So You Want to Buy a DSLR

[MarkBarbieri]

So you want to buy a DSLR. Have you thought it through? Here are some additional purchases you will want to consider. Buying the camera and kit lens is just the start. There are other items you need to budget for and others that you will probably consider buying soon. I don't want to discourage anyone because I think DSLRs are awesome. I just want you to have some idea of what you are getting into. I'd love it if others chimed in with thoughts of their own.

Lenses – The kit lens for DSLRs typically covers the wide angle to medium angle range. You’ll probably want another lens with a longer focal length (something like a 55-250mm or 70-300mm) so that you can “zoom in close.” Moderately priced zoom lenses don’t have very wide apertures. You will probably also want a “fast” lens (one with a low f-stop) for taking pictures in low light or for dramatically blurring your background. You can usually get a 50mm f/1.8 lens fairly cheaply – roughly $100 for the Canon version.

Flash – When using a flash, you’ll get much better results if your flash is not near your lens and shoots through something that makes it larger (bouncing off a wall or ceiling, shooting through an umbrella). The built-in flash on cameras is terrible because it is right next to the lens and is a tiny light. If you take flash shots, it won’t be long at all before you want a flash that you can use off camera or at least angle so that it bounces off of the ceiling or walls.

Memory Cards – DSLRs don’t come with memory cards and you can’t really shoot without them. They come in a variety of types , with SD and Compact Flash being the most popular. These were once an expensive part of a photographer’s kit, but they are pretty cheap now.

There are two schools of thought on memory cards. Some people like to have multiple smaller cards. If one fails, you only lose what is on that card and not everything. Others prefer to have one large card so that you don’t have to swap cards.

People also fuss over the memory card speed. As long as you get a reasonably fast card, I wouldn’t worry too much about speed. It usually makes less difference than you think. Rob Galbraith used to test memory card speeds in cameras. His site seems to be out-of-date, but it will give you some ideas. http://www.robgalbraith.com/bins/multi_page.asp?cid=6007

To figure out how much memory you’ll need, check the review on DPreview for your camera. It will tell you how large the files are. Estimate the number of pictures you will take on your memory cards and do the math. If you shoot video, you need to plan for that as well. Video takes up a lot of memory.

Batteries – DSLRs use either AA or their own proprietary rechargeable batteries. If yours uses AAs, get some rechargeable batteries and a charger. If yours uses proprietary batteries, consider buying a second battery. It’s not nearly as important as in the past because the new batteries in the new cameras last so long. Still, it is nice to have a spare. For event shooting, having two is great because you can be shooting with one while charging the other.

A Strap – Your camera probably came with a strap. That strap is probably terrible. A neoprene strap, like the ones that Op/Tech makes, is much more comfortable and worth the relatively low price. For the ultimate in comfort, look at the Black Rapid straps. If you get a BR strap, use it properly. Don’t hook it to the d-ring of a tripod plate as those aren’t designed to support your camera weight.

Cleaning – DSLR’s get dust on their sensors when you change lenses. The anti-dust shaking stuff may help, but you’ll eventually need to clean your DSLR. How often depends on a couple of things. The more often you change lenses and the dustier your environment, the more often you’ll see dust spots. Also, the dust spots are much more noticeable at small apertures, so landscape shooters are bothered by them much more than portrait shooters. However you slice it, you need to budget for a sensor cleaning solution.

Tripod – You’ll get your best picture quality if you use a tripod. For normal pictures with bright light, it’s not that important. For low light shots or for shooting video, having something that supports your camera is essential.

UV Filters – Many people put a UV filter on their lens for protection. It’s just a clear filter and shouldn’t affect your image. Many people don’t use a UV filter because they can cause problems with flare and reflections of bright lights. Cheaper UV filters are terrible about this. Expensive ones aren’t as bad.

Polarizing Filters – If you shoot outdoors, you’ll probably want a polarizer. It is useful making blue skies look bluer. It also cuts down on reflections on water, glass, or other flat surfaces. If you have or plan to have multiple lenses, buy a polarizer for the lens with the largest thread diameter. Buy step up rings for using the filter on your other lenses.

Camera Bag – As you start to accumulate camera stuff, you’ll want something to carry it in. There are a variety of solutions including shoulder bags, backpacks, fanny packs, belts with pouches, and vests with pockets. Which works for you is a matter of taste.

Remote – When taking pictures on a tripod, it is best if you can fire the shutter without touching the camera. You can do that with a wired or wireless remote. The wireless remotes are also useful when you want to be in the picture. You can set up most cameras to wait 2 seconds after you press the button.

Software – You’ll probably want some software to edit your pictures with. There are some good free solutions (GIMP, Picasa). I love Lightroom because it allows you to categorize and organize your pictures in additional to adjusting them. You may also want some specialized software for things like HDR, panoramas, or noise reduction.

