SLR Camera

 

SLR camera (Single Lens Reflex camera) is a type of camera wherein what the user sees on the screen is what the camera exactly takes and produces. Because the camera has a near-zero lag time, it could capture the moment as it happens making it ideal for motion photography. Also, the lenses of this type of camera are interchangeable for more options and flexibility.

Advantages

One of the best advantage of an SLR camera over other digital cameras is its speedy reflex - taking a picture is as easy as clicking the button and the shutter immediately opens to take the photo then closes. One could claim, "But that's how a point-and-shoot camera works - you point then you shoot!" No, in such cameras the shutter is electronically activated so that when turned it the lenses first focus then allows the shutter to be released - the speed may not be enough to capture a very fleeting moment!

Because the lenses of the SLR camera are interchangeable, only one camera is needed for long-range, close-up, motion, landscape, and extremely low-light photography. Again, it could be argued that the regular compact cameras can achieve all these using one lens but the overall effect is better with the SLR than with the compact.

Picking a Camera

There are many camera SLRs in the market, how does one choose which one to buy? The answer depends on the buyer's requirements or photography style. Still, because the lenses could be changed the answer may just be any SLR will do, the price and brand may be used as basis for picking a camera with this train of thought. Still, the best SLR camera is the one that suits the buyer's style.

There are people who need a camera for subjects in frequent motion - such as pets, children, vehicles, etc. There are also people who require cameras capable of landscape photography that requires a wide-angle lens. What about macro and portrait pictures? Some photographers also look for a camera with slow-shutter speed and high ISO capabilities for unique but real-life pictures even at low light conditions.

Those who want to buy an SLR that is almost as compact as a point-and-shoot could choose the smallest SLR camera. Various manufacturers claim that theirs are the smallest but special conditions like "smallest SLR with built-in image stabilization" or "smallest SLR with interchangeable lenses" and so on often applies.

Having a hard time choosing an SLR camera? Whether you choose the smallest or the biggest, choose one with the features that best suit your photography style.