Mastering Digital SLR Cameras is Mastering Photography Itself

There are a lot of amateur as well as professional camera users who are shifting to digital models for much ease, convenience, and efficiency when taking initial pictures, taking more pictures after deleting some, and finally sharing photos to friends or storing them into the computer’s memory.

Camera users are normally classified as hobbyists, novice, and professionals. To whichever category you belong, it is suggested that you ponder and accommodate the following basic information about digital cameras:

1.) Categories of a camera

Cameras can be grouped into:

a. ultra compact – no flash mode
b. prosumer or compact – for hobbyists
c. digital SLR cameras – have lenses, tripod, and external flashes; for professionals

If you want to master the art of photography, it is suggested that you master using the third category. Models that fall under this category are priced for their resolution, among other things.

2.) Mega pixels

Mega pixels can be classified into:

a. 3 mega pixels – for basic snapshots
b. between 3 and 5 mega pixels – images have good print quality
c. between 5 and 7 mega pixels – images can be easily manipulated; larger print sizes can be made

3.) Zoom

A camera’s zoom is normally categorized into two:

a. optical zoom factor – what is distant appears closer by magnifying the light entering through the main lens
b. digital zoom factor – magnifies the resulting image

Quality photographs depend mostly on the optical zoom factor.

4.) Storage media

These are the some common storage formats:

a. Compact Flash (for compact and DSLRs)
b. Sony Memory Stick (compatible with other Sony appliances)
c. Smart Media

Storage sizes normally range from 64 K, which can store 3 dozen mega pixel images; 1G can store about 500 images with the same mega pixels

5.) Carrying case

You should keep the camera and its accessories in place.

6.) Tripod

Tripod can be used when setting the timer mode on and keeping the focus stable.

Let’s Get Digital: SLR Photography Basics

These days, the biggest sellers in the camera market are the so-called digital SLR cameras.

Just what is an SLR camera?

SLR is an acronym for Single Lens Reflex.

The following summarizes the comparison between DSLR and point and shoot cameras (SLRs):

1. DSLRs and SLRs use interchangeable lenses for better resolution.
2. Any picture you take using SLRs and DSLRs is usually crisper, cleaner and fine upon reproduction.
3. DSLRs have a higher speed when it comes to focusing and taking pictures
4. DSLRs perform better at low lighting conditions by using ISO speeds. These cameras have lesser granularity.
5. DSLRS provide more professional power over depth of field, light, and responsiveness.
6. DSLRs provide a more immediate feedback as they use digital chips or light sensing CCDs that translate incoming light rays into digital pictures.
7. DSLRs and SLRs cost more than point and shoot cameras.
8. DSLRs and SLRs are usually heavier than some point and shoot models.

Some sample DSLR models are listed below:

Prosumer models:

• Canon EOS 10D
• Canon EOS Digital Rebel XT
• Nikon D50
• Nikon D70s
• Pentax *ist DS

Professional Models:

• Canon EOS 1D Mark II
• Canon EOS 20D
• Fuji Finepix S3 Pro
• Nikon D2x

Who actually wants DSLRs? Anyone wants to have crisper and clearer pictures—be it a hobbyist or a professional photographer can opt for a DSLR model. Anyone who will not bother carrying bigger cameras on trips in order to bring back topnotch photos can make use of DSLRs.

Like all electronic and computerized gadgets, digital models tend to get cheaper yet better over time. For sure, DSLRs will eventually migrate down to consumer cameras: ability to take bursts of 10 frames in a few seconds, quick response time, higher resolution image sensors, and accurate auto-focus, among others.

The only thing that will remain constant are the laws of optics—you will not get the same results from a finger-nail sized lens as with larger lenses used by professional users. Also the fact that people do not have enough money all the time remains the same through time.

If you plan to take photography as a profession, practice shooting some shots using prosumers models and consider budget and quality of lenses before you say, “Big Cheese”!

7.) Lenses and Filters

There are digital cameras that allow additional lenses to be attached to the main lens, or the lenses can be completely interchangeable.

Lenses can be categorized as follows:

a. macro lens – allows you to get closer to objects like insects and flowers
b. wide-angle lens – used for capturing landmarks, and large and wide sceneries
c. telephoto lens – allows longer zooms that let you get close to objects that are rather unsafe

Filters, on the other hand are used to:

a. soften the effect of the image
b. provide blurring on the edges for portraits that have sensitive moods
c. add light flares for the image to be more dramatic
d. to reduce glare so that pictures appear more saturated, crisp, and vivid.

Here are some basic strategies on how to capture an image:

1. Holding the camera

You should hold the camera steadily and keep your spare fingers from interfering with the lens. This skill usually takes a few practices.

2.) Focusing

To keep the camera from shuddering, it is better to half-press the camera until you are able to lock your view on the focus before completely pressing the button of the shutter.

You may also use a tripod for better focusing.

3.) Previewing

Take and retake pictures if necessary after previewing them in your LCD screen.

4.) Archiving

Keep an album of your best photographs so that you can refer to them as you keep on working your way to being great photographers.

Once you have mastered using your simple compact and especially digitals SLR cameras, you can surely capture photos using other cameras with great ease and perfection. That is a guarantee!