5 Reasons Why Parents Should Consider a Digital SLR
I am a first-time parent.
It has been the most rewarding and the most difficult experience of my life.
I have used reserves of patience I didn't know I had, and my son has taught me more about life, love and laughter than I ever thought possible.
Through it all, I have set out to take pictures so that I won't forget how he grew and developed during his first year of life.
I use a digital Single Lens Reflex (SLR) camera.
When I talk to other parents who use compact digital cameras, I often hear complaints: "it's too slow", "all I get are blurry photos", "the kid is gone before the camera turns on".
That's what generated the idea for the article you're reading now.
I'd like to present a better alternative to all of you parents out there who love taking photos of your kids, but are tired of missing prime opportunities.
Faster Than a Running Toddler
First and foremost, digital SLR cameras are fast.
They turn on instantly, focus in seconds, and are ready to take photo after photo as fast as you can press the shutter button.
They have special modes that allow you to track moving subjects and they ensure that photos are in focus and crystal clear.
High-speed shutters let you freeze the motion of even the most frenetic 2 year-old, capturing expressions and poses that aren't possible with slow compacts.
Since they are ready to go at a moment's notice, even a short-term event in your child's life can be captured and preserved in a digital photo.
Able to See in Low-Light
This is a feature that most camera manufacturers don't focus on, but is one of the biggest benefits of a digital SLR when you're a parent.
The feature is called ISO.
It allows you to boost the sensitivity of the digital SLR sensor in the camera so that you can take photos in minimal light without using a flash.
Digital SLR cameras let you easily change the ISO whenever you want.
I photograph my son indoors a lot. Whether he's chasing the cat around the living room, or taking a well-deserved nap on the sofa, I want to be able to get a photo that's not a blurry mess.
Since I am able to boost the ISO on my digital SLR, I can take photos indoors as if I were outside on a sunny day.
I don't have to use the flash (which helps if he's sleeping) and can get photos of special moments that I would otherwise miss.
Built to Last
Digital SLR cameras are solid.
They aren't made out of plastic - the frames of digital SLR cameras are either metal or a metal composite that weighs less.
While I don't recommend you experiment with this, a digital SLR camera can stand up to a lot of abuse.
This is a good thing when you have a children who enjoy throwing everything they can reach onto the floor.
Unlike their compact cousins, digital S.L.Rs don't use electronic shutters, which are subject to electronic breakdown.
Instead, they have moving mechanical parts, and many of them are designed to last for more than 50,000 shots.
That's an awful lot of birthday party photos.
Grows as Your Child Does
Not sure what your child will do when she grows up?
Not to worry - a digital SLR camera can grow with her.
The beauty of digital SLR cameras is that there are an almost unlimited number of ways that you can add on to them.
If you have a compact digital camera, you're stuck with the lens attached to it.
With a digital SLR, you can change the lens.
In 2 years, if your daughter decides to take up soccer, you can get the right lens to photograph from the sidelines.
Maybe your son wants to start a bug collection and would like you to document it - there's a lens for that.
Additional add-nos to digital SLR cameras include flash units, tripods and filters.
No matter what your children decide to do with their lives, you'll be ready to follow with your digital SLR.
Finally Affordable
Ah, yes - the money talk.
Since you're already paying for food, shelter, daycare, school and any number of other things it's important not to blow a month's budget on a fancy camera.
Now you don't have to.
Several years ago, a digital SLR camera cost about $2,500.
That was a bit much for anyone who wasn't making a living as a professional photographer.
Today, digital S.L.Rs are competitively priced with compact cameras, and the prices continue to drop.
The major manufacturers have made it clear that it's their goal to provide more affordable digital SLR cameras to the consumer market.
They are also introducing more new cameras every couple of months, so now you have a lot of options to choose from.
If you're unsatisfied with the pictures you get from your compact digital camera, it's a great time to trade up to a digital SLR.
