Primary Features of DSLR Cameras

By Paul Smith


Low Light Capability/ISO Speed

If you're likely to grab photos in low light, when it's sunset scenery or simply indoors, good low light efficiency is essential. Most DSLRs can capture pictures at ISO 3200 and some go to ISO 6400.

More Speed

So why are some compact cameras so sluggish and digital SLRs so fast? It's simply electronics against mechanics. There is also no shutter lag. This is the amount of time taken between pressing the button and the camera in reality taking the shot.

Image Stabilization

Also known as anti-shake or vibration control, this is either built into the lenses (Nikon, Canon, Panasonic) or into the camera itself (sensor-based, e.g. Sony, Pentax, Olympus). It's known that lens-based stabilization is somewhat better, but it ties you into purchasing costly lenses to get the advantage, sensor-based stabilization works with any lens.

Burst Mode/Frame Rate

Primarily important factor for someone who shoots motion and wildlife, it is the feature to fire off a number of pictures in quick sequence. Just the most regular DSLRs now possess a frame rate of 3 per second but some are much faster. An optimal buffer memory is necessary, it's where pictures are kept prior to getting saved. The bigger the buffer is, the more pictures you can take before it fills and the camera falls to a momentary stop. Raw files, are larger and can load up the buffer faster than JPEGs.

Anti-dust

Each time you replace the lens on the DSLR, small dust particles can break into the uncovered lens mount and fall on the sensor, showing awful spots on the photos. Dust is also formed by use of moving components in the camera. Most camera makers have a dust removal and cleaning system for the sensor of some sort, except Nikon, saying dust isn't a real concern anyway.

HD video

The growing acceptance of capturing home videos or quite possibly professional movies with DSLR suggests that the presence of a high-definition video mode is growing to be more valuable. Many DSLR cameras now feature this functionality, from the starter Nikon D5000 up to the more expensive pro level versions.

Customization

Among the benefits of DSLRs is the sheer level of customization they provide. Decide on which dials handle which features, or choose if you want to capture JPEG, Raw or both at the same time. There are tons of options you can tweak to your hearts desire. And the huge variety of lenses and accessories to choose from.




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