Time for a DSLR?. Review on Choosing a Camera

Writing this because I saw a friend make a bad decision. I have not read what all has been written on this topic. So please bear with me in case I end up repeating something that's already been talked about.

These days everyone seems to be wanting to buy a DSLR.prices have fallen:) But I have seen many get fed up of it or use it on AUTO mode at best. Which is like buying a Ferrari and driving it at 40km/hr.Please define your photographic requirements first. Are you an enthusiast or hobbyist or do you require a camera for general shooting and parties or for a specific need like bird photos etc? That will decide what equipment you need. Of course, budget is always a factor too.

So what does a DSLR offer which is better?

• Bigger sensor so better image quality - more light

  
  




• Better low light performance

  
  




• Full manual controls - more adaptability

  
  




• Range of lenses.more choice in optics -  from wide to tele to primes. Better quality.

  
  




• Better processing capabilities

  
  




• RAW mode for high res images that you can edit without quality loss

  
  

Having said that please also remember:

• DSLRs are not your pocket cams. They are big and heavy.

  
  




• While the choice of lenses is plenty, these don't come cheap. So if you think a DSLR will give you your 20X optical zoom, to get that kind of equipment, you need a real fortune.

  
  




• If you need casual/party or occasional shooting, DSLR is not required

  
  




• DSLR controls and options can be confusing if you are not familiar with its use

  
  




• They work best when you use the full potential - in manual and semi manual modes. Auto won't do justice to a DSLR buy.

  
  

There are a of of articles on the net that will tell you about various types of cameras and what they offer. I will just state a few things one should keep in mind.

• Get a DSLR but be prepared to invest time and money on it. Lenses, filters, flash etc. The quality of images of course, will be way better than a compact or a prosumer camera. Are you going to click that much to justify the spend? You may get a camera and kit lens for 25-30k, but a good prime lens or a zoom will sent you back by a similar amount if not more.

  
  




• Check if your DSLR has built-in focus motor. These cameras will allow you to use lenses without motor that are cheaper.

  
  




• If you are hobbyist/enthusiast who needs big zoom, creative options and manual options to learn from, go for a prosumer camera - the middle range between compacts and DSLRs. Canon, Panasonic, Nikon.they all make them. These give you those monstrous 30x and 40x zooms. Good for bird watchers. Panasonic offers a RAW format too. Maybe others do too, not sure. I have used a Panasonic FZ150(the new one is FZ200) and these are very versatile cameras. They will cost you in the 15-30k range.

  
  




• If you need a camera for casual shooting, parties, holidays etc, go for a compact automatic. These days these cameras come with excellent optics and improved processors so it is difficult to take a bad photo. Don't go for the highest megapixel. 8-10 MP is more than enough. High MP on small sensors can actually affect quality.

  
  




• Instead look for optical zoom range(at least 5-8x), wide angle(what is the widest coverage it gives - go for 24-28mm instead of 35), maximum aperture(the lower the number e.g. f2.8, the better as this decides how less light the camera can shoot in, also helps in blurring background), minimum aperture(at highest zoom, cameras use smaller apertures.check what is the aperture at max zoom.the lower the number, the better.so f5.6 is more desirable than f8), semi manual modes like aperture and shutter priority(these will help you in shooting fast in some situations), battery type and life(how long will it last).

  
  

These days mobile cameras are also quite good in picture quality, so if you want to do away with a camera and are just a casual shooter, go for the mobile cam.but make sure it is a good one. Even the good mobile camera will struggle to compete with a proper dedicated camera in terms of optics, processing etc.

If you get a DSLR, please ensure you understand what are the controls and options it has. Only then will you be able to use it fully. Read up on the net or buy books if you prefer. There are one day workshops also in various cities available for this.

Also, please try to read some articles on composition, light conditions and general photo tips. They are available for free on the net. I am saying this as it will tremendously improve your photography. The sad thing today is that everyone has a camera(mobile) and more pictures are being clicked than ever but more bad pictures are also being clicked than ever.

Hope this comes in handy for someone.:)