10-Step Beginner’s Guide to Buying a Digital SLR Camera
Camera with lens on wooden table
You have finally decided to take the leap; it is time to buy a real digital camera. Now all you need to figure out is which one to buy. With all the different specs and features, it can seem overwhelming.
Blonde girl with camera taking picture
In this ten step guide, we will go over everything you need to know in order to purchase the perfect digital SLR camera.
Girl with camera taking pictures
1. What Will You Be Using Your Camera For?
The easiest way to figure out what features you actually need is to first determine what you are going to use your camera for. What kind of photos will you be taking? Will you be shooting professionally or just for fun?
Woman with camera taking pictures of little girl
Do you plan on doing travel photography? How experienced are you with photography? What special features do you need to have? Knowing the answers to these questions before you begin shopping will help you find the best one for your needs.
Woman sitting in street with camera taking pictures
2. What is Your Price Range?
This is also one of the most important factors to keep in mind. High quality equipment generally comes with a high price tag. It is best to set a budget before you start looking. Try to choose a narrow range of prices to keep your options open, but not unmanageable.
Girl with camera on the beach
You will also want to take into account any photography accessories that you need to purchase. Decide if you need to buy any extras like an external flash, extra memory card, or tripod before you look and account for this in your overall budget.
Woman with camera taking pictures
3. What Kind of Digital Camera Do You Need?
There are three main types of digital cameras: point and shoot, mirrorless, and DSLRs (Digital SLRs). However, the lines between these categories are often blurred and a model may fit into more than one category.
Photographer with Camera
Point and shoot models have non-interchangeable lenses that are built-in. They are generally the most compact and portable. These models range in price and overall quality.
Photographer with camera taking pictures of river
Mirrorless models are smaller than DSLRs, but like DSLRs, they can accommodate interchangeable lenses. They offer more versatility and take high quality photos. The only downside is the lack of a through-the-lens viewfinder.
Woman holding camera in her lap
DSLRs are the most professional type. They give the photographer a lot of control and take excellent quality photos. These cameras can accommodate a huge variety of lenses, external flashes, and a number of other accessories and gadgets.
Man holding camera taking pictures
4. What About Megapixels?
Listed on the product packaging, you will see a number of megapixels. The megapixels is the number of dots that make up an image. This figure has less to do with the quality of the photos and more with the print quality. Megapixels tell you how large you can print your photos and still see clear images.
Woman with camera taking pictures in the road
It also lets you know if you can crop a photo and still get a high quality print. In general, 16 megapixels is enough for most situations. Your lens and the size of the sensor will give you a better indication of whether or not you will be able to take high quality photos.
5. How About The Sensor Size?
The sensor is the chip inside the camera’s body that actually captures the image. The bigger the sensor is, the better the performance is and the higher the photo quality. This is especially true when taking photos in low light. Full-frames sensors are the largest available.
Girl with camera
One inch sensors and 35mm full-frame sensors are both large. Cameras with this size sensor or larger are considered to be advanced. Unfortunately, there is no standard form of measurement for sensors. If you do some research online, you can find more information on comparative sensor sizes. The important thing to remember, though, is that a larger sensor means clearer photos.
6. What Kind Of Flash Do You Need?
Most cameras will have some sort of a built in flash. Any standard flash is still far superior to what you would find on a smartphone. There are cameras that let you adjust the brightness of the flash depending on the situation.
Girl holding camera
There are also cameras that can accommodate an external flash thanks to the hot shoe. This option gives you much more control over the direction of the light and the strength.
7. How Long Should Your Optical Zoom Lens Be?
Even cameras with the lowest price point will include a 3x optical zoom lens. This is already longer than the one on your smartphone. Zoom lenses come in a variety of lengths and ranges. Typically, the smaller zooms will be more compact and lightweight.
Photographer holding camera with long lens
This makes them ideal for travel photography. On the other hand, longer and more powerful zooms are bigger and heavier.
8. Are There Any Accessories You Want To Purchase?
In the budget section, we mentioned that you should set aside money for any accessories you may need or want. Some things you may consider purchasing are:
- Carrying case or strap
- Spare battery
- Memory card
- Tripod
- External lenses
- Reflectors
Camera on tripod
Camera with lens on tripod
You can often find these accessories available in a bundle. Just be sure that all the extras are compatible with your preferred model and they are exactly what you want.
