Deviation Actions
You are ready. You have mastered the point and shoot camera with the low mega pixel rate and understand the basic composition rules of photography. You are ready to upgrade, you are ready to get your first DSLR.
Buying a DSLR isn’t something that fast and easy. You need to take time to research and decided which, of the thousand kinds of DSRL models and brands would best fit your need.
I’ll share with you my personal camera transition story, for the first year of taking up photography I had an Olympus Sp-590UZ with 12 mega pixels, for my first year learning all the basics of photography I was ready to learn the next advance settings. I was lucky enough to have DSLR at my finger tips in school, we had basic Canon Rebels, 18 mega pixels and with those I learned everything about aperture, shutter speed and ISO. So now going into my third year, graduating from high school, transitioning into college, my camera needed an upgrade, a professional upgrade. I researched for months until I found my match, my baby, my world, my Canon 6D.
So here are my tips on what to do and think about when you are buying a DSLR
Are you ready?
Are you ready for a DSLR, do you feel knowledgeable enough to upgrade to real camera functions, different than a point and shoot’s auto / scene settings? Are you ready to take the time and learn if you do not already know?
What’s your budget?
DSLRs are expensive, I saved up for two years to buy my own. Determine what you want to spend, remember you may need to purchase other things such as lens, bags, extra batteries, flash attachments, remotes, memory cards, etc.
*And remember, just because you buy a $4,000 camera doesn’t automatically mean your photography is going to improve. Even in college, some of my photo buds shoot with a Rebel still and create fabulous work, some knocking out what someone with a Mark III does. Its not about the equipment, it’s about your passion and your desire to create.
Remember you can always upgrade!
Go back to my camera history; I used a Rebel for a year before transition to my current camera body. Don’t jump in and get the most expensive best camera out before you know basic functions– unless you feel confident enough, by all means go for it!
But from personal experiences I’m happy I started off with a simpler camera then transitioned. If you buy a rebel or are able to rent out similar models from school or something, take advantage of that and learn. Also when you feel you are then ready to upgrade, you can sell your DSRL to help contribute to the cost of your new camera.
Research what cameras fit your style
What do you mainly take pictures of? Portraits, wild life, sports? Some cameras are better for certain subjects and fields of photography.
Compare brands/Models
I know I have been talking a lot about Canon, not saying it is the best, ideal camera brand, that is just what I was taught with and I felt comfortable continuing with. Be sure to look at all types, compare Nikon with Canon and see which best fits for you.
Look at unbiased reviews
This goes along with comparing brands, its very hard to read reviews comparing brands because most of them are biased, lean towards one brand and tell you only how the “other brand sucks” compared to this brand. Non-biased reviews are out there; just look closely at what you are reading.
Also, head to YouTube and watch a few reviews, those helped me out a bunch seeing the actual camera in action.
Look at sample pictures
Speaks for it self
Other things to consider when looking for a new DSLR
-Mega pixels
-Crop or Full Frame Sensor
-Auto Focus points
-ISO rate
-How many pictures it can take per second
-Does it record video?
-Different features (Example: My 6D has WIFI, GPS, I can pull the pictures I took on the camera to my phone and I can also use my phone as a remote.)
We want to hear your tips or stories concerning purchasing or choosing a DSRL!
