or another, whether due to manufacturing defects, user error, or simply wear-and-tear. When service is required, it’s best to check if the camera brand has a strong service center where you live.
Odds are low that a camera would need servicing before your first upgrade, but if and when service is required, you wouldn’t want to wait a month because the repair center doesn’t have the parts or there isn’t a service center at all in the city where you live.
Summary
Let’s summarize our buying decision checklist for the last time.
- Determine the budget including the cost of basic accessories.
- Know what kind of subjects you’ll be shooting often.
- Physically hold and test the camera to see if you’re comfortable with the weight, size, and button placements.
- Check the availability and cost of eventual upgrade items such as lenses, flash, and other accessories.
- Check the after-sales support availability and reliability.
- Compare the specifications based on your needs determined in checklist item 2.
- Search for camera reviews on the internet.
Those are the main pointers to remember or to be determined before even walking into a store to make a purchase. It’s important that you’ve already armed yourself with a clear understanding of what you need and want, otherwise you’ll be easily persuaded by sales personnel to purchase a camera may not suit your needs or photographic plans.
Hope that this series of Choosing a DSLR Camera made you a better shopper and get you started in the exciting world of photography using a digital SLR!
