DSLR

What is a DSLR?

DSLR is an acronym for a digital single-lens reflex camera. DSLRs consist of a lens that’s responsible for focusing, a mirror that reflects the image into an optical viewfinder, and a digital sensor where the image is captured. The mirror moves out of the way during exposure time to let the light hit the image sensor.

Advantages

Going digital has a lot of benefits.

Instead of film, the images are stored on an internal memory card that is able to hold thousands of photos. These photos are also ready for immediate viewing, as opposed to having to wait for the film to develop.

These cameras have much better autofocus than their predecessors, allowing for sharp, high-quality images taken quickly.

DSLRs also tend to be durable and quite long-lasting. Their bigger build provides space for more precise manual controls.

Another great advantage of DSLRs is that the camera body is compatible with a wide range of interchangeable lenses. This allows photographers and filmmakers to use different lenses with a variety of focal lenses, suited for any occasion or look. This makes the camera bodies very versatile.

Competition to DSLR cameras

What are the other options to consider?

Mirrorless cameras work with a slightly different mechanism, and as the name suggests, omit the mirror system. This makes them lighter and more compact than DSLRs. Mirrorless cameras have electronic viewfinders, instead of optical. When you look at this monitor, you see the actual image your camera is about to capture, allowing you to fine-tune adjustments at the moment. This can save you a lot of time when editing.

Point-and-shoot or compact digital cameras are affordable and designed for simple use. They offer little manual control over settings and have been losing popularity for about a decade. Original fans of this type of camera are now using their smartphones for the same purposes.

Should I rent a DSLR?

Summary

Should you get a DSLR? If you’re looking for a reliable, versatile camera that allows experimentation with different lenses and a wide range of settings, a DSLR can be an excellent choice for you. There are plenty of options for every budget, ranging from affordable to extremely high-end.

Learn more about how to choose the right gear for you by digitaltrends.com.

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