9. Do You Want Any Specialty Features?
Nowadays, cameras come with all sorts of extra features that are not standard on all models. You may choose that you would like a model that has one or more of these special features.
- Touchscreen
- WiFi connectivity
- Weather/water proof
- 4K resolution
- Multiple memory card slots
- External microphone
- Preset shooting modes
- Stabilization
Camera taking photos of food
10. How Do You Know What Is Best For You?
Now, you understand all the specs, but it can still be hard to really know which of the cameras is the best and which is the best for you. Here are two last bits of advice to help you on your search.
Photographer holding camera
a) Read Reviews
The specs and features can only give you so much information. Sometimes it is best to hear about the experiences of people who have actually used the product. Often store websites allow customers to leave online reviews. You can also check out expert websites or magazines for professional reviews. If you look around, you can find at least one professional review for every camera currently on the market.
Girl sitting on bench with camera
b) Get Hands-On Experience
Buying things online is convenient, but when it comes to purchasing a new camera, you may find it more useful to try it first hand before you buy it. Head down to your local electronics store and play around with a few models so you can really get a feel for your equipment before you buy it.
Photographer with camera taking picture of plant
Girls with camera taking pictures on the beach in bikini
Check out these highly recommended DSLRs!
Nikon D3300 DSLR Body (Black) w/ 35mm F/1.8G
- 24.2 MP CMOS DX-format sensor
- 5 frames per second continuous shooting
- 11 af points with 3D tracking
- Is 100-12800 (expandable to 25600)
- 3 inch LCD with 921, 000 dots
- 24.2 MP CMOS DX-format sensor
- 5 frames per second continuous shooting
- 11 af points with 3D tracking
- Is 100-12800 (expandable to 25600)
- 3 inch LCD with 921, 000 dots
- Viewfinder Type: Optical
- AF-S DX NIKKOR 35mm f/1.8G: Maximum Aperture f/ 1.8 - Minimum Aperture f/ 22, Format – DX, Minimum Focus Distance - 0.98 feet. , Focus Mode – Auto, Manual, Manual/Auto. , Filter Size - 52 millimeter . When mounted on Nikon DX format cameras, the lens picture angle is equivalent to approximately 1.5× the focal length in 35 millimeter format.
Canon EOS Rebel T6 DSLR Camera with EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 is II...
- The T6 produces High quality images with pleasing colors right out of the box unlocking a new world of possibilities, helping you take photos you'll want to show off.
- Equipped with an 18.0 Megapixel CMOS sensor and the DIGIC 4+ Image Processor for high speed, detail, and quality
- The T6 produces High quality images with pleasing colors right out of the box unlocking a new world of possibilities, helping you take photos you'll want to show off.
- Equipped with an 18.0 Megapixel CMOS sensor and the DIGIC 4+ Image Processor for high speed, detail, and quality
- Features built-in Wi-Fi and NFC technology for easy sharing and posting to social media
- A bright and large 3.0" 920k-dot LCD monitor for live view shooting and image playback. Scene Intelligent Auto Mode.
- Offers an advanced 9-point AF with center cross-type point, an extended ISO of 12800, and 3fps continuous shooting.
Nikon D750 FX-format Digital SLR Camera Body
- Full frame 243 megapixel CMOS image sensor and expeed 4 image processor
- Full HD 60/50/30/25/24p video
- Built in Wi-Fi connectivity and compatibility with the WT 5a plus UT 1 communication unit
- Shoot up to 65 fps at full resolution frame size (pixels): 1920 x 1080
- Full frame 243 megapixel CMOS image sensor and expeed 4 image processor
- Full HD 60/50/30/25/24p video
- Built in Wi-Fi connectivity and compatibility with the WT 5a plus UT 1 communication unit
- Shoot up to 65 fps at full resolution frame size (pixels): 1920 x 1080
- Pro video feature set including: Simultaneously record uncompressed and compressed, manually control ISO, shutter speed and aperture while recording even use power aperture control for smooth iris transitions and auto ISO for smooth exposure transitions
- Compact, lightweight and slim unibody (monocoque) body design with tilting Vari angle LCD display
Nikon D5600 24.2 MP DSLR Camera + AF-P DX 18-55mm & 70-300mm...
