| If you've gone and convinced yourself, that you need a | | | | line-up with the XT, XTi, XSi, XS, and soon to be |
| SLR camera, then I hope you really enjoy learning a | | | | release T1i are definitely worth a look. |
| bunch of technical lingo. Because the science of SLR | | | | Something to think about when upgrading to an SLR, is |
| is full of a whole bunch of new terms, features, and | | | | to upgrade your own photography skills. Due to the |
| gadget wizardry. For some, that's half the fun. I know, | | | | complexity of these cameras, you will likely find that |
| as I'm one of those. | | | | the biggest factor contributing to the quality of your |
| If you haven't already figured it out, I should probably | | | | images, is your own ability. Not to mention, you'll be a |
| warn you, that the route to getting a good SLR | | | | more informed consumer when you make your |
| camera can be quite an odyssey. Especially, if your | | | | purchase. A photography course would be a good |
| the type, that likes to compare, analyse, investigate, or | | | | investment. Having spend some time with a SLR |
| otherwise dissect every possible pro and con of any | | | | before buying one can provide some valuable insight |
| item or service you pay for. SLR cameras can be a | | | | into what features are important to you. |
| somewhat complex science. | | | | You don't want to believe everything your read and |
| With that little caveat out of the way, lets press on. | | | | hear from sales clerks and websites, you'll want some |
| Now if your more of a ready, fire, aim shopper, your | | | | first hand experience. Playing around with someone |
| going to like this next little bit. As a rule, it's pretty hard | | | | else's SLR either from a buddy, or a friendly camera |
| to buy a bad digital SLR camera in today's market. I'm | | | | store will give you a chance to form your own opinion |
| not just referring to the fact that manufacturers and | | | | about each camera. |
| retailers are fiercely competing for consumer dollars in | | | | Technical specs are good for narrowing down your |
| a tight economy. That's been going on for years with | | | | short list of cameras, but the final camera choice you |
| digital cameras. The other good thing, is that | | | | make should be based on personal experience. How |
| competitiveness has also driven up the quality, | | | | does the camera feel in your hands, is more important |
| features and technology of cameras at a fevered | | | | than burst mode, ISO quality or the size of the image |
| pitch. | | | | sensor. |
| So, don't worry, you will get a good SLR with pretty | | | | There's of course no rush, taking your time is never a |
| much any camera these days. I'd stick with the major | | | | bad decision with complex purchase. You may be |
| brands, and reputable retailer to hedge your bet. The | | | | tempted, to wait a little longer, and see what the |
| best prices are still online, and the big online stores are | | | | manufacturers offer next week, next month, or next |
| as good or better than local stores with their return | | | | year. While I'm sure, it will be something better, be |
| policies. Online buying is not just for price comparisons | | | | warned that this cycle never ends. There's always |
| anymore. Olympus, Nikon, or canon are all reliable | | | | something better coming out tomorrow. There will |
| choices these days. For under a grand, you'll find a lot | | | | come a point when you need to make a decision, and |
| of entry level SLRs to choose from. The Canon Rebel | | | | start taking pictures. |