| 1) First of all, think about what you plan to use it | | | | this could be a factor to consider. This again |
| for - Fun, general or professional use? I would | | | | comes down to use. Will you be running around |
| suggest writing your individual needs down to | | | | shooting wildlife or travelling a lot? If so, then a |
| ensure the camera you choose best fits your | | | | small and light model would be best. |
| requirements. | | | | 8) Do you require a video function? Personally, |
| 2) Price - What is your budget? You have to | | | | even if you are a Stills Photography purest and |
| remember it's not just about the camera body, | | | | never think you will use it, if you are buying a |
| lenses are equally important. So consider this | | | | new DSLR today I would suggest getting one |
| when budgeting along with additional batteries, | | | | with a HD Video function, simply because they |
| memory cards, filters, flash, tripod and camera | | | | are so good. People are shooting high-end |
| protection such as bags and cases. Buying a DSLR | | | | commercial work on them. Even if you don't think |
| means buying more than just the camera body | | | | you will ever really use it, having a HD Video |
| so take this into account when looking at your | | | | Camera to hand built into your DSLR is never a |
| budget. There are some great deals and package | | | | bad thing. |
| 'Kits' out there where you can buy the body + | | | | 9) If you require a video function, is it important |
| lenses + tripod in a Kit so it is worth looking into | | | | to be able to shoot in slow motion? If so this will |
| these options as well. | | | | narrow your choice of DSLR's that can do this. |
| 3) Check when the camera was released. You | | | | 10) Choosing Lenses: If you have lenses from |
| don't want to spend hard earned money on a | | | | another manufacturer, it doesn't mean you have |
| product, only for it to be upgraded next week. | | | | to stick with the same manufacturer for your |
| Many cameras now have firmware upgrades, | | | | camera body, as there are so many adaptors |
| which is a great help in prolonging the life of your | | | | available on the market. You can use a Nikon Lens |
| DSLR. | | | | on a Canon camera by simply using an adapter; |
| 4) The most basic feature to look at is the | | | | this helps widen your choice. For more information |
| camera's Mega Pixel. These days Cameras have | | | | on choosing a Lens, please read my article on Top |
| so many mega pixels. Only four years ago 8MP | | | | 7 Tips for choosing a Lens for your DSLR. |
| was considered high - it's actually what Canon 1D | | | | 11) Compatibility. Some models of cameras are |
| started off with and that camera was used for | | | | compatible with each other, in terms of using the |
| incredibly high-end work. Now the Canon 5D Mark | | | | same batteries, chargers, battery grips and so on. |
| II has 21.1 MP. In all honesty, anything above 10MP | | | | If this is important to you this may affect your |
| is fantastic. Requirements depend on your | | | | decision. Previous gear and accessories that are |
| individual needs, if you want to create large | | | | compatible with your new DSLR can help reduce |
| professional prints then high resolution is essential. | | | | cost and save you having to buy all new gear |
| For small images to email to family, then it is not | | | | again. |
| essential. | | | | At the end of day, you want your DSLR to last |
| 5) Do you need a Full Frame Sensor? A full frame | | | | as long as possible and not be outdated next |
| sensor means that you get the exact same | | | | month. I would always suggest spending as much |
| frame size as you would with a traditional 35mm | | | | as you can afford and getting the model that |
| film camera. This means that you get the true | | | | best suits your needs whether as a consumer, |
| angle of view from the lens you are using - this is | | | | pro-sumer or professional. It might be worth |
| good for wide angle architectural or landscape | | | | spending a little more on a model that will keep up |
| work. They also perform very well at a high ISO. | | | | with future upgrades and allow you to grow and |
| Many people have gotten used to the crop size | | | | learn with it, rather than buying a cheaper entry |
| of a smaller sensor and having that little extra on | | | | level model which will soon be out of date and |
| their zoom - this is good if shooting nature, wildlife | | | | although cheaper might not be beneficial in the |
| or sport to get tighter shots. The Canon 5D Mark | | | | long run. |
| II has a full frame sensor, whilst the Canon 1D | | | | Essentially, any camera that has a detachable lens |
| Mark IV does not even though the 1D is more | | | | and lets you work in full manual mode to express |
| expensive. | | | | your creativity as a Photographer is a winner. |
| 6) Do you need to shoot in RAW? RAW is what | | | | Remember lenses are very important too. Lenses |
| many professional photographers shoot in. RAW | | | | don't suffer from going out of date and each |
| captures large files that can be non-destructively | | | | manufacturer's range of lenses do fit across their |
| graded and manipulated in the post stage without | | | | camera models if and when you upgrade, plus |
| an image quality loss. Many Cameras now have | | | | adaptors are available which allow you to use |
| the option to shoot in RAW and it can | | | | lenses and camera bodies from different brands |
| dramatically improve the quality of your final | | | | and mix and match across DSLR brands (some |
| image and your digital dark room experience. | | | | auto functions may not be active). |
| 7) You should look at size and camera weight as | | | | |