Frequent 'dslr' Questions

67 votes

9 answers

9k 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?

Vaccano

955

asked Aug 28, 2010 at 16:31

19 votes

6 answers

4k views

What do I need to consider to choose between dSLR, mirrorless, or a compact as my first "serious" camera?

I am thinking of buying a camera to learn photography. Most of the time I'll be shooting portraits and landscapes. But I am not sure where I should start. Most of my friends tell me that I should get ...

Kuan

371

asked Sep 3, 2015 at 20:52

44 votes

12 answers

7k 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 ...

Tom

3,149

asked Dec 20, 2010 at 19:49

70 votes

14 answers

15k 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 ...

Billy ONeal

3,350

asked Jun 5, 2011 at 22:18

34 votes

13 answers

32k 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 ...

Lazer

4,049

asked Jul 18, 2010 at 10:49

42 votes

8 answers

53k 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 ...

Caramdir

523

asked Dec 12, 2010 at 17:37

19 votes

8 answers

8k views

How can I take crisp sharp shots without an expensive lens?

Recently I bought my first DSLR camera. It is a beginner's one, a Sony Alpha A230 kit. To tell the truth, my shots are no more crisp than those I used to take with my old point and shoot Nikon Coolpix....

rem

1,673

asked Jul 30, 2010 at 18:24

34 votes

5 answers

6k views

What do Pentax and Sigma 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 ...

mattdm

143k

asked Feb 11, 2012 at 13:57

30 votes

9 answers

2k 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?

Igor

777

asked Jul 26, 2010 at 10:07

36 votes

9 answers

73k 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?

Lazer

4,049

asked Jul 18, 2010 at 9:47

29 votes

11 answers

2k 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 ...

ahockley

21.5k

asked Jul 15, 2010 at 20:44

13 votes

6 answers

26k views

What are the differences between a bridge camera and a DSLR?

Aquarius_Girl

5,612

asked Jan 13, 2012 at 11:15

3 votes

5 answers

2k views

How do I find the right white balance value to set in my camera?

As I understand White Balancing means - making a particular color look as it should have been irrespective of what color the Ambient Light is. i.e A white paper must look white not blueish grey(cool) ...

Housefly

133

asked Jan 16, 2019 at 11:12

3 votes

3 answers

311 views

How do I choose a lens for my first DSLR to replicate the capabilities of my bridge camera?

I am planning to migrate from my Sony DSC-HX1 bridge camera (28-560mm) to Canon EOS 800D. Now I had learned that 'x' based zoom values are not applicable to DSLR's and I am lost with all the ...

Rookie2017

41

asked Aug 10, 2017 at 11:28

32 votes

14 answers

29k 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, ...

Ciaocibai

806

asked Feb 2, 2011 at 23:55

32 votes

17 answers

16k 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?

Imageree

1,035

asked Jul 23, 2010 at 23:20

25 votes

10 answers

5k views

What makes a DSLR better than a Point & Shoot?

Why should I put up with the inconvenience of lugging around a DSLR? They look cool, but is there more substance to it?

mmccoo

1,123

asked Jul 15, 2010 at 20:30

19 votes

5 answers

2k 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 ...

rabbid

1,757

asked May 19, 2011 at 7:17

17 votes

2 answers

4k views

How do DSLRs figure out what aperture to select in P mode?

In program mode, DSLRs adjust not only the ISO and the shutter speed, but also the aperture. The aperture has a huge impact in some situations. For example, when shooting a close subject in front of ...

Arseni Mourzenko

4,390

asked Jan 1, 2012 at 17:13

14 votes

7 answers

13k views

Will metering from a DSLR apply to a film SLR?

I still like to shoot with film (I use a Nikon F3) but I like the immediate feedback of digital. I'm thinking of buying a used DSLR to help me get the framing and lighting right when I shoot static ...

WebUserLearner

313

asked Dec 7, 2013 at 22:30

22 votes

8 answers

1k 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 ...

Andrei Андрей Листочкин

465

asked Jul 16, 2010 at 1:32

17 votes

2 answers

9k views

What are the differences between an entry-level DSLR and a Canon PowerShot?

A Canon Powershot series camera has shutter priority, aperture priority and complete manual mode that lets the user control the shutter speed and aperture Even though an Entry-level DSLR has more ...

vivek_jonam

3,506

asked Oct 31, 2011 at 18:39

6 votes

2 answers

3k views

Filter for RGB separation and its effect on the image

Looking at Bayer filter of a typical consumer camera, one can easily see that sensitivity of the filter for each color is all over the place. Are there filters similar to Bayer that do a better job at ...

NoobPointerException

177

asked Jun 29, 2017 at 16:51

48 votes

7 answers

10k views

How did photography work before auto-focus was invented?

Having just spent some time reading questions about auto-focus, I came up with a question of my own: How did cameras even work before auto-focus technology was invented? Presumably everybody used ...

MathematicalOrchid

2,817

asked Sep 3, 2016 at 14:16

15 votes

8 answers

2k views

What features would cause a portrait photographer to choose a DSLR over Mirrorless?

With the new line of mirrorless cameras being announced this fall, the gap between DSLR and mirrorless cameras continue to close. There are many generic discussions comparing the two, but as a ...

AndyML

3,185

asked Oct 24, 2013 at 21:30

13 votes

2 answers

5k views

What are the technical advantages and disadvantages of mirrorless?

The main doubt one can have about mirrorless is, I think that they do not provide ttl viewfinder. Is this a big disadvantage? In what way is it worst (or best) than classical reflex system? What are ...

Paolo

2,791

asked Apr 17, 2012 at 9:59

13 votes

5 answers

938 views

Is an SLR camera a must when learning? [duplicate]

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 ...

