I want a DSLR Camera, but can you help me with some of these things, please? :)

DSLR Camera - Olympus DSLR Camera
@jeeyah (1092)
Philippines
April 15, 2010 2:00pm CST
I love taking pictures, but point-and-shoot digital cameras no longer work for me. SO I'm thinking of buying a DSLR. What brand of DSLR is the best? And, is it hard to use? 'Cause when I read people talking about the lens and such, I get confused. Lol. I don't know the differences between the types of lenses and what they're for. Do I really need a lot of lenses, or is the default lens that comes with the camera already okay? Can anyone please teach me all about DSLR? Lol. Thank you!
2 people like this
7 responses
@abirsinha (114)
• India
15 Apr 10
Digital SLR is the thing to take your photography to the next level. When I was bored with my point-n-shoot digicam I went for a Semi-DSLR from Fujifilm.. S2000HD. The best brand is NIKON for DSLR.. First you should choose a camera that is good for you, and that is easy to work with since at first its very difficult to guess the shutter speed, exposure etc. So You can go my way and take up a semi-dslr then upgrade to a full-fledged one.. :D
@jeeyah (1092)
• Philippines
16 Apr 10
Semi-DSLR? What's that? Lol. :D
@bobmnu (8157)
• United States
16 Apr 10
They are point and shoot cameras in the $300 to $600 level. They allow you do do more with the camera and to have more control over the settings. You picture quality is better and the camera better quality. They are called DSLR Like or prosumer and are aimed at the advanced armature. I would suggest you check out this web site. It offers very good reviews on a range of cameras and there are discussion groups that you can participate in for more information. www.dpreview.com There are probably many more sites that you can get reviews but this is one I like.
• India
16 Apr 10
Its intermediate between A Point-n-shoot and DSLR... :D
@dr9rim (247)
• Australia
16 Apr 10
if you ask which brand is the best, you'll get a different answer from different people. they all have pros and cons, and each have features new owners need to learn but like previous responses.. go to a camera store and ask for an entry level camera. with basic lens, and basic SLR functions. the new models will probably have extra features but maybe won't cost too much for that because those features have become kinda 'standard' here's some things i recommend you learn when you own a DSLR 1 - using the aperture 2 - using the shutter speed 3 - using different ISO setting 4 - light meter there's lots more to learn but when you understand these basics, it will be easier to learn more techniques
@dr9rim (247)
• Australia
16 Apr 10
Aperture is the opening of the 'iris' of the camera. If you set a big aperture, you'll get a small opening and small aperture will give you a big opening. it controls how much light is captured. similar to how human eyes work. when you study those basics, you'll see that it is the balance of those things that you actually have to get a hold of. normally, it will come natural when you practice using the DSLR a lot. so don't worry and snap away. just try not to use the auto settings too much, because a DSLR is just an expensive point&shoot camera if you use the auto function
@jeeyah (1092)
• Philippines
16 Apr 10
Thank you for the tips! Anyway, what's the aperture? Lol. I'm kinda familiar with the three other things, but I've never heard of the aperture. Sorry, confused kid here. Haha. :)
1 person likes this
@jeeyah (1092)
• Philippines
16 Apr 10
Oh, I see. Thanks for explaining! I get it now, because of the human eye comparison. :) And okay, I'll keep those tips in mind. :D
@bobmnu (8157)
• United States
16 Apr 10
I would suggest that you look at either a Canon or Nikon. Both are excellent cameras and you can get them for around $600 with a couple of lenses. Why one of these tow? Both are top of the line cameras and the most common ones in use by the professionals and the general public. I have done this with people and let them try a lens that I have before they buy one. With those two brands there are a lot more choices of lens both new and used. I have gotten some excellent deals on used lens and even some refurbished ones. Another reason is if you have a problem ant there are other photographers around they may be able to help you. What ever you decide you will have to stick with that brand because as you add lenses and accessories you will be able to use them when you upgrade within that brand only. Your lens will long outlast your camera body.
@youless (112108)
• Guangzhou, China
16 Apr 10
I like Nikon the most. If I am going to buy a DSLR, be sure I will buy Nikon D90. It is not so complicated to use. The photos are great. And it can also record the videos and this is a big improvement. I love China
@jeeyah (1092)
• Philippines
16 Apr 10
How much does the Nikon D90 usually cost? :)
@werty009 (404)
• Philippines
16 Apr 10
well i prefer an canon all my friends that have dslr camera used canon cause they say it's good quality and the brand name is very known although expensive
@a2beads (100)
• Philippines
19 Apr 10
I would also suggest Nikon or Canon. I just got my Nikon D90 and you'll immediately notice the difference in quality of your pictures versus your point in shoot. Don't get easily intimidated with DSLRs, there are lots of online tutorials now like in Youtube that you can watch to teach you the basics from how to turn on your camera, what the different buttons stand for and how and when to use them, other topics such as shutter spead, aperture, and ISO settings. Later on you'll need to know the different lenses and accessories and identify which of these you need based on your requirements. Do you just want to take family pictures? Do you need long range lenses? Will you be using this for your business? Lenses vary on how near or far you want to shoot and how fast you want it to shoot. Other acessories to consider are the flash and tripod.
@jeeyah (1092)
• Philippines
19 Apr 10
So the lenses are like the glasses or contacts for human eyes, huh? Thank you for the advice! I never thought that I needed some specific stuff depending on what kind of pictures I'd be taking. :)
@pandaeyes (2065)
16 Apr 10
We have an entry level DSLR that we bought for using on family trips. It has just the one lens. The main advantage is there are more controls and you can look through a view finder as well as on the LCD to get your picture set up. Ours is a Fuji i think. My son has a similar model. They are a bit more expensive than the ordinary digital cameras but if you like photography as a hobby and not just a do it once a year type thing, then I would say they are worth it. I have a Nikon coolpix for every day use which is simple to use ,not an DSLR but reliable and runs on ordinary batteries.