Comments on: 7 Critical Features to Look for in Your Next Digital SLR Camera

By: admin

admin — Sat, 16 Jan 2010 19:14:41 +0000

@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.

By: admin

admin — Sat, 16 Jan 2010 19:08:31 +0000

@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.

By: Jason Fredin

Jason Fredin — Sat, 16 Jan 2010 11:48:13 +0000

@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.

By: Walter Carlson

Walter Carlson — Sat, 16 Jan 2010 01:47:17 +0000

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).

By: Jason Fredin

Jason Fredin — Fri, 15 Jan 2010 14:08:15 +0000

“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.

By: Muvi Extreme Sports Pack | Dakkwai | Sports Leisure Knowledge

Muvi Extreme Sports Pack | Dakkwai | Sports Leisure Knowledge — Fri, 15 Jan 2010 12:25:29 +0000

[...] 7 Critical Features to Look for in Your Next Digital SLR Camera … [...]

By: admin

admin — Fri, 15 Jan 2010 05:45:24 +0000

@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.

By: Outdoor Lens

Outdoor Lens — Thu, 14 Jan 2010 20:27:22 +0000

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.

By: admin

admin — Wed, 13 Jan 2010 07:07:49 +0000

@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.