Do I need a DSLR? - Part 1

Do I need a DSLR - in this world of competition and reduced price, this is still  a very relevant question. We should not be going for a DSL just because we can afford one! The follwoing few considerations can help prospective buyers find an answer to the BIG question and decide whether they have to take the plunge or not!

I do not need an SLR if:

All I want to shoot is family get-togethers!

There are literally hundreds of digital point and shoots that can suffice this need. There has been so much of innovation in this segment of cameras that these are all you need and more than that if you are just a casual shooter! DSLRs provide great flexibility and ultimate control over settings which may not be needed for a casual user. Moreover the plethora of configurable settings can actually hinder the process of capturing a quality photograph.

I care only for MegaPixels!
This is one of the common myths in digital photography. Everyone has talked and written about it. More megapixels does not mean greater quality. Huge MP resolution is needed only if there is a need to print posters or you are into advertising/print media industries.

In any case, more and more digicams are coming out these days with resolutions that can match and go beyond the usual DSLR resolutions (at the cost of quality).

Size does matter!
If you want a camera that is compact and lightweight, a DSLR may not fit the bill. Compact digicams are known for their pocketability. They are easy to carry and do not need special kits to carry them or store them. Only the cheapest and the most basic of the DSLRs will be lightweight and they will definitely not be pocketable! Semi-Pro and Pro DSLRs come with sturdy metallic frames and are usually on the heavier side for a casual user.


I use the Auto mode of my digicam
Most digicams provide a lot of customizable controls these days and provide good control over the settings. If you have not ventured beyond the "Auto" mode of the camera, a DSLR is probably not for you. There are a lot of things that your camera has to offer and it would be wise to explore those and improve your photography skills before you can upgrade to a DSLR.

What is a DSLR?

First things first.. What is a DSLR?

DSLR stands for Digital Single Lens Reflex camera.

Let us keep this short: An SLR uses a mechanism in which a single lens is used for viewing as well as taking pictures.

If you had used one of those old film point and shoot cameras from the yesteryears, you might recollect that you compose your picture through a viewing window but there was a possibility that what you see is not what uyo finally get on the film. This was because the picture gets taken through another lens and the angle is different to what u are seeing through the viewfinder.

In an SLR, the image is projected through the 'single' lens on to a mirror and then projected on to the viewfinder. When you are ready to click and press the shutter release button, the mirror flips out of the way and the image directly falls on the medium (either film or digital sensor) and gets captured. So essentially what you are seeing while composing the photo is what you would finally see in the captured photo as well.