1. Mark W. Decker: Is an SLR
Camera for You?
Mark W. Decker: Is an SLR Camera for You?
Mark W. Decker is a Florida-based photographer. She prefers SLR cameras in much of her work.
An SLR camera, or single-lens reflex camera, differs from a non-SLR “point and shoot” in that the lens that “takes” a picture is the same lens used to
view an image as you compose a shot. Non-SLR cameras have separate lenses for taking and viewing, which works just fine for many cases, but not so
well if you want to use a variety of focal lengths. Focal length determines the zoom a camera is able to achieve.
Serious photographers use SLR cameras not only because of the wide range of focal lengths they can accommodate, but also because they allow for
interchangeable lenses, for example wide angle lenses or telephoto lenses.
An SLR will give you better images, but this comes with the costs of increased complexity and higher prices. As a beginning photographer, a non-SLR
camera may meet your needs just fine. On the other hand, having a piece of equipment you can grow into will allow for more versatility.