Why to buy dSLR

Ultimately, only you can decide if a dSLR is the right camera for you. Every system, every camera, and every technology has trade offs. Digital SLRs aren't as small as compact cameras, as handy as your phone, or as simple to use as a door stop.

However, they have a lot going for them.

You’re going to like what you see. Ultimately, it’s about the pictures.
That doesn't mean dSLRs are better than other camera types in every situation and scenario, but they take potentially amazing pictures. When my family upgraded from a compact digital camera to an entry-level dSLR, we were immediately amazed at how much better the photos were, even using Auto mode.

As a matter of fact, your photos will get worse when you venture away from your dSLR’s Auto mode and start taking photos where you set up the camera, evaluate the exposure, and focus. It takes time to learn how to use your dSLR fully and develop as a photographer. Don’t give up.
Your photos will get better with practice!

You’re impatient. I don’t like waiting to take photos. I don’t like waiting for the camera to get ready. I don’t like pressing the shutter button and having to wait (without moving) to hear the shutter click. If you’re like me, that makes dSLRs a perfect fit for you. dSLRs start up faster and have less shutter lag (the time between pressing the shutter release button and when the photo gets taken) than compact digitals.

You can practically do the splits. Digital SLRs are incredibly flexible. You can shoot close-up macros or sweeping landscapes, ultra-wide angle or telephoto, intimate portraits, family gatherings, fast-action sports, slow waterfalls, and everything in between — large, small, fast, slow.

Sensor size: Even cropped-body dSLRs (whose sensors are smaller than a frame of 35mm film; see a full explanation later in this chapter) have larger sensors than compact digitals and super zooms. Interchangeable lens compacts (compact cameras with dSLR sensors that also let you change lenses) now compete with dSLRs in this regard, but you still get tremendous advantages to using a traditional dSLR.

Large viewfinder: The worst dSLR viewfinder is still larger and better than the one most compacts have. Well, that’s if a compact even has a viewfinder. Most don’t, which makes you rely exclusively on the LCD monitor on the back of the camera.

Interchangeable lenses: Changing lenses isn’t a cure-all, but you can tailor your camera to take the photos you need. To me, that’s an enormous benefit. Being able to take off a lens when you need to and take a portrait instead is tremendously valuable.

Manual control: I can’t tell you how many times I’ve been frustrated with compact digital cameras. They never seem to have just the right automatic scene I need at the time. That, and it takes me ten minutes to find it. Automatic shooting modes can make photography easier, but being able to exercise manual (even partly manual) control over your camera when you need it can be a real help. You make the creative decisions. You set the priorities. You manage your shots.

Automatic controls: You don’t need to be a rocket scientist to use a dSLR. In fact, entry-level dSLRs have enough automatic shooting modes to satisfy the casual photographer in all of us. The truth is that most digital SLRs, even those that cost thousands of dollars, can act like a point-and-shoot camera. Digital SLRs have manual controls and complexity if you want them.

Hot shoe: Digital SLRs have a hot shoe on top of their viewfinder. A hot shoe is mainly to mount external flashes and other accessories.

Accessible to all: dSLRs come in enough designs and models to make everyone happy. If you’re new to photography, you can pick up an entry-level model and start taking photos right away. If you’re a professional, you have access to cameras with much more power and flexibility. You can shop for the dSLR that meets your demanding need sand find it. That you can use a dSLR both professionally and in your backyard is a testament to excellent design.

Tough: dSLRs, which are much more rugged than compact digital cameras, are built to stand up to more punishment without breaking. That doesn’t mean go out and hammer nails with them. High-end dSLRs emphasize the fact that their bodies are made from magnesium alloy, but even low-end dSLRs with plastic (also known as polycarbonate) bodies are rugged. People with magnesium bodies tend to claim that theirs are better, and people with polycarbonate bodies tend to say that theirs are better.

Accessories: Have I mentioned that you get to buy and use everything from a bubble level that mounts on your camera’s hot shoe (you can see whether your camera is level or not) to sophisticated external flash units, amazing flash unit accessories and other lighting modifiers, Global Positioning System receivers, and more? If you’re the type who likes installing spoilers and underbody lighting, dSLRs deliver.

Cool factor: Nothing says cool (or maybe nerd; but nerd is the new cool) like walking into a cocktail party with your significant other on your arm and a huge dSLR around your neck.