Digital Single Lens Reflex (Digital SLR or DSLR) cameras use a mechanical system to allow the image coming through the lens to also be viewed through the camera's viewfinder. This class of camera is the primary digital type used by professionals and are usually compatible with the lenses used on ...
17
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7answers
2k views
What should I look for when shopping for my first DSLR?
I am thinking of buying a digital SLR camera. What things should I be looking for?
27
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11answers
2k views
Are there disadvantages to a prosumer camera for a beginner, aside from cost?
I basically decided on a whim (from reading this site, talking to some friends, and always admiring great photos) that I want to get into photography.
Are there disadvantages to starting out with a ...
34
votes
12answers
6k views
Is there any significant difference between Nikon and Canon?
I'm considering purchasing a DSLR for the first time here in the next couple of months. The two "big boys" seem to be Canon and Nikon. I've looked at both companies, and I can't really see significant ...
22
votes
11answers
1k views
What are considerations when choosing a DSLR brand?
Realizing that:
no single brand or camera model is perfect,
most DSLRs are "good enough" for most situations
there is no single right answer to which camera should be purchased
...what are some ...
22
votes
2answers
1k views
How can I know what speed card to get for my camera?
Cameras rarely specify exactly what speed cards you should be using in them - I just checked the manual for my DSLR, and all it says is to use an SDHD card, and a "high speed" card should be used for ...
27
votes
13answers
17k views
How do Micro 4/3s cameras compare with DSLR cameras?
What are the major (and perhaps more subtle) differences between the newer Micro 4/3s format in comparison to the well-established DSLR cameras? What are the pros and cons of the Micro 4/3s format, ...
25
votes
15answers
3k views
What options do I have for GPS/Geotagging with a digital SLR?
I would like to track GPS points while I am photographing with my Canon EOS (5D) camera.
What option do I have track them and what do you recommend?
12
votes
12answers
2k views
Which DSLR brand should I pick as a beginning photographer?
I'm planning on starting photography as a hobby and I will be purchasing a DSLR very soon. Many of my friends have upgraded to DSLRs from P&Ss nowadays, but they all use different brands. Most ...
25
votes
7answers
4k views
What are the major differences between these camera series by Canon?
Here is a shot of the different series of camras that Canon has to offer:
There's several models of Rebel, then there's the 50D, the 5D, and the 1Ds.
Broadly, which one is for whom broadly?
24
votes
11answers
2k views
What is the best way to clean the sensor on a digital SLR?
I've got a couple of spots of dust on the sensor of my Canon 20D - a rocket blower isn't shifting them, and I'm ridiculously scared of some of the more direct methods for cleaning sensors -- what ...
22
votes
9answers
3k views
Should I buy a camera with kit lens, or body plus lens separately?
I am planning to buy a DSLR soon.
Before I zero in on the model, I want to know whether it is advisable to buy a kit (body + 18-55 lens) or not? OR should I go for the camera-body and the lens ...
18
votes
4answers
2k views
What do Pentax, Sony, and Olympus DSLRs offer that differs from Canon and Nikon?
We have a question and answers outlining the significant differences between the "big two" DSLR brands. I'm interested in the other DSLR makers, and how the cameras they make compare in terms of ...
12
votes
5answers
500 views
Is an SLR camera a must when learning?
I'm starting to learn how to shoot. Up until now I've only used point-and-shoot cameras mostly on automatic settings. My view is there are basically three classes of cameras sold by the major ...
25
votes
8answers
7k views
What should I consider when using DSLRs in cold weather?
What temperatures can consumer-level DSLRs and lenses typically handle? Are there any precautions one should take too minimize potential problems (e.g. condensating water)? What about moving in and ...
17
votes
3answers
3k views
What is meant by the “native ISO” when talking about DSLRs?
The new Nikon D7000 is out, and a lot of previews has touted the "native iso" of D7000 to be 100.
What does this actually mean? I'm assuming it means it performs at its best at iso 100, which means ...
17
votes
10answers
1k views
Why is a DSLR better than a P&S?
Why should I put up with the inconvenience of lugging around a DSLR?
They look cool, but is there more substance to it?
21
votes
9answers
1k views
How to choose a lens for my first DSLR?
I am considering buying my first DSLR.
How do I know whether I need a 18-200 lens, 17-85, or 18-55? Or something else?
