|
What to Do Before You Buy
Examine Cameras in the Store: An SLR is enough of an investment to warrant examining a camera in person. Visit a camera store, not a mass retailer. Attach different lenses, hold the camera to your eye, and snap a few pretend photos. Compare similar models. Pay attention to how the camera feels in your hands. Less-expensive name-brand SLRs use lighter-weight materials — composites and alloys — that are less resistant to dents and dings.
How's your view through the viewfinder? Many SLRs have a diopter adjustment to set the viewfinder for your eyesight. Fewer have a high-eyepoint viewfinder, which eyeglass wearers appreciate.
Understand the Gray Market: Mail order and online companies often sell two classes of cameras: those with manufacturer's warranties, and "gray market" cameras. Gray market cameras usually are identical to the U.S. warranted models. They are imported privately and are less expensive, but they may not be warranted for repairs in the U.S.
Which to choose? If the dealer has a reputable warranty repair service, gray is O.K. But, if you have doubts and the camera you want is packed with electronics and the latest AF technology, spend the extra dollars for a factory-warranted model.
Know What Lens You Need: Given the many lenses available, most SLRs are sold as a "body only," so you'll need to select a lens or two to start. A basic 50mm f/1.8 lens gives you the same perspective as normal eyesight. Moderate zoom lenses, such as 28mm-80mm or 35mm-70mm lenses, may be attractive, but a fast, fixed-focal length lens is more forgiving of under-exposure mistakes as you learn about your camera. A 50mm lens is the best one to begin with.
Two more investments: extra batteries in case your camera quits without warning. And, buy a neck strap to save your camera from permanent damage. Most important: don't buy more camera than you need. Buy the camera that fits your hands and eyes and will grow with you as your skills and interest in photography grow.
<< Features to Consider, P.2 | Quick SLR Facts, P.4 >> | 
