How To Choose SLR Camera

It doesn’t matter if you are a creative amateur or pro photographer, the Single Lens Reflex camera or SLR is indeed a smart choice. If you are looking for a camera that will allow you to discover and experiment without overwhelming you, an SLR is the one. Forget the high-end, professional digital SLR or even the very pricey EVF model; opt for a basic SLR camera. It will still give you full freedom to familiarize yourself with the nitty-gritties of photography without baffling your basic photographic instinct. Not only are these single lens cameras cheaper than their dandy digital counterparts, they come packed with advanced flash control, custom mode, impressive shutter speed, and lots more. Nevertheless, finding a good SLR is never an easy task, as a true blue camera cognoscente will tell you. Before you get down to the task of picking your own SLR brand, acquainting yourself with a few know-hows on choosing an SLR camera will help. Read on to explore more before you get clicking.

 

There are certain camera basics that every buyer should know before investing in an SLR. One of the primary things to consider is whether you would like to opt for an autofocus (AF) SLR or manual focus. Most major brands of SLRs come with effective autofocus systems that help focus better, thanks to the more sophisticated viewfinder. What is more, it comes with modified image stabilization systems that allow you to click at low shutter speeds, too. However, on the flipside, the autofocus camera consumes more battery, has a limited range due to infrared beams and is noisier. Manual SLRs, on the other hand, leave the photographer the advantage to adjust the focus, shutter speed and aperture, all by himself.

 

Next most important thing to consider when buying an SLR are the various exposure modes. An SLR camera comes with different exposure modes that are primarily classified into two: standard or creative exposure mode and subject exposure mode. The standard mode comes with Manual, Shutter Priority, Aperture Priority and Program. Of all the modes, the Manual is perhaps the most important mode that grants a photographer full access to the exposure system while all the other modes help to speed up the process. Subject modes on the other hand, are a great bet for starters, as this fully automated camera comes with standard subject modes like landscape, portrait and sport. These deliver good results in favorable lighting conditions.

 

SLR cameras come with a number of metering systems that can be primarily divided into two types: a full metering pattern that includes an average light reading from the entire area of the viewfinder or a selective metering pattern that only reads the light level of a certain area of the viewfinder. Many SLRs come with multiple metering modes like center-weighted, matrix metering, spot metering, and so on. However, Matrix metering is priced a little high for its RGB color value than all other metering systems.

 

As most SLRs are sold as “body only”, you will need to get hold of a lens or two on your own, locally. Nevertheless, most major brands of SLRs come with lenses and other accessories. If not, you can ask the manufacturer to make accessories for you. Starters can begin with the basic 50mm lens that would give the same perspective as normal eyesight.