- In this report
- Overview
- How to choose
- Get focused on lenses
- TLC for your SLR
ELECTRONICS FORUMS  Get real-world advice from others about choosing a new TV, digital camera, computer or cell phone. |
July 2008
How to choose
Select an SLR level. If you're thinking of trading up from a point-and-shoot, a basic SLR is the place to start. There are fewer controls, easier-to-read
graphic interfaces, and fewer options. Advanced SLRs are more rugged, weather-resistant, and versatile, but also bulkier and
heavier. Many of their features can be daunting if you're not highly experienced.
Know the system and brand. When you buy an SLR, you're potentially buying into a family of lenses and integrated accessories, such as external flashes. Those from the camera maker are often pricier than ones made by other companies, but they will be compatible and will take full advantage of the camera's features. Olympus and Panasonic SLRs are exceptions. They use a system known as "four thirds" that ensures compatibility with standardized components made by other manufacturers.
Don't scrimp on performance. While all the SLRs we tested are competent, narrow your choice to those models that are at least very good for image quality and versatility, and can shoot to at least 800 ISO without image flaws. That includes most rated models. Battery life is important too; most better performers offered more than 400 shots per charge.
Know about IS. Image stabilization, a technology found on most point-and-shoots and SLRs, compensates for shake in a handheld camera. It lets you use a slower shutter speed while minimizing blur, although it won't compensate for a subject's motion. There are two IS types: lens-based ("L" in the Ratings, which is available to subscribers) and body-based ("B" in the Ratings, which is available to subscribers).
Lens-based stabilization is used by Canon, Fujifilm, Nikon, Panasonic, and Sigma. Using it requires a lens with built-in IS, which costs more than one without. We have found that lens-based stabilization works a bit better than the other type, body-based.
Body-based stabilization, used by Sony, Olympus, and Pentax, is built into the camera's body. Every lens used with that camera, including wide-angle lenses (which need less stabilization), gets the benefits. That saves you money because you don't have to buy pricier lenses. Of course, there is another, low-tech way to stabilize any camera: Use a tripod.
Search for special features. Decide on any unusual capabilities you need. For example, if you often shoot in crowds, look for a swiveling LCD and live view, so that you can see shots taken from hard-to-reach angles. Other things to consider: which file formats a camera supports and whether it's one of the few models with wireless capability.
Get some hands-on experience. Go to a store and get a feel for the SLR you're considering. Make sure it's comfortable to hold, not too heavy, and that all buttons and controls are intuitive and logically positioned. Be sure to use the viewfinder, especially if you wear glasses.
Know the system and brand. When you buy an SLR, you're potentially buying into a family of lenses and integrated accessories, such as external flashes. Those from the camera maker are often pricier than ones made by other companies, but they will be compatible and will take full advantage of the camera's features. Olympus and Panasonic SLRs are exceptions. They use a system known as "four thirds" that ensures compatibility with standardized components made by other manufacturers.
Don't scrimp on performance. While all the SLRs we tested are competent, narrow your choice to those models that are at least very good for image quality and versatility, and can shoot to at least 800 ISO without image flaws. That includes most rated models. Battery life is important too; most better performers offered more than 400 shots per charge.
Know about IS. Image stabilization, a technology found on most point-and-shoots and SLRs, compensates for shake in a handheld camera. It lets you use a slower shutter speed while minimizing blur, although it won't compensate for a subject's motion. There are two IS types: lens-based ("L" in the Ratings, which is available to subscribers) and body-based ("B" in the Ratings, which is available to subscribers).
Lens-based stabilization is used by Canon, Fujifilm, Nikon, Panasonic, and Sigma. Using it requires a lens with built-in IS, which costs more than one without. We have found that lens-based stabilization works a bit better than the other type, body-based.
Body-based stabilization, used by Sony, Olympus, and Pentax, is built into the camera's body. Every lens used with that camera, including wide-angle lenses (which need less stabilization), gets the benefits. That saves you money because you don't have to buy pricier lenses. Of course, there is another, low-tech way to stabilize any camera: Use a tripod.
Search for special features. Decide on any unusual capabilities you need. For example, if you often shoot in crowds, look for a swiveling LCD and live view, so that you can see shots taken from hard-to-reach angles. Other things to consider: which file formats a camera supports and whether it's one of the few models with wireless capability.
Get some hands-on experience. Go to a store and get a feel for the SLR you're considering. Make sure it's comfortable to hold, not too heavy, and that all buttons and controls are intuitive and logically positioned. Be sure to use the viewfinder, especially if you wear glasses.
