Now Is A Great Time To Buy A Digital SLR Camera

I've owned a DSLR camera (a Canon 20D) for a couple years now. I bought it to go on a trip to India and don't regret the price or the cost of the extra lenses one bit. The pictures I'm able to take with the camera make me look like a better photographer without actually being a better photographer!

The camera has been invaluable in capturing pictures of my first kid and again, some of the pictures turn out so fantastic, I'd be happy if a professional captured ones like them. Then again, that's what happens when you take hundreds of pictures in a session...you're bound to get at least one "show quality" photo! That's my strategy, shoot enough quantity so that you get lucky and get some quality.

If you've been contemplating upgrading to a digital SLR, there is no better time than now! There are plenty of good options out right now at very reasonable prices.

In addition to reviewing hardware and software, Macworld, for some reason, also reviews digital cameras (the only "consumer electronics" they review). Normally, the reviews aren't of incredibly high quality (like ones you find at DPReview) and I'm not usually to impressed by them. Regardless, Macworld has posted a great six-page article entitled "How to buy: DSLR cameras" written by Ben Long, author of "Complete Digital Photography" that gives a fantastic overview on what to look for and how to buy a digital SLR. It's kind of like a very short "Buying a DSLR Camera for Dummies".

In addition to providing easy to understand definitions for a variety of terms (ISO, Autobracketing, Histogram display), the article provides great advice for people who may be intimidated buy purchasing a DSLR. Here's a couple of the best pieces of advice:

• "You shouldn't buy a DSLR without handling it first" - all cameras feel different, you need to find one that fits your hand and strength and just feels right in terms of button placement, weight, and balance.
• "Don't sell your point-and-shoot...keep it" - you don't want to carry the DSLR with you in every situation. That's where the compactness of a good point and shoot come in. Very useful...especially with kids. I have the Canon SD500.

Finally, the article lists 5 recommended DSLR cameras that you should look at. I've listed them below along with their ProductCritic scores:

1. Canon Digital Rebel XTi (ProductCritic Score = 85)
2. Nikon D40 (ProductCritic Score = 83)
3. Nikon D80 (ProductCritic Score = 91)
4. Pentax K10D (ProductCritic Score = 90)
5. Sony Alpha A100 (ProductCritic Score = 83)

Although I am a Canon fan, the Nikon D80 and the Pentax K10D are getting overwhelmingly glowing reviews from the professionals and are in the Top 5 rated cameras on ProductCritic.

If you've been waiting to buy a DSLR, why wait any longer? Read the "How To" and go get one! You won't regret it.