Step-by-Step Guide: Choose A DSLR Camera

Question

What brand of camera is the best to buy?

Victoria Sprung
Professional Photographer

Victoria Sprung is a Professional Photographer and the Founder of Sprung Photo, a wedding photography studio based in Chicago, Illinois. She has over 13 years of professional photography experience and has photographed over 550 weddings. She has been chosen for Wedding Wire's "Couple’s Choice" Award eight years in a row and The Knot's "Best of Weddings" award five years in a row. Her work has been featured in People Magazine, Time Out Chicago, Chicago Magazine, the Chicago Reader, Rangefinder, The Chicago Sun-Times, and Pop Sugar.

Victoria Sprung

Professional Photographer

Expert Answer

Consider which features you need most because each brand has its own strengths. For instance, Canon cameras capture colors well, while Nikon cameras produce sharp, focused images.

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Question

What features should I look for in a DSLR?

Stephen Cardone
Professional Photographer

Stephen Cardone is the COO of NY Headshots, a New York City-based studio that specializes in shooting and producing headshots for individuals and businesses. Stephen has over four years of professional photography experience and over six years of documentary filmmaking experience. Stephen also works extensively as a photographer at NY Headshots. His work includes events, environmental photography, as well as headshots for actors, models, and corporate. He holds a BA in Non-fiction Writing from The New School.

Stephen Cardone

Professional Photographer

Expert Answer

Some important features are easy-to-access manual exposure controls and fast, accurate autofocus. Other features will depend on the type of pictures you're planning to shoot. If you're a sports photographer, for instance, you'll want a DSLR with continuous autofocus and fast burst rates.

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Question

Do you have any suggestions for the best DSLR camera to get?

Community Answer

Are you a beginner? If so, the Canon 70d or Canon Rebel T5 or T6 would be very good as they come in the range of $700-$800 and are a good value for the money.

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Question

Canon or Nikon - which is suitable for beginners?

Tithi Chowdhury

Community Answer

Nikon cameras are better than Canon cameras for entry level. They are lighter, cheaper and provide good picture quality. Nikon D5300, D5600 with a good lens such as Nikon 18-140mm f/3.5-5.6 will be perfect for a beginner.

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Question

I am making a short movie with a DSLR camera. What type of camera should I use?

Community Answer

Since you're making a movie, you want something that can shoot video in 1080p definition. That way your movie will be the best quality possible. Many DSLR have this capability, along with great photo quality. You may want to consider a video camera if you take more videos than you do pictures.

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Question

How should I choose ISO and shutter speed?

Community Answer

Higher shutter speed not only reduces the amount of light in the picture, it also captures high-definition pictures of objects in motion. Slow shutter speed does the opposite and should only be used for still objects. The lower the ISO number, the less sensitive your camera is to light, and vice versa.

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Question

Should I get a Nikon D5300 or D5500?

Community Answer

If you want high quality pictures and you can afford it, get the D5500. The Canon 1300D is also a good option, and it's slightly less expensive.

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Question

What does the D stand for in DSLR camera?

Community Answer

It stands for "digital. "DSLR" is short for digital single lens reflex camera.

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Question

How do I choose a good and cheap DSLR camera?

Tithi Chowdhury

Community Answer

The image quality generally depends on the size of the sensor. If you are a beginner and on a budget, then look for cheap cameras with bigger sensor. Keep in mind that lens is also important for good picture quality. Never bother to buy an used lens, buy a good-quality new lens within your budget. Just check it before buying.

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