Chapter 1. Digital SLR Basics

With the price of digital SLR (dSLR) cameras continually decreasing, you may be ready to make the move from your point-and-shoot camera to one that gives you many of the features that professional photographers use on a daily basis. Today's dSLR cameras are not only fully equipped but affordable as well. If you're getting serious about photographyor if you just want better picturesthen a dSLR may be right for you.

But how do you know what to look for when buying a camera? This chapter helps you decide what features are important and how to assess their value. I can't tell you every nuance about every individual camera model, however. Rather than get into specifics for each camera, I cover the main features to consider when you go shopping for your first digital SLR. Remember that the camera models mentioned in this book may vary from what's currently available. The rapidly changing market produces new cameras with head-spinning frequency. Once you've made a decision on basic features, compare current models to make your purchase.