Destination DSLR

Posted on May 19, 2008
Filed Under Digital Camera Reviews |

The digital SLR is one of the most versatile of cameras. Select the right lens and it is possible to use a DSLR to capture a vast mountain vista. A detachable lens camera i the only tool of choice for the true enthusiast photographer. Travelling abroad can provide photographers with fresh inspiration, but new surroundings and varied lighting conditions can also bring another set of technical challenges that can push a DSLR’s capabilities to the limit. So, unless you have money to burn, it is worth considering where and when you are going to use your new camera before making your purchase. A heavy and hefty-sized DSLR is impractical to carry around for extended periods, but if you carry a smaller model it can be at your side to ensure you don’t miss those opportunistic shots.

A lot of us will head to warmer climates this summer but strong direct sunlight can cause a myriad of exposure problems. One of the most common problems experienced is high-contrast lighting in the middle of the day. This sort of lighting scenario can make a scene difficult to meter. It will typically feature dark shadows against bleached-out areas, lit by intense sunlight that can leave section of an image under or overexposed. To avoid losing detail in these areas it is vital that your camera has a good range of metering options but it is also worth considering additional features such as a dynamic range optimiser. This automatically analyses and adjusts the gradation and contract difference between highlights and shadow in an image.

The elusive English summer may be associated with long, light evenings but head further south and this may not be the case. In which case a broad ISO range and an anti-shake feature are both very handy to help capture images in low light. A camera’s build quality is always an important factor as dry and dusty environments can also prove to be an extra challenge. It is vital that a model has environmental seals around the connectivity posts to help protect its internal workings and an anti-dust feature to keep any speck away from the sensor.

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