by Julia Catherine Lee

Created on: October 11, 2009

This question may sound like a no brainer if money is the only factor. As money is rarely the only variable in the purchase of a digital single lens reflex (DSLR) camera, the decision lies in a careful consideration of many factors which I will explain below. Factors such as your level of skills, your understanding of photography terms and techniques, reason for wanting to get a new digital SLR camera should be considered. Are you buying a new camera because of an upcoming birthday or anniversary or a planned travel abroad? Is this a new hobby you have just acquired, one that you are confident you might be pursuing earnestly for some time to come?

Throw into the equation the fact that most camera manufacturers have their own definition of what constitutes a consumer DSLR and what constitutes a professional camera and you have added challenge. By definition, consumer DSLR does not have too many unnecessary dials and controls and is not intimidating, yes, I mean just that. Many beginner photographers are at a loss as to where to start when confronted with a DSLR. Instead, a consumer should have easily identifiable preprogrammed camera settings that an average user can understand and get to quickly. A consumer DSLR also offers good value for money to a casual photo shooter whose primary goal is to take pictures for enjoyment and to share them with loved ones. As for the construction, consumer camera has a plastic body, is therefore lighter and less durable. That is not all bad, plastic body and a lighter camera can be an advantage for someone who does not want to lug around heavy gear for a simple and pleasurable task of picture taking. A professional camera, on the other hand has ample advanced features and many extras that a skilled photographer may need and want. It is also more rugged, has better body parts so to speak, a metal body with metal lens mount for durability and a camera sensor made with latest digital sensor technology. Because it is heavier, professional camera feels more balanced in your hand when used with a high end lens. Not surprisingly, professional cameras are 4-5x more expensive and in exchange one gets longer sensor life (actuations/clicks before the sensor dies) of 100,000 350,000. Compare that with 20,000-100,000 actuations typical of a consumer camera. For an average user, however, the sensor will often outlive camera usage so sensor life becomes less of an issue.

Finally, there is the re-sale value. An item's re-sale value must not

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