Photo by Dennis Bodzash. Although separated by 40 years, Canon's EOS 30D (left) and
FTQL (right) share the same basic design but are completely different internally.
Introduction
The digital SLR (single lens reflux) can be described as the perfect marriage between tried and true and cutting edge. The first commercially successful SLR system of camera and accessories dates to 1959 with the introduction of the Nikon F. At the most basic level, the design has remained virtually unchanged since then. Now, today's high tech electronic sensors have replaced film to create the ultimate image making machine of the digital age.
Advantages
The biggest plus of the digital SLR is the image quality. Unlike compact and super- zoom point and shoots, digital SLRs use large sensors. The large size of the sensor means large pixels, which are best for capturing clean, grain free images. Even the worst digital SLR will run rings around a point and shoot at a high sensitivity. Like with the film SLRs of yesterday, today's digital SLRs also offer unmatched versatility in every area. Digital SLRs offer a full range of operational modes, ranging from fully automated to completely manual, allowing photographers at any level to operate the camera with confidence. Another advantage of the digital SLR is that it offers the photographer the ability to change lenses depending on conditions. Lenses can be fixed focal lengths or zooms, ultra wide angle for landscapes, ultra long for birdwatching, or all an all in one model that largely eliminates the need to change lenses altogether. The varieties of lenses are almost endless. Some manufacturers offer lens lineups that are dozens strong. Also, there are third party lens manufacturers that offer even more choices in optics. A final advantage is the large optical viewfinder, which eliminates the reliance on the sometimes glaring, always battery draining LCD screen for composing shots.
Disadvantages
One look at even the smallest digital SLR reveals its main disadvantage, which is size. These are not pocket cameras. While the camera offers the best image making capabilities, special considerations in the form of a backpack, or even better, an armored carrying case, need to be made for the camera if it will be taken out on the road. The less obvious negative is the need to change lenses. When lenses are being changed, the sensor, although behind a mirror, can still pick up specks of dust on the surface. Although a speck of dust will not hurt the sensor, it will show up as dark dot in the picture. Newer cameras have a self cleaning sensor function in the controls, but older models must be cleaned manually, either by lightly blowing air onto the sensor or carefully wiping it off using a special sensor cleaning kit. A third, very minor disadvantage is the sound of the mirror release when the shutter button is pressed to take the picture.
Things to consider when buying
It is widely known that digital SLRs make the best pictures and are unequaled in versatility through both the camera controls themselves and the huge variety of lenses that are available. The digital SLR is a fully customizable camera that will keep a photographer occupied for years to come. For potential buyers, there are a few things to consider. First, the size may put some people off to a digital SLR. These are not pocket cams. The second discouraging factor is the price. All of the advantages inherent with digital SLRs come at a cost, literally, they are the most expensive cameras on the market. Another consideration is the evolving technology. New digital SLRs have live view LCD screens just like point and shoots, movie modes, and self cleaning sensors. Older models are missing some or all of these features but many of the older models are just as capable of producing excellent pictures as the current SLRs. A final consideration is that not all digital SLRs are made equally. Entry level models cost around $500-$700 for the body. Professional models can cost up to $8,000. The bottom line is that a potential buyer has to do a lot of research before buying a digital SLR. Features and lens choices are both huge considerations. Once the decision has been made, the digital SLR is sure to please any new owner.
For more info:
Digital SLR buyers' guide
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