Digital Camera Repair Blog

For those looking to drastically improve their photography, finding the right DSLR can be difficult, especially if you don’t know what you are looking for. Here are the top 5 rated budget DSLRs you should consider.

The decision to buy a DSLR camera is a major one because DSLRs are so much more expensive and the equipment is filled with features that can easily confuse you. Keep in mind, however, that if you want to take photography seriously, then it is important that you have your own DSLR. It gives you greater flexibility in your shots because you will be able to manipulate the settings of a DSLR. Here are the other features of a DSLR which you can’t find in a point and shoot:

1. Interchangeable lenses. Do you wish to try macro or sports photography? Now you don’t have to worry about buying a separate camera to do this. By changing lenses, you can now shoot different subjects,

2. Manual controls are important if you want to explore your skills but if you don’t wish to be bothered by settings, then you can use auto controls which are already built in with many digital SLRs being sold today.

3. Digital SLRs also have higher ISO settings so you can have better images in any shooting situation.

Of course, you also need to remember that DSLRs have their disadvantages. Make sure you read this article about the pros and cons of a DSLR to determine if DSLR will fit your lifestyle.

Most people put off buying a DSLR because these are bulky and would need understanding of the basics of photography. But the biggest deterrent is the price. If you wanted to have the latest and most advanced DSLR with a decent lens, then you have to be ready to spend couple thousand dollars. Thankfully, there are several low-cost cameras which have full DSLR features.

What are the best DSLR cameras today?

1. Nikon D40

The Nikon D40 is one of the most affordable DSLR models in the market today. It is compact, and works a lot like a point and shoot so it is easy to use for a beginner. While it may not have high megapixels, Nikon has made it a powerful SLR. It has a great viewfinder and can take up to 2.5 frames per second.

The best feature of the Nikon D40 is its in-camera retouching. Now you can remove those pesky red-eye without having to go to a computer! You can even crop your images, darken or lighten your images and change it to monochrome without trouble!

Technical Details

* 6.1-megapixel CCD captures enough detail for photo-quality 14 x 19-inch prints
* Kit includes 3x 18-55mm f3.5-5.6G ED II AF-S DX Zoom-Nikkor lens
* 2.5-inch LCD with three display options; built-in flash and hot shoe
* Fast startup with instant shutter response; shoot at up to 2.5 frames per second
* Powered by one rechargeable Li-ion battery EN-EL9 (included); stores images on SD memory cards (memory card not included)

Buy a Nikon D40 Camera with lens on Amazon for only $450

2. Canon EOS Rebel XS

Also known as 1000D or Kiss F, the Rebel XS is said to be a reheated version of the 400D. It is every bit a Rebel with 10.1 megapixel CMOS sensor, an autofocus system and its shooting capacity at 3.5 frames per second. It incorporates all the best technologies that only Canon can offer – the Digic III image processor. The kit includes the Canon EF-S 18-55mm lens, so you can start shooting after you unbox.

The 1000D has its an Integrated Cleaning System so you can get rid of dust without having to dismantle your equipment. Through this cleaning system, you can be sure that the quality of your images will always be at its best.

Technical Details

* 10.1-megapixel CMOS sensor captures enough detail for poster-size, photo-quality prints
* Large 2.5-inch LCD display; includes Canon’s EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS lens
* DIGIC III image processor provides fast, accurate image processing; Live View Function
* EOS Integrated Cleaning system and Canon-designed Self Cleaning Sensor Unit, plus Dust Delete Data Detection in included software
* Stores images on SD/SDHC memory cards (not included)

Buy a Canon Rebel XS Camera with lens for only $475 on Amazon

3. Olympus Evolt E620

When it comes to entry level DSLRs, the first name that will come up is Olympus. Often referred to as the “500D killer”, the E620 is more compact that its predecessors, but don’t let its size fool you. It is feature packed and is considered the best in its class. It has a live view system, and allow the user to shoot in different art modes – a feature adapted from the more expensive E-30. The best feature of the Olympus E620 is its Image Stabilization. Now you can change lenses anywhere but still get great shots without trouble!

