5 ) Focus [ AF ] [M]

All DSLR cameras have autofocus [AF] and although it is not essential, it certainly helps. Modern AF systems focus quicker than you can focus manually [M].

They are a great asset for spectacle wearers. However, there are still situations where manual focus works better than AF, such as in low light conditions ( in which case you just turn the AF off ).

Autofocus systems have two main modes, single shot and continuous. In single shot, you point the camera and it locks the focus on your subject until you take the photo or remove your finger from shutter release button. In continuous mode, the camera focuses continuously depending on what you point the camera at.

You must have/ turn to a continuous autofocus mode when shooting moving subject. All autofocus SLRs do.

Predictive AF is also used for moving subjects and is automatically switched on by the camera. Because there is a delay between when you press the shutter button and when the photo is exposed ( although only a fraction of a second ), the subject might move out of focus. Predictive AF ' predicts' the subject's change in position and sets the focus accordingly.

** You can turn the autofocus off if you don't want to use it..

4 ) Shutter Speeds

All SLRs on the market have a useful range of shutter speeds. The fastest shutter speed you're likely to need is 1/1000 second, unless you're seriously into sport and action photography in which case you may like something faster like 1/8000 second.

At the other end, the longest ( slowest ) speeds range from one second to around 30 second. Don't panic if the camera you're looking at only offers one second because by switching to the 'B' setting, you can keep the shutter open for as long as you like. All SLRs with a manual mode have the 'B' setting.

3 ) Price

Price will often limit the range of cameras you can choose from and for this reason it is probably your first consideration. However, even when you can choose a more expensive camera body, you may prefer to buy a cheaper model and use the money you saved to buy extra lenses and accessories. The camera is just one item in a photagrapher's gadget bag.

**NOTE that some retailers will sell you a camera at a cheaper price, but the lens is different. It's not necessarily a bad lens, but it might not match the quality of the camera maker's own lens.

2 ) Lens

Most digital SLRs come with a mid-range zoom lens, such as an 18-55mm. Although most cameras are sold with a recommended zoom lens, there's nothing to stop you buying the camera with another lens that's more suitable for your requirements, although this will probably increase the cost of your camera outfit.

The number expressed in millimetres is the len's focal length or magnification.A 50 mm has a magnification similar to the human eye. Smaller focal length( such as 28mm and 17mm ) have a wider angle-of-view( you can fit more into the photo ), good for landscape photography, while longer focal length ( 70mm 0r 300mm ) magnify the scene with a narrower angle-of-view, suitable for wild life or sports photography, even for portrait too.

The f- number in front of the lens's focal length is the len's maximum aperture. The smaller the number, the larger the aperture. An f2.8 lens is usually preferable to an f4 lens because it lets in more light so you can work in dimmer lighting condition if necessary. If a zoom lens shows a range of apertures ( such as f 3.5-5.6 80-200mm zoom ), this means that the maximum aperture is larger at the wider end (f3.5 at 80mm ) than it is at the longer end ( f5.6 at 200mm ). In practice, this doesn't worry us too much as the camera automatically makes the exposure adjustments needed.

** I recommend starting with the widest zoom range possible, especially if you are only buying one lens. Start with a 28-80mm ( 18-55mm ), a 28-105mm or a super 28-300mm zoom.

What DSLR Features do I need? 1) Camera Brand

The brand of your camera is and isn't important. Some photographers will only walk around with a particular brand because it is perceived as being the most expensive camera you can buy, but this is an inappropriate reason to buy a camera. More important are the brands' overall quality and reputation, the system of camera accessories and lenses, and the design and ergonomics.

If you already have a large investment in a particular brand's lenses and accessories, it will be very expensive to change to a different camera brand because none of your existing lenses and accessories will fit. Only let your heart rule your decision between camera brands if your choices are equal in all other respects.

Welcome to better photography !

Hi, I'm Deenganu.Welcome to my blog about the secret ways to become a better photographer.I will try my best to make you understand in photography world. I will continuous learn, learn and learn with the other photographer who got a lots of experience in photography and at the same time, I will share with you.

Whether you have just bought your first D-SLR, upgraded to a newer model, or just want to get the very best from your camera, you have come to the right place.

I will help you to improve your camera skills and shooting techniques and share professional tips and secrets to help you take your best ever photos.

I'm Nikon D-SLR user. But, if you are not a Nikon user, don't panic! I also got an experiences with others brand too. 40%, depends on the camera. But another 60%, depends on who are standing behind the camera....AGREE? So no matter what camera you are using, I will help you to become a better photographer! Good Luck..


Deenganu
Editor