Digital SLR Camera Overview

Single lens reflex (SLR) cameras have been around for over sixty years. Within the last fifteen years, they have moved into the digital age. This has co-incided with rapid technological advances with many of the major manufacturers such as Canon, Nikon and Olympus now offering a full range of digital SLR cameras, from entry level right up to full professional kits. This article outlines the key advantages of digital SLR cameras as well as pointing out some of the drawbacks.

As many of you will know, a camera based on the SLR principle uses a mirror and pentaprism to show in the viewfinder the image that will be captured. This precise framing is one of the key advantages of the digital SLR over other cameras – what you see is precisely what you get. Digital SLR cameras also provide for precise exposure measurement through the lens. This allows for more accurate exposure adjustment by the camera (in one of the many automatic modes available) or presentation of accurate exposure information to the photographer so that they can make informed judgments.

Digital SLR cameras are highly versatile, providing a range of operating modes such as point and shoot (with dial-up options such as landscape or sports available) right through to full manual operation where the photographer has control over the key variables such as aperture and shutter speed. Most offer multiple options for light metering, have multiple options for automatic focusing as well as the ability to turn that off and go to manual focus mode, and come with features such as image stabilization and in-built flash (with a hot shoe for external flash options). These cameras have extensive in-built operating systems coupled with a LCD screen enabling review and management of photographs. All offer good interconnectivity with computers, enabling data (picture) transfer, and enhanced management of photographic libraries.

Even entry-level digital SLR cameras offer previously unheard of shutter speeds (eg the Canon 1000D offers 1/4000 shutter speed) and continuous shooting modes (usually measured in frames taken per second). Many of these features were only found on high-end professional models (with high-end price tags) 10 years ago. Coupled with technological advances, picture resolution has increased dramatically and battery life has been enhanced with most employing rechargeable lithium-ion batteries. Camera bodies and the associated lenses have decreased in size and weight, making digital SLR cameras more portable and usable.

Perhaps the most recognised feature of the digital SLR camera is its ability to interchange various lenses, depending on the type of photography being undertaken. These can range from wide angle (great for landscape shots) to telephoto lenses (great for nature , wildlife and sports shots). Changing lenses takes only a few seconds and this versatility has been further enhanced by the wide range of zoom lenses available, which can cover a range of focal lengths.

The cost of these cameras has reduced dramatically, putting them within reach of many consumers. Clever product design from companies such as Canon and Nikon facilitated the migration of many SLR users into the digital age by retaining the look and feel of their pre-digital SLR systems. People did not have to learn a new system from scratch.

On the downside, digital SLR cameras remain more expensive than other options such as compact cameras and this remains a factor in some purchase decisions. Despite size and weight reductions, they remain more bulky and when coupled with multiple lenses often require a dedicated bag. Also, they tend to be more noisy than other photographic options, making them unsuitable for some applications.

Despite these factors, the digital SLR camera remains the first choice for many professionals and the photography enthusiast. Their undoubted versatility and adaptability enables most users to get high quality results from their endeavours.

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Geoff Whitehouse -
About the Author:

Geoff Whitehouse. TDL - Total Digital Life

Geoff lives in Brisbane, Austalia, having recently emigrated from New Zealand. Visit Geoff's Website at http://www.totaldigitallife.com

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Article Tags:
digital, slr, camera, canon, nikon, versatility, features, slr camera, digital camera