13
votes
8answers
2k views
How I could take crisp sharp shots without expensive lens?
Recently I bought my first DSLR camera. It is a beginner's one, a Sony alpha 230 kit. To tell the truth, my shots are not more crisp than those I used to take with my old Point and Shoot Nikon ...
2
votes
5answers
971 views
Why doesn't it make sense to compare an entry-level DSLR with a super zoom?
A friend of mine told me that it does not make any sense to compare a entry level DSLR (e.g. Nikon D5100) to a super zoom (e.g. Nikon Coolpix P510).
So, what does he mean by "it does not make any ...
11
votes
3answers
836 views
How to start the basics of photography, which is the best entry level SLR camera?
Am an Painting Artist, I would like to start photography. But I don't know the basics of photography, and I need to purchase a good entry level SLR Camera. So Please help me to findout a good beginner ...
5
votes
5answers
1k views
What would be the must have mobile phone apps for photographers?
I am looking for apps for my mobile phone (Generalizing it to any mobile phone rather then being a specific Android, Apple or Windows phone) that I will find helpful while taking pictures on my DSLR.
...
17
votes
4answers
5k views
How can I make good fountain/waterfall photos?
I have a Canon Digital EOS Rebel XT camera, and I wonder how you could take photos of moving water like rivers, waterfalls and fountains...
10
votes
3answers
662 views
What are differences between Bayer mosaic and Foveon 3 layer sensor?
To filling my appetite on camera things hunger I've came across to Sigma website and found this 3 layer sensor stuff.
Can anyone really explain this based on their experience or research about this?
...
20
votes
6answers
693 views
Should I be worried about getting dust inside my SLR?
I recently went to Silverstone to watch the F1 qualifying and took my DSLR camera with me. Throughout the day, I switched lenses a few times, but each time was very conscious that there was a lot of ...
15
votes
7answers
6k views
Which camera bag for a single DSLR camera plus 2 lenses?
I'm looking for a shoulder bag for 1 DSLR, 2 extra lenses and a small flash. I will probably be picking up a 70-200mm f/2.8 lens, so the bag needs to fit that attached to a camera. The bag needs to ...
7
votes
4answers
949 views
What are the technical differences between using a DSLR viewfinder and live view?
The earlier question What are the advantages of using the optical viewfinder over live preview to take photos on a DSLR? asks for practical advantages of optical viewfinders. But what's the technical ...
17
votes
8answers
663 views
Should I buy a DSLR to get started?
I'm really interested in getting into serious or even professional photography. I've read some articles about fundamental concepts like aperture, exposure, ISO sensitivity, etc., and I want to get the ...
27
votes
7answers
5k views
What are the advantages and disadvantages of using auto ISO on a DSLR?
What are the advantages and disadvantages of using auto ISO on a DSLR?
Using manual ISO obviously gives you more control, but auto ISO may mean that you get "the shot" under quickly changing ...
19
votes
11answers
2k views
Are DSLRs a dying breed, making now the time to switch to a mirrorless camera system?
I came across this thought provoking article on Stuck in Customs today that makes a strong case to hold off too much investment in DSLR gear, and instead switch to mirror-less cameras like the Sony ...
44
votes
4answers
2k views
Why aren't all viewfinders 100%?
We often see that a manufacturer's high-end (D)SLR models offer a "100% viewfinder," which shows the entire exposed frame, and allows precise composition with regard to objects near the edge of the ...
15
votes
7answers
833 views
What DSLR should I buy?
I'm in the market for a new camera and I've been shopping around looking at various DSLRs. I currently use a Canon compact super-zoom camera, and shoot in manual mode 99% of the time, so the step to ...
7
votes
14answers
4k views
Gear for carrying and storing a DSLR on a backpacking trip?
I'm planning on going on a short backpacking trip at the end of this month and would like to take along my DSLR. What are some good options for me to carry and store my camera and a tripod if I'm also ...
8
votes
3answers
2k views
D5100 or D90 ? Which one to buy as the first DSLR?
I am planning to buy my first DSLR camera and have pinned down on Nikon. However, I am not able to make up my mind between the Nikon D90 and Nikon D5100. While D90 is more expensive, I am not sure if ...
