Content

• Steps
• Method 1 of 3: Consider Your Own Needs
• Method 2 of 3: Examine the Specifications
• Method 3 of 3: Buy the accessories you need

When choosing an SLR camera, it is important to consider your needs, desired features and available accessories. You should also rely on the technical specifications of the device, such as sensor size, number of megapixels, video recording functions and shooting modes. The right DSLR camera can capture important and wonderful moments for both the professional photojournalist and the parent who wants to capture their baby's first steps.

Steps

Method 1 of 3: Consider Your Own Needs

1. 1 If you're a beginner, take a look at entry-level DSLRs. Cameras for aspiring photographers are not only cheaper but also easier to use. If you don't have much experience in photography and just want to document your life, take family and vacation photos, then the entry-level camera is for you.
   • Examples of amateur cameras: Canon 200D / 250D, Nikon D3500 / D5600, Sony Alpha A58.
2. 2 Photography enthusiasts are advised to opt for a semi-pro grade camera. If you are experienced in photography and have used amateur cameras, but now want to take it to the next level, then choose a mid-range camera. Semi-pro cameras boast additional features, versatility and improved design.
   • Examples of semi-professional cameras: Canon EOS 80D, Nikon D7500, Sony Alpha A77.
3. 3 If you are a seasoned photographer, consider buying a professional camera. If you are looking to take photographs professionally or want to upgrade your semi-pro camera, choose a professional product. These cameras have the most modern matrices, focusing systems, the best design and provide the maximum shooting speed.
   • Examples of professional cameras: Canon EOS 5D Mark IV / EOS 1DX Mark II, Nikon D850 / D5, Sony Alpha A99.
4. 4 Determine an available budget. A good DSLR camera can cost anywhere from $ 20,000 to $ 200,000 or more, so determine the maximum amount you're willing to spend. You can narrow your selection down to the appropriate price range.
   • A good amateur camera will cost about 30,000-50,000 rubles for a set with one lens.
   • In the case of a professional camera, a "carcass" without a lens will cost about 65,000-100,000 rubles.
   • A professional SLR camera without a lens can cost 200,000-600,000 rubles.
   • Also consider the cost of essential accessories like memory cards, batteries, and lenses. These costs depend on the type of camera and available memory. Usually a memory card costs about 20,000 rubles, batteries will cost from 2,500 to 5,000 rubles, and lenses cost 6,000-120,000 rubles.
5. 5 Consider personal preference. The market leaders are Canon and Nikon. Other popular brands include Sony, Olympus and Pentax. They all offer top-notch devices, and the choice usually comes down to personal preference. Choose a camera considering aspects that are especially important to you, such as design, appearance, or size.

Method 2 of 3: Examine the Specifications

1. 1 Choose the camera with the largest sensor size within your available budget. The quality of your images depends on the size of the matrix. Each camera is equipped with an image sensor that forms an image through the viewfinder and writes it to a memory card. The larger the sensor, the clearer the pictures will be. The size of the "full-frame" matrix is ​​36x24 mm. The exact size depends on the camera model, so always try to choose a camera with a larger sensor.
   • Most entry to mid-range cameras have a "downscaled" sensor of approximately 22x16mm.
2. 2 Choose a camera with a resolution of at least 18 megapixels. Megapixels are the total number of luminous dots (pixels) on the matrix that are involved in creating an image. Megapixels affect image resolution, not overall quality. The more megapixels of the matrix, the more you can enlarge the image without losing clarity. Almost all modern SLR cameras have a matrix of at least 18 megapixels, which is sufficient for most tasks.
   • Your lenses and sensor quality have more impact on image quality than megapixels.
   • If you want to do photography professionally, then you may need 20 megapixels or more to create high-resolution photos.
3. 3 Choose a camera with high definition video recording capability if you plan to shoot video. To shoot video, you should choose a camera with the appropriate capabilities. Most hobby cameras today are capable of capturing HD 1080p video, but more advanced devices support 4K video recording.
   • Also consider the frame rate. The higher the recording frame rate, the smoother the video.
4. 4 Choose a camera with different modes. All cameras shoot in "auto" and "manual" mode, which can be supplemented with features such as portrait, landscape, panorama, night photography or indoor and motion photography. Explore the available modes and choose the camera that suits your needs.
   • If you are not interested in advanced features, you can opt for the "automatic" mode. This is where functions like portraits, landscapes or panoramas come in.
   • If you want to independently adjust the shooting parameters, then work in the "manual" mode, which allows you to change the values ​​of aperture, shutter speed and photosensitivity.
5. 5 Choose a camera with internal editing capabilities if you don't want to use photo editing apps. Many amateur cameras have easy-to-edit functions inside the camera. You can apply filters, make adjustments, and change exposure. It is much easier to make such edits in applications, but this way you have to work with expensive programs.
6. 6 Take the camera in hand to appreciate its design and appearance. Pay attention to the quality of the case, size and general appearance. Does the camera fit comfortably in your hand? Is it too heavy? Do you need a touchscreen display? These are all questions of personal preference, but if you take the camera in hand and consider, then you can choose a convenient device that you will use often and with pleasure.

Method 3 of 3: Buy the accessories you need

1. 1 Select the required lenses for your camera. Lenses come with variable (you can "zoom in" and "move away" objects) and fixed focal length. Some stores offer ready-made "kits" of cameras, lenses and other accessories. As a rule, the camera is usually supplied with an 18–55 mm lens. The quality and sharpness of your images will depend primarily on the lens used.
   • Landscapes are best captured with 18mm wide-angle lenses.
   • For portraits, a normal angle with a focal length of about 55mm is suitable.
   • For wildlife or sports photography, it is best to use long lenses such as 70-200mm.
   • The cost of lenses can range from 6,000 to 120,000 rubles.
2. 2 Buy a camera flash. Most DSLR cameras have a built-in flash that illuminates images unevenly. Better to buy an optional flash that can be mounted on your camera's hot shoe. The external flash is more powerful to illuminate distant subjects.
   • A flash can cost 6,000–30,000 rubles, depending on the manufacturer and quality.
3. 3 Purchase a camera bag for safe transport and storage. A camera is an expensive device that requires adequate protection. A camera bag or backpack will cost you about 2,000-6,000 rubles, depending on the manufacturer, materials and sizes.
4. 4 Buy a spare battery just in case. The camera comes with a battery, but it is helpful to have a spare battery. This is especially handy when traveling. The battery can cost from 2,500 to 6,000 rubles, depending on the camera model.
5. 5 Buy a tripod for clearer shots. A tripod or tripod will allow you to stabilize your camera to solve the problem of blurry shots. It will help to avoid accidental camera movements at the time of shooting and focus misses. A detachable tripod head screw into the bottom of the camera allows hands-free shooting.
   • The average price of tripods is 3000-6000 rubles.
   • You can also use a monopod or tabletop tripod.