From the outside, DSLR photography can seem a bit intimidating. DSLR cameras are, after all, the cameras used by professionals, with manual controls, interchangeable lenses and countless accessories.
But while it’s true that professionals are at one end of the DSLR spectrum, the other end is full of talented hobbyists getting the most out of their photography. DSLRs give them the flexibility to capture family moments, create envy-inspiring photos for their social media feeds or put their skills to use for their businesses – and everything in between.
What Is a DSLR Camera?
DSLR stands for digital single-lens reflex and refers to how the camera works. Essentially, there is a mirror inside the camera that allows you to see the image you’re capturing before you take the picture. When you press the shutter release button to take the photo, the mirror moves and the image that you’re capturing is sent to the camera’s sensor, creating a picture.
These cameras, while typically costing more than compact cameras, offer a range of distinct advantages, making them suitable not just for professionals, but for anyone looking to take great photos.
When you buy a DSLR, you’re buying a base that you can build upon to take stunning photos in any condition.
Image Quality
To casual users, it’s easy to assume that the higher a camera’s megapixel rating, the better the image it will create. However, the megapixel rating actually refers to the size of the image created, while quality is tied to the size of the sensor used in the camera. Imagine two king-size bed sheets, but one has a thread count of 100 and the other is Egyptian cotton with a thread count of 600.
Compact camera sensors are almost all smaller than DSLR sensors. While some newer models have the same sensors, compact cameras can’t match the flexibility offered by a DSLR camera.
Customisable
When you buy a DSLR, you’re buying a base that you can build upon to take stunning photos in any condition. DSLRs are set up for customisation with different lenses and accessories, allowing you to take stunning photographs of the details in a piece of jewellery 5cm from your camera or a pride of lions 50 metres away. With compact cameras, your photography can be limited by equipment, whereas with a DSLR your equipment is shaped to the types of photography you want to do. Even better, that equipment is an investment that you’ll likely use for years.
Best Investment
With a DSLR, as you develop your photography skills you supplement to your equipment instead of replacing it. An entry level DSLR can support your budding talent for years when combined with the right lenses and accessories, and when it comes time to upgrade your DSLR, you’ll still be able to use all of those lenses and accessories on your new model.
Easy and Fun to Learn
DSLRs are bigger than compact cameras and tend to have many more buttons and dials, which can make it seem like they’re complicated to operate. In truth, they offer a range of modes that make it easy to take pictures with automatic settings or to capture the exact photo you want with manual settings. You can start using your camera straight out of the box, but it also lets you fully explore the world photography. With plenty of DSLR photography classes and events to engage with other photographers, your DSLR is an invitation to an exciting, fun and educational community.
ISL offers a large range of DSLR Cameras from Nikon, one of the world’s leading DSLR brands. We are the local distributor for Nikon, so you can be sure you’re getting an original product, with a three-year warranty on all camera bodies and a one-year warranty on all other Nikon products.
We also include KShs. 20,000 of free training through Nikon School with all DSLR purchases.