Photography 101: DSLRs

DSLR simply means Digital Single Lens Reflector. These cameras are some of the most common cameras available in the professional market today. DSLRs are successors to the now almost ancient SLR (Single Lens Reflector) and predecessor to the future that is Mirrorless camera system, DSLRs have come a long way in shaping the photography industry as we know it. The photography industry has over time been conscious of taking great images, so when the world started going digital, sensors were developed to replace 35mm film and with that came the birth of DSLR cameras. Like its predecessors, there still was the option of changing lenses but unlike film cameras, the creation of digital sensors and use of memory cards meant a lot more images could be captured, and over time, as technology has gotten better, so has sensor technology which has invariably resulted in better cameras.

Not to sound overly one-sided, DSLRs like all things before them have their advantages and disadvantages and below are some;

• Image Quality: DSLRs sport strong and megapixel-dense sensors that result in outstanding image data capture which simply means that the final image is of extremely high quality.
• Interchangeable lenses: For DSLRs, this is a great benefit. You unlock unlimited possibilities just by having the ability to change lenses. Asides having a great camera, the lens is the photograph’s most important aspect as it determines the quality of the image and ease of shooting. Having a great lens or range of lenses that match your DSLR means a great end image is almost certainly guaranteed.

• Better low-light capability: With SLRs and Point and Shoots, creating images in low light situations is a pain and when you do, said images might not be of exceptional quality and that is where the joys of owning a DSLR comes in. The exceptional sensors combined with the ability to choose a lens with fast apertures means that your images always come out looking great, with the least image noise possible.
• Long battery life: The batteries on DSLRs cannot be compared to any camera anywhere. Since they have been around for so long, advancement in technology has helped in fine-tuning theses batteries so that they last longer and ensure the photographers get all the images they need.
• Weather sealing and durable build: Unlike point and shoots and mirrorless cameras, DSLRs are durable and are able to withstand a lot that is thrown at them and most high-end DSLRs come with weather sealing so whether under the rain, snow or in your favorite pool, your camera can deliver.

While the advantages of DSLRs mean you get amazing images irrespective of lighting or weather conditions, there are also some disadvantages;

• Expensive: Due to the higher quality, inner components, and features, DSLRs tend to be a tad more expensive, and far less cost-effective than point and shoot cameras. Also, DSLRs come only as a body unless you buy a kit (but the lenses are not very good even in kits). As such, you’re going to have to invest more money in additional outside lenses and additional camera components.
• Less portability: Unlike regular point and shoots, DSLRs on their own stand out and aren’t exactly pocket-sized. Then combined with lenses and accessories, they are sometimes a bag full.
• Noise: DSLRs shutters tend to be noisy when taking photographs, which can sometimes draw attention to the photographer and create awkward situations.
• Steep learning curve: Moving to DSLRs means moving professional and somehow giving up on the camera deciding values for you especially when you move to shooting manual. It immediately becomes complicated to the untrained, due to the manual nature and excess features the camera has.
• Ongoing maintenance and care: In order to function properly, DSLRs require professional cleaning, maintenance, and care.

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This article was written by Adekunle Ibukunoluwa. Adekunle Ibukunoluwa is a contributor to the BOPNetworks Community. He is a Poet and Intern Photographer with SORB pictures. Follow him on Instagram here.