Questions about Cameras

Hi ladies,
Right now I only have a compact camera but after seeing so many amazing photos out there using DSL cameras I would like to know more about them.

First off what does DSL mean!!!

I'd like to save up for one someday but since I only teach a couple times a month at a LSS (I'm a SAHM), it will probably take a while but in the meantime I'd like to be prepared to what I'm looking for. Are there any good quality cameras out there under 1000.00? Any suggestions? Good websites to look at etc?

What kind do you have and how much (if you don't mind me asking)?

Thanks,
Jen

I have a nikon d5000 I got refurbished for under $500. I got a lot of info from Ken Rockwell's site. There are several threads about this, too. I'm attaching some links.

http://www.kenrockwell.com/

dark-room-f5/topic1274.html

hi Jen, a DSLR is a Digital Single Lens Reflex camera. SLR cameras are the kind used by pros (and tons of amateurs). They have interchangeable lenses and an internal reflex mirror which helps bring the view through the viewfinder to your eye. The mirror pops up out of the way when you take the picture, so if you are still looking through the viewfinder when you press the shutter release, it will go "black" for second and you will not see the picture while it is being taken. It's a very popular style of camera, very robust, very high quality (if you buy a good brand.)

You can still buy film SLR cameras, but most people, esp. newcomers to photography, are going to Digital SLR's (DLSR's) because they are easier to use -- you can see your results immediately, and this helps one learn faster and also ensures that you don't waste money on film. This does NOT mean that a digital SLR is inexpensive, though: You still need to buy the camera body and the lenses, a good flash, memory cards, a good program to edit the photos on the computer, and then you will often pay for prints when you get them printed out. But the quality most people get from a DSLR is better than they would from a film SLR because they can see the results immediately and adjust to take another picture if necessary.

SLR cameras allow you independent control of the aperture, shutter speed, ISO, exposure compensation and many other parameters so you can completely determine how your picture looks. Although many mini-cams allow you to control these features too, they are often buried in menus or are not easy to change quickly. Although an SLR is bigger and heavier than a smaller digicam, it's also easier to use quickly.

SLR cameras accept an external flash, which you will need in order to get good indoor shots and some outdoor shots too. You can buy many different kinds of lenses to get different effects -- telephoto lenses, close-up "macro" lenses, wide angle "fish eye" lenses, etc.

I own a Nikon D200 and a Nikon D300. I spent several thousand dollars on cameras body + lenses for each major purchase. I do photo jobs (portraits and some weddings) but not enough to really pay for my photography hobby right now since I'm a SAHM. But I enjoy having the quality equipment so I can take really great shots. You have to be good at using the camera to get the great shots, but you DO need the good equipment as well...they both go together!

Nikon, Canon, Olympus, and others make great SLR cameras. I agree with Toni that Ken Rockwell has lots of interesting informative articles about photography. I also like going to photo.net and reading their articles and looking at pictures there.

Wonderful tips!

Thanks so much ladies! I appreciate the help!

Jen, I just purchased (about a month ago) a Canon Rebel T1i. It came with a good basic zoom lens, and then I went and purchased a Tamron macro lens. The camera was about $800-850 (including the basic lens). I got it from QVC and opted to make the payments over three months .. the additional macro lens was another $300 (on sale). Depending on your budget, you could get new for $800-1,000 (or higher), or - like Toni - something refurbished for $500 'ish.

Ken Rockwell's site is really good; he gives a good objective view of the pro's and con's of various camera models. If you have a specific style of photography in mind, that might help narrow down your brand selection. I don't take many sports/action photos, so shutter speed isn't a huge deal for me ... Canon was right for me, at this time. Nikon might be right for you ... or another brand.

I will say, if you get a SLR camera, read the manual. Put it down. Play ... and then read again! LOL Although I had a nice point 'n' shoot (Fuji Finepix) and knew my way around that camera pretty well, I'm finding there's still a TON to learn on my new camera - particularly to get those clear, crisp photos that I desire.

If you havea Costco or Sam's you can gret AWESOME bundle deals on the Nikon D3000 or D5000 I believe the D3000 package is under $500.

If this is your first DSLR, then I would suggest not spending a ton of money on a more expensive camera that in an amateur's hand won't give you better pictures. Buy an entry level hobbyist DSLR and then if you decided you need more CAMERA, after learning all about how DSLR works then you can upgrade. more $$ spent on a camera doesn't mean better pictures. It's all about knowing how to use the camera.

Goodluck and it will be worth the money you save up with the awesome pictures you'll get out of your DSLR!

Ken Rockwell's website is very excellent site for the getting superb guide of Nikon cameras. I am daily user of it, from these website I was repair so many cameras.

SLR cameras acquiesce you absolute ascendancy of the aperture, bang speed, ISO, acknowledgment advantage and abounding added ambit so you can absolutely actuate how your account looks. Although abounding mini-cams acquiesce you to ascendancy these appearance too, they are generally active in menus or are not simple to change quickly.