If you’re looking to take the best-looking pictures possible, you’ll have to leave your smartphone and point-and-shoot camera behind. There is simply no substitute for the image quality, adaptability, and manual control of a DSLR camera. Not only are DSLR cameras less expensive now than ever before, but they also hold their value far longer than most other consumer electronics, including other types of digital cameras. If you’re looking to upgrade your picture-taking game, then keep reading and learn about finding the right digital SLR for you.

Before Buying a DSLR Camera

When you want better looking Instagram photos, upgrading to better equipment is a wise decision. DSLR cameras are not new to the market as they continue to improve amidst completion from mirrorless cameras.

So, What Is a DSLR Camera?

Basically, DSLR stands for Digital Single Reflex Lens. It uses a mirror to reflect the light that comes from the lens and transfers it to an optical viewfinder; that’s why they use the word reflex. The mirror reflection allows you to see the image before you press the shutter button. Here are some of the advantages of owning a DSLR camera.

Highly Adaptable

The joy of owning a DSLR camera is that it can be used with different lenses. You can purchase the body and use it with a lens from a previous camera of the same brand in order to have more specs. Interchangeable lenses come in handy when you need to shoot in different situations.

High Image Quality

With a DSLR camera, you get a big sized lens, a wide range ISO, and decent megapixels. The result is detailed and brilliant images as you can shoot in different lighting conditions with ease. It is unlike what you would get with a point and shoot and most smartphones.

Nice Focus
The lenses on a DSLR camera give you a deep field of view such that it can blend in the foreground and the background into one amazing picture. 

Ease of Use

Navigating the menu is perhaps one of the most challenging aspects of owning a DSLR camera. It can be a steep or smooth learning curve, depending on the model you acquire. You will want to familiarize yourself with one brand when starting out, as each of the major brands like Nikon and Canon have their own paths.

If you are starting out in photography, the last thing you want to do is confuse yourself by using two brands at the same time.

Here’s how to control the focus point on your Nikon or Canon DSLR camera.

Purpose of a DSLR Camera

Some of us want to upgrade from a smartphone camera, while others want to shoot in live events, and others want a good portrait. Many cheap DSLR cameras come with limited features, and the cheaper it is, the fewer features it has. When you want a camera that can shoot in extreme conditions, you will want to stretch your budget a little bit to have a camera that can accomplish your exact needs.

Features of the Body

Here, you will want to consider looking at the screen, grip, and overall build quality of the camera. You will want your camera to have a good LCD, preferably an articulating one, but you can still make do with one that does not rotate if you have a good view of your images. The grip will determine how comfortable it will be to use your camera. It should have a rubbery or rugged surface with well-designed buttons for easy reach. A camera that is weatherproofed is also a nice touch if you will be shooting in places where moisture and dust are inevitable.

Maintenance

Taking care of your DSLR camera is a must if you wish to use it in top-notch condition. Some cameras have built-in systems for cleaning the sensors and lens, which is a huge help. But you will still need to clean it so that no dust appears in your photos and videos.

Capture Modes

Scene modes come according to the brand of your camera. Some will offer six modes, while others will go as far as nine or sixteen. The more modes you have, the better it will be in shooting in varied conditions.

Connectivity

At the end of a long excursion, you will want to share your memories and your best work with family and friends, whether one-on-one or on social media. Bluetooth, NFC, and Wi-Fi connectivity are important as they allow wireless transfer of files. And with Nikon’s SnapBridge technology, files are shared automatically between shots. 

Final Words

Investing in a DSLR camera is a big step. We have narrowed our top 10 list with the Best Cheap DSLR cameras that perform with excellence for the price. It’s our hope you find it enlightening as you pick up the pace in photography.