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 ...
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4answers
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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 ...
35
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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 ...
33
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5answers
3k views
Will too much time-lapse photography reduce a DSLR's life, or cause any other damage?
I own a Canon 550D, and I'm planning to do some time-lapse experiments this weekend just for fun. Will it cause any damage or reduce my DSLR's lifetime if I do too much of it?
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13answers
18k 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, ...
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 ...
27
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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 ...
26
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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?
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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 ...
25
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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?
24
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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 ...
23
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6answers
2k views
How do I keep the horizon straight when taking a photo (without a tripod)?
I use a DSLR and I very often find that when I shoot without a tripod, and with my eye to the viewfinder (as opposed to using LiveView), my photos end up slightly crooked: lines that should be ...
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
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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 ...
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 ...
21
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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?
21
votes
9answers
3k views
How useful is the top LCD screen on a DSLR?
I don't own a DSLR (yet), so i do not have an opinion on the question, but I'm really curious about the usefulness of a top LCD screen, as found on cameras like the Nikon D90 or d60 and up.
Does you ...
20
votes
6answers
699 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 ...
19
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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 ...
18
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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 ...
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 ...
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?
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 ...
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?
17
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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...
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 ...
16
votes
4answers
1k views
What fixed lens to use on a cropped sensor DSLR for mountain landscape photography?
This spring, I want to do a few trips to mountains to take some shots of mountain landscapes, including in sunrise/sunset environments.
I already have a Nikon 18-200mm VR (3.5-5.6). I imagine that it ...
16
votes
4answers
489 views
What's the best way to hold a DSLR?
So, I've seem that some photographers are extremely sensitive about how to hold their camera. What's the best way to hold a DSLR? Or does it even matter at all.
16
votes
1answer
822 views
What's the difference between the levels of weather sealing on DSLRs (e.g. 50D vs 7D vs 5D vs 1D)?
My Canon 450D can (or at least has) survived light rain, condensation in the cold and a little icing up overnight during astrophotography...
The various different levels of camera above 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 ...
15
votes
5answers
774 views
How can I make my new DSLR more portable and convenient?
I've been enjoying taking digital pics for about the last seven years with my trusty Olympus C50 compact, and decided I wanted to take my efforts up a gear and get a 'proper' camera, so recently ...
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 ...
15
votes
7answers
4k views
Are there any really silent but good DSLR cameras?
When photographers take pictures at events, like at the latest British open golf tournament, you can hear a lot of loud shutter(?) noises? Is that really necessary for a digital camera? Especially ...
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 ...
14
votes
8answers
3k views
Do DSLRs play games with ISO when used with fast lenses?
This article at Luminous Landscape claims that Nikon, Canon, and Sony silently boost ISO when their cameras are used with very fast lenses (f/1.2 and f/1.4 principally), the implications being that ...
14
votes
5answers
1k views
Will a dSLR and compact camera produce the same bokeh output at f/2.0?
Will a Nikon D80 + 50mm f/1.8D and a Lumix LX5 set both at an aperture of f/2.0 (50mm @ f/2.0 for D80 and 24mm @ f/2.0 for LX5) have the same bokeh ouput? I plan to get the LX5 as a second camera, and ...
14
votes
6answers
2k views
When should one turn off their DSLR?
I spent a good hour today moseying after some azure-winged magpies. We had a nice waltz across a parkland, they rarely letting me get close enough to even contemplate a shot. As such, I spent long ...
14
votes
2answers
641 views
Why is a DSLR bigger than an SLR?
I was looking at this comparison when I realised the camera on the left had a 2.0 crop in a mirrorless body made in 2012 while the camera on the right was full frame, had a mirror and was made in ...
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 ...
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 ...
13
votes
2answers
509 views
DSLRs with separate controls for aperture and shutter?
I just bought a Nikon D3200 DSLR and I'm going to return it. It's fine if you always want to use in fully automatic mode, but in Manual mode, it's much less convenient. You have to set the shutter ...
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 ...
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 ...
12
votes
5answers
505 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 ...
12
votes
2answers
2k views
What makes the Nikon 1 V1 different from Nikon's existing DSLRs?
I stumbled across the Nikon 1 V1 in my web travels, and it sounds as though it's completely different from Nikon's DSLR cameras.
The Nikon website explains some of its specifications but what ...
12
votes
4answers
421 views
Are the sensors of newer DSLRs better beyond just having more MP?
I have a Canon Rebel XTI now, and am considering upgrading my camera body at some point. Aside from the increase in megapixels have there been other improvements to the CMOS sensors of the newer ...
12
votes
4answers
3k views
How do Cokin and Lee filter systems compare to each other?
Is there any material difference between Cokin and Lee filter systems?
I'm looking for a limited range of filters - ND, Grad ND and Polariser - for use with a Sigma 10-20 Wide angle lens on a Nikon ...
11
votes
11answers
2k views
What is a good camera for an aspiring young photographer?
My daughter is in 6th grade and wants a more professional camera than her current cheapo Kodak $99 camera.
Should I get her an SLR? What features should I look for? Manual focus and aperture ...
11
votes
4answers
1k views
Why do some DSLRs have fewer megapixels than some pocket cameras?
Some point and shoot cameras like the Olympus mju range have more megapixel capabilities than many DSLRs. Why is this? Is this because they have larger sensors or more dense ones? What are the ...
11
votes
6answers
876 views
My viewfinder is too small — what can I do about it?
I own a 450D, and I am very satisfied with the image quality, features, and so on. The only thing that disturbs me is the viewfinder. I can barely see the whole image when looking through it (black ...
11
votes
3answers
840 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 ...
