SLR digital cameras have come a long way in the last year or two on a number of fronts. First and most noticeable of all would be price. As technology has advanced and demand increased, digital SLR prices have dropped dramatically. Secondly, the usability factor of digital SLRs have reached the average beginner photographer. These days, I wouldn't hesitate to recommend a SLR camera as a first camera to even a novice photographer. They have borrowed much of the technology of simple compact cameras with their ability to be more versatile photography tools. Here a few more tips to keep in mind if your considering a SLR camera.

First of all, don't make the mistake of assuming that just because you bought a more expensive camera that you will be guaranteed better pictures. While it's true, that your odds of getting better picture has increased significantly, they aren't guaranteed. The biggest influence on the quality of your photographs, is your ability and skill as a photographer. Do yourself a favor, and either take a course, or read some good books on basic to advanced photography.

When considering which SLR to buy, you may want to think about their movie making capability. Until just a short while ago, SLR cameras wouldn't shoot videos. Only still pictures. So while the older SLR models may be priced very attractively, if video is important to you than they may not be the best choice. HD video is also quite popular with SLRs as high definition becomes a more popular viewing option. With the benefit of superior SLR lenses, HD video shot on a camera like a Canon T1i, can be truly impressive.

If you shoot a lot of indoor photos with low or inadequate lighting, you may have noticed poor results with your compact digital camera. They simply don't have a good enough lens to capture the available light, nor the sophisticated ISO settings you'll find in an SLR. Any camera can take good shots under ideal conditions (outdoors in bright sunlight), but an SLR in the right hands, can take great pictures anywhere.

SLR cameras are also faster. How many great pictures have you missed, because your compact camera simply wouldn't fire, or kept you waiting for a few seconds. The electronics are just too slow. The split second mechanical workings of an SLR never have that problem.