Expert reviews note that even within the same camera or lens model, quality varies. Take time to put a new digital SLR camera and lens through its paces before committing to the purchase. Experienced users sometimes return cameras and lenses several times until they find one that meets their standards; enlist the aid of an experienced photographer if you're in doubt. Reviews say the following features are important in choosing a digital SLR camera:
Resolution isn't everything. Don't be swayed too much by megapixels, because image quality depends on several other factors just as much. Lens quality, sensor and focus also matter, not to mention your composition skills. Reviews say that when comparing digital cameras, a difference of two megapixels isn't usually significant. Sensors with higher resolution tend to create images with more noise, which then must be dealt with by in-camera processing or in photo-editing software. Also, the higher the camera's resolution, the more powerful a computer you'll need to process the image files.
Choose a digital SLR camera body that feels good in your hands. This is a personal matter, depending partly on the size of your hands, but also on other factors that no one can quantify. Expert reviews recommend comparing cameras in person before buying.
Size and weight are important if you plan to take the camera and at least one lens with you most of the time. A December 2004 survey of digital camera owners by the Consumer Electronics Association found that 81 percent chose portability as an important factor -- after their purchase. It's easy to underestimate this when buying. See our Comparison Chart for size and weight specifications.
Though reviews evaluate DSLR image quality, it's a subjective matter. Expert reviews suggest looking at lots of sample photos from the cameras that interest you most to find a digital SLR whose images on automatic settings are most appealing to you. Many people prefer vivid colors and extremely sharp focus, while many professional photographers prefer more neutral colors and a softer focus that can be sharpened in later editing.
A large, bright viewfinder is important on a digital SLR camera. This matters much more than on a compact digital camera because on an SLR, you use the viewfinder to compose shots and check focus, depth of field and lighting. Most digital SLRs have adequate diopter correction, but if you wear glasses, you may also need an eyecup -- usually an option at extra cost. You can get used to the way controls are laid out on a camera, but if you can't see well through the viewfinder, you're really stuck.
The larger, brighter and higher-resolution the LCD screen, the better. Reviews say 3-inch LCD screens are much nicer to use than smaller screens. The LCD is especially important if the camera provides Live View for composing shots and checking settings. A few new LCD screens even have 920,000-dot resolution, making it easier to use manual focus -- selecting focus points -- in Live View. Most LCD screens have a brightness adjustment, and newer LCD screens also have wider viewing angles. A tilting and swiveling LCD screen is another plus.
Consider features that minimize dust on the sensor. Reviews praise new digital SLR features like sensors that repel dust and self-clean. Many of the better cameras also use internal software to "delete dust." You can fix dust spots on an image using photo-editing software, and with care you can clean a sensor yourself (see the Useful Links page), but a camera that takes care of this problem all by itself is ideal.
Image stabilization makes for sharper shots in lower light. This feature can make the difference between carrying a tripod or leaving it at home. Image stabilization is also a boon for any user who has trouble holding a camera steady. Reviews say that image-stabilized SLR lenses are a more reliable but also a more expensive solution.
Depth-of-field preview is helpful. This feature enables you to take full advantage of the through-the-lens viewfinder, so you can be sure that the subject is fully in focus while controlling the sharpness of the background for the effect you want. Most brands offer this on entry-level models, but to get it on a Nikon requires moving up to the Nikon D80.
For action shots, startup time, shutter lag, maximum shutter speed and burst mode are all important. Keep these features in mind if you plan to photograph a lot of moving subjects -- children at play, sporting events, birds in flight, etc. A PC Magazine customer satisfaction survey finds that this is one of the primary complaints of digital camera owners, so it may be more important than you anticipate.
A spot meter improves exposures of backlit subjects. To get this on a Canon DSLR requires moving up to the Canon XSi, but Nikon offers it even on the entry-level Nikon D40.
For close-ups, product shots and other studio work, mirror lockup and remote control can minimize image blur when the camera is mounted on a tripod. Mirror lockup lifts the mirror out of the way well before the camera takes the picture, so the camera vibration is finished before the shutter opens. A cable or infrared remote control can eliminate the vibration otherwise resulting from pressing the shutter button.
Choose the retailer with care. Experts advise that if a camera price looks too good to be true, it probably is. Be alert for gray-market cameras (imported, so the warranty is not valid in the U.S.) and extra charges. Make sure you can return a camera or lens without a restocking fee. (Usually this is only possible if you haven't installed any of the bundled software.) See Best Research below for more help.
Budget for accessories. Think beyond the cost of the camera itself to accessories you'll want. At the very least, you'll probably want at least one larger, faster memory card, plus an extra battery so you can use one while the other charges.
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