The Best DSLR Cameras for the Aspiring Photographer

If you’re an aspiring photographer looking for a high-quality camera, a DSLR is a great option. DSLR stands for digital single-lens reflex camera, a name that is derived from the camera’s reflex finder system. DSLR models use single-lens reflex finders, with one lens for both viewing and taking a picture. A mirror located behind the lens reflects the light passing through the lens to a focusing screen. When a photographer wants to take a photo, the mirror moves out of the way for exposure allowing the light to hit the sensor.

DSLR cameras undoubtedly offer a number of different advantages. Speed is one of the biggest pros. DSLR cameras allow for quick zooming and are also able to focus very quickly, even in very low lighting. This makes them ideal for capturing fast moving subjects, such as at sporting events. Overall, DSLR cameras can be relied upon to take high quality shots in a vast variety of conditions; they are both versatile and dependable.

DSLR cameras can be a bit challenging to use at first, especially if you’re switching over from a point-and-shoot. To master the basics you might want to check out this great DSLR training course for beginners or this easy DSLR course for beginners. But once you get the hang of it, you’re on the way to photography greatness. To improve the overall composition and quality photos you might also consider taking a photography course to hone your skills, like this excellent photo composition course.

However, all DSLRs are not created equal. There are many different DSLR cameras on the market and choosing the right one can definitely be overwhelming. Let’s take a look at some of the best DSLR cameras out there.

1.    Nikon D3200. This camera is an especially great choice for DSLR newbies because of both its price and ease of use. With a guide mode on its main mode dial this camera can actually assist you in getting the photos you want, providing visual cues to help you get a better handle on things like exposure, aperture values, and depth of field. It also offers an automatic setting, so if you really have no clue what to do, you can just click. All in all, the Nikon D3200 camera provides incredibly high quality photos at a great price.

2.  Canon EOS 100D. If you are looking for a high quality but compact DSLR this is the camera for you. The Canon EOS 100D is pretty much as small as DSLR comes while still delivering beautiful photos. It is an astonishing 25 per cent smaller and 28 per cent lighter than the average DSLR.

3.   Pentax K-5 II. The Pentax K-5 II offers a rugged, durable build complete with weatherproof sealing. It is fairly easy to use and also offer an in-house image shake reduction, especially ideal for capturing photos while you are moving.  Overall, it is fast and offers great image quality.

4.    Nikon D600. If you want a full-frame DSLR camera, this is the camera to buy. Full frames are the best of the best when it comes to purchasing cameras. Basically, this means that the camera sensor size is equal to that of 35mm film. Most camera sensors are smaller than this, as the smaller the image sensor the easier and less expensive it is to manufacture. Though these full-frame cameras are pricier but they do offer a number of advantages. Most notably because they offer pronounced depth of field and overall better image quality. They are especially beneficial when it comes to architectural photography and also landscape photography (if you are interested in landscape photography, you might want to check out this cool landscape photography course).

The Nikon is a particularly excellent choice for a full-frame DSLR. For a full-frame camera it is pretty affordable so it is still a feasible option for beginners. In comparison to other full-frame cameras it is also relatively small and light, making it easy to transport. Overall, it offers great image quality, high resolution, and incredible performance for a fairly reasonable price.

5.    Canon EOS 1D X. Best suited for knowledgeable professionals, the Canon EOS 1D X is one of the absolute best DSLR cameras on the market today. It is incredibly durable, very long lasting, and just all around tough, with a waterproof and dustproof exterior shield. This toughness is undoubtedly one of the camera’s many advantages. You probably won’t want to throw the camera in a pool but it can easily make it through dust, mud, rain, and wind so you can shoot in any kind of weather condition.

One of the camera’s main selling points is its speed— it can shoot twelve frames per a second in continuous shooting mode. The autofocus system is incredibly fast and even comes with six auto-focus presets, known as “cases” to help you best capture your subject, whether you are trying to capture an erratic, fast moving toddler or a tree gently swaying in the wind. The cases define the systems three main response: tracking sensitivity, speed of acceleration/deceleration, and the speed with which the autofocus point shifts. Because the camera is fast overall, its performance in low lighting conditions is also excellent.

Overall, the Canon EOS 1D X is an excellent camera. It is able to produce amazing professional quality images, full-framed, fast, and powerful. If you’re serious about professional photography this camera is well worth the investment.