Technical Details

• 12.3-megapixel Live MOS sensor for photo-quality, poster-size prints
• Lightweight ergonomic design; kit includes 14-42mm f/3.5-5.6 Zuiko lens and 40-150mm f/4.0-5.6 ED Zuiko lens
• TruePic III for superior image quality in all lighting situations; Supersonic Wave Drive (in-body sensor shift)
• 2.7-inch HyperCrystal III Swivel LCD; Smooth Live View allows you to change the frame rate of the Live View display
• Stores images to Compact Flash (Type I and II), Microdrive, xD Picture card (not included)

Buy a new Olympus Evolt E620 Camera with two lenses for $652 on Amazon

This price includes a 14-42mm f/3.5-5.6 Zuiko lens and a 40-150mm f/4.0-5.6 ED Zuiko lens.

4. Nikon D60

Everyone loves a Nikon and those who were not satisfied with the D40 can opt for a more feature filled camera – the Nikon D60. It works the same way as a D40 so upgraders won’t have trouble using its features. The good thing about the D60 is that it has its own dust reduction system so you don’t have to worry about image quality even when you need to change lenses often. The kit lens produces great results and are the biggest improvement in this model.

Technical Details

* Extraordinary 10.2-megapixel DX-format Nikon picture quality
* Includes AF-S DX NIKKOR 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G Vibration Reduction lens
* 2.5-inch LCD screen; horizontal and vertical orientation are detected automatically
* Continuous shooting at 3 fps; Active Dust Reduction System with Airflow Control
* Capture images to SD/SDHC memory cards (not included)

Buy a Nikon D60 Camera with Lens for $640 on Amazon

5. Olympus E420

If you are looking for one of the cheapest DSLR, then you need to check this out. The E420 is still one of the most lightweight and feature-packed camera being sold today. Equipped with a 10MP CMOS Image Sensor, it is a great DSLR even for one who have never used a DSLR.

Technical Details

* 10-megapixel CMOS sensor captures enough detail for photo-quality 18 x 24-inch prints
* 2.7-inch Live View HyperCrystal II LCD screen
* TruePic III for superior image quality in all lighting situations; exclusive dust-free technology for spot-free photos
* Lightweight ergonomic design; kit includes 14-42mm f/3.5-5.6 Zuiko lens
* Stores images on CF, Micro Drive, or xD Picture Cards (not included)

Olympus Evolt E420 Camera with Lens for only $399 on Amazon

This is just a very basic introduction to each of these cameras, but we do hope that it will help you on your way to choosing your first DSLR for yourself!

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One discovery I have made is that DSLRs are perfect for portrait photographers and wedding photographers. Why is it that they don’t jump on the digital band wagon? Many commercial shooters have known about and mastered the use of digital in their business’s for far longer than the portrait photographer.
My guess is that maybe they’re afraid? Afraid of the learning curve and afraid that the quality just isn’t there unless they spend an ungodly amount of hard earned cash on some scary looking gigantic array of confusing and awkward, let alone “how am I going to learn how to use this stuff” equipment.

Truth is, you can easily get away with as little as a 6 megapixel camera. Don’t fear that DSLR’s create lower quality images, I’ve seen amazing work over and over with fantastic results. Yes, even with a 6 megapixel camera.

There are many reasons, here are 5 good ones.

1- Service

These days a real camera repair shop is very hard to fine and service for film cameras is evaporating even more rapidly. Most camera stores will just send your camera to the manufacturer and then charge you more than the flat repair rate that you would get from Sony, Canon or Nikon etc. yourself. If you look online you can still find a real digital camera repair shop including ones that specialize in digital SLR camera repair and charge much less than the $250-300 flat rate repairs that the manufacturers offer.

There are many repairs that the consumer can do themselves including replacing battery doors, memory card doors and parts like the zoom switch. Some consumers do replace their own broken LCD screens and lenses, but many still leave that to a professional.

The real problem with finding good Sony digital camera repair for example is lack of knowledge. Most any store you go to and ask about repair will tell you to throw the camera in the garbage and buy a new one. A retail store has no idea that there are actual affordable camera repair options available, including parts for the do it yourselfer! A couple simple searches on Google will go a long way to help you find a reputable repair shop for your Sony, Nikon or Canon digital camera repair.

