Monday, September 21, 2009

Tech | Choosing a digital camera (DSLR)

Recently lots of people seem to be asking me, "what digital camera should I buy?" So here's a summary of my advice on digital SLRs. This assumes that you've already decided to buy a DSLR, and not a compact digital camera, for any of the following reasons:
  • You'd like to be able to switch lenses and possibly upgrade your lenses later
  • You want faster focus and operation for moving subjects such as children or sports
  • DSLRs produce higher quality images for larger prints, especially in low light
There are several companies making DSLRs today (Canon, Fujifilm, Nikon, Olympus, Panasonic, Pentax, Sony) and all told they offer about 30-40 models of DSLR. Where to begin?

In this post I'll focus on just the two leading manufacturers, Canon and Nikon. Other companies make some perfectly good DSLRs, but it makes sense to stick with the leaders because they offer the widest range of cameras and compatible lenses, release new cameras frequently, and compete closely with each other on features and price. (You can always take the advice offered here and apply it to other manufacturers' offerings.)

Canon and Nikon both offer a range of DSLRs from entry level to professional. Let's look at four basic categories of camera from each manufacturer:
  • Entry level: This is the most affordable DSLR in the range. An entry level DSLR is a significant step up from any compact digital camera. If you want a capable camera, but photography is not your main hobby or your job, then an entry level DSLR will give you the most bang for your buck. You can get started with a camera and a lens for about $500.
  • Enthusiast: Each manufacturer makes a number of progressively more advanced models for people who enjoy photography as a hobby and are interested in specific features. This category contains the most camera models. Prices range from $500 to $1,700 for the camera body (without lens).
  • Full frame: A "full frame" camera has a sensor the same size as a 35mm film frame. This means that the photographer can take full advantage of the same lenses used on professional cameras, especially wide angle lenses. If you need this capability, you know who you are. Prices are around $2,500 to $3,200.
  • Professional: These cameras are designed for full time photojournalists and studio photographers. They are more durable, weatherproof, and capable. Prices are around $5,000 to $7,500.
So let's look at the current lineup of Canon and Nikon cameras in these categories in more detail, as of September 2009:

Entry level cameras

The entry level DSLRs from Canon and Nikon are:
Both of these cameras are great value for money and a big step up from comparably priced compact cameras.

My advice: if you have no specific interest in photography as a serious hobby or profession, you have no reason to look beyond this category. 10 megapixels are sufficient for prints at least up to 12"x18". And unless you can invest real effort in learning and practice, a better camera won't make you a better photographer.

Enthusiast cameras

The enthusiast DSLRs from Canon are:
  • Canon 500D: 15 megapixels; adds 14-bit files, 920k pixel display, and depth of field preview; about $700.
  • Canon 50D: adds a pentaprism and 6.3 fps shooting; about $1,000.
  • Canon 7D: 18 megapixels, 8fps, and better pentaprism; about $1,700.
The enthusiast DSLRs from Nikon are:
  • Nikon D5000: 13 megapixels; adds live view; about $600.
  • Nikon D90: adds a pentaprism, 920k pixel display, and depth of field preview; about $900.
  • Nikon D300: adds 14-bit files and 6 fps; about $1,700.
Some of the features these cameras have to offer are: more resolution (15 or 18 megapixels); greater bit depth for more shadow detail (14-bit files instead of 12-bit files from an entry level camera); a more detailed display screen (with 920,000 pixels instead of the 230,000 in an entry level camera); a bigger brighter viewfinder (pentaprism instead of pentamirror); a button for depth of field preview; and faster shooting for moving subjects such as sports (6.3 or 8 frames per second instead of about 3 in an entry level camera). Of course there are other feature differences between these cameras that may be more important to you.

My advice: the capabilities are actually pretty similar despite the significant price differences, so don't get sucked into spending two or three times as much on a camera, just for one or two features. Also, be aware that to get the full benefit of resolution over 15 megapixels, you'll need professional quality lenses in the $1,000 range.

Full frame cameras

The full frame, non-professional DSLRs from Canon and Nikon are:
  • Canon 5D Mark II: 21 megapixels, 4 fps, up to ISO 25,600; about $3,200.
  • Nikon D700: 12 megapixels, 5 fps, up to ISO 25,600; about $2,500.
Because of their larger sensors, these cameras perform better in low light. They exhibit less noise at high ISO and can shoot up to ISO 25,600 (although ISO 3,200 is the practical upper limit for most purposes).

My advice: this category is worth the extra cost if (but only if) you know your specific style of photography will benefit from the greater access to lenses that it brings -- specifically, if you need the highest quality wide angle lenses -- or if you make extensive use of selective focus. And if you plan to make money from your photography, this category is a bargain compared to professional cameras with similar capabilities.

Professional cameras

If you need a professional camera, you know who you are and you don't need this guide. But just for comparison, here are three professional cameras from Canon and Nikon:
Sources
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