Digital single lens reflex (DSLR) cameras are distinguished from their ‘point-and-shoot’ digital camera counterparts by a removable lens and reflex mirror. This reflex mirror enables the photographer to see exactly what will be captured in the image.
DSLR cameras generally have a higher image quality than point-and-shoot cameras, and for sometime were the preserve of the professional. Increasingly, the price of DSLR cameras is dropping, and manufacturers are extending their ranges to accommodate amateur photographers and those on tighter budgets. Camera specifications can seem confusing at first glance, but there are several key features, options and extras you should bear in mind when selecting your next DSLR.
1. Size of the Camera, Sensor and LCD
One of the first and most basic considerations when selecting a DSLR is the overall size and weight of the camera. A variety of sizes are available, so choose one to suit the type of photography you plan to concentrate on. With studio-based portraiture and similar types of work the weight of a camera is less important, while travel and wildlife photography, for instance, may require lighter models.
In a DSLR camera the image quality is influenced by the size of the image sensor. In general terms, the larger the sensor the better the image, because a larger surface area allows for larger pixels. Different cameras can have the same resolution of megapixels fitted on different sizes of image sensor; a smaller sensor means smaller pixels, increasing the image noise and producing a fuzzier picture quality in comparison to larger versions.
DSLR cameras have a reflex mirror and optical viewfinder, meaning what you see is what you get. They also have an LCD screen to view-find and review images. Consider the size of the LCD when selecting your camera since a slightly larger screen can make a lot of difference in image visibility.
2. Resolution, Focus Systems and Optical Zoom
DSLR Cameras today commonly have an image resolution of between six and ten megapixels. The choice of resolution depends on how you intend to use the photographs, and bigger is not necessarily better. Six megapixels should be sufficient for small prints or using the images for Internet and email; ten megapixels is only needed if your intention is to heavily edit the photos in post-production or produce large-scale prints.
Most contemporary DSLR cameras achieve a high level of focus in auto focus (AF) mode but there are variations to look out for. Different models have different numbers of AF zones distributed across the image frame; generally the more zones the better the AF performance.
There are two types of AF zone: cross and linear. Linear zones focus detail in one direction, either horizontal or vertical, while cross AF zones are better since they focus detail both horizontally and vertically. The majority of DSLR cameras use cross-type focussing for AF zones in the frame’s centre, but some models employ only linear-type zones in other parts of the frame.
Camera advertising often boasts the total zoom, a figure reached by multiplying the digital and optical zoom. The digital zoom magnifies the image digitally, as the name implies, while the optical zoom works by physically altering the lens position. The optical zoom is the number to look for. High zoom lenses have a 12x zoom, but a 4x lens is agreeable with most photographers’ requirements.
3. ISO Settings and Flash
DSLR cameras offer a good range of ISO settings, the equivalent of film speed in old-fashioned cameras, adjustable to suit lighting conditions. Some DLSR cameras, however, offer far higher ISO ratings, enabling photography in low level lighting.
Low-end DSLR cameras sometimes include a built-in flash, while higher models have a hotshoe so an external flash may be attached.
4. Shutter Speed, Burst Mode and Semi Automatic Mode
Photo Courtesy: tsuihin -TimoStudios
Most DSLR models provide a good range of shutter speeds, but if you’re interested in capturing fast action or sports photography look for a camera with a higher maximum shutter speed.
Another consideration for sport and action photographers is the Burst Mode. This feature enables a very fast burst of images by holding down the shutter release, sometimes a series of many images per second. Different models have varying rates and number of images possible in each of these bursts.
Many DSLR cameras have automatic and semi-automatic modes for specific types of photography (portrait, landscape, night etc.). Low-end models tend to offer semi-auto modes, while the more professional cameras demand manual control adjustments to meet shooting conditions.
5. Facial Recognition and Anti-Shake
Facial recognition technology detects a face, or multiple faces, within the image frame and corrects the light and colour levels accordingly.
Many DSLR cameras use anti-shake technology in lenses, while some newer models feature image stabilisation (IS) technology built into the camera body. There are three types of IS system: optical and mechanical IS, which physically counter shake in the photographer’s hand, and digital IS, which enhances the image quality when the subject is moving. Some cameras combine optical or mechanical IS with digital IS, offering the advantages of both systems.
6. Dust Protection and Connectivity
It’s essential to keep your DSLR clean and dust-free, especially avoiding contamination of the image sensor. Some models feature the useful addition of dust protection and self-cleansing systems.
Most DSLR cameras use USB to transfer images to computers and printers, but there are also options for FireWire and WiFi connectivity to take into consideration.
