A digital single-lens reflex camera utilizes a fixed, digital sensor to produce high-quality photographs and an internal mirror to give you a viewfinder that shows exactly what image is coming through the lens. By contrast, the smaller, lighter mirrorless digital camera uses a digital viewfinder instead.

Like a mirrorless camera and unlike a point-and-shoot camera, a DSLR camera also uses interchangeable lenses. The ability to swap out camera lenses gives the photographer a great deal of control over the final image. Lenses affect what is included within the frame, how much depth is in focus and how far apart or close together objects within the image appear to each other.

If you are new to buying a high-end camera, you may want to review the differences between mirrorless and DSLR cameras to see which would be best for your purposes. Many professional studio photographers use DSLR camera models because they are considered industry standard. However, mirrorless cameras are handy when shooting on the go thanks to their more compact size and lighter weight. In either case, you will want a padded camera bag and lens cases to protect your gear.

Choosing the best digital SLR camera for you isn’t just about the camera body; it’s also about the corresponding camera lenses. When choosing a new camera, it is best to research what DSLR lenses you like most. You will want to buy a DSLR camera body that is compatible.

If you are fairly new to photography, you will also want to review this guide to basic camera settings to get a sense of what you will be using regularly on your camera. Different camera models will include various automatic modes in addition to a fully manual one.

When shopping, don’t forget to allot a budget for necessary additional components, like lenses, lens filters, camera straps, a tripod and DSLR flashes and lighting accessories. If you are a professional photographer or planning on doing long photo shoots, you will also want to have spare memory cards and camera batteries on hand. Plus, you will need a memory card reader to upload the photos to your computer, where you may enhance them with photo editing software before sending them to the photo printer.