How To Improve Your Photography With A Single Lens Reflex Digital Camera

How To Improve Your Photography With A Single Lens Reflex Digital Camera
by John Philips

SLR digital cameras have always been associated with professional or, at the very least, the more serious amateur photographers because of their expense. However, because every day new models of SLR digital cameras are being launched, they are becoming more affordable, and more people who want that extra control over their photography than they can get from a compact are upgrading to them.

Even novice photographers can take remarkable pictures with these new cameras, which after a time are particularly user friendly. SLR cameras, the cheap entry level models included, surpass even the most expensive standard digital cameras and, as the digital world is moving extraordinarily fast, more and more models come onto the market and prices are falling.

There are some disadvantages, however to owning a digital SLR camera.

Even though they are becoming more affordable they still incur higher costs than basic compacts. They are bigger, weigh more, the extra expense of purchasing lenses, and there is a learning process to enable you to become familiar with the camera. But if you want your photographs to have a more professional quality then it is worth it.

The options and features appear unlimited in the world of SLR digital cameras and personal choices will depend on what you need out of a camera. Below are listed some of the more popular models, which will hopefully give you an idea of what would match your taste. This is not in the slightest an all-inclusive record, just a casual mixture. There are countless others introduced regularly.

Nikon D40
Affordable digital SLR that is easy to use and compact with a 2.5 inch LCD screen, 6.1 mega pixel and a built-in flash and hot shoe.

A user-friendly camera packed with features that make this camera a fine introduction for the newcomer to DSLR. With all the innovative options and flexibility, which has come to be expected with SLR photography, the D40 will encourage more people into the world of digital SLR than any earlier digital SLR.

Olympus Evolt E410
A compact and well built SLR with a 2.5-inch Live View HyperCrystal LCD display, 10 mega pixel and dust-free technology.

One of the most compact DSLR cameras with 30 automatic shooting modes designed to provide the uppermost adjustments for a variety of shooting circumstances, but also with a full range of manual controls to enable you take command of your photography.

Pentax K10D
Extremely well built and affordable SLR with10.2 Mega pixels, a 2.5" Active Matrix TFT Color LCD display screen and an SLR Optical Pentaprism Viewfinder.

The Pentax K10D is one of the more appealing SLR cameras presently available on the market. The well-designed body and very responsive features are combined with dust-proof seals and water-resistant body.

Canon Digital Rebel XT
One of the smallest and lightest digital cameras in its class with a 1.8 inch TFT color LCD monitor, 8 mega pixel and DIGIC II Image Processor, enabling fast, accurate image processing.

Despite the small LCD screen the Rebel XT is famed for its superb range of features and great value for money. With a sturdy build quality and a smaller, lighter but easy-to-handle design and rich colours and silky smooth resolution, which is to be expected from a Canon product.

Sony Alpha A200K
Powerful, versatile and simple to use with 10 mega pixel, 2.7-inch ClearPhoto LCD and 4x optical zoom.

With high-speed processing, high sensitivity, advanced noise reduction, lightweight and exceptionally easy to operate, the Sony Alpha gives you all you need to develop your photographic creativity. Excellent for those stepping up from point & shoot cameras.

There are many makes and models available for the SLR digital camera shopper and these are just a selection. no matter what you want out of a camera there will be one to fit you.

Buying a Digital SLR Camera? Follow These Tips.

Buying a Digital SLR Camera? Follow These Tips!
by Jayda Kaycee

It is incredible to see the features that are available on digital SLR cameras, but it can also be a scary process to try to understand the details and reviews that you find. It is necessary to learn about the feature details and specifications to that you can choose which camera you would like to buy. Although there is a lot to learn, you can easily overcome your lack of knowledge by studying it out to learn what features you want.

As you learn about digital SLR cameras, there are a few points that you need to understand: What are megapixels and why do I need them? I have heard of digital SLR cameras, what are they? Is a digital SLR camera really more superior to a basic digital camera? Which model should I choose when I purchase my digital SLR camera?

Understanding the definition is important as you start on this exciting journey. Megapixel refers to the resolution of a given camera, it specifies how many pixels are in a given space. If you select a camera with higher megapixels, your photographs will be a higher quality and the image will be sharp and clear.

As you select how many megapixels you need, think about what the camera will be used for so that you don't overdo the pixel count. You pictures may look unnatural if you are using a camera with excess pixels, you do not need too many pixels if you will not be enlarging the photos. Find a good balance of pixels within your price range, and the read digital SLR camera reviews and select the model that fits your needs.

"SLR" is the abbreviation for "single lens reflex," a SLR camera has a small mirror located between the camera film and lens. This mirror projects the image to a focusing screen through the lens. This technology is found in all of today's high-end digital cameras which creates more control and image focusing for the photographer.