- This Camera Bundle comes with All Standard Nikon Supplied Accessories + 1 Year Nikon USA Limited Warranty
- Stand out from the crowd with photos and videos so impressive, they'll inspire you to keep shooting and learning
- This Camera Bundle comes with All Standard Nikon Supplied Accessories + 1 Year Nikon USA Limited Warranty
- Stand out from the crowd with photos and videos so impressive, they'll inspire you to keep shooting and learning
- Out of the box, you can leave things up to the camera and immediately start taking great photos and videos without the learning curve
- IN THE BOX: D5600 Digital SLR Camera | EN- EL14a Rechargeable Li-ion Battery | MH-24 Quick Charger | DK-25 Rubber Eyecup | AN-DC3 Strap | BF-1B Body Cap
- BUNDLE INCLUDES: Sandisk Ultra SDHC 32GB UHS Class 10 Memory Card, Up to 80MB/s Read Speed | Deluxe Digital SLR Case | 67mm UV, Polarizer & FLD Deluxe Filter Kit (Set of 3 + Carrying Case) | 12" Rubberized Spider Tripod | Wired Shutter Release Remote Control | Bounce Zoom Slave Flash | 67mm/58mm Step Down Ring | 0.43x Wide Angle 58mm Lens | 2.2x Telephoto 58mm Lens & More
Canon EOS 5D Mark IV Full Frame Digital SLR Camera Body, Canon...
- Canon 5D Mark IV DSLR Camera Body + Canon BG-E20 Grip + Sandisk 64GB Extreme Pro U3 SDXC Card + Polaroid 160 LED Elite Video Light + Microphone + Monopod + Backpack + RitzGear Accessory Bundle
- Canon EOS 5D Mark IV 30.4 MP DSLR Camer features Full-Frame CMOS Sensor, DIGIC 6+ Image Processor, 3.2" 1.62m-Dot Touchscreen LCD Monitor, DCI 4K Video at 30 fps; 8.8MP Still Grab, 61-Point High Density Reticular AF, Native ISO 32000, Expanded to ISO 102400, Built-In GPS and Wi-Fi with NFC
- Canon 5D Mark IV DSLR Camera Body + Canon BG-E20 Grip + Sandisk 64GB Extreme Pro U3 SDXC Card + Polaroid 160 LED Elite Video Light + Microphone + Monopod + Backpack + RitzGear Accessory Bundle
- Canon EOS 5D Mark IV 30.4 MP DSLR Camer features Full-Frame CMOS Sensor, DIGIC 6+ Image Processor, 3.2" 1.62m-Dot Touchscreen LCD Monitor, DCI 4K Video at 30 fps; 8.8MP Still Grab, 61-Point High Density Reticular AF, Native ISO 32000, Expanded to ISO 102400, Built-In GPS and Wi-Fi with NFC
- Canon BG-E20 Battery Grip is a large capacity battery grip designed for the EOS 5D Mark IV, ideal for high volume and easy vertical shooting
- Sandisk Extreme Pro 64GB SDXC Card is ideal for professionals looking to maximize post-production workflow with read speeds of up to 95MB/s; write speeds of up to 90MB/s and Video Speed of C10, U3, V30 Shock-proof, temperature-proof, waterproof, and x-ray-proof, records full HD, 3D, and 4K video. Lifetime limited warranty.
Nikon D3400 DSLR Camera w/ AF-P DX NIKKOR 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G VR Lens...
- 24.2MP DX-Format CMOS Sensor; AF-P DX 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G VR Lens. Red Camera with Black lens
- EXPEED 4 Image Processor; No Optical Low-Pass Filter; Native ISO 100-25600; 5 fps Shooting;
- 3.0in 921k-Dot LCD Monitor; Full HD 1080p Video Recording at 60 fps; Multi-CAM 1000 11-Point AF System
- 24.2MP DX-Format CMOS Sensor; AF-P DX 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G VR Lens. Red Camera with Black lens
- EXPEED 4 Image Processor; No Optical Low-Pass Filter; Native ISO 100-25600; 5 fps Shooting;
- 3.0in 921k-Dot LCD Monitor; Full HD 1080p Video Recording at 60 fps; Multi-CAM 1000 11-Point AF System
- SnapBridge Bluetooth Connectivity; Guide Mode and Special Effects
Canon EOS Rebel SL2 DSLR Camera with EF-S 18-55mm f/4-5.6 is STM...
