What is a DSLR Camera and Why do You Need one

Posted in blog, how to be more creative

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You’ve  decided that this is the year that you’re going to get better at photography. And then you realize that the only camera that you have is the one on your phone, and just thinking about walking into Best Buy to pick out a camera makes you feel overwhelmed and stupid. You have no idea where to start,  and quickly start to settle into the idea that this isn’t going to be the year that you get better at photography.

 

I never make resolutions, but I do make short term goals, and the goal that I made for January is to get out of bed without hitting the snooze button, something that I may or may not sometimes do for two hours. ( It’s rather shocking that my husband doesn’t punch me in the face when I pull this move on Saturday mornings) The first step to helping me to achieve this goal, is putting my alarm clock in a different room, so that I have to get out of bed to turn it off. So far, so good.

 

Now that you can see that I’m an expert at accomplishing goals, back to your goal of wanting to learn more about photography. ( I also happen to know a thing or two about this as well)

 

Step one: Get the Right Camera

 

The hard part is that there isn’t just one right camera, but I’m going to give you a checklist that should make purchasing a camera it bit less intimidating.

  • Get an SLR camera ( SLR stands for single reflex lens)
    • There are two types of cameras, SLR and point and shoot. In a point and shoot camera, you look through the viewfinder and take your photo. But you aren’t seeing the image that is being created by the lens. In an SLR camera, there is a mirror that reflects your image through a prism, allowing you to see the same thing that your camera is seeing. You also have more control over focus.
    • When purchasing an SLR camera, you’re getting two parts, the camera body and the lens. I always recommend for someone just starting out to go with the cheap intro lens that usually comes with the camera. You can always upgrade later.
  • The camera should be able to take photos in the RAW
    • This basically means that when taking a photo, you’re capturing as much information as possible, and it allows you more options when it comes to editing
  • 10 megapixels should do the trick, feel free to go for more if you wish
  • 18-55mm lens is pretty basic lens ( no you don’t do much zooming with this)
  • Make sure that it’s a camera with a rechargeable battery ( almost all of them are)
  • My favorite brand is Nikon, but Cannon is also good
  • My favorite place to buy camera equipment is B & H photography in the used department  ( remember, when buying online, make sure that you are getting both the camera body and the lens)