For some reason questions concerning the purchase of a first DSLR camera have been popping up more often lately (perhaps because Spring is just around the corner?) so I thought I’d take a few minutes to share what I feel are some important points to consider when making a decision.

Before continuing I just want to say that I am intentionally not commenting on the issue of cost in this post. The main reason is that I don’t really think it’s necessary. DSLR cameras have come down so much in price over the years that even the most modest of budgets can get you into an excellent camera. For those of you that have cash to burn…don’t worry, photography is as much of an addiction as anything. You’ll find plenty to spend your dough on.

Without further ado…

#5 – Which brand should I buy?

Typically this question starts in the same way. Should I get the Nikon “this”, or the Canon “that”. I may get flamed for saying this but I think that is the least important thing to consider when making a decision to buy your first DSLR. If we consider the quality of today’s DLSR cameras compared to even those of just a decade ago even the most basic offerings are quite something.

Canon’s 1st DSLR camera was the D30 (not to be confused with the Nikon D30) which was released in 2000. That camera featured a 3.1 megapixel sensor and street price of $3000.00! Compare that to Canon’s current entry level DSLR the Canon Rebel XS which features a 10.1 megapixel sensor and is currently listed on Amazon.com with a kit lens for $499.00. The entry level cameras offered by companies like Nikon, Pentax & Olympus are equally as capable.

#4 – Do you NEED a DSLR at all?

If you are considering a DSLR it is likely because you are frustrated with your current point and shoot camera. Things like poor low light performance, shutter lag, and limited creative control have plagued the point and shoot market since the beginning. While a DSLR will allow you more control in all of these areas, there is another option. The past couple of years has seen the emergence of a new kind of camera. One that features many of the options of a DSLR but in a smaller form factor. The Micro 4/3 system pioneered by Olympus and Panasonic has radically changed the landscape and other manufacturers such as Sony are following suite. These cameras offer most of the key features of  a DSLR (most notably the ability to interchange lenses) without the bulk. There are several models currently on the market such as the Panasonic Lumix G series, and the Olympus EP line most recently updated with the release of the new Olympus E-PL1. Street pricing on these cameras is somewhat higher that that of the entry level DSLR’s, but if you want the convenience of portability, they are a good option.

#3 – What type of shooting do you like to do?

This is an aspect that I find gets overlooked too often. Really it relates more to lenses than to cameras but it is important none the less. Consider that last 100 images you have made with whatever camera you are shooting right now. Are they images of people, landscapes, nature, wildlife, insects? You may not have a clear idea of what you want to shoot with your shiny new DSLR, and even if you do it may change over time, but paying attention to your current preferences will go along way to getting you started when choosing the lens that you will put on your camera.

Mostly all DSLR cameras are available with a “kit” lens. These are typically standard length zoom lenses which will allow you cover a fairly broad range of subject matter. For most people this is a good place to start but it won’t take long for you to get the itch for a new lens. After all that is one of the main reasons why you want a DSLR right?

#2 – Camera Body or Lenses?

Should I skimp a bit on the lens in order to be able to afford a better camera body? Well the marketing genius’ have got you! Don’t feel bad they get me too (I am a sucker for great marketing). The answer as far as this guy is concerned is no! Let’s face it, the technology of DSLR cameras is exciting and easy to write about. As such it is easy to forget that lens is what “makes” the image. Your camera body is a recording device, nothing more. Your lens is what makes the image appear the way you want it to. As technology advances, new camera bodies will come and go but the lenses will be part of your kit (in most cases) for a very long time.

#1 – What do your friends shoot?

Why did I list this as #1? Well it is primarily becuase this is the one thing that most people don’t consider. If you have a friend or a group of friends that are photographers, look at what they shoot. Take some time to talk to them about what they like and what they don’t like about their cameras. Most importantly, this may give you the option to share/borrow lenses from them in order to expand your creativity!

What about video?

Some of you will be asking why I did not include video or the lack thereof in the list? Well it seems that with the convergence of the two technologies (video and still images) it won’t be long before you can’t buy a DSLR that doesn’t have video capabilities. If you feel that video is an important factor for you in considering your first DSLR, Canon currently holds the lead in the video department but it likely won’t be long before the others catch up.

As always feel free to email comments and/or questions to me at qanda@sjr-photo.com or via twitter using the hashtag #sjrqa.

Thanks for reading!

SJR