Canon EOS 80D Digital SLR Camera + 18-55mm IS STM Lens +...
Nikon D810 DSLR (Body Only) 14PC Accessory Bundle - Includes 64GB SD...
- Wholesale Photo is a NIKON AUTHORIZED DEALER - Founded in 1971. Includes FULL NIKON 1 YEAR LIMITED WARRANTY.
- 36.3MP FX-Format CMOS Sensor; EXPEED 4 Image Processor; No Optical Low Pass Filter
- 3.2" 1,229k-Dot LCD Monitor; Full HD 1080p Video at 60/30/24 fps; Multi-CAM 3500FX 51-Point AF Sensor
- Wholesale Photo is a NIKON AUTHORIZED DEALER - Founded in 1971. Includes FULL NIKON 1 YEAR LIMITED WARRANTY.
- 36.3MP FX-Format CMOS Sensor; EXPEED 4 Image Processor; No Optical Low Pass Filter
- 3.2" 1,229k-Dot LCD Monitor; Full HD 1080p Video at 60/30/24 fps; Multi-CAM 3500FX 51-Point AF Sensor
- Native ISO 12800, Extended to ISO 51200; 5 fps Shooting at Full Resolution
- Electronic Front Curtain Shutter; 14-Bit RAW Files and 12-Bit RAW S Format
Canon EOS 5D Mark III 22.3 MP Full Frame CMOS with 1080p...
- 22MP full frame CMOS sensor
- 6 frames per second continuous shooting
- 61-point AF system. Image type : JPEG, RAW (14-bit Canon original), RAW plus JPEG simultaneous recording enabled
- ISO 100 - 25600 range with 50 - 102,800 expansion
- 22MP full frame CMOS sensor
- 6 frames per second continuous shooting
- 61-point AF system. Image type : JPEG, RAW (14-bit Canon original), RAW plus JPEG simultaneous recording enabled
- ISO 100 - 25600 range with 50 - 102,800 expansion
- 1080p HD video recording with manual controls
- Newly designed 22.3 Megapixel full-frame CMOS sensor, 14-bit A/D conversion, wide range ISO setting 100–25600 (L:50, H1: 51200, H2: 102400) for shooting from bright to dim light and next generation DIGIC 5+ Image Processor for enhanced noise reduction and exceptional processing speed.
- New 61-Point High Density Reticular AF including up to 41 cross-type AF points with f/4.0 lens support and 5 dual diagonal AF points (sensitive to f/2.8).
- iFCL Metering with 63 zone dual-layer metering sensor that utilizes AF and color information for optimizing exposure and image quality.
- EOS HD Video with manual exposure control and multiple frame rates (1080: 30p (29.97) / 24p (23.976) / 25p, 720: 60p (59.94) / 50p, 480: 60p (59.94) / 50p) with 4 GB automatic file partitioning (continuous recording time 29 minutes 59 seconds), selectable “All i-frame” or IPB compressions, embedded timecode, manual audio level control while recording, and headphone terminal.
- 3.2-inch Clear View II LCD monitor, 170° viewing angle, 1,040,000-dot VGA, reflection; magnesium-alloy body with shutter durability tested up to 150,000 cycles, enhanced dust-and-weather resistance, and updated EOS Integrated Cleaning system for improved vibration-based dust removal.
Canon EOS Rebel T6i Wi-Fi Digital SLR Camera & EF-S 18-55mm is...
Nikon D500 DX-Format Digital SLR (Body Only) (Renewed)
- 20.9MP DX-Format CMOS Sensor EXPEED 5 Image Processor
- 3.2" 2,539k-Dot Tilting Touchscreen LCD 4K UHD Video Recording at 30 fps
- Multi-CAM 20K 153-Point AF System Native ISO 51200, Extend to ISO 1640000
- 10 fps Shooting for Up to 200 Frames Built-In Wi-Fi, Bluetooth and NFC
- 20.9MP DX-Format CMOS Sensor EXPEED 5 Image Processor
- 3.2" 2,539k-Dot Tilting Touchscreen LCD 4K UHD Video Recording at 30 fps
- Multi-CAM 20K 153-Point AF System Native ISO 51200, Extend to ISO 1640000
- 10 fps Shooting for Up to 200 Frames Built-In Wi-Fi, Bluetooth and NFC
Here is our top selection, sorted by price:
