Choosing our DSLR Camera
© Duchess O’Blunt, 2011; all rights reserved.
Point and Shoot Digital Camera
Great Pictures with a Point and Shoot
Finding a hobby to fill up some of the free time we now find on our hands wasn't such a difficult choice. I love to read and write and I even enjoy my job most days. But when you find yourself without the need to play the part of: "chauffeur, nurse, teacher, cook, maid, nutritionist, coach, waste management engineer, maid, research specialist, secretary and even a scientist", you actually have a great deal of time on your hands.
A long time hobby that has laid dormant over the years is taking pictures. Even with limited knowledge, and only point and shoot cameras, we have literally thousands (and thousands) of pictures. At first, it was the kids and all the activities and sports they were a part of. Then it was family gatherings and party shots. None of them were really great shots, but they certainly captured the moments.
Taking our little point and shoot camera with us had become a habit, and we found ourselves stopping to take a shot of the sunset, or the horses in the fields. A nature walk became an opportunity to capture a butterfly, or the sun shinning through the trees. Summer at the cottage presented many opportunities for sunsets, sunrises and misty mornings. A ride on the ATV or snowmobile and the wonders of nature were shouting for attention.
With the extra time, and the opportunities, it's not long before you want to venture into the land of photography, learn how to make the good shots great, and find some freedom to explore. It's not surprising then to realize a desire to find the right DSLR camera.
Camera Comparisons
- Digital Cameras: Digital Photography Review, News, Reviews, Forums, FAQ
Digital Photography Review: All the latest digital camera reviews and digital imaging news. Lively discussion forums. Vast samples galleries and the largest database of digital camera specifications.
So Many Choices
- Why buy a DSLR Camera & Which One?
When the time comes that you want to take control of your photography, when you want to stop taking snaps and start taking photographs, you have to decide which camera is going to be right for you. A DSLR...
DSLR for Beginners
- PRACTICAL PHOTOGRAPHY: Top 3 Latest DSLR for the Beginner
Pentax K-R Canon 550D Nikon D3100 I do not grow tired of repeating the all Digital SLR Cameras today can take excellent pictures no matter what the brand is. What then would be the benchmark for choosing the...
What to look for in a DSLR
Any venture into lands unknown can be viewed in two ways: a little scary, or an opportunity. I think I felt both. There is a LOT to learn about digital photography let alone how to use the equipment to take the shots. I don't pretend to be an expert and I probably never will be. I do have a modicum of common sense and that's a major tool in going about making this choice. The internet was my first stop in my road to educating myself on which DSLR camera to buy.
I will warn you, if you are serious about choosing the right camera, you are about to learn a new language. Don't be intimidated, but here are a list of words you need to learn about:
- aperture
- shutter speed
- white balance
- exposure
- metering
- mega pixel
- digital zoom
- optical zoom
- focal length
- sensor
- flash
- ISO
Here are a few good places to start your learning journey into the land of the DSLR:
Digital Photography School is a great site, the first pages to check out are:
21 Settings, Techniques and Rules All New Camera Owners Should Know
Photos with Nikkon D7000
What do you want your new camera for?
- Your children (or grandchildren)
- Weddings, birthdays and other special events
- people
- animals
- landscape
- sports
- architecture
- old and/or interesting buildings
It is important that you know what you will be using the camera for so that you can choose the camera that works best for your particular area of interest(s) .
What is Your Passion
What is it that interests you? What are your hobbies? Why do you want to purchase a DSLR camera? Did you see a commercial and think - oooo, I'd like to do that? Or have you taken some very great shots and been encouraged by friends and family by their interest?
When writing, if you write about what you know, or what interests you, your work is better. There is no difference when it comes to photography. What is it that you enjoy photographing the most? Figure that out before you go looking for a camera.
Do you want the camera for personal use or are you interested in making money from your hobby at some point?
Do you want to take great shots of weddings and special events for your own interests or for keepsakes for your children and grandchildren?
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Nikon D7000 DSLR Kit w/ Nikon 18-105mm DX VR Lens
Current Bid: $1354.45
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Nikon D3100 Digital SLR Camera with 18-55mm NIKKOR VR Lens Refurbished
Current Bid: $419.95
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Nikon D5100 16.2 MP Digital SLR Camera Body Only USA WARRANTY FREE SHIPPING â
Current Bid: $499.00
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Steps I took before buying
One of the great things about the internet is that you can search for just about anything and find information. The difficulty is in being able to discern who knows what they are talking about and who is just talking through the top of their head. Often you have to be careful that you are not reading someone's article who has put it together because they want to sell a particular brand. And too, there are those who write articles about a product after having "researched" the topic and written a biased articled based on someone else's less than stellar information.
I am as new to the world of DSLR cameras as a new born baby. I did however go through the steps outlined here and I kept my eye on the sales - thinking I might one day run out and get the latest greatest DSLR when it came on sale. It didn't work out that way.
- Research on line to learn the new language
- Learn what features are available with each different camera
- Learn what those features do
- Talk with the experts face to face
- Shop and Compare
- Canon vs. Nikon: Which dSLR to Choose?
If you are thinking of buying a dSLR, then Canon or Nikon are the obvious options. Here is a Nikon vs. Canon comparison that will help you make your choice.
Ask an Expert
This was a big purchase for us, and I wanted to make sure I bought a camera we were both going to be happy with, so I wanted to ask an expert.
The internet is a great resource. You can find out many things, in fact I'm sure there are places where you can "Ask an Expert" from many local or global photography stores, even some well known photographers. (Be sure to add them in your comments if you know of any.)
I did not go the route of the internet for this part of my research. I went to a few shops in person to speak to them. By this point, I knew I had narrowed down what we would be using the camera for and from researching knew I had to look closely at low light, aperture and shutter speed.
Armed with that knowledge, I asked the sales people this question; "If price was not a factor, and you wanted to photograph landscapes and wildlife, which camera in your store would you buy?" That typically got the results I wanted. Even without a commission, most of the sales people were interested in the conversation. I think it helps when you don't go to them completely stupid, and can talk the lingo enough to catch their attention.
Resources for Using Your Camera
Just because I love to share - for those who have your cameras and are ready to get out there and use them - but oooops, you don't really know how: Here is one place to learn a bit then go practice.
Resource for comparing - camera to camera
I'm not big on shopping - in fact it is one of my least favorite activities. The homework was my way of eliminating some of the legwork before shopping, but it is still a necessary step to get out there; see, feel, and ask questions.
Even after I was almost certain I had made my decision on the camera to buy, I still asked the sales clerk enough questions to ensure he earned his commission! I'm happy it wasn't difficult to find someone knowledgeable enough to answer them for me.
Because I had already indicated I was interested in purchasing the camera of my choice, this gave the salesperson an idea of the price range I was looking for. Hint, be sure to have a budget, because this is the one question they will all be sure to ask you.
One question I asked him was to take another camera that was comparable in features and compare them for me. He took me over to the computer section of the store and pulled up a site that compared apples to apples for each camera. This is a good site for anyone out there trying to make up their mind on what they want in terms of a DSLR camera.
Once you know what those features are and what they are used for, this is a good last step for you to take before you go out and purchase your new DSLR camera.
It is called Snapsort and gives you an opportunity to type in by camera make and model or choose from the ones they have listed - whether that be a point and shoot digital camera or a DSLR camera.
Read Why I Love my Nikkon D7000
- Nikon D7000 - The Professional Quality Mid-Range DSLR
Nikon Corporation is a multinational corporation specializing in optics and imaging. The company has produced cameras, binoculars, measuring instrumentation, microscopes and photo-lithography equipment since...
My DSLR Choice
After about 3 weeks of intensive study and asking questions, my DSLR choice was the Nikkon D7000.
Between the camera, my Mac and the Aperture program, I am in the process of yet another learning curve to copyright the photos.
Where do you post them?
Can you use them to make money?
More questions than answers - and I'm off to find them (the answers that is - I have enough questions).
Copyright
© Copyright to this article and photographs on Hubpages is owned by the Duchess O’Blunt and may not be copied without express permission from the writer. Payment for use of any photographs or article written by the Duchess O’Blunt is by negotiation.
All photos are taken by the author of this article.
Comments
My favorite photo is morning mist. Brings back memories of the lake country of eastern Manitoba and north-western Ontario. Lovely hub. Rated up. Lynda
PS -- did you get my automatic email? I'm trying a system for book replies and would love to know how it's working. Thanks.
Duchess, Thank you for all the wonderful information to consider when purchasing a camera. I think Nikons are certainly some of the best cameras. It sounds like you made a good choice and now just need to get used to your new camera for some quality pictures. Thanks.
Thank you Darlene, you are lucky indeed to have a friend pass on her old camera! There IS a lot to learn. But it's fun learning. To be honest with you, techy I am not either. It's a bit of a challenge but I'm working on it.
Thanks for the visit
Hi Lynda, thanks as always for the visit. I really like Morning Mist too. They are all fun to take. Missing Canada my friend? You can come visit any time you know :)
Yes I did get your automated email, but I have not yet followed the link. Very busy at work, working weekends and all. Too tired to look at the computer when I get home. Thanks for the reminder though, cause I don't want my reserved copy of our newly published novel to go to someone else:) I'll try to remember today on my lunch.
Thanks Pamela99. I'm certainly hoping I made the right choice. It's a lot of camera to learn. But is going to be great to learn it. I'm thinking maybe classes....
Great hub Duchess! Excellent info. I have a Cannon SLR and a great Cannon digital, but oh boy do I want an SLR. This information is really helpful :)
I understand completely how you feel Ladyface. Lucky for me, I was able to say "oh, I want" and the "go get!" I wish you the same.
I took a photo class when I was at the Art Institute. Such a fun class. I really want to get a SLR but they are kind of out of my price range.
I so want to take a photography class! I am envious dsmythe! I have the camera - I guess it's time a considered it. Hopefully one day you will be able to afford the SLR you want.
Great article! I was wondering if this camera offered bigger pics for enlarging or was it durability and other things or all of the above. One reason for a camera's expense if the ability to "blow" a pic up. I think a good camera should have that option even though all mine are on the web. Great post! Encore!
Thanks Micky Dee. This camera is definitely all of the above, even though I still have to learn all the ins and outs of it.
I also own Nikkon D7000 its great camera like your hub thanks for sharing....
So wendy87 - do you know how to use your Nikkon D7000? I'm just learning.
Duchess - Your pictures are gorgeous! You can add another category to your life pursuits (I love the term waste management engineer). Good choice, but please don't tell my hubby. I've barely learned to use the last few cameras he got me. Still miss my Kodak instamatic!
Thanks for the 411 on DSLR cameras. I now feel more capable of buying the right camera. Awesome and much appreciated. :) Katie
Thank you PegCole17 for the compliment. I promise, mom's the word - your hubby will hear zip! from my lips :)
Katiem2, thanks for the hubluv! Always appreciated.
I love my - I mean Bob's - DSLR camera...I bought it for him for his 60th birthday and somehow I have 'taken over it' as he says. It's a good thing he is a sharing kind of man!! They are just fantastic cameras and I have so much fun with it that I'm almost embarrassed as I truly am not the 'photographer' in the family!
I love mine (oooops, I mean ours) too. My hubby says I take it over too. Seems like we have lots in common! It's been a fun learning cureve.
Beautiful picturs Duchess! I'll wait until you show me the next time to you for a visit
Hopefully mom, that won't be another whole month away....I gotta slow down sometime - no?
This is a must read hub for any photography enthusiast. Thanks so much for all the great info.
A pleasure zzron!
good info. Main problem is finding reliable direction. Asking for too many opinions I have found just adds total confusion.
Thank you for the visit and the comment Peter. I can agree with your statement sometimes, yes, if the topic you are asking the opinion about actually involves opinions as opposed to facts.
But when it comes to having all the facts, I think the more you know the better able you are to make the correct informed decision. And when it comes to a larger purchases - I'll take the necessary time to ask the necessary questions of as many people who are willing to answer them.
And yes, it can be confusing when there are so many options out there. But again, I think it is necessary to do your due diligence and get it right.
This is such a great hub. Thanks for sharing!
You are welcome, and thanks for the visit
A wonderful article and super pictures. Just makes me want to take a walk and snap a few myself!
Thanh you. I think you should go snap a few. I'd find myself in great company!
Hi Duchess, there is a wonderful world to explore with a camera. I so love wonderful photos as it captures light, feelings and all. Enjoy :)
Hi ripplemaker - thanks for the encouragement. I am finding that you look at things differently through a camera lens. You see things differently too. It's been fun.
Good information from you. I am glad to know this from you. I love taking pictures with my pocket camera. I learn much from you. Rated up!
Prasetio
Thanks prasetio30. Hope it was helpful
Great hub, and very informative. The pictures are really top quality.
Thank you etower036
great info-- but you know it's hard to get a good shot-- except it seems when you hold the camera. I got a new camera myself, and only wish I could take photos like you.
Thanks for the compliment Rebecca. As for yourself? Practice is my word of the day :)
Hi Duchess, what a great hub. You ended up with a great DSLR!! I love Nikons, and I ended up getting a Nikon D5100 in the end. It is new to me, and its true that you need to learn so much. I am enjoying the journey though, its great. I love photography, and its great to meet other hubbers that also love it. Thanks for sharing! Voted up, useful and interesting.
Thanks oceansnsunsets! I agree - it's a learning curve, but when it is something you enjoy, it is just so much fun!
I've already taken thousands of shots. Most of them are not worthy of keeping, but I keep them anyway. That's the beauty of a 3T external hard drive.
Now I am learning how to use the software to enhance them. Another fun learning curve.
Thanks for the hub love. Always welcome.
A very informative article. In Thailand a friend of mine has gotten into photographing the scenery and unusual wildlife ... make for a fun morning outside (midday sun is too bright) and great mementos.
Thanks for SHARING.
Brett.Tesol - I agree, midday is much too bright for most types of pictures. Early morning or evening I find are the best. You can have so much variety playing around with the settings for some great special effects.
Thanks for Reading :)
Choosing a right camera is always difficult for the beginners. When I became interested in photography and started learning the techniques, I was confused about the right camera for me. The confusion was there because I did not know what I was going to do with photography.
This is a comprehensive guide to DSLR. This hub will surely help people who are looking for right camera and do not know whom to ask.
Thanks Vinaya Ghimire, I'm glad you think so. I know when I went looking it was information overload. I hope it is helpful to others.
Darlene Sabella 15 months ago
Excellent hub my friend, my girlfriend just gave me a used one of hers, they purchased a new one and I just can't figure out the darn think, techy I am not...great hub rate up love & peace darski