2- Quality

The quality of images captured with a high quality lens, properly exposed and well posed is more than enough, even if you shoot JPEGS. Yes, JPEGS. Over 90% of the more than 30-40,000 exposures I put through my camera every year is shot in JPEG mode. Why would a professional want to take pictures in “low quality” JPEG mode? The reason is simply because it works.

Portrait photographers do not need to create the very sharpest, highest resolution images available. If they have in the past, they’ve always degraded the image through retouching and other means. Yes of course you can shoot in RAW if you prefer, but it’s not always required.

3- Control

People want their photos fast. We live in a drive-through world and minutes count. Even a studio can create a slide presentation for sessions and show them to the clients within 30 minutes of every shoot. Customers will love it, they get to see the results instantly. The client is already in the studio ready to see the images, and ready to spend, so sales go up. Their is ample evidence that when you show the images sooner, and you create large projected images, which is a cinch with digital, sales go up. Digital gives the portrait photographer more control over the sales process, and ultimately it means more profits.

4- Retouching

Let’s face it, people want to look good. What used to take hours and whole lot of aggravation with spray booths, smelly and dangerous lacquers, is now possible with absolute ease. Farming out all retouching took weeks and sometimes months to get back and incurred huge retouching bills.

Not to mention the loss of control over the retouching aspects. It was up to the subjective interpretation of the retouching artist to enhance the images the way they wanted them retouched. Now, with a few basic skills, and all those years of retouching experience all transferred over to the new darkroom, my computer, you can easily retouch to any degree you like in mere minutes and with absolutely astounding results. This ultimately translates to satisfying a basic need that needs to satisfied in clients, their vanity. They want to look good, and they want it fast.

5- Innovation

I could go on for days when it comes to what new products, ideas, services, sales processes, packages, etc, etc. . . I have been able to create because of digital photography.

I am once again excited about photography and the new possibilities. When you apply the power of digital, and get a handle on it in your workflow, you can create new and exciting products like never before.
The proof boils down to the quality of the product, which is shown by your net profits.

After all, we are in business first, and creative artists second, right? We are in business to make money and survive. We need new and exciting angles, ways to stay afloat, so we can pay our bills, keep the bankers happy and provide for our families. No one can predict how digital photography will ultimately evolve, but my bet is with it all the way.

Anyone remember when color film and paper was introduced as a mainstream commodity? I don’t, I was just a youngster, but I heard stories about the many studio owners closing their doors and packing it in because they didn’t want to keep up with the demand and latest craze that color film and color paper had created.

Personally I used to love film and thought I would never switch, but I am now a firm believer in digital photography and can’t imagine going back.

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Whatever you do, don’t click on any of these photos, they will cause your heart to melt and your eyes to water!! You’ve been warned… don’t click!!
(Seriously though, there’s nothing bad just being funny)

- Cat crushing a poor little kitten!
- Bear attacking defenseless cat!
- Terrifying cat tears apart birdie!
- Cat strangling a cute little chick!
- Cat sent back in time, devoured by dinosaur!
- Kitten being put to sleep!!
- Horrific polar bear attack on trainer!
- Polar bear mauls another bear for fun!

=)

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I am asked a few times per week by various customers “If I can’t repair this camera then what camera do you recommend I buy?” It’s a difficult question to answer because of several reasons.

1- Your current skill level/knowledge regarding photography
2- Your needs and wants: Super small camera? huge zoom? a really fun camera?
3- Your future plans: Do you want to learn to be in full control or just point and shoot?
4- How much are you willing to spend?

I have used many different cameras over the years and for the past few I’ve moved to Canon Powershot cameras for the “point and shoot” level cameras that I use. My wife has an SLR, and I don’t, so I want a point and shoot with a wide variety of options available to me so that I don’t have to carry the SLR with me. Currently I use a Canon SX100 IS, and would probably sell it and upgrade to the SX120 IS if I took pictures more often.

You can get a Canon Powershot SX120 IS here on Amazon for only $200! A great camera at an amazing price! Only $200 for this awesome camera…

Here’s a post regarding the SX120 IS that inspired me to post this, from Completedigitalphotography.com:
http://www.completedigitalphotography.com/?p=1062

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