What are digital SLR cameras?

Digital SLR cameras are the digital version of the 35mm SLR camera, with a light-sensing imaging sensor instead of film. SLR stands for Single Lens Reflex. What sets digital SLR cameras apart from other cameras is the fact that the photographer is seeing exactly what the lens is seeing.
With a compact digital camera, you're using a viewfinder or LCD screen to view an image that's been generated electronically inside the camera. A digital SLR camera, on the other hand, contains a series of mirrors and lenses that deliver the image to the viewfinder. The image you see hasn't been affected by the digitising process.
What are the benefits of digital SLR cameras over normal digital cameras?

Most of the digital cameras you see people using are what's known as "compact digital cameras." Compact digital cameras are an excellent option for everyday use. They're small, lightweight and extremely user-friendly. For someone who wants to take their photography to the next level, however, a digital SLR camera gives you more creative control.

The biggest benefits of digital SLR cameras compared to compact digital cameras are the manual controls. You can interchange lenses and flash units. You have a wider range of control over exposure modes and shutter speed.

Digital SLR cameras also offer fast shutter speeds and consecutive shooting to capture action shots. Additionally, the larger image sensors produce higher-quality photos. Last but certainly not least, the ability to see exactly what the lens is seeing allows you take more precise photos. What you see is what you get!

What are the benefits of digital SLR cameras over normal SLR cameras?

Whether or not digital or film produces the best pictures is a topic of heated debate among photographers. No matter which side of the fence you land on, however, everyone agrees that digital SLR cameras do hold certain advantages over the 35mm version.

One major benefit is the instant feedback that digital cameras provide. You know immediately whether you've taken a good picture. If not, you're able to keep trying until you get it right.

There's also a potential to save money when you choose to go digital. Unlike rolls of film, memory cards can be reused numerous times. Digital camera batteries are rechargeable and will last for years if properly cared for. Similarly, because you can review the photos immediately, you can pick and choose which photos to print.

Another reason memory cards are so convenient is that they can hold literally hundreds of pictures. Also, the images on your digital SLR camera won't be ruined by airport x-ray machines the way that film can be.

If you're in the market for a new camera, take a good look at digital SLR cameras. You can enjoy all the benefits of the 35mm SLR camera with all the convenience of a digital camera. It's the best of both worlds!

This article was brought to you by Canon Australia - Find out more about Digital SLR Cameras by visiting the EOS website.

About Canon

Canon Australia is a leading provider of advanced, simple-to-use imaging solutions for businesses and consumers. Canon's Australian R&D company, CiSRA, develops customised solutions for local customers, and exports digital imaging technologies for use in Canon products worldwide. Canon has ranked among the top-three US patent recipients for the past 16 years, and had global revenues of around $US39 billion in 2007. Canon Australia also operates Canon Finance Australia, which offers one-stop shopping for customers wanting leasing or finance services.

For more information, visit canon.com.au.