7. In-Camera Editing
While professionally minded photographers will apply digital post-production to their images, many DSLR designs feature in-camera editing. These enhancement and editing tools may include red eye reduction, blemish removal, cropping, zoom and panoramic image stitching.
About the Author
Tom Walker is a UK based writer and designer who works with a specialist provider of HP laser toner, inks, paper and other printing accessories. You can read his other creative writing on CreativeCloud where he waxes lyrical on the subjects of advertising and the arts.
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@Tom Walker — Thanks for writing for the website! One of my former photography teachers was an old-school dude who hated constant “LCD Lookers” but I disagree with him. You should be confident in your shot but the LCD serves many purposes. Personally, I’ve noticed that a nice LCD will give you confidence in your shots and let you look less while shooting.
Also, great call on the connectivity features. I use card readers but I’ve recently been very frustrated at the transfer speeds. Pros might want to make sure the cards the cameras use offer fast readable speeds.
It’s all subjective in the end depending on what type of photographer you are, but isn’t it freakin’ awesome to have such a selection these days.
BTW, http://dpreview.com/ is one of the best camera review websites on the interwebz with amazing in-depth reviews.
I think you’re cheating on the “7″ and then doubling up in the sections
Not that I mind of course.
The first 6 are great, but I wouldn’t call in-camera editing a critical feature for a DSLR. Maybe for a point-and-shoot, but I imagine DSLR owners aren’t going to use in-camera editing over other features.
@Outdoor Lens — In-camera editing saves you the extra step of opening up another application to do quick edits. For example, you’re covering Mac World and Steve rolls out the new iTablet and you take a photo, edit in camera and upload and post onto the website. Obviously, the editing is low quality but for the sake of convenience and speed — it can be a real nice feature to have in your back pocket.
[...] 7 Critical Features to Look for in Your Next Digital SLR Camera … [...]
“Camera advertising often boasts the total zoom, a figure reached by multiplying the digital and optical zoom. The digital zoom magnifies the image digitally, as the name implies, while the optical zoom works by physically altering the ‘lens position. The optical zoom is the number to look for. High zoom lenses have a 12x zoom, but a 4x lens is agreeable with most photographers’ requirements.”
This must be a UK thing, none of the current DSLR models in Canada offer digital zoom and don’t refer to lenses as 12x or 4x, they are commonly referred to as a number of millimeters.
“Low-end DSLR cameras sometimes include a built-in flash, while higher models have a hotshoe so an external flash may be attached.”
Every DSLR I am familiar with has a hot shoe attachment. Although Sony uses a proprietary one. You are correct that the very high end DSLRs do not include an on camera flash.
“DSLR cameras have a reflex mirror and optical viewfinder, meaning what you see is what you get. They also have an LCD screen to view-find and review images.”
While many new cameras allow for the use of the LCD as a viewfinder, not all do. Manufaturers here typically call it “live view”.
Overall a good list of some things you may want to consider in your purchase. There are a few important ones I felt you left off.
Video – not that everyone wants to use it, but it can be a bonus.
Peers – it may be a wise move to pick a manufacturer based on what your friends and family use. They will be the ones that can help you learn your new camera. Also you may be able to borrow lenses when needed.
In body auto-focus motor – ok, this one is slightly obscure but a critical feature if you are buying a Nikon or Sony and want to be able to buy older lenses.
When I saw that exposure control was not first on the list, I lost interest. There are lot’s of gearheads with their bells and whistles on the web but 99.0% of them could never take a picture and this list is for them. Having size first is like saying the most important feature in a car is headroom, only if you are 6′ 7″ *(vbg).
@Walter Carlson
You seem to have the post confused with a list of how to pick any digital camera. I do not ever recall seeing a DSLR that was incapable of controlling exposure.
@Jason Fredin — I didn’t write the article, so I don’t exactly what he was thinking… but in terms of video, I think it’s not critical in the main context of still photography.
Honorable mention on the Peers as well but I hope that people who visit this website are more on the semi-pro/pro side and care more about pro features and how they will specifically use it rather than having to depend on others. But valid point as borrowing expensive equipment is a positive.
@Walter Carlson — Size is pretty important because depending on what you do it can be a problem. They say that “the best camera you have is the one with you”… so if you have one that is perfectly portable for your individual needs, then you will always have it on you. It’s also good practice to shoot as much as possible, so having a burdensome camera can be an issue at times as well.
@Jason Fredin — Thanks, I didn’t write the article — but I can see why Tom doesn’t go into camera basics 101 and that type of thing. I doubt DSLRs these days don’t come with decent settings but I suppose you should know that much before reading this article.