Your first DSLR
Back to MainThe technical differences compared to that high megapixel compact
So you want to buy a "digital SLR" because you heard it can take "better pictures" than your tiny digital compact. Well, this is partially true due to some technical differences that are rarely indicted in marketing literature.
The biggest difference being that a digital SLR will have a bigger 'sensor' than a consumer level digital compact. Please note, the sensor size is rarely indicated in the marketing literature and is not related to the highly toted attribute of "megappixel". In short, megapixels have nothing to do with the sensor size, so don't let that dictate your purchase if you are a believer in sensor quality.
What the marketing literature does not tell you is that a DSLR's bigger sensor will tend to have better low-light image quality than a digital compact tiny sensor could deliver. Furthermore, the lens you can purchase for a digital SLR tend to be of higher quality than a digital compact.
As time permits, I will add some examples of low light grainy digital compact images vs a digital slr image demonstrating this difference. It is pretty easy to spot when a bad picture was created from a digital compact. However, with the proper technique, you can take excellent photos even with a digital compact that would be very difficult to discern from a DSLR.
Surely, you must be joking, Mr. Kong!
No, I am not joking. While I have told you there is a big technical difference between expensive DSLRs and digital compacts, I finished off by saying you can take good pictures with either one. This is quite a truism because most of photography is about technique, not the technical power.
By knowing your camera's weaknesses and strengths, you can easily take excellent photos.
So, why do professionals tend to have at least one high end DSLR? Well, there are some occasions where you would prefer to shoot with the DSLR over a digital compact. There are certain features that are extremely convenient that may only be available on a DSLR body. Also, there is more flexibility with the DSLRs regarding lens options. A lot of this is extra fluff that the average photographer may never need. However, for the dedicated professional or enthusiastic amateur they may or may not find these features critical to their workflow.
What else do I need
A lot of this will depend on how serious you plan to be with photography. I'll put down the reasons why you would want these different components, but I would strongly consider all of them before dismissing them to "save money to get a better camera body". It is hard to determine what your workflow will be like before actually doing it. Save up some extra money for possible extras. It's not fun going over budget or taking shots without a useful piece of equipment.
- Compact Flash - the more the better and without it, your fancy new DSLRs is nothing more than an big piece of plastic or metal
- Tripod - a nice tripod can help you achieve the sharpness your lens was destined to achieve. Mandatory for low light shooting.
- Hot Shoe Flash - the built in flash has some limitations such as camera battery drain, unable to shift the angle, and is too 'low' causing for nasty shadow. Low light shooting is helped tremendously by this.
- A good toploader or bag. Everyone seems to forget this one. A good bag holds every piece of equipment you could want or need and is easily accessible. Another thing to consider is can the bag fit your longest lens and body in one go or you do have to always dismantle it before putting it back in? Workflow includes thinking about these subtle details!
- Filters - huge debates can be drawn up about this. Thomas Hogan has some great references on this matter. Pros and Cons on filters are abundant. If you have to know, I am on the side of the fence where I would never use a filter soley for protection.