What is the difference between a digital SLR camera and a basic digital camera? The digital SLR cameras offer features that cannot be found on more basic cameras, including: ISO settings, higher megapixels, the ability to change camera lenses, and many more.

Now that you know a little more about digital SLR camera you will need to decide which model to choose, it is easy to see that digital SLR cameras are superior to basic cameras. Determine which features you would like to have and then compare digital SLR models through the reviews. By following these simple steps, you will soon have your brand new camera ready to use.

Digital Camera Nikon D300 SLR 12.3 megapixel DX-Format CMOS Sensor

Digital Camera Nikon D300 SLR 12.3 megapixel
DX-Format CMOS Sensor

A new 12.3-megapixel DX-Format CMOS Sensor combined with Nikon's exclusive digital image processing system advances DX-format image quality to all new levels.

The 3.0-inch super density 920,000-dot VGA color monitor with 170-degree wide-angle viewing and tempered-glass protection makes critical image review possible.

Continuous shooting up to 6 frames per second, and up to 8 frames per second* with the new optional MB-D10 Multi-power Battery Pack, makes the D300 a powerful performer for a wide variety of shooting disciplines.
* When using the EH-5a AC Adaptor or the MB-10 Multi-Power Battery Pack with batteries other than Rechargeable Li-on En El3e.

Fast, accurate 51-point autofocus with 3D Focus Tracking and three Dynamic AF modes deliver exacting autofocus precision at blazing speeds.

Nikon's exclusive Scene Recognition System (SRS), with an improved 1,005-Pixel 3D Color Matrix Metering II, provides even more intelligent auto exposure capabilities, along with smarter auto white balance detection and faster, more accurate AF performance.

Dynamic Integrated Dust Reduction System with self-cleaning ultrasonic sensor unit minimizes degradation of image quality due to dust particles.

Two LiveView shooting modes, Hand-held or Tripod is perfect when shooting in a studio, remote situations or from challenging angles.

New Picture Control settings give photographers dramatically advanced color control with 4 preset options: Standard, Neutral, Vivid and Monochrome, as well as 9 customizable settings.

Rugged magnesium-alloy construction, advanced dust and moisture protection and a durable shutter mechanism tested to 150,000 cycles make the D300 a perfect choice for photographers who demand high performance and handling agility.

Tech Specs

• Type of Camera: Single-lens reflex digital camera
  
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• Effective Pixels: 12.3 million
  
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• Image Sensor: CMOS sensor, 23.6 x 15.8 mm; total pixels: 13.1 million; Nikon DX-format
  
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• Image Size (pixels): 4,288 x 2,848 [L], 3,216 x 2,136 [M], 2,144 x 1,424 [S]
  
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• Dust-reduction System: Self-cleaning Sensor Unit, image dust-off data acquisition (Capture NX required)
  
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• Sensitivity: ISO 200 to 3200 in steps of 1/3, 1/2 or 1 EV with additional settings of approx. 0.3, 0.5, 0.7 and 1 EV (ISO 100 equivalent) under ISO 200 and approx. 0.3, 0.5, 0.7 and 1 EV (ISO 6400 equivalent) over ISO 3200
  
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• File System: Compliant with DCF 2.0, DPOF and Exif 2.21
  
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• Storage System: NEF 12-bit or 14-bit (uncompressed, lossless compressed or compressed RAW), TIFF (RGB), JPEG: JPEG baseline-compliant
  
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• Storage Media: CompactFlash (CF) Card (Type I and II, UDMA compliant), MicroDrive
  
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• Release Modes:
  
• 1) Single frame [S] mode
  
• 2) Continuous low speed [CL] mode: 1 to 7 frames per second (note 1)
  
• 3) Continuous high-speed [CH] mode: 8 frames per second (note 1) , 6 frames per second (note 2)
  
• 4) LiveView [LV] mode
  
• 5) Self-timer mode
  
• 6) Mirror-up [Mup] mode Note 1. When using EH-5a/EH-5 AC Adapter or MB-D10 Multi-Power Battery Pack with batteries other than EN-EL3e Rechargeable Li-ion Battery Note 2. When using EN-EL3e Rechargeable Li-ion Battery (When shooting in Continuous-servo AF (C), Shutter-Priority Auto [S] or Manual [M] exposure modes, at a shutter speed of 1/250 s or faster with other settings at default)
  
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• White Balance: Auto (TTL white balance with 1,005-pixel RGB sensor), seven manual modes with fine-tuning, color temperature setting, white balance bracketing possible (2 to 9 frames in increments 1~3)
  