Hosting – Once you’ve started taking photos, you’ll want a place to share them. You could just use Facebook or some of the free sites like Photo Bucket. Most photographers eventually use a paid hosting site. Popular ones include FlickR, Smugmug, Zenfolio, and PBase. They have different advantages and disadvantages.

Printers – Many photographers think that they’ll need a printer to print their pictures. It is actually cheaper and often better if you just use a paid printing service. You can use an online print service or take them to your local store. If you do want a photo printer, research the ink and paper costs. The printers are usually cheap, but the consumables aren’t.

Storage and Backup – After taking a set of pictures, you’ll want to copy them off of your memory card to someplace more permanent. If your computer doesn’t have enough storage space, consider buying an external drive. You also need to assume that the place your store your pictures will someday fail, be destroyed, or go out of business. Have multiple copies. For most people, they keep one copy of their computer and one copy on their hosting site. Have some type of backup plan and actually use it. Far too many people put off backing up their pictures until after the first time they’ve lost irreplaceable shots.

Macro – You can buy special lenses for taking macro (extreme close-up) shots. A cheaper alternative is to buy extension tubes or close-up filters. They don’t work as well as a dedicated macro lens, but they are much cheaper. I’d go the cheaper route first to see if you really like macro shooting.

Learning – Just because you have a DSLR doesn’t mean that you know everything about shooting. Even the best professional photographers are constantly learning. The best way to learn is to experiment an then critically review the results. Other great ways include reading pro shooters blogs, taking classes or attending workshops, reading photography books, participating on websites like this, or joining a photography club.

RAW vs JPG – With a DSLR, you’ll get a significant improvement in many of your shots if you shoot in RAW. Read up on the differences. If you go with RAW, that will increase your need for memory card space, computer storage, and software.

 

[tumblrbailey]

This is great, thanks!

 

[disneyboy2003]

This is very nicely written and very detailed.

I have often wondered what the "actual" cost of buying a new dSLR would be. People often ask for opinions on which dSLR is the cheapest. But when you factor in all the essential accessories that Mark has outlined above, the price differences among different brands is almost negligible.

I know that your post focused on additional purchases for your dSLR. However, since the title of this thread is "So You Want to Buy a DSLR", should there be information on things to look for in a dSLR? These would be things that we've all recommended several times in the past, like:

• go to the camera store, hold the different cameras in your hands to see which one "feels" right for your hands
• different brands' cameras (Canon, Nikon, Sony, Pentax, Olympus, etc), and how, in the end, it's not the camera that makes the photograph...it's the photographer. All entry-level dSLRs are very capable of taking GREAT photographs.
• image stabilization (IS) / vibration reduction (VR) - pros & cons of IS/VR in the lens vs. in the camera body.
• do you have old SLR lenses, and will this influence which brand you choose?
• how many "frames per second" do you need for your camera? Are you shooting your kids' sports?
• where should I buy my dSLR?
• learn the principles of photography (ie. aperture, shutter speed, ISO). Check out some books at your local bookstore or library.

Also related to the topic of "So You Want to Buy a DSLR" would be "What Do I Look For in a Lens?" or "What Lens(es) Do I Need?". This would probably be a good separate thread.

Just some ideas. Great job, Mark!


Yay! My 550th post!

 

[nigelp]

I found this amusing blog about the cost of buying a DSLR...
http://theonlinephotographer.typepad.com/the_online_photographer/2010/05/letter-to-george.html

Ya! My 55th post

 

[ChiSoxKeith]

Great post!!!

 

[2Tiggies]

This is an incredibly helpful thread for us newbies - even those of us who are already awaiting receipt of our new purchase .....

I love the way it has been packed with info but condensed to make less daunting.

 

[2Tiggies]

[*]image stabilization (IS) / vibration reduction (VR) - pros & cons of IS/VR in the lens vs. in the camera body.
[*]do you have old SLR lenses, and will this influence which brand you choose?"What Do I Look For in a Lens?" or "What Lens(es) Do I Need?". This would probably be a good separate thread.

Just some ideas. Great job, Mark!


Yay! My 550th post!

Oh the lens info would be great!

 

[MarkBarbieri]

I know that your post focused on additional purchases for your dSLR. However, since the title of this thread is "So You Want to Buy a DSLR", should there be information on things to look for in a dSLR?

Obviously, I didn't express what I was thinking very well. I hadn't really intended to write a thread on buying a DSLR. I was just a bit concerned at several recent threads where people seemed to be saving up for a DSLR implying that once they had that their purchasing was done. I wanted to present some food for thought on what the all-in cost for getting into the DSLR club was likely to include.

The other thread ideas sound good. You don't have to wait on me to write them. As I've seen with lots of other advice threads that I've started, if you miss something with your initial post, someone is bound to come along and fill in the holes for you.