Digital Single Lens Reflex or DSLR cameras are the descendants of the SLR cameras with a digital touch. DSLR’s are preferred mainly due to their high quality photos, speed, high quality even in low light and many other interesting features. Most importantly one can change lenses depending on the occasion and type of photos to be clicked. A single camera can be used with different lenses depending on the requirement. Thus allowing you to click photos with the highest level of accuracy and quality.

What is a DSLR camera?

DSLR (Digital Single Lens Reflex) is a digital camera which uses a single lens. Photographers have to shoot through the view-finder object that generates the same picture as shown in the view-finder. They use a digital sensor as the recording medium. Here the picture quality is highly influenced by the quality of the lens being used. By using a lens with the best quality for a suitable occasion, perfect photos can be obtained. And by just upgrading the lens better photos can be clicked.

How does it work?

Modern DSLR’s use a mechanical mirror system and pentaprism to direct light from the lens to an optical viewfinder on the back of the camera. The mirror reflects the light coming from the lens fixed upwards at a 90⁰ angle. It is then reflected thrice by the roof pentaprism, leading it to the photographer’s eye. During exposure the mirror assembly swings upwards narrowing the aperture opening he shutter and allowing the lens to project light onto the image sensor. Another shutter now covers the sensor ending the exposure lowering the mirror while the shutter resets. All of this happens automatically over a period of milliseconds, with cameras designed to do this 3–10 times per second.

Choosing a DSLR Camera.

Various factors must be considered while buying a DSLR camera. Some of the important factors are as below,

• Price-DSLR cameras have an affordable prices for the beginner’s models and range to expensive once at the professional end. The price varies depending on the lenses, filters, batteries, memory cards and many other features. Determine the requirement and then go for the purchase.
• Resolution -Resolution must be considered depending on the size of photos you want. DSLRs come with a wide range of megapixel ratings .For smaller ones you’ll need a lower resolution and for larger ones it increases.
• Flash-Usually flash is inbuilt at the entry level whereas the professional DSLR’s do not come with built-in flash.
• LCD Size-It comes into picture when viewing the images on the cameras LCD. For a better viewing experience a larger LCD size is preferable.

• ISO Ratings -These ratings define the quality of the camera. If you have these ratings on your camera then definitely you have a good camera.
• Many other factors like burst mode, maximum shutter speed, anti-shake technology, semi auto modes, etc. also make difference.

Leading DSLR make and models

Companies like Sony, Canon, Nikon, Panasonic, Olympus, Pentax etc. manufacture DSLR’s. You can buy a DSLR from any of the brands you desire. The DSLR range varies from  400USD to 42000USD.