And with a digital SLR at your side, you'll never miss another special moment.
It has been the most rewarding and the most difficult experience of my life.
I have used reserves of patience I didn't know I had, and my son has taught me more about life, love and laughter than I ever thought possible.
Through it all, I have set out to take pictures so that I won't forget how he grew and developed during his first year of life.
I use a digital Single Lens Reflex (SLR) camera.
When I talk to other parents who use compact digital cameras, I often hear complaints: "it's too slow", "all I get are blurry photos", "the kid is gone before the camera turns on".
That's what generated the idea for the article you're reading now.
I'd like to present a better alternative to all of you parents out there who love taking photos of your kids, but are tired of missing prime opportunities.
Faster Than a Running Toddler
First and foremost, digital SLR cameras are fast.
They turn on instantly, focus in seconds, and are ready to take photo after photo as fast as you can press the shutter button.
They have special modes that allow you to track moving subjects and they ensure that photos are in focus and crystal clear.
High-speed shutters let you freeze the motion of even the most frenetic 2 year-old, capturing expressions and poses that aren't possible with slow compacts.
Since they are ready to go at a moment's notice, even a short-term event in your child's life can be captured and preserved in a digital photo.
Able to See in Low-Light
This is a feature that most camera manufacturers don't focus on, but is one of the biggest benefits of a digital SLR when you're a parent.
The feature is called ISO.
It allows you to boost the sensitivity of the digital SLR sensor in the camera so that you can take photos in minimal light without using a flash.
Digital SLR cameras let you easily change the ISO whenever you want.
I photograph my son indoors a lot. Whether he's chasing the cat around the living room, or taking a well-deserved nap on the sofa, I want to be able to get a photo that's not a blurry mess.
Since I am able to boost the ISO on my digital SLR, I can take photos indoors as if I were outside on a sunny day.
I don't have to use the flash (which helps if he's sleeping) and can get photos of special moments that I would otherwise miss.
Built to Last
Digital SLR cameras are solid.
They aren't made out of plastic - the frames of digital SLR cameras are either metal or a metal composite that weighs less.
While I don't recommend you experiment with this, a digital SLR camera can stand up to a lot of abuse.
This is a good thing when you have a children who enjoy throwing everything they can reach onto the floor.
Unlike their compact cousins, digital S.L.Rs don't use electronic shutters, which are subject to electronic breakdown.
Instead, they have moving mechanical parts, and many of them are designed to last for more than 50,000 shots.
That's an awful lot of birthday party photos.
Grows as Your Child Does
Not sure what your child will do when she grows up?
Not to worry - a digital SLR camera can grow with her.
The beauty of digital SLR cameras is that there are an almost unlimited number of ways that you can add on to them.
If you have a compact digital camera, you're stuck with the lens attached to it.
With a digital SLR, you can change the lens.
In 2 years, if your daughter decides to take up soccer, you can get the right lens to photograph from the sidelines.
Maybe your son wants to start a bug collection and would like you to document it - there's a lens for that.
Additional add-nos to digital SLR cameras include flash units, tripods and filters.
No matter what your children decide to do with their lives, you'll be ready to follow with your digital SLR.
Finally Affordable
Ah, yes - the money talk.
Since you're already paying for food, shelter, daycare, school and any number of other things it's important not to blow a month's budget on a fancy camera.
Now you don't have to.
Several years ago, a digital SLR camera cost about $2,500.
That was a bit much for anyone who wasn't making a living as a professional photographer.
Today, digital S.L.Rs are competitively priced with compact cameras, and the prices continue to drop.
The major manufacturers have made it clear that it's their goal to provide more affordable digital SLR cameras to the consumer market.
They are also introducing more new cameras every couple of months, so now you have a lot of options to choose from.
If you're unsatisfied with the pictures you get from your compact digital camera, it's a great time to trade up to a digital SLR.
And with a digital SLR at your side, you'll never miss another special moment.
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