Digital SLR (dSLR) cameras are generally used by more advanced or professional users. This buyers guide can help you decide whether you should buy one.

Digital SLR or compact camera?

Digital SLR (from now on I’ll refer to it as dSLR) stands for Digital Single Lens Reflex. They are generally not a beginner’s camera, given the range of manual controls (particularly exposure flexibility) and also the fact that most dSLR cameras are somewhat bulkier than compact cameras (the upside is that they generally produce better quality images). If you want a basic camera that you can lug around with you on holidays and take snapshots with, then you need a digital compact camera.

While dSLR cameras do tend to be more expensive than compact cameras, these days the top end of the compact heap is gradually meeting the bottom end of the digital SLR heap. This is also true in terms of features. The most advanced compact cameras often have a host of manual controls – these high-end compacts are known as compact prosumer cameras.

dSLR sensors

When looking for a new dSLR camera, one of the key terms you’ll come across is sensor. The larger the sensor, the more light it can capture and the more information it can send to the camera’s processor. This results in a better quality image, particularly for shots taken in very bright or very dim lighting.

Because dSLR cameras have larger sensors than digital compacts, you can’t compare resolution between the two. That is, a 10-megapixel dSLR will generally still produce superior images to a 10-megapixel compact. dSLR cameras with the lowest sensor resolution still product great images for print, however if you’re planning on producing prints of landscapes or other detailed work you should consider looking at higher resolutions.

There are two types of digital SLR sensor: CCD and CMOS. While there are differences between the two technologies, the key is really in how each manufacturer uses them, so there is no one answer as to which one is better.

dSLR lenses

There are three main typres of lenses for dSLRs: wide angle, standard and telephoto. As the name suggests, wide angle lenses (generally 28mm and under) are best for anything where you want to capture a lot of landscape horizontally. Standard (up to 85mm) are best for general photography and portraits, while telephoto (up to 300mm) are good for wildlife, sports and so on. Macro lenses are fairly specialised and are best for shooting close-up detail, for example on flowers.

Digital SLR cameras are sold either as standalone, body-only kits or with lenses from the same manufacturer included. If you plan on using lenses from a different manufacturer with your new dSLR, do your research first as not all lenses are compatible with all makes of camera.

Best digital SLR cameras

Popular dSLR models include the Nikon D90 (pictured here) and the Canon EOS series. Sony Alpha models are popular with first-time dSLR buyers.

Buy a cheap digital SLR (dSLR) camera on sale

Guide originally published June 4, 2009; updated May 27, 2010.

By Caroline Warnes