Digital SLR Cameras Guide
Flexibility is the key word when considering a digital SLR (single lens re? ex, meaning you view the image to be shot directly through the lens, not through a separate view? nder or on an LCD). You have numerous options when it comes to
interchangeable lenses, which range from ultra–wide angle to super-zoom lephoto. Many SLRs have large, high-quality image-capturing chips plus sophisticated image-processing electronics—these advantages generate superior images than those shot by point-and-shoot cameras.—RO
Important Specs
FOCUS AND METERING POINTS Most digital SLRs have several focus and light-metering points, selectable on a shot-by-shot basis. You can focus or meter on objects in the foreground or the background and still keep everything in the frame. In general, the more focus and metering points and the easier they are to select, the better your control over light and focus. IMAGE-CAPTURING CHIP SIZE Digital SLRs generally contain larger CCD or CMOS imagers than point-and-shoot cameras, with larger per-pixel areas. These larger pixels generate images that suffer less from excessive noise. The larger pixels are also more sensitive to light, thus providing the camera with an expanded ISO range. burst mode Digital SLRs have an image-capture burst mode that mimics a flm camera’s motor drive. You should be able to capture anywhere from three to fve frames per second at high resolution and have up to dozens of images stored in buffer memory before the camera has to write images to the storage card.
custom lenses Digital SLR manufacturers have begun to introduce new lenses that are specifcally designed for digital cameras, which have an imaging area smaller than the size of a frame of 35mm flm. These provide you with dditional—and generally less expensive—options for lens purchases.
When You’re Shopping
don’t assume the camera comes with a lens Remember, one of the greatest advantages that a digital SLR has over a point-and-shoot is its use of interchangeable lenses. As with 35mm flm SLR camera bodies, you will need to ask whether the camera you are considering is sold as a “body only” or as a kit
with one or more lenses. check the file formats Check to see in which fle formats the camera will capture images. All cameras will generate JPEG-format fles, but will the camera you’re interested in generate a TIFF or a RAW fle? How about both TIFF and RAW? Will it create a JPEG and a RAW at the same time? That last combination ensures that you’ll get the highest-quality image (RAW) but still have the convenience of a quick preview (JPEG). invest in a decent flash While most cameras have a built-in fash, a digital SLR will likely have an external hot shoe on top of the viewfnder to let you mount an optional fash unit that’s vastly
superior to the camera’s built-in fash. Find out what fash units are available, their prices, and their effective ranges, and then invest in one that meets your needs.
ask about accessories Inquire as to what other optional equipment or accessories will work with the camera you select. These could range from several acrophotography options to remote-control actuators. Ask the Salesperson what lenses are available? Ask the salesperson to show you how many lenses are available for your camera body. The salesperson should at least be able to show you a catalog or brochure that shows the full ranges of lenses and whether they all ft this camera body. If you already own some pricey lenses, make sure they work with the SLR you’re considering (duh…).how many pixels are actually used? Ask the salesperson what the effective pixel count is. There are generally several thousand pixels on the imager that are not used to capture an image. For example, if a salesperson says the camera has 6 million pixels, it may only have 5.5 million pixels that are actually used to capture your image. Generally speaking, the more active pixels, the merrier. how do i get this sucker fixed? Since many digital cameras are now being sold in stores other than camera shops, ask the salesperson that if your camera requires repair under warranty, can you return it to that store or are you required to ship it off to a repair facility yourself? Then ask who pays for shipping while the camera is under warranty.
If all you ever plan to print are snapshots, skip on ahead to our “Snapshot rinters” section (p26). But to display your photographic skills in all their radiant glory, nothing beats a good photo-quality printer. If you want to frame your work, we
recommend shopping for a printer that can output at least tabloid-sized photos; trust us, the extra cash will be worth it when you contentedly admire your artistry from across the room.—Roman Loyola
important Specs
dye or pigment Ink isn’t just ink; there are two basic kinds. Dye-based inks are more affordable than pigment-based ink, but dye-based inks fade faster. For photo archives or that gorgeous shot you want to hang on the wall, go with pigment inks. Dye-based inks are fne for more-casual use, however. For best results, use paper types recommended by the printer’s manufacturer—the ink and paper work together to give you the best results.