Slavo

233

asked Sep 8, 2010 at 14:23

29 votes

13 answers

5k views

Are DSLRs a dying breed, making now the time to switch to a mirrorless camera system? [closed]

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 ...

ab.aditya

4,655

asked Jan 9, 2012 at 5:59

24 votes

5 answers

27k 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 ...

andy

1,919

asked Sep 16, 2010 at 21:28

7 votes

5 answers

993 views

What are the summary rules for when to use image stabilization and when not to?

When I got my DSLR, I took a lot of pics and all of them came excellent, even though I had VR at the "Off" position. Since those came out so well, I wonder when should I turn VR on, and when I ...

TheTechGuy

1,561

asked Sep 15, 2011 at 19:12

4 votes

5 answers

2k views

Will a lens upgrade from the kit lens give me better colors on my backpacking travels?

I currently have the Nikon D5300 along with the kit lenses (18 - 55mm). I use it for my backpacking travels to make better shots than with the smartphone, but what I've noticed is that the photos are ...

khernik

161

asked Dec 23, 2017 at 15:22

3 votes

3 answers

2k views

What are the differences among these Canon telephoto zoom lenses?

I am using Canon 500D with the kit lens (18-55). I think I have done enough with 18-55 and want to try out next lens. I have already decided to purchase 50mm prime. I also wanted to get a Zoom lens. ...

Navaneeth K N

513

asked Jul 9, 2011 at 16:00

2 votes

5 answers

6k 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 ...

Jack

1,667

asked Apr 23, 2012 at 5:35

2 votes

2 answers

1k views

Can I do anything about a Nikon d750 taking 5 minutes to power on after taking saltwater damage?

I have had a Nikon d750 for a year or so, and 6 months ago it took on a bit of saltwater damage. It still works, but twice in the past it wouldn't power on, once for two weeks and once for two days. ...

Micah

21

asked Mar 3, 2018 at 13:03

43 votes

7 answers

22k 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 ...

SoftMemes

1,725

asked Mar 24, 2012 at 12:49

25 votes

6 answers

2k 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 ...

adrianbanks

555

asked Jul 15, 2010 at 22:02

21 votes

3 answers

28k 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 ...

Francesco

4,079

asked Jun 21, 2011 at 4:54

20 votes

3 answers

3k views

Why are DSLR lenses measured in F stops instead of T stops?

I understand the difference between f-stop and t-stop, but why are cinema lenses measured in one, and dSLR lenses measured in another?

Barney Chambers

718

asked Jun 21, 2016 at 18:56

16 votes

8 answers

58k views

Is there really no way to power a DSLR by USB?

I made some scripts on my Raspberry Pi to automate a daily shot at a specific hour. My DSLR is plugged in through USB. I thought this would keep its battery charged, but no. Is there really no way ...

lcq92

163

asked Apr 17, 2016 at 14:20

13 votes

5 answers

8k 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 ...

Mark Whitaker

8,920

asked Apr 29, 2013 at 14:34

10 votes

4 answers

7k 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 ...

Kiril Kirov

1,335

asked Jul 10, 2011 at 21:22

4 votes

2 answers

8k views

How is the cold resistance of entry level DSLRs?

Next month I am going to North of Sweden for 6 months. So I'm looking for a new SLR-camera to take photos there. I'm not a professional photographer so I decided to buy an entry level SLR camera - the ...

E. Lüders

163

asked Jun 26, 2013 at 12:52

0 votes

2 answers

10k views

Why are my RAW images corrupt but the previews okay? [duplicate]

So I shot photos for my robotics team at an event this weekend and ~95% of them are corrupt. The JPG previews from the camera are fine, but when Adobe Bridge generates its own preview, the corruption ...

danielcg

103

asked Apr 6, 2015 at 2:49

18 votes

1 answer

2k 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 Rebel/...

drfrogsplat

5,734

asked Sep 2, 2010 at 4:09

11 votes

3 answers

2k 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? ...

Nazrul Muhaimin

265

asked Jan 20, 2011 at 2:05

6 votes

2 answers

5k views

Why is on sensor PDAF drastically slower than traditional PDAF?

Why is on sensor PDAF drastically slower than traditional PDAF? I assume the technology is the same, doesn't matter if the module is on the sensor or located behind a mirror. But the performance is ...

erotsppa

3,308

asked May 2, 2013 at 15:58

6 votes

4 answers

12k views

Are there any DSLRs which can charge the battery via USB?

My beloved Nikon D40 has an issue where the battery drains ridiculously fast. New OEM batteries and changers don't help, so I think I need to replace the body. Since almost all non-DSLR cameras out ...

Carla

61

asked Aug 3, 2014 at 12:23

3 votes

4 answers

49k views

Should I buy a Canon 55-250mm lens or 70-300mm for my Rebel T3i? [closed]

Should I buy a Canon 55-250mm lens or 70-300mm for my Rebel T3i? I have the basic 18-55mm lens that came with my camera but I need a next step up that's not too expensive. What are the most common ...

Kait

41

asked Mar 22, 2013 at 1:08

2 votes

3 answers

542 views

What should I look for in a camera for shooting in bulb mode for astrophotography?

I am interested in astrophography and I would like to learn and experiment with long exposure. I have been looking around for some dslr cameras but I can't find much information about bulb mode for ...

BustedSanta

131

asked Nov 26, 2017 at 2:27

1 vote

2 answers

3k views

How to programme EOS utility to take n number of shots?

I just installed the EOS utility program and wanted to know if it's possible to tell the program to take let's say 10 or 15 or 40 shots in a row, well you get the idea.

Giancarlo

459

asked Dec 10, 2015 at 21:11

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