To SLR or not to SLR...

You are ready for a new camera, and you think you want the "BEST" camera you can afford. Let's take a moderately deep look at some of your options and why you might want to consider or reconsider an SLR.

Now... without sounding like an pompous ass elitist.. all I ask that IF you are considering one of those big-ol professional-like cameras with the big lenses (SLR's) Please at least know what SLR means!
SLR= Single Lens Reflex. and DSLR= Digital Single Lens Reflex

Back before SLR's there were twin lens and range-finder cameras... so now that I am getting you concerned that I am going to get too crazy with the background, RELAX. It's simple... the other cameras used one lens or viewfinder to frame up the shots (the one you look through) and a completely separate lens to actually expose the film...(yes I said film... but digital sensor ~ same thing) Single lens reflex means simply, that there is just one lens that you look through and that same lens is used to take the photo... and the reflex part is that there is a mirror that allows you to look through the lens, that has to move out of the way or "reflex" you might say... to allow the light to the film or sensor instead of through the viewfinder.

I only ask this because I and several others I know have worked in camera sales for a long time and will just feel better if you know a LITTLE something about the camera you are considering buying. So now you know!

Things to keep in mind when buying an SLR:

#1~ They are bigger than point and shoot cameras (the small compact non-changeable lens jobbers)

I know this one sounds obvious but really.. I myself have had to rethink what I bring with me on family events... SLR bag........ or diaper bag......... hhmmmm. They will take up space that you may not always have available and given that their dimensions can change depending on what lens you have attached begs you to leave more room than you first anticipated.

#2~ The beginner or "kit" lenses are often restrictive, budget items.

You may have already had a snazzy "blah blah 12x zoom" compact camera and are used to zooming in to see the far away things you can pick out with your eyes.. but you noticed that unless it was bright sun, the photos would always be blurry or grainy. So YES that's it!! THAT'S why you want an SLR!! Whoah now.. hold your pixels! You usually will not get the same kind of zoom range from a beginner SLR kit lens that you can get in some compact cameras........ yes it's true, now close your mouths, you're catching flies. The reason the lenses on SLR's don't have the same range sometimes as certain compacts is that most times the SLR lenses are much much brighter... and for every doubling of light making it through the lens, the glass in it has to be 4 times larger in area! kinda... it's complicated math. So here's the rub on SLR lenses vs compact lenses...

SLR lenses give you bigger chunks of glass and are brighter but sometimes don't have the same "range" as compact cameras.

Compact camera lenses can sometimes provide a wider zoom range but typically are much dimmer and therefore less flexible as the amount of light required for taking photos.

#3~ PRO- you can get more lenses for an SLR. CON- you can get more lenses for an SLR.

OK so you want to reach out and take photos of the hairs on a gnat's patootie... great, you know the kit lens wont cut it... so you get a package deal that includes a 75-300mm zoom!! YES!

OH yeah but those babies start at $300 and up, adding to your already expensive SLR kit. AND you'll then need more SPACE to carry it... (see where I'm going yet?)

OR you want to get really really close to Aunt Mildred's prize lilly of the valleys and be close in enough to make the pollen grains look like out grains on wheat bread.... well that's a different lens...

OR you want to take photos without flash in really low light.... well that's also a different lens...

SO why do you want an SLR?!?! they are expensive, they are big, they need a lot of different lenses to do different things, and buttons intimidate me!! AAAGGGHHH!!

Now, now... lets look at the reasons you might want to upgrade to an SLR...

#1~ It's not just a camera, it's a system.

There is a reason that pros and serious hobbyists use SLRs. They can do just about anything when you equip them with the right accessories. You can't change much on a compact camera.

#2~ You can upgrade as you go.

Sometimes really fancy compacts can equal or beast the price on an entry level SLR. But then that's it.. your compact camera is as good as it's going to get.. you can't upgrade the lens or flash or anything... an SLR, you can get upgrades till the cows come home or till your accountant has a coronary. SLR's are capable of anything these day with the right "stuff". Canon digital SLR's are even being used to record films and TV show even.. there's almost no limit!

#3~ Once you learn a few technical tips and tricks... you can get closer to that image you are thinking about in your head versus just accepting what the camera gives you.

#4~ You can get really really good quality from a used digital SLR, and that saves you money to buy really good lenses!! :)

So if you made it this far I thank you for your sticktoit-iveness and applaud your ability to stave off falling asleep on your keyboard!

Till next time!

JohnnyFlash