Use an Entry-Level DSLR Camera for Scrapbooking – Choose your Digital Camera
Because digital scrapbooking is more fun when you have a cool camera, many scrapbookers like having nice cameras. DSLR cameras are one step up from point-and-shoot digital cameras. They have great image quality, and give you more control over the way your photos turn out.
Most importantly, once you learn how to use your DSLR, your photos will turn out really well, making your scrapbook time more enjoyable and your finished layouts more beautiful.
DSLR cameras are, however, much more complex than point-and-shoot cameras. There are so many pieces to a DSLR, and each one is complex all by itself. When you are trying to put them all together, it’s hard to get everything straight. But it’s so worth it when your photos turn out better than ever!
In the photo below, with my DSLR, I was able to make the mountain appear more green and the sky more blue, and the clouds more dimensional. I couldn’t do that with my point-and-shoot camera.
Mount Timpanogos: The photo on top was taken with a DSLR camera; the one on bottom with a point-and-shoot camera.
Take a Class to Learn your DSLR Camera
My neighbor, a photographer, taught a class on how to use these more advanced settings, and that is how I learned how to operate my DSLR camera. I needed that photography class to feel confident about my camera and the photos I took with that camera.
Camera shops often offer photography classes, as well as community colleges.
DSLR Cameras have More Modes
DSLR Modes
They also have the various presets you’ll find on point-and-shoot cameras (outdoors, sports, portrait, etc.), but they also have 4 advanced settings: Aperture priority, Shutter speed priority, Program, and Manual.
Manual mode is the one that gives you the most control over a photo, and the one you can use to get really good shots.
You Can Switch Lenses on DSLR Cameras
DSLR cameras also have detachable lenses. When you buy a DSLR camera body, it usually comes with a lens. You have the option of buying additional lenses and you can switch between them as needed. Different lenses do different things.
For example, one lens will work really well in low lighting but a different one will be more appropriate for landscape photography. Lenses are very costly, so if you’re just a beginner, it’s best to start with an all-purpose lens. The lens that comes with a new DSLR camera is usually just fine.
Detached DSLR Lens
Must-Have DSLR Accessories
When you have a DSLR, these are good things to have:
- A good camera bag – so your camera will be protected while you carry it around
- A UV filter for each lens – so if your camera is dropped, your lens is protected by the filter
- An extra memory card – so you always have room for more photos
DSLR Accessories
More DSLR Camera Stuff
You can add lots more stuff to your DSLR camera, but when you’re just starting out you won’t need them. These are things like external flash and battery grips.
Katherine Hansen’s DSLR
Katherine Hansen, one of our Design House Decorators, says this about her DSLR:
I just received my first DSLR – a Canon Rebel T1i with the 18-55mm lens ($699). Still trying to work through the basic modes before tackling the advanced ones, but already love the clarity of the photos I’m getting. Also, the shutter speed and ability to take photos in a sequence – fast – is MUCH improved compared to my older Fuji point ‘n’ shoot digital camera.
I made the leap into the SLR world so I could work on my landscape photography. A wide-angle lens is on my wish list. The Rebel also has HD video capabilities, which I hope to test on my great nephew and nieces when I next visit them.
Missy Backues’ DSLR
Missy Backues, another Design House Decorator, is still getting into her DSLR:
I also have a new Nikon S3000 P&S for my compact camera needs. I’m still getting used to it and learning about its features too by taking lots of photos with it!
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