So you’ve decided you want to make the leap to a dSLR from your handy, pocket sized point and shoot camera.  Whether you are setting out to buy a dSLR for professional photography or just for fun, the stakes are high, so you want to make the right purchase the first time. It is also useful to purchase into a product line that has all of the add-ons and accessories you know or think you might want in the future. The love of owning a great digital single lens reflex will wither away once you discover you can’t find the wide lens you need, or the underwater case you’ll want for your trip to the Bahamas. You want the most out of your SLR investment and I hope this post can help.

Illusions.

A camera phone in the hands of a professional can produce stunning imagery. Don’t get any illusions, it’s not the camera that makes the photographer. Whether you decide to buy an entry level SLR or a top of the line model your purchase won’t pay off until you start arming yourself with the basics of photography. Don’t go into the store thinking the most expensive dSLR body and array of lenses on the market is going to make you any better of a photographer. Gauge your purchase and the features that are important to you on how much you plan to learn and how you want to use your camera. You can categorize features into these three categories:

Features you need:

If you know what you are going to use the camera for, you can start identifying the features you’ll need. If you will be snapping photos at a distance, you will want a wide selection of telephoto lenses available to your camera model. If you will be shooting in low light settings, you might want a camera with a fast shutter and large aperture that can take great photos without a flash.

Features you want:

These are features or addons that you would love to have, but don’t absolutely need. Fish eye lenses, water proof cases and video capability enter the picture here for most people. Personally I can’t wait to get my hands on a Fish eye lens, but I really don’t need it on a regular basis.

Features you want, but cant get just yet:

Lets face it, dSLR’s and accessories are expensive and numerous. Note features and addons here that are either out of your price range or that are not yet available for the camera models you are considering. When you have a moment, do some research to see if these features may become available in the near future.

The Road to Upgrades

How have vendors handled the Evolution of their Lenses?

Research how your choice Vendors have upgraded their lens kits in the past. Noting the evolution of their technology can be some indication of where these Vendors are going in the near future. Pentax SLR’s are capable of using KA and K mount lenses. These are older screw-mount lenses that date back 20+years. The latest Nikon dSLRs (Except D60, D40 and D40x) can use many Nikkor lenses manufactured as far back as 1959! Although the older models will require some modifications if you wish to use them (They date back to before Automatic focus and Automatic metering were even invented).  It is good to note these compatibilities, because it shows the vendors tend to try their hardest to keep a wide scope of lens options available and will probably continue to do so.

How well are older model Cameras and Flash units supported?

Explore how your choice vendors have specifically supported and support older model Cameras and flash units. Vendors are continuously upgrading technologies and the most recent Speedlights might not be compatible with past or future cameras. Some might lack full through the lens metering capabilities and other might not work wirelessly. If flash is going ot be important to you and your photographic endevors, be sure to take a good look at your vendors flash units and support.

Which filter size will fit the most lenses?

You might want or absolutely need polarizers, infrared filters and close up lenses. All of the above can be fairly expensive and you probably won’t want to buy one of each for all your various lens sizes. If you own a 62mm lens, a 67mm and a 72mm you might find it a viable option to purchase your lenses at the largest size and use adapters when fitting them to smaller diameters. Decide which filter size is best for your lens choices and research what will properly fit your potential Lens choices.

SLR Bodies: Basic, Entry level, Prosumer and Professional

The last decision you need to make is of what class of SLR body to choose. There is a lot of overlap between the four classes, but at the least, deciding which class suits your needs best will help refine your choices.

The Basic dSLR:

These Cameras are Stripped down versions of more advanced–And expensive– models. Aimed at photographers that are interested in stepping up from their point and shoot cameras, Basic dSLRs allow anyone to test the waters before diving in headfirst. These camera bodies will have many corners cut to maintain affordability and that includes: Slower maximum shutter speeds, one dial for both Aperature and shutter speed rather than two, etc..

• Price range:$600-$800

The Entry Level dSLR:

These Camera bodies are best suited for new, entry level, enthusiasts who want a little more range and features to test. What makes these bodies different from Pro models is not that there are far fewer features, just that corners have been cut from them in a way that generaly doesnt matter to a new photographer. Your shutter speeds, ability to do fast continuous shooting,` sensor size, iso range, etc. will all be fully functional, but a step down from the speed, capture size and range of a pro model.

• Price range:$800-$1200

The Prosumer model:

These Camera bodies are well suited for more experienced Photographers. You will find that professionals often keep Prosumer camera’s as backups or if their demands are more contemplative and they are not required to snap thousands of photos a day, they will even use a Prosumer model as their primary Camera.

Just like the previously mentioned dSLR bodies, Prosumer Models cut just enough corners to save on the final price tag while still maintaining near Pro usability. ALso, unlike the Basic and Entry level models, Prosumer and Professional models are housed in an almost indestructible magnesium casing. The former being housed in rugged but less durable polycarbonate.

• Price range:$1200-$2000

The Professional dSLR

These Camera bodies are at the top of the food chain. You can expect the latest technology, highest quality parts, the largest range of functions, fastest speeds and an overall Tank-Like reliability in these cameras.

• Price range: $2500-$5000

Final Thoughts

There are still many more questions to ask and subjects to research before you

decide on the right dSLR for you, but I hope this has helped you take a step in the right direction.   Remember to ask yourself what you need, want and can live

without.

Best regards,

Chad Fox
Visual Effects Artist | Modeler | Lighting TD | Instructor