Back in the film days, we knew just about everything about cameras. Everybody knew who SLRs were for and which SLR was intended for whom. In this digital age, nobody is really sure. More than just a few people buy a top of the line DSLR as their first camera. Is this the right way to get into digital photography? Well, there are two sides to every coin.
Those photographers who are willing to invest their time into learning and are really enthusiastic about photography are usually the first to find out all about the advantages, as well as the disadvantages, of using an SLR. Using the instruction manuals, Web resources and photography courses, anyone can learn a lot about photography.
However, those who buy a DSLR just because they believe it will make better pictures, well, they're making a mistake. Two years ago or so, when the EOS 350D was launched, it quickly proved that many customers just couldn't handle it. I teach photography courses for new users of Canon cameras, so I have first-hand experience with that.
Very few people knew that to get the best image quality, as well as the most appealing images, they'll need to work with the camera. We already published an article comparing digicams and DSLRs (see http://www.e-fotografija.si/templates/?a=1028&z=93). The biggest difference is that in order to get the most appealing images with a DSLR, the images must be processed, as in-camera processing isn't sufficient to get a top notch shot. So, what should you consider when buying a DSLR?
What’s available at the moment
First, let's take a look at entry level DSLRs. These are by far the most popular. At least till the end of summer, and for some, until well into the next year, these cameras will be available. Canon EOS 350D, Canon EOS 400D, Nikon 40D, Nikon D40x, Olympus E-410, Olympus E-510, Pentax K100D, Pentax K10D, Samsung GX-10 and Sony Alpha 100. Of these, only Nikon D40 and Pentax K100D have a 6 MP sensor, while Canon EOS 350D has an 8 MP sensor. All other cameras have a 10 MP sensor, which means they were launched less than a year ago and will continue to be available at least until the end of year. The Canon 350D and the Nikon D40 already have their successors, the 400D and the D40x, respectively, so they will be phased out soon.
Looking just at the tech specs, there's a myriad of differences to be found to the untrained eye – or to the eye of those who are only interested in specifications. Those of you who are more familiar with the cameras, besides being mature enough not to be a fanboy, well, to you, there are only a few major differences. What matters the least are usually the numbers. So, let's take a look at the important differences, especially the very few numbers that actually make a difference. What is important, however, is the usability of a camera. Combined with your budget, this should be your guide to buying the right camera for you. And that's the most important thing: Always buy the camera you want, not the camera others tell you to buy.
Camera brand
Some people are so obsessed with the camera brand that everything else matters little to them. And, believe it or not, they're rarely unhappy with their choices. They believe in the brand, they trust the brand and they learn to exploit their camera's advantages. If a competitive camera is better in some respect, they don't care. All in all, they’re happy with their camera choice, although they can be a bit annoying with their flag waving.
Price
Others decide based on price. In most cases, a camera's price is a good indicator of its usability, though coming to this conclusion can be a slow and arduous process. (see here: http://www.e-fotografija.si/templates/?a=1029&z=93) There's little sense in buying the cheapest possible solution. You might overgrow your equipment quickly, or it might be a lot less useful than the competition which costs just a bit more.
So, what do you think?
Still others base their buying decision on advice by friends, reviewers or shop personnel. These opinions are usually the key factor in the decision on what to buy, especially for those unfamiliar with the camera. I get asked for advice a lot. The thing I always stress is that this is what I'd buy, based on my style of shooting, personal preferences and budget. I usually suggest an alternative and tell them to try out both cameras in the shop.
Advice from friends already using the equipment are also valuable. However, don't believe everything you hear. They might be fanboys, they might not be familiar with the advantages of competitive cameras and finally, they might not be familiar with what you want to photograph.
Shop personnel, well, they're shop personnel. Don't just buy the cheapest camera they have, compare it to the competition. The cheapest camera could be nearing its end of life, which is why it's priced so cheaply, meaning that you could get a better performance for not that much more money in a month or so. Finally, be fair – if you go to a brick-and-mortar shop to test a camera, buy it from that shop. Internet shops are usually cheaper, but they don’t have to have demo equipment and provide such service.
In non-specialised shops, you'll probably only get digicams from the lower price brackets. For such shops, the camera sales are more of a loss leader than anything else. Come in, buy the camera, and buy something with a higher margin while you're there, that's their idea.
However, classic photography shops are few and they're disappearing rapidly. They have a wide variety of available cameras and they'll probably give you good advice, too. Technical supermarkets, on the other hand, usually have promoters paid by the camera companies. You might get some good advice from them, too, but it's unlikely to be completely unbiased. Just remember to go in well prepared. That’s the only way to get what you want and pay what it’s worth.
Differences between entry level DSLRs
To make choosing a DSLR easier for you, this article contains short descriptions of the currently available entry level cameras, along with my personal opinion. Do note that this is my opinion regarding usefulness for the price, and that only cameras of up to EUR 1000 are compared. At the same time, I know who these cameras are intended for. For that reason, I'm not looking for technical differences that only make sense to the demanding photographers. The people buying entry level camears are still learning about photography and DSLRs. For that reason, it’s important that the cameras are as user friendly as possible and as affordable as possible.
None of these cameras are perfect. However, for the inexperienced user, the Olympus E-510 has the most advantages.
Every manufacturer wants their features to appeal to the customers. However, each customer has their own individual needs and wants, so the companies can't make them all happy.
Let me say this again. When you're buying a camera, pick the camera that appeals to you. My opinion is just that – my personal opinion. Use it as a starting point, but make your own decision. True, I tested these cameras extensively, and I've been in the camera testing business for the past ten years. Nevertheless, my opinion is just an overview of this equipment. I know you’ll be make an informed decision based on it, but I’m not making that decision for you.
