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Currently, there are a lot of options out there with electronic companies typically not known for digital SLRs now entering the market. I thought I’d give you a simple method for picking out and testing a DSLR so that you can get a camera that will fit well with your shooting preferences.

So here we go, these are the things I think about when planning a digital SLR purchase:

It Doesn’t have to be a Canon - Canon is currently the top dog when it comes to the world of DSLRs. They make some amazing DSLRs with a dazzling array of features and their collection of lenses are legendary. Because of this I would make it a point to recommend Canon as a possible option.

That being said, they’re not the only game in town. The features of a camera can only take you so far. Bottom line, you take can take the same amazing picture with a non-Canon DSLR. And there might be other features/factors from other manufacturers that fit better with your preferences.

You’re Buying into a system - In most cases, it would be wise to examine the various digital camera manufacturers and look at their line-up of lens, flashes, and other accessories. Does a particular manufacturer’s collection of accessories fit better with your shooting needs?

It’s usually better to invest in one system. If you decide to invest in multiple systems you could run into a lot of unneeded redundancy and extra costs. Why carry a Nikon and a Cannon wide angle lens when you could of carried just one lens?

Also, if you already have a collection of lenses from a particular manufacturer and you know those lenses are compatible with the DSLR you’re interested in, then that should weigh heavily in your ultimate decision.

Pro vs Consumer - As you probably already know, a professional level camera will not automatically make you a great photographer. I’ve seen people with 7,000 dollar cameras take crummy photos. And I’ve seen pro photographers take some amazing photos with sub 1,000 dollar DSLRs.

There are some features you’ll likely only find a in pro-level camera. Such features might include: water resistant weather seals, larger, brighter viewfinder, full metal camera body, larger/higher resolution imaging sensor. If you can’t live without these kind of features, then getting a pro-level DSLR will make sense for you.

What you’re trying to do is find a camera that fits your style and personality. Pick what works for you and don’t assume that higher cost will equal higher quality pictures.

Used vs New - You don’t always need the latest and greatest. You can save some money if you’re willing to buy used. A 12-megapixel sensor is not a necessity for most people. 8, 6, even 4 megapixels is plenty for a lot of people. Having something in this range will allow the user to make large, beautiful prints. I recall one pro photographer using a 4-megapixel Canon 1d for a 2-page photo spread in a magazine as well as a billboard! Check out KEH for deals on used equipment.

With new equipment, you get the latest technology, a manufacturers warranty and that new camera smell. Try to look at this issue objectively. Focus on the features you need in a camera. If all the features can be found in an older model, it wouldn’t make much sense to buy a new model unless you’re worried about the condition of the camera or if you have some issues regarding the trustworthiness of the seller.

The Feel - How does the camera feel in your hand? Is the shape of the camera body compatible with your hand? How are the controls? Can you easily access the aperture and shutter controls? Is it easy to access your memory card? How’s the build quality? Will it withstand your level of abuse? Do you like the weight of a pro-camera or do you prefer the lighter weight of a mid-level consumer camera?

The Viewfinder - Does it feel wide open and bright? Or does the viewfinder feel kind of claustrophobic? A small viewfinder doesn’t mean the camera in question is garbage. A lot of excellent consumer level digital SLRs have smaller, dimmer viewfinders due to cost restrictions. Bottom line, pick something that gives your eye a comfortable view. Or at the very least get one that you can tolerate. This is very important since it’s something you’ll be looking at a lot whenever you’re using your camera.

Picture Quality - Bring along a memory card to the camera store and ask the salesperson if you can fire some test shots. If you can get out of the fluorescent lit store and outside even better.

A lot of digital camera websites will include sample photos from cameras they have reviewed. While they provide some important information you should look at, they’re not the definitive source of information regarding image quality.

Because the resolution of a computer screen is really low compared to the DPI of a decent inkjet printer, it would be better to use a print as a reference as opposed to a computer monitor. Try to get print samples whenever convenient but in those cases where it’s too much of a hassle, digital samples from websites will suffice.

A lot of pro-level camera stores also have rental departments. For a fee, you can rent a camera for a day or so. So if you’re really worried about making the wrong decision, rent the camera you’re interested in and take it out and do some serious shooting.

Extra Features - One feature I think you should be on the lookout for are self-cleaning image sensors. Take it from someone who had to manually clean the CCD sensor on an older Canon 1d. It’s a lot of work and even with practice and expensive tools, it usually involves multiple attempts before the sensor is completely clean. This feature will save you a lot of future hair-pulling and cursing. Trust me.

Online or Brick and Mortar?

You will almost always find better prices online. I found a Canon zoom lens online that was 300 bucks cheaper when compared to my local camera store. One online store I would recommend in a heartbeat is B&H. Decent prices and dependable service.

But don’t abandon your local camera store all together. If their prices are somewhat competitive, you then have to consider other factors such as return policy and savings from not having to pay shipping and handling.

Conclusion - These are the fundamental things I look at when shopping around for a digital SLR. Over the years, I’ve had a chance to play around with a lot of different models. I know there is no right choice for everybody. But with a little homework on your part, buying a DSLR doesn’t have to be an overly confusing process. Good luck!

Additional Resources to look into:

Digital Photography Review - Great resource for DSLR reviews.

FredMiranda - A Nice forum for Pros and Amateurs. They also have a nice collection of reasonably priced photoshop plugins & filters.

Sportsshooter - Geared toward Pro photographers. Read the forum and get some idea of how pros view equipment and technique.

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