If you want to go beyond the compact digital cameras, then you are ready for a SLR camera. Fortunately, there are a number of cheap digital SLR cameras in the market now.
Up until a few years ago, it was not possible to get anything for less than $800 dollars. If this is your first SLR camera, then that may be too much to spend on something you are beginning with.
An ideal entry-level camera for you would be something that has as many features as you can try out and it has to be easy on the pocket. Luckily, now you have a number of cameras to choose from.
SLR is short for single lens reflex. This means that the mirror in a camera that ‘views’ the image is the very same that ‘takes’ the image. This is especially useful when you need to cover a wider range of focal lengths.
One SLR camera serves all your needs. This kind of camera produces high quality photos. They are also very fast. Before 2005, primarily professional photographers used these cameras; specifically for these features.
Since then manufacturers have made cameras better suited for ‘prosumers’; that is, these cameras have features used by professional photographers but are available at prices friendly to an average consumer.
They may not be what the professionals use but these cameras take very good photos. Most digital SLR cameras also have interchangeable lenses. You can change your lenses for different types of shots, from close-ups to taking a landscape shot. The change does not take more than a few seconds.
It may be hard to decide on one kind of camera over another. Most of the well known manufacturers in the camera industry have digital SLR camera models.
Before you make any purchase, shop around. As you shop around, look out for these few things:
1. ISO performance – If you were to shoot in poor lighting, the images would display some sort of ‘noise’. They would not be clear or be slightly off in terms of color. You can minimize this by getting a camera with high ISO capabilities.
2. Image stabilization – Some photos come out blurry because the camera was moved as it was being taken. Getting a camera with image stabilization technology will minimize this problem.
3. Take note of the frame rates. Slow frame rates will hinder you from taking objects when they are in motion.
4. Opt for a camera with live view features. It will be easier to take photos from tight angles.
With that in mind, take a look at the reviews below of cheap SLR digital cameras.
Nikon D3000
It has a CCD sensor (which is used in more expensive cameras). It has a resolution of 10.2 megapixels. Its shooting speed ranges from 1/4000 to 30 seconds. It can take up to 3 images per second and its ISO settings range from 100 to 160. Most buyers find that image quality is good.
It has a stabilization feature in its kit but its in-camera stabilization is found wanting. Most buyers also feel that it could have more features. Many experts who reviewed were disappointed in the D3000.
They expected more features and faster performance from a Nikon product. Its user interface however has won praise. The Nikon D3000 goes for prices starting from $459 on Amazon.
Canon EOS Rebel T3
This cheap slr camera is arguably one of the best in this category. Reviews are positive, across the board, from users and experts alike. Image quality is very good; detail comes out very sharp and colors are captured well.
Its range in ISO settings are from 100 to 6400. Most buyers say it is easy to use. Prosumers, however, complain of its lack of in-camera image stabilization. Its shooting speeds are also very slow.
In JPEG mode, it can only manage three images per second. In RAW mode, it shoots even slower: one frame per second. You can get this great camera starting from $479 from Amazon.
Sony A390
This camera is easy to use, ideal for those who are making the transition from compact to SLR. It has a CCD image sensor, a feature that is more commonly found in high end cameras. Resolution is 14.2 megapixels.
Colors come out natural and accurate. It differs from the rest in that image stabilization is built into the camera body. Its tilting LCD and live view features are winners with many prosumers.
Its shooting speed is 2.5 frames a second, a bit slow for most users. Its ISO range is from 100 to 3200. At 100 and 200, photos come out fine but at 400, photos show a little noise.
Images shot in RAW mode are sharp but otherwise are soft, but all in all photo quality is good. Prices for this SLR camera start at $499 on Amazon.
Olympus PEN E-PL1
This model is unique in that it uses a Live MOS image sensor, which is a relatively new feature. It produces high quality photos. It has a resolution of 12.3 megapixels. ISO settings range from 100 to 3200.
It can shoot up to three images per second. Its shutter speeds range from 1/2000 to 60 seconds. Its speed is what has brought up much complaint.
Generally, this camera has been found to be too slow. Auto-focus takes too long to kick in. It may not be ideal f you want to take may action shots. On Amazon, it goes for a very affordable $418.
If you want more than your current compact digital camera, an obvious choice is to get a SLR camera. Though it was only used by professional photographers before 2005, it is now available to people other than professionals who want to enjoy its features.
Prices of SLR cameras can be restrictive but you still have a few choices. Out of all the cameras reviewed, the above four were found to be cheapest and offer the best features at that price. Most are from well-known camera manufacturers.
Now that you know what they offer, the choice is yours.
