Photo Studio

 Perhaps you’re not convinced that a dSLR is for you. Don’t feel guilty. Many serious shooters are in the same position. You’ve been getting good results with your non-dSLR camera and wonder if you’ll see any improvement with a single lens reflex camera. Perhaps the 28-200mm (35mm equivalent) zoom lens on an SLR-like camera with electronic viewfinder has the range you need for 95 percent of your photographs. Why purchase a dSLR if you won’t need interchangeable lenses, or can’t afford them?

The truth is that there is a lot more to a digital SLR than the Single Lens Reflex part of the equation. I’ll get into more detail in Chapter 2, but here’s a quick summary of the pros and cons of dSLRs, and why you might get much better results from a dSLR with 6 megapixels when compared with a non-dSLR model with the same nominal resolution. Note that the first bunch of the advantages I’m touting are only incidentally related to the fact that the camera is a single lens reflex.

Four dSLR Advantages Unrelated to Single-Lens Reflexiveness

Some of the strengths that accrue to dSLRs have nothing to do with the fact that they are single lens reflex cameras.

■ Higher sensitivity and reduced noise. The images from most non-dSLRs begin to break down when sensitivity is increased to ISO 400 or more, primarily because of excessive noise. Few of these cameras have an ISO setting that’s usable. In contrast, many dSLRs generate relatively low noise at ISO 800, and produce

Try to take more pictures

The cost of taking pictures with a digital camera is low compared to conventional photography. If

you have enough batteries and memory card space then take extra shots. You can take more

daring and experimental pictures too. The ones that do not work out can be quickly deleted later.

Learn how your camera works

Many digital cameras contain a range of features to help take great pictures. This is especially

important when taking pictures in poor lighting conditions or taking pictures of fast moving

objects. Read the instructions that came with your camera and experiment to find out how to take

the best pictures. There are many differences between film and digital cameras and even if you

are used to using a film camera you may find it useful to learn about these differences.

Make sure you have adequate lighting

Just like with normal photography, lighting plays an important role in digital photography. If your

subject is too dark for your regular camera, it may be too dark for the digital one also. And unlike

regular cameras, most digital cameras do not allow you to change shutter speeds directly. Digital

cameras will usually select shutter speed automatically - be aware when your camera select a

speed that is too slow to hold by hand and use a tripod. Digital cameras can also compensate for

low lighting conditions by increasing the gain on internal electronics (it is like using a faster ASA

film). But the increased gain will lead to increase in noise and poorer color performance.

Focusing your camera

Good photographs are good for both technical and aesthetic reasons. While the aesthetic issues are a matter of personal taste, many otherwise great photos are spoiled by poor technique. Here are some things to keep in mind when taking pictures:

1. Get Closer

Most amateur's frame too far away from their subjects. Look through the viewfinder! This is especially important when photographing people. Professionals typically use long lenses (85-105mm) for portraits. Most point and shoot cameras on the other had have 35mm lenses.

2. Include People in your Shots

The addition of people to pictures add atmosphere and context. It makes the subject easier to relate to and sometimes gives a sense of scale for small or large objects.