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Nowadays, according to psychologists, more and more people are becoming visually inclined. In other words, most of us love to use our eyes!

In what ways do we use our eyes for?

We use our eyes to see things in our environment. However, through time, man has devised ways regarding how to preserve the things we view, whether these are beautiful or not, and one of which is by way of using cameras.

Nowadays, the biggest sellers in the camera market are the so-called digital SLR cameras.

Just what is an SLR camera?

SLR is an acronym for Single Lens Reflex. SLR cameras were the tools made for and used by professional photographers. Cameras such as these, similarly, make use of mirror that reflects light entering the lens up into the eye piece or the viewfinder. Thus, a photographer can gauge how the image or picture may be like. Moreover, a SLR camera uses lenses that are interchangeable. Hence, this camera may be used for long distance telephoto photography or close-up macro photography.

A digital SLR or DSLR camera is dependent on lenses and mirror and their optical capabilities. However a DSLR camera uses light sensor chips and digital memory cards instead of films, basically a computerized version of the abovementioned camera.

The following summarizes the comparison between DSLR and point and shoot cameras (SLRs):

1.DSLRs and SLRs use interchangeable lenses for better resolution.

2.Any picture you take using SLRs and DSLRs is usually crisper, cleaner and fine upon reproduction.

3.DSLRs have a higher speed with regards to focusing and taking pictures

4.DSLRs perform better at low lighting conditions by using ISO speeds. These cameras have lesser granularity.

5.DSLRS provide more professional power over depth of field, light, and responsiveness.

6.DSLRs give a more immediate feedback as they use digital chips or light sensing CCDs that translate incoming light rays into digital pictures.

7.DSLRs and SLRs cost more than point and shoot cameras.

8.DSLRs and SLRs are usually heavier than some point and shoot models.

Some sample DSLR models are listed below:

Prosumer models:

•    Canon EOS 10D

•    Canon EOS Digital Rebel XT

•    Nikon D50

•    Nikon D70s

•    Pentax *ist DS

Professional Models:

•    Canon EOS 1D Mark II

•    Canon EOS 20D

•    Fuji Finepix S3 Pro

•    Nikon D2x

Who actually wants DSLRs? Anyone wants to have crisper and clearer pictures—be it a hobbyist or a professional photographer can opt for a DSLR model. Anyone who will not bother carrying bigger cameras on trips in order to bring back topnotch photos can make use of DSLRs.

Like all electronic and computerized gadgets, digital models tend to get cheaper yet better over time. For sure, DSLRs will eventually migrate down to consumer cameras: ability to take bursts of 10 frames in a few seconds, quick response time, higher resolution image sensors, and accurate auto-focus, among others.

The only thing that will remain constant are the laws of optics—you will not get the same results from a finger-nail sized lens as with larger lenses used by professional users. Also the fact that people do not have enough money all the time remains the same through time.

If you plan to take photography as a profession, practice shooting some shots using prosumers models and consider budget and quality of lenses before you say, “Big Cheese”!

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An electronics on-line discussion forum contains a story about an elderly woman who wanted a simple camera to take pictures of her grandchildren. When she received a digital camera for Christmas, she looked puzzled for a moment and then asked, “Where do you put in the film?” This humorous example demonstrates how the revolutionary technology of digital cameras may be mystifying for those who have difficulty grasping the concept of a “filmless” camera! For almost a century, photography enthusiasts sagely discussed such topics as 35mm film, light meters and F-stops; today, digital cameras have made such topics all but obsolete.

Howstuffworks.com contains an article by Gurevich, Karim, and Wilson that greatly simplifies an explanation of how digital cameras work. Very simply, they explain that CDs, mp3’s, and DVDs all share the same technology: they convert traditional analog “wave” data into digital data based upon “bits.” In so doing, this radical shift in technology has changed greatly – and forever – how we do things and what has become possible including digital “filmless” cameras. While film cameras depend upon chemical and mechanical processes, digital cameras contain a computer that records images electronically.

