| Once you've made the decision, that a tiny point and | | | | less for one of those, that you would have paid for a |
| shoot cameras simply aren't going to cut it for you any | | | | basic point-and-shoot camera five years ago, is a |
| longer, you've probably started looking in to the world | | | | testament to how far digital cameras have evolved. |
| of cameras known as SLR. SLR stands for single lens | | | | Given the quality of all the top brands, the major |
| reflex, and if you think that sounds confusing, you ain't | | | | differentiating factor between the final quality of your |
| seen nothin' yet. There's a whole jungle of tech terms | | | | photographs has very little to do with the camera. That |
| you get to learn, if you proceed further down this path. | | | | major factor is the person behind the shutter button. |
| Well, depending on the kind of shopper your are, or | | | | You, the photographer. Learning more about the art of |
| how much information you like to digest before making | | | | what makes a good picture would be a good |
| a purchase, you can be in for quite a ride on your | | | | investment on your part. As well as spending some |
| quest towards buying a digital SLR. It's my intention | | | | hands on time with the cameras your considering. |
| here, to help make that ride as painless as possible. | | | | Either borrow a friends camera, or sweet talk the |
| So, without much further adieu, let's dive right in. If your | | | | sales clerk at your local photo shop into letting you |
| a fan of technology, your gonna love this stuff, as | | | | take one home for a few days. |
| there is an almost limitless array of jargon, and | | | | Taking a lot of practice shots, in diverse environments, |
| technological advancements you can learn about with | | | | will give you a pretty good idea of how much you like |
| SLR cameras. That information should serve you well | | | | or dislike different cameras. Try taking pictures at |
| in making your final decision however. As, that same | | | | parties, weddings, sporting events, sunsets, sunrises, or |
| technology that has given the consumer a wonderful | | | | just around the house and neighbourhood for a few |
| number of features, has also forced the | | | | days. |
| manufacturers to be extremely competitive with one | | | | Don't get overly hung up on technical specifications for |
| another. The result many a lot of very capable SLR | | | | each camera. A few extra megapixels here and there |
| cameras loaded with features at pretty affordable | | | | aren't going to make much difference. For a first time |
| prices. | | | | SLR buyer, as long as you get a good lens, with at |
| What I'm trying to say here, is that just about any SLR | | | | least 8 or 10 megapixels, and a solidly constructed |
| camera you end up buying will be a good one. That's | | | | camera body, you'll be content. |
| not to say, that there aren't some lemons. If you stick | | | | If you really have a burning desire to delve deeper into |
| with one of the major established brands, like Canon, | | | | specifications, tech jargon, and features, then go right |
| Nikon, or Olympus your pretty much guaranteed to | | | | ahead. I know that for some, that's just part of the fun |
| make a good choice. The Nikon D60, the Canon Rebel | | | | of buying a camera, or any product. Just remember, in |
| line (XT, XTi, XSi, T1i), or an Olympus Evolt E510 are all | | | | the long run, it's a lot more fun to be taking pictures |
| excellent choices. Considering you'll pay the same or | | | | than just reading about taking pictures. |