For many photographers familiar with digital compact cameras, the move to a digital slr camera system can appear daunting and overwhelming. The range of digital SLR cameras, lenses, flashguns and accessories is vast and growing rapidly each year. In addition, new rival mirror less cameras such as the Panasonic G series, Sony NEX cameras and Olympus Pen cameras have entered the market. These mirror less cameras compete directly with digital SLR cameras for beginners produced by the various camera manufacturers such as Nikon and Olympus as they use the same size sensors but they have the advantage of smaller body size and smaller lenses.

Before deciding on which digital SLR or mirror less camera system to choose from, it’s always a good idea to write down how the camera will be used. For instance, will the digital SLR be used for travel photography or shots of the family. Maybe the photographer is more interested in nature photography or is branching out into studio photography. By working out how the camera will be used, key priority features will emerge which will reduce the list of cameras to choose from. Key features could include a large viewfinder, tilt/swivel LCD, small and light body for travel, weather proof body, number of frames per second for fast shooting sports photography and video recording for the best of both worlds.

For a beginner in photography looking for an all purpose camera, any system will do from the main digital SLR camera manufacturers including Nikon, Canon, Olympus, Pentax and Sony. A standard digital SLR with 10 or 12 megapixels coupled with a wide angle zoom ranging from 18mm to 55mm and a telephoto zoom ranging from 55mm to 200mm will cover the vast range of subjects from landscapes to sport. In addition, two other essential items for the beginner include an external flashgun and a tripod. A flashgun with a tilt and swivel head which can clip onto the hotshoe of the camera or used wirelessly from a distance for soft lighting can help produce more professional results. A tripod or clamp can produce the sharpest and most professional quality images as camera shake is minimised or eliminated. A tripod is a handy accessory for low light photography, high dynamic range photography and panoramic shots.

Most modern digital SLR cameras are built to a high standard and are capable of providing high level results. To discover any negative issues with a camera such as a small viewfinder or a soft lens, it is always worthwhile to read some of the many reviews found on the internet or in photographic magazines. The final stage is to actually handle the camera and lens in a photography shop to see if it meets your needs in terms of being functional and capable of producing high quality images. As digital SLR cameras are constantly changing, it is difficult to recommend cameras for the beginner but there are various photographic websites on the internet which constantly produce updated lists of the best cameras on the market for beginners.

Author Bio: Lalit Rastogi is editor of Digital SLR Camera and Digital Camera Buyers Guide websites. He is the owner of all said material in this article. You can distribute material on a non-exclusive, royalty-free basis, while he retains full rights.

Category: Computers and Technology
Keywords: digital, slr, camera, photography, photographer, family, beginner, travel, digital, nikon, canon,