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• LiveView: Hand-held shooting mode: TTL Phase-difference AF with 51 focus areas (15 cross-type sensors), Tripod shooting mode: focal-plane contrast AF on a desired point within a specific area
  
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• LCD Monitor: 3-in., approx. 920,000-dot (VGA), 170-degree wide viewing angle, 100% frame coverage, low-temperature polysilicon TFT LCD with brightness adjustment
  
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• Playback Function:
  
• 1) Full frame
  
• 2) Thumbnail (4 or 9 segments)
  
• 3) Zoom
  
• 4) Slideshow
  
• 5) RGB histogram indication
  
• 6) Shooting data
  
• 7) Highlight point display
  
• 8) Auto image rotation
  
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• Delete Function: Card format, All photographs delete, Selected photographs delete
  
• Video Output: NTSC or PAL; simultaneous playback from both the video output and on the LCD monitor available
  
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• HDMI Output: Supports HDMI version 1.3a; Type A connector is provided as HDMI output terminal; simultaneous playback from both the HDMI output terminal and on the LCD monitor not available
  
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• Interface: Hi-Speed USB
  
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• Text Input: Up to 36 characters of alphanumeric text input available with LCD monitor and multi-selector; stored in Exif header
  
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• Lens Mount: Nikon F Mount with AF coupling and AF contacts
  
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• Compatible Lenses:
  
• 1) DX AF NIKKOR: All functions possible
  
• 2) D-/G-type AF NIKKOR (excluding IX NIKKORlenses): All functions possible (excluding PC Micro- NIKKOR)
  
• 3) AF NIKKOR other than D-/G-type (excluding lenses for F3AF): All functions except 3D-Color Matrix Metering II possible
  
• 4) AI-P NIKKOR: All functions except Autofocus, 3D-Color Matrix Metering II possible
  
• 5) Non-CPU AI NIKKOR: can be used in exposure modes A and M; electronic range finder can be used if maximum aperture is 5.6 or faster; Color Matrix Metering and aperture value display supported if user provides
  
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• Picture Angle: Equivalent in FX-format [135mm] is approx. 1.5 times lens focal length (DX format)
  
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• Viewfinder: SLR-type with fixed eye-level pentaprism; built-in diopter adjustment (-2.0 to +1.0 m-1)
  
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• Eyepoint: 19.5 mm (-1.0 m-1)
  
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• Focusing Screen: Type-B BriteView Clear Matte screen Mark II with superimposed focus brackets and On-Demand grid lines
  
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• Viewfinder Frame Coverage: Approx. 100% (vertical and horizontal)
  
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• Viewfinder Magnification: Approx. 0.94x with 50mm lens at infinity; -1.0 m-1
  
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• Autofocus: TTL phase detection, 51 focus points (15 cross-type sensors) by Nikon Multi-CAM 3500DX autofocus module; Detection -1 to +19 EV (ISO 100 at 20 degree C/68 degree F); AF fine adjustment possible. Focal-plane contrast [in LiveView (Tripod) mode]
  
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• Lens Servo: Single-servo AF (S); continuous-servo AF (C); manual (M); predictive focus tracking automatically activated according to subject status in continuous-servo AF
  
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• Focus Point: Single AF point can be selected from 51 or 11 focus points LiveView (Tripod mode): Contrast AF on a desired point within entire frame
  
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• AF Area Mode:
  
• 1) Single point AF
  
• 2) Dynamic Area AF [9 points, 21 points, 51 points, 51 points (3D-tracking)]
  
• 3) Automatic-area AF
  
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• Focus Lock: Focus can be locked by pressing shutter-release button halfway (single-servo AF) or by pressing AE-L/AF-L button
  
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• Exposure Metering System: TTL full-aperture exposure metering using 1005-pixel RGB sensor
  
• 1) 3D Color Matrix Metering II (type G and D lenses); Color Matrix Metering II (other CPU lenses); Color Matrix Metering (non-CPU lenses if user provides lens data; metering performed)
  
• 2) Center-weighted: Weight of 75% given to 6, 8, 10, or 13 mm dia. circle in center of frame or weighting based on average of entire frame (8 mm circle when non-CPU lens is used)
  
• 3) Spot: Meters approx. 3 mm dia. circle (about 2.0% of frame) centered on selected focus point (on center focus point when non-CPU lens is used)
  
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• Exposure Metering Range:
  
• 1) 0 to 20 EV (3D Color Matrix or center-weighted metering)
  
• 2) 2 to 20 EV (spot metering) (ISO 100, f/1.4 lens, 20ºC)
  
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• Exposure Meter Coupling: Combined CPU and AI
  
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• Exposure Modes:
  
