Why Buy A DSLR?
Undoubtedly one of the season’s hottest accessories (I’m just pointing it out. I sure as heck don’t want to join the bandwagon, thank you very much.), I have been approached with numerous inquiries about the DSLR. What is it? What makes it different? What makes it so darned special?
DSLR stands for Digital-Single Lens Reflex. Due to a special mechanical mirror and (usually) a pentaprism system, a DSLR allows you to view a picture from the camera as your eye would perceive it. Yes, it’s as accurate as you can get in terms of getting what you see. [I would explain how to mechanical mirror and pentaprism system works, but it’s highly confusing, so I suggest you read up on it on other websites. If you need any help, though, just ask me.] All of this would mean that the camera can capture the perfect blend of purple, orange and pink of the sky during the sunset, or the yellow of the rearing head of your friend’s zit. If you’re observant enough, you’d notice that this is not always the case with regular compact digital cameras. There’s always something that’s not accurate in the picture. DSLRs capture real life, mood and emotion unlike any other.
Another thing that makes the DSLR so special is its inherent ability to use interchangeable lenses. You have a smorgasbord of lenses to choose from, like macro lenses, telephoto lenses, wide-angle lenses and prime lenses, which offer no special function therefore making them standard (an example of these are the set lenses which are included in a standard DSLR package), but giving slightly better quality of photos. There are many other special effects lenses available, but I won’t dwell on that for now.
credits: (counter-clockwise, from top left.) Fly on Daisy by Duncan, Concert Photography by Todd Owyoung, Red Bridge by El Fotopakismo and Catch Me If You Can by Lekke
It’s pretty hard to explain how different everything is, especially if you haven’t seen a lot of pictures taken by DSLRs. But typically, these pictures summarize everything about the four lens groups that I’ve mentioned.
The macro lens are for extreme close-ups. If you click the picture and see its blown-up version, you can see everything, down to the very last detail, which is the pollen on the bee’s body. Pretty cool, huh?
The telephoto lens, on the other hand, are for magnification of distant objects. Perfect use for concerts, as demonstrated in the picture. That picture was taken from the pit, and if you’ve been to any concert, getting a decent picture of the drummer will be no easy feat–and a good one at that. :)
The wide-angle lens has shorter than average focal lenses which therefore allow you to fit in more of a particular scene than regular lens. Because of this, wide-angle lens are usually perfect for landscapes.
The prime lens are the standard lenses (an example of this are the set lenses included per DSLR package) and they are fixed-focal length lenses (as opposed to being zoom lenses). Their simple design allows them superior optical quality in relation to the other lenses.
DSLR resolutions range from 6 MP up to more or less 20 MP.
They have a tough build, making them fit for harsh conditions and poor weather. Most DSLRs have their buttons sealed against small particles.
DSLRs are generally classified as entry-level, midrange and high-end levels. However, some companies may manufacture other cameras in different levels (such as enthusiast or prosumer levels).
Popular examples of DSLRs are: Canon’s EOS series, Sony’s α (alpha) series, Nikon’s DX series, Olympus’ E series and Pentax’s *ist series. Their price ranges from expensive to very, very expensive. Besides the camera body, you also have to take care of it (maintenance), buy memory cards, flash accessories, lenses and filters etc. which terminally means that a DSLR is an investment, a huge investment, which is why it is highly advisable to consider everything before buying a DSLR. Follow Karl’s NCGVF tips. :)
