What\\\'s the big deal about SLR cameras anyway?

Different Views
People look at digital SLR cameras in different ways. Some see a bulky piece of kit with all sorts of accessories. For them, the process of using an SLR looks too complicated. Others see a brilliantly versatile camera system that delivers professional results.

The issue of bulkiness is a problem. But camera makers are working hard to alleviate the issue. You can buy lightweight compact SLRs that give you first-class results. But although you can slip a compact SLR camera body into a pocket, you still have to carry around at least one lens.

So if you want an SLR, you have to accept that it’s never going to be slim. You need to put a camera case over your shoulder. But this minor inconvenience is worth it when you see the quality of the photos.

Accessories
To achieve this quality, you don’t need a host of accessories. Your SLR camera body and an all-purpose lens such as a 14 – 42 mm, for example, will do the job.

The accessories, though, make SLR photography more fun. Imagine the shots you can get with a telephoto lens. If you’re keen on nature, you can take fabulous pictures of birds and animals. Switch to a macro lens, and you can reveal the incredible detail and colour of flowers and insects.

With an SLR, you also have a huge range of filters to screw to your lenses. These filters can give you special effects, or you can use them to enhance the colours of your pictures. Others help eliminate glare.

A glance at a camera maker’s brochure or website will soon reveal the potential your SLR has. Owning a SLR isn’t just about having a decent camera. It opens up a hobby that can absorb you for hours at a stretch.

Features
Reading through the features of a good quality digital SLR camera can be a little daunting. There are so many of them. But you have to bear in mind that if you choose a good manufacturer, you’ll know the features are there to improve every picture you take.

Furthermore, you don’t have to use an SLR on manual mode. You can switch to auto and let the features work for you without you intervening.

You may argue, of course, that compact digital cameras also have lots of helpful features. This is true; but one of the reasons SLRs are often larger than compacts is that they have more technology packed into their casings.

This technology reduces blur; detects faces and ensures better quality portraits; gives the correct exposure to every part of the picture, no matter how dark or bright it may be; and adjusts the colours to take account of the lighting.

Some of the latest SLRs also give you HD quality movies with Dolby Digital audio. Play these back on an HD TV, and you’ll be delighted with the results. You can even plug an SLR straight into the TV using a mini HDMI socket.

So before you buy your next digital camera, consider an SLR. Such a camera can raise the level of your photography to new heights.