4
votes
5answers
2k views
Is the Canon t2i or new Nikon d90 better for an entry DSLR?
so i want to jump into the world of DSLR and aside from being a crazy picture taker have no skills as a photographer. i take many shots and delete bad ones in the hopes that some will be really nice.
...
3
votes
2answers
441 views
Does an interchangeable-lens compact camera (SLD) give me room to grow vs. a DSLR?
Recently companies like Sony have released relatively compact cameras that use DSLR-like lenses. Two of my friends have a camera like that (They're beginning photographers). I know eight other people ...
10
votes
10answers
1k views
Is the D90 worth the extra money for a beginner?
I am looking at getting a DSLR. I have a little experience with a film SLR but not much more than the basics. I plan to take a range of photo types.
My research has narrowed down the products to the ...
9
votes
0answers
554 views
Why do some DSLRs take good bokeh and others do not?
what is the mechanical explanations as to why some cameras can take good bokeh and not others. do lenses have a role too?
8
votes
3answers
3k views
Do different “Picture styles” affect RAW output?
I was reading again the manual of my camera (Canon 50D, but I am sure that each DSLR offer the same kind of functionality, albeit I don't know the exact names adopted) and noticed the issue of Picture ...
7
votes
2answers
5k views
Are mirror-less cameras good enough to buy instead of a DSLR for home/amateur use?
I'm an amateur photographer looking to buy a camera for my home use. I called myself "photographer" just because I actually can press the button and take a photo! My first digital camera was VGA ...
1
vote
2answers
659 views
Should I choose a Canon 550D or a Sony DSLR-A580?
I am planning to buy a Canon EOS 550D with its Kit Lens (18-55 mm) and a prime lens (50 mm 1.8) with my main intention of clicking portrait and landscape pictures. Just yesterday I came across Sony ...
13
votes
3answers
2k views
Do you have advice for buying my first lens after kit 18-55mm (sub-$300)?
I’m looking to buy my first lens beyond the kit 18-55mm for my Pentax K-x. As a student my budget limits me to around a sub $300 offering. I am new to photography, and so I have a hard time answering ...
15
votes
4answers
1k views
Why can't my SLR autofocus on certain parts of a scene?
I had my Nikon D7000 on single-point auto focus and it just would not focus on the spots I wanted. I have marked the spots that could not be focused on with red circles, and the parts that could be ...
13
votes
3answers
1k views
How are the red focus point indicators displayed on a dSLR's focusing screen?
The question Why do the focus points leds appear shadowed? raises another question for me. How are these indicator lights implemented in typical dSLRs? Are they actually small LEDs etched into the ...
9
votes
7answers
293 views
What features should I look for in a DSLR to shoot live bands?
I'm trying to work out which DSLR to buy. One of my main use cases is photographing live bands in dimly lit bars. This often involves fast movement (particularly drummers) as well as low light. Which ...
18
votes
3answers
2k views
What are the pros and cons of a video camera versus a DSLR that can take video?
I have made a few short films and plan to get more serious about it, but professional digital video cameras are generally expensive and the recent line of beginner DSLRs which can take HD video like ...
10
votes
3answers
370 views
What do you get for spending more money on a camera body?
I'm looking at DSLR bodies, and I have only one real feature I'd really like to have -- 1080P video recording.
I'm looking at Nikons here for this example, but only for illustrative purposes -- I'm ...
9
votes
4answers
2k views
Are refurbished digital SLR cameras okay to buy (and worth the small savings)?
I ran across a few refurbished cameras (from reputable sites) and my question is this:
Are refurbished cameras normally okay to buy? (Note: I am referring to DSLR cameras that are body plus one ...
9
votes
2answers
373 views
Recommendations for off-brand battery grips for DSLRs
The Nikon- and Canon-branded battery grips are insanely expensive. What alternatives are out there, and where is the best place to buy them?
7
votes
5answers
2k views
How do I get a really black background? [duplicate]
Possible Duplicate:
What do I need to get photos with a unifom black background (not with post)?
How can I get a pure black background when taking portraits, just like in following picture?
...
4
votes
4answers
209 views
Can I save the JPEG preview image that's generated in-camera when I shoot in RAW-only mode?
When you're shooting in RAW-only mode (not RAW+JPG), most (all?) cameras also generate a JPEG preview using the current style settings. This is what you see momentarily when you first import the image ...
