Single-Lens-Reflex (SLR) Cameras

By Kathryn M. D'Imperio
Open Digital Photography editorial Staff Writer

Photographers, much like artists, possess reasonable amounts of control over many elements of the masterpieces they create. Single-lens-reflex, or SLR, cameras present an opportunity for photographers to take great advantage over flexibility and creativity while they construct and capture the perfect shots. Digital SLR cameras embrace a number of advantages over 35-mm SLR cameras, such as increased photograph capacity on memory cards, no film costs or processing fees (unless prints are desired), faster shooting speed, higher ISO and ISO changing abilities.

Digital SLRs basically allow advanced photographers to shoot photos with the techniques they may have mastered on a film camera with the ease and comfort of a digital camera.

Interchangeable lenses give digital SLR cameras a great increase in versatility, allowing photographers to capture a wide variety of perfect images with the same basic camera. By switching lenses at the appropriate time, photographers may capture everything from a vibrant flower close-up to a picturesque mountain scene off in the distance.

Additional benefits of digital SLR cameras are the accessory flash units and various exposure modes available. Certain flash utilities may be best suited for certain types of photography, from portrait photography to nighttime shoots, sports and action subjects and even formal events like weddings and galas. Special exposure modes allow photographers to select the best possible setting for photographing each subject. Manual mode gives the photographer the most freedom while program mode provides a great automatic setting - like point and shoot - for beginners, amateurs and split-second shots.

With the adaptability of a digital SLR camera, photographers can quickly and easily switch between different flash units, lenses and exposure modes. While experience is not always necessary to start, beginners will find that they eventually become comfortable making decisions about which lenses and which settings to use in various photo opportunities.

Some great digital SLR models currently on the market include the Canon Digital Rebel XT, Canon EOS 10D, Canon EOS 20D, Konica Minolta Maxxum 5D, Konica Minolta DiMAGE A200, Nikon D50, Nikon D70, Nikon D100, Olympus EVOLT E-300 and Olympus EVOLT E-500.

Courtesy of Doityourself.com