Beginner's SLR camera - how to choose?

A huge number of cameras of various types and price categories are presented on the market. Oddly enough, choosing a good camera for a novice photographer is not an easy problem. It is possible that until recently, you took pictures on a mobile phone or tablet, and the quality was fine with you. However, at some point you decided to improve the quality and clarity of the pictures. So - it's time to get a better camera. We’ll figure out which SLR camera is best for beginners, how to choose such a technique, and what to look for from the very beginning.

From the very beginning, decide why you need new photographic equipment. It's one thing if you choose photography equipment for amateur shooting. And it’s completely different if you are planning to make the camera a source of income (photography at various events, photo shoots, etc.). Once you have answered this question yourself, you can begin to choose a SLR camera for beginners.

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Classification of photographic equipment, the pros and cons

There are 3 main categories of cameras:

• “Soap dishes”.
• Mirrorless, equipped with removable optics.
• Mirrored.

Important! Want to choose the best camera? Find out in our separate article which camera is better - mirror or digital.

Soap dish

Advantages of “soap dishes”:

• Light weight, compact size.
• Auto shooting mode. Photography skills as such are not needed.
• Low price.

Minuses:

• There is no way to manage the construction of personnel.
• The device is not equipped with an interchangeable lens.
• There is no manual mode.

“Mirror”

Far more opportunities for a photographer are given by a SLR camera for beginners. How to choose a technique - a little later, and now - the advantages of SLR cameras:

• The ability to take high-quality photos in any environment.
• High quality matrix.
• Ability to use manual settings.
• The presence of interchangeable optics

Minuses:

• Large mass (individual models weigh more than 1 kg).
• High price.

Important! For beginners in photography, our information on how to choose the right one will be useful rechargeable batteries for the camera.

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What is the difference between a mirror camera and a mirrorless one?

The main difference between these cameras is the type of viewfinder. In hybrid cameras, it is electronic type, in SLR cameras - optical.

The benefits of the electronic viewfinder include:

• The combination of good technical parameters with a relatively low price.
• Large image.
• Small sizes of equipment.
• An opportunity for high-quality photographing at any position of the camera.
• The shutter release is silent.

Now - the advantages of the optical viewfinder:

• Natural colors.
• Faster and more accurate autofocus.
• Clearly visible and clear image when shooting in difficult conditions (for example, in bright sun).
• Slight heating of the matrix (this makes it possible to detail a photograph). By clicking on the link, you will find more information about camera matrix.

Important! There are models with dual viewfinders, which at times increases the usability of the device.If you are committed to continuous improvement in photography, then choosing a mirror-type technique is the best choice for you.

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How to choose a SLR camera for a beginner - inexpensive and good?

Consider the different options for DSLRs. As they say, for all tastes and financial opportunities. When compiling the list, real reviews from customers are taken into account.

Inexpensive models:

• Nikon D3100 is the most common SLR camera for family shooting. The main disadvantage is that some of the functions are in the on-screen menu. From this, working with the camera is less convenient.
• Nikon D5100. Compared with the previous model, this DSLR has richer functionality. This option is not for beginners, but for people with experience and with established requirements for photographic equipment.
• Nikon D7100. This model with two memory card slots, the possibility of high-speed shooting (6 frames per second) and a protected case. At a relatively low price, photographic equipment is pretty cool.
• Canon EOS 1000D. Simple inexpensive “SLR” with a small screen. The resolution of the matrix is ​​12 MP.
• Canon EOS 600D. You can shoot Full HD video. The camera has a swivel screen.
• Canon EOS 650D. It is possible to shoot at a speed of 5 frames per second. There are 9 auto focus points.

Important! View detailed overview and description. top camera models.

More advanced models:

• Nikon D610. Very comfortable model with quiet shooting and detailing of ISO photos up to 3200 units.
• Canon EOS 6D. A camera with built-in Wi-Fi and good creative potential.
• Canon EOS 7D. There are 19 focus points, one hundred percent viewfinder coverage.

Professional equipment:

• Nikon D810. The camera is equipped with a 39-point auto focus system. It is possible to edit pictures without sacrificing quality.
• Canon EOS 5D mark III. This technique is intended for videographers. It features good color reproduction, a 61-point auto focus system.

Important! The final choice depends not only on your financial capabilities, but also on what equipment you originally used. For example, if you had a Canon “soap box”, then it is advisable to buy a DSLR from the same company.

Important! Gathered a large number of beautiful pictures, but there is no room for photos? Take advantage of our selection tips. digital photo frames.

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Do newbies need to buy an expensive camera?

The answer is unequivocal: no need! And for what reasons:

• The design features of the camera, which will be practically not used in everyday shooting, increase the cost of photo equipment by half.
• If you don’t even have basic photography skills, you may simply not be able to figure out the complicated technique.
• For a novice photographer, the difference in the quality of photographs is practically not visible. So, as in the well-known commercial: “Why pay more?”.
• Expensive photo equipment requires additional accessories, which are also far from cheap.
• And most importantly - not only and not so much the technique is important, but the photographer himself and the originality of his ideas.

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How to choose a camera for a novice photographer: Canon vs Nikon

These two companies are the main manufacturers of photographic equipment. Each of them has its fans and opponents. However, there are features due to which customers choose one or another brand.

Canon:

• All things being equal, photographic equipment is cheaper than a competing company by about 10%.
• Better video quality.

Nikon:

• Ability to shoot in low light.
• The presence of autofocus. As for Canon technology, then for her this is a real problem. Sometimes you have to switch to manual shooting.

Important! Any results of creativity should be visible, and not stored on a flash drive or in a box in a closet. Decorate the wall with your photos. We collected the best tips and ideas in a separate review. “Wall decoration with photographs”.

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Stock footage

A good camera for a novice photographer is a reality. Start with a budget model, and do not forget to constantly learn and improve. Even an inexpensive SLR in capable hands behaves quite dignified.