Digital SLR Camera

The single-lens reflex (SLR) cameras typically refer to all the cameras in which the same lens is used for viewing and capturing images. These cameras use a movable mirror that is supposed to distract the light from the lens to a prism and then the light again is turned around by the time the exposure is made. In a digital SLR camera, it is possible to view the images exactly as they would be taken by the camera.

Upon pressing the shutter the camera captures the image immediately. You can shoot the scene in natural light without the need to use an on-camera flash that may spoil the whole mood of the lighting with its artificial white covering. You can also attach specialized lens to create special effects on the photographs.

SLR cameras are manufactured in both film formats as well as digital formats. The only difference is the presence of film or an electronic sensor behind the shutter.

There are mainly three kinds of digital SLR cameras available:
1. Big lenses, big sensor
2. Big lenses, small sensor
3. Small lenses, small sensor

An SLR digital camera comes as a complete system comprising of such parts as a body, multiple lenses, flash units, and various connecting cords. Often it happens that the cost of the lenses surpass the cost of the body itself. So it is very important for the professional photographers to choose from the popular models so that you can get all the compatible lenses with the system as a whole or conveniently rent special purpose lenses for special events.

Canon is regarded as the industry leader in the world of Digital SLR cameras. Nikon comes in a close second followed by Fuji and Kodak. Both of these DSLRs can be fitted with Canon and Nikon-mount lenses. As the other companies like Minolta, Pentax, Leica or Sigma have a small share in the DSLR market, for these cameras you have to make a large investment in the whole ranges of lenses. However, when purchasing an Olympus you are compensated a little by its innovative Four-Thirds system, in spite of a huge investment in lenses.
 
Digital SLR cameras (DSLRs) were first introduced in the market in the late 1990s and in the turn of 21st century, they are the first choice of many professional photographers and serious amateur photographers. A digital SLR looks more like an old standard 35mm film camera and normally uses the same lenses. The price of a digital SLR camera complete with lenses and accessories, may vary from $1,000 to $10,000.  As compared to a compact digital camera, the SLRs have certain definite advantages.

Digital SLR Camera advantages are:

• The digital SLRs provide bright, large and accurate optical viewfinder.
• They are faster operating and have greater control possibilities.
• They come with interchangeable lenses.
• Even in the low light situations, the SLRs give higher quality images using higher ISO speeds.

The digital SLRs have much larger sensors than those found in the point-and-shoot cameras. This larger sensor ensures better optical performance in low light situations.
SLR lenses also offer a wider aperture range that allows a narrower depth of field. It helps to blur the background behind the subject and makes the subject more prominent. This technique proves to be particularly effective in portrait photography.