In 1994, Kodak and Apple developed and sold the first digital cameras. Today there are hundreds of models to choose from, depending upon the type of pictures you need, the complexity with which you’re comfortable, and what digital camera you can afford. For everyday use, most people prefer a “point and shoot” camera that isn’t complex, takes good quality pictures that can be loaded onto computers or printed for personal use and to send to friends, and is affordable. According to a number of consumer guides and customer reviews, the top ten digital cameras in the low, mid, and high price ranges are:

1. Nikon D300 (high)

2. Canon EOS 5D (high)

3. Canon EOS 40D (high)

4. HP Photosmart M547 (low, great value)

5. FujiFilm Finepix S700 (mid)

6. GE A730 (mid)

7. Nikon D200 (high)

8. Canon EOS Digital Rebel Xsi (high)

9. Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ18 (mid)

10. Canon EOS 30D (high)

The point should be made that what constitutes a “great” digital camera is usually in the eye of the beholder. One person’s “top ten” list is almost certain to differ from another person’s. For example, a digital camera that is making devoted converts is the Casio Exilim series that sells in the mid-level price range, depending upon your digital camera photography needs. On the other end, Digital Camera.com rates the Pentax Optio E-10 as “the worst digital camera ever.”

With all these differing opinions, what’s the best way to buy the digital camera that’s right for you? If you simply want to take personal pictures, choose a digital camera that has at least three megapixels. This will give you good quality pictures at a very affordable price. Remember that the higher the number of megapixels, the better quality your pictures will be, but the digital camera you choose will be more complex and more expensive. Also consider the size and shape of the camera; is it easy for you to carry in your purse or pocket? Finally, be sure your digital camera has at least 256-512 megabites of space on its memory card so you won’t have to buy additional memory cards. Taking all these factors into consideration will help you enjoy capturing treasured memories for years to come.

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Camera Basics

A camera is a light proof box with a small hole in it; which allows light in.

The simplest camera is a ‘pin hole camera’ which does not have a lens, but just a tiny hole, the ‘pin hole’. These are usually hidden or spy cameras.

The light is concentrated on the light sensitive receptor at the back of the box. In the early days of photography the receptor was a large glass plate coated with chemicals, now it is a small electronic device.

All modern cameras are comprise the same basic components. Whether it is a digital camera or an SLR. Although the SLR cameras have a more complex operating system. (more buttons and features)

Basic components of all cameras

A light proof box called the body.

The lens made of a convex piece of glass or plastic.

A shutter – The device which controls the amount of time that the light is allowed to reach the light sensitive surface.

An adjustable aperture – This controls the amount of light which comes in, and works in conjunction with the shutter.

The light sensitive surface – Either film or a digital sensor

A view finder, so you can see what you will be photographing

A Focusing mechanism – Used to make the image sharp. This is achieved by adjusting the distance between the lens and the light sensitive surface.

Digital camerascapture and store the image electronically, in the cameras internal memory or on an imaging device.

The images you create can be viewed instantly on the cameras LCD (liquid crystal display) monitor on the back of the camera. If you do not like the picture, you can delete it, making more room for new images.

These images can be transferred to a computer for viewing, editing, cropping, and sharing with family and friends.

The image quality of a digital camera is measured in Mega-Pixels (Millions of Pixels). A pixel is a single dot of color, such as you see if you look really closely at your television screen.

Digital cameras range from one mega-pixel, up to around 25 mega-pixels for a professional camera.

As a general rule; the higher the mega-pixel rating is for the camera, the better the quality will be. A 12 MP (Mega-Pixel) camera will be far superior to a 1MP camera.

Having high quality images, enables you to make big enlargements or crop small sections from the image and enlarge that.

If you want a camera to produce good quality prints, go for one of 6 MP or above. If however, you only want to produce images for use on the Internet, a 1 or 2 mp camera will be good enough.

In conclusion when buying a camera determine for yourself what type of digital or SLR will

fit your specific needs. Wether you will be using it for pleasure or in a more professional

capacity.

Copyright 2008 by Pamela Contreras

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