Worse yet, you may not buy a camera that does as much as you would like. The best place to start your search is by reading some ratings and reviews in a magazine such as PC World.



For those of us who aren't quite sure, however, the amount of technical information on the topic can be confusing and alarming. Many people feel overwhelmed at the amount of information there is on digital SLRs and other cameras. These people often end up buying a lot of software or hardware that they don't need and pay far too much for their package.

The first thing you'll need to know is what you plan on taking pictures of. This will help you decide which of the digital SLRs is right for the job and narrow down your choice.

Read reviews available in camera magazines or look through online websites like PC World at www.pcworld.com to understand your own needs. This comes before you understand the technical jargon. If you do a lot of night shooting, for example, you'll want a camera that does dark shooting well.

The truth about most of the digital SLRs on the market that the different companies won't tell you is that they are all essentially the same. All digital SLRs are capable of taking great pictures and giving you what you're looking for.

However, there are minor details with each one that can make a difference in the types of pictures you choose to take. Some SLRs are better suited to action shots while others are perfect for shooting landscapes.

An abbreviation for single lens reflex, SLR offers the photographer the ability to capture exactly what he sees. Since there is only one lens involved, the image on the screen or in the optical viewer is exactly what will be captured in the digital format.

Often with film cameras, heads get chopped off or people are squeezed out of the side of the picture because the film can't capture the entire image.

As you sort through the various digital SLRs on the market, keep your focus in mind and look for a digital camera that you like. Make sure the camera feels right in your hands, and look through the viewer screen and see if you can understand the interface.

Whether you buy the new Nikon digital SLR or something from another company, you have to ensure that you are comfortable with the product before you take it home.