A Brief History
In 1986, Japanese company Nikon revealed a prototype for the first digital single-lens reflex camera (DSLR) camera, the Nikon SVC. This article discusses those digital cameras and provides some advice about how to choose an ideal DSLR camera. Traveling to the most remote corners of the world is not something that every photographer can do, although for professionals such travel is often the case. The advantage of being able to visit other places and record those memories also has a lot to do with the ability to record beautiful photographs; however, without a good DSLR camera, it is impossible to capture those special photographs.
Seeking the highest quality images, people often decide to buy a professional style camera. DSLR cameras tend to be more expensive than conventional cameras, so you must balance many features against cost. There are several models on the market, from different brands, weights, accessory compatibility, indications and functions. Consider the points listed below to consider before choosing which model to buy. Anyone filling in as Hampshire Wedding Photographer, for example, might consistently underline that picking a DSLR camera is the initial step that decides everything. Some considerations in choosing a camera are listed below.
Digging Deeper
History
Digital Single Lens Reflex cameras are a fairly new invention, with the first digital camera created in 1969 by Willard S. Boyle and George E. Smith, with the first digital still camera following in 1975 when a Kodak engineer produced a pioneering model. Japanese companies saw the future of digital photography, and Sony revealed their Sony Mavica prototype in 1981. Respected photography giant Nikon showed off their Nikon SVC prototype in 1986, and 2 years later the first DSLR camera for the consumer market was released, the Nikon QV-1000C. Camera and film companies have been competing for innovations and market share ever since, with ever increasing picture quality and user friendliness.
What will be the utilization of the camera?
DSLR cameras are often heavy, do not fit in small compartments and need maintenance when transported. On the market, there are models with lighter bodies and backpacks with special compartments to carry cameras and accessories. If you intend to use your camera is on the go while traveling, consider buying a model equipped with a lens that will serve several situations, so that you need not change lenses for different situations, thus not losing a single moment!
Warranty and Technical Assistance
Regardless of the diversity of brands and prices, remember that you are buying an expensive device – as opposed to a cheap brand – and that requires care. When choosing a brand, look for a history of hidden or defective problems in the model and examine post-purchase services, technical assistance in your city, warranty duration and what the warranty covers.
Component Durability
When choosing a model, it is important to observe the material made by the camera, because when obtaining a DSLR, buyers usually spend a lot of time with the camera, transporting it for various occasions and giving a few clicks of a button. Look for fragile parts and the sturdiness of the body to determine how long your camera will last and hold up under use and travel.
Lens
Quality DSLR cameras have the possibility of replacing the lens as a way to deal with varying conditions and desired outcomes. When buying a camera, one must observe the diversity of lenses available and the average price of each brand. Lenses and attachment structures are not necessarily compatible between brands or even models, so it is wise to observe the price and availability of appropriate accessories before buying a camera.
How much do you want to invest?
In the world of cameras, the sky is the limit! In addition to the camera body, there are purchases of lenses and accessories such as flash and tripod as well as storage and travel cases. Try to buy a camera that is equipped with the types of lenses you intend to use and even a carrying bag, because accessories have a price and the total of the camera with its accessories can add up. The cost of accessories and which accessories are included in the purchase of the camera are part of your total outlay of money, and cost analysis must include what accessories come with the camera and the price of appropriate accessories you will have to buy. If your focus is not to be professional photographer and photography is not your livelihood, you can “focus” on finding and buying a less expensive model, no need for a top-of-the-line model that comes with a steep price tag.
Question for students (and subscribers): Have you ever used a DSLR camera? Please let us know in the comments section below this article.
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Historical Evidence
For more information, please see…
Long, Brian. Nikon: A Celebration – Third Edition. Crowood Press, 2018.
The featured image in this article, a photograph by Bill Bertram (Pixel8) of a Nikon D90 Digital SLR Camera in “liveview” mode, is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 3.0 Unported license.
