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Some of the advantages of dSLRs are more closely related to the digital single lens reflex design.

• Better lenses. You might argue that a non-dSLR eliminates the need for interchangeable lenses. If your 12X zoom EVF camera offers all the focal length equivalents between 28mm and 336mm, who in their right mind (other than architectural photographers at the wide end, and pro sports photographers at the tele end) would need more? However, I maintain that even if you super glue your lens to a dSLR (transforming it into a noninterchangeable lens camera), the dSLR’s zoom lens will provide better, sharper pictures than what you can expect from a non-dSLR’s optics. There’s plenty of room for argument here, but, in general, it’s easier to design a high quality lens for an SLR’s larger sensor than it is for a tiny point-and-shoot’s CCD. Do you have any idea what compromises have to be made to create a 6mm–60mm zoom lens that will fit one of those dinky cameras?

• Easier upgrading. You can enhance the capabilities of a dSLR quite easily, just by purchasing the add-on you need. Conversely, you don’t have to load down your camera with features you don’t need. As I write this, only a few non-dSLRs offer image stabilization (which minimizes blur caused by camera movement at low shutter speeds). If you want that feature in a non-dSLR, you have to specifically purchase a camera that offers it. Yet, most Nikon or Canon dSLRs of recent vintage can be outfitted with vibration reduction lenses, which you can purchase when and if you need one. (At the time I’m writing this, the Konica Minolta 7D is the only dSLR with anti-shake technology built into the camera  body itself.) A more powerful external flash is an easy addition, too, compared with point-and-shoot digital cameras, many of which allow no external flash at all (other than slaved units).

• Better use of power. You’ll find that your dSLR camera’s battery will last much longer than you expect. It’s not unusual to take 1,000 to 1,500 shots on a single charge. That’s partly because a dSLR may have larger batteries, but, in any case, they make much better use of the power that’s available. One thing you’ll notice right away is that there’s generally no need to turn off a dSLR to save juice. Most digital SLRs switch off their autofocus and autoexposure systems automatically if you haven’t used them for a few seconds,  and the power-hungry LCD is on only during picture review or menu navigation. You  can leave a dSLR switched on for days on end without depleting your batteries. Try that with a point-and-shoot! Most non-dSLR cameras turn themselves off automatically at the worst possible time (often “forgetting” any special settings you’ve made in the meantime), or, if “sleep” mode has been disabled, deplete their batteries within a few hours, whether you’ve taken any pictures or not.

• True “what you see is what you get” composition. A non-dSLR with an optical viewfinder is guaranteed to chop off heads, or worse, as you compose your pictures. The LCD on the back of the camera provides a reasonable facsimile of what the sensor sees, except you can’t see it in bright light, and the details on an LCD that can be as small as 1.5 inches are too small anyway. EVF cameras are a little better, especially in bright light, but most of them provide grainy images that can be hard to view or noisy in dim illumination, and that are not optimal for accurate focusing under the best of conditions. Most LCD viewfinders introduce a delay factor: What you’re looking at actually happened a large fraction of a second ago. A digital SLR’s viewfinder shows you exactly what you will get (although some provide less than 100 percent of the full field-of-view), and you can even preview your depth-of-field.

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Frankly speaking, for the serious photographer, a single-lens reflex camera is the Holy Grail. Anyone who’s used a point-and-shoot camera of any sort and then graduated to an advanced non-SLR camera with extra features and more control is probably still dissatisfied and is yearning for a digital SLR.. Whether you’re shooting film or digital, if you’re serious about taking pictures, an SLR is what you really want.

That’s not to say that other kinds of cameras don’t have their place among enthusiasts and professionals.
Leicas and other rangefinder-style film cameras have long been prized for their small size, precision, quiet shutters, and superb optics. Some of the best images ever made have been taken, and will continue to be taken, with Leicas and the like. Twin-lens reflexes like the Rollei have served ably as professional cameras using film sizes larger than 35mm. And view cameras, which accept sheet film holders in sizes up to 8 × 10 (and larger), continue to be important for high-quality illustration and portraiture, although these days view cameras are as likely to be fitted with a digital sensor back as a film back.

SLRs are not the only cameras a dedicated photographer would find acceptable, but, if you compile percentages, the single-lens reflex is way ahead of whatever is in second place. Indeed, in the digital photography realm, the success of so-called “SLR-like” cameras such as the shooters with internal electronic viewfinders (EVF) from Konica Minolta, Olympus, Hewlett-Packard, Kodak, and others stems from just how closely they can mimic features that are common to virtually every SLR. In most respects, they are deliberately designed as a “next best thing.” Despite their status as a “junior SLR,” these imitators are not necessarily cheap. You can pay almost $2,000 for a Leica Digilux and more than $1,000 for many of the leading EVFstyle cameras.

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Once you’ve bought your digital SLR, there are still some items that you need to think about getting your hands on. Check our list of essential extras to see if there’s anything else you need.

Printer

Once you start taking a lot of pictures it’s well worth investing in a decent photo printer. Print sizes range from 6×4 right up to A3 size. An A4 inkjet often provides the most suitable solution.

Memory cards and wallet

Called ‘digital film’ by some people, memory cards are integral to digital photography. The more expensive cards usually offer faster and more reliable performance. Keep your memory cards safe in a memory card wallet. These range from small canvas wallets right up to hardwearing waterproof plastic models. Failing that, keep the cards in the little plastic boxes they come in.

Sensor Cleaning

If you feel up to the challenge of cleaning your own sensor, save yourself some time and money by buying a sensor cleaning kit. Remember to follow the instructions as closely as you can or you’ll risk ruining your whole camera.

Reflector

Keeping a reflector in your bag will prove invaluable on many occasions. Use it to bounce light into a dark subject, lift shadows and a whole host of other applications.

Cleaning Kit

You can’t avoid having to keep your gear clean, so get your hands on a quality lens cloth and special cleaning spray. Make sure that you keep your cloth clean or you’ll just be spreading muck around your lenses.

Spare Battery and Rechargeable Batteries

If your camera takes a dedicated battery, make sure you have at least one spare. Rather than buying lots of single use AA batteries, save yourself some money and get yourself some decent rechargeable batteries and a charger.

Blower Brush

The first stage of any cleaning operation should entail blowing the dust and muck off before you wipe it around. A blower can also be used to get dust off close-up subjects.

Portable Storage

Rather than shelling out lots of money on memory cards, you could invest in a portable storage device. You can save images from your memory card onto it, then wipe the card and carry on shooting. They are indispensable to those who take lots of pictures.

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