• 1) Programmed Auto [P] with flexible program
  
• 2) Shutter-Priority Auto [S]
  
• 3) Aperture Priority Auto [A] 4) Manual [M]
  
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• Exposure Compensation: Plus or minus 5 EV in increments of 1/3, 1/2 or 1 EV
  
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• Auto Exposure Lock: Detected exposure value locked by pressing AE-L/AF-L button
  
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• Auto Exposure Bracketing: Exposure and/or flash bracketing (2 to 9 exposures in increments of 1/3, 1/2, 2/3 or 1 EV)
  
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• Picture Control System: Four setting options: Standard, Neutral, Vivid, Monochrome; each option can be adjusted
  
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• Shutter: Electronically-controlled vertical-travel focal plane shutter, 1/8,000 to 30 s in steps of 1/3, 1/2 or 1 EV, Bulb
  
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• Sync Contact: X=1/250 s; flash synchronization at up to 1/320 s (FP) adjustable with Built-in Speedlight or optional Speedlight (will reduce GN)
  
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• Flash Control:
  
• 1) i-TTL: TTL flash control by 1,005-pixel RGB sensor, built-in flash, SB-800 or SB-600: i-TTL balanced fill-flash and standard i-TTL flash
  
• 2) AA (Auto Aperture-type) flash: Available with SB-800 used with CPU lens
  
• 3) Non-TTL Auto: Available with Speedlights such as SB-800, 28, 27, and 22S
  
• 4) Range-priority manual flash; available with SB-800
  
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• Flash Sync Mode:
  
• 1) Front-curtain Sync (normal)
  
• 2) Red-eye Reduction
  
• 3) Red-eye Reduction with Slow Sync
  
• 4) Slow Sync
  
• 5) Rear-curtain Sync
  
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• Built-in Speedlight: Manual pop-up with button release
  
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• Guide number : (ISO 200, m): approx. 17 (manual 18)(ISO 100 equivalent, m): approx. 12 (manual 13)
  
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• Flash Compensation: -3 to +1 EV in increments of 1/3, 1/2 or 1 EV
  
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• Accessory Shoe: ISO 518 Standard hot-shoe contact with safety lock provided
  
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• Sync Terminal: ISO 519 standard terminal
  
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• Creative Lighting System: With Speedlights such as SB-800, SB-600, SB-R200, supports Advanced Wireless Lighting, Auto FP High-Speed Sync, Flash Color Information Communication, modeling flash and FV lock
  
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• Self-timer: 2 to 20 seconds duration
  
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• Depth of Field Preview: When CPU lens is attached, lens aperture can be stopped down to value selected by user (A and M mode) or value selected by camera (P and S mode)
  
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• Remote Control: Via 10-pin terminal or WT-4A Wireless Transmitter (optional)
  
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• GPS: NMEA 0183 (Ver. 2.01 and 3.01) interface standard supported with 9-pin D-sub cable (optional) and MC-35 GPS Cable (optional)
  
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• Supported Languages: Chinese (Simplified and Traditional), Dutch, English, Finnish, French, German, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Polish, Portuguese, Russian, Spanish, Swedish
  
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• Power Source: One EN-EL3e Rechargeable Li-ion Battery, MB-D10 Multi-Power Battery Pack (optional) with one EN-EL4a, EN-EL4 or EN-EL3e Rechargeable Li-ion Battery or eight R6/AA-size alkaline (LR6), Ni-MH (HR6), lithium (FR6) batteries, or nickel-manganese ZR6 batteries, EH-5a AC Adapter (optional)
  
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• Tripod Socket: 1/4 in. (ISO 1222)
  
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• Custom Settings: 48 settings available
  
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• Operating Environment: Termperature 0-40 degrees C/32-104 degrees F: under 85 percent (no condensation)
  
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• Dimensions (W x H x D): Approx. 5.8 x 4.5 x 2.9 in. (147 x 114 x 74 mm)
  
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• Weight: Approx. 1.82 lbs. (825 g) without battery, memory card, body cap, or monitor cover
  
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• Supplied Accessories*: EN-EL3e Rechargeable Li-ion Battery, MH-18a Quick Charger, UC-E4 USB Cable, EG-D100 Video Cable, AN-D300 Strap, BM-8 LCD monitor cover, Body cap, DK-5 Eyepiece Cap, DK-23 Rubber Eyecup, Software Suite CD-ROM
  
• *Supplied accessories may differ depending on country or area
  
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• Optional Accessories: MB-D10 Multi-Power Battery Pack, WT-4a Wireless Transmitter, DK-21M Magnifying Eyepiece, EH-5a AC Adapter, Capture NX Software, Camera Control Pro 2