If you are planning to buy your first digital SLR camera, then read further. I have tried to explain what actually digital SLR cameras are, different types of digital SLRs and things to take care while buying a new digital SLR.

What is digital SLR camera?

Digital SLR stands for Digital single-lens reflex camera. These cameras use a mirror placed right behind the camera lens to direct light toward the viewfinder when you're taking a photo. When you release the shutter, the mirror moves quickly out of the way, letting light from the lens travel straight to the sensor and momentarily blacking out the viewfinder at the back of the camera. The viewfinder in an SLR incorporates a pentaprism that turns the incoming image around so that you can see it correctly (up side) and bounces it onto the focusing screen where you see it.

Digital SLRs allows accommodating wide range of focal lenses; that is the reason they are used for professional photography. Any wildlife photographer would definitely be carrying digital SLR with zoom lenses of different sizes depending on the requirement. Most digital SLRs allow photographer to use the camera LCD to compose shots.

Things to take care while buying Digital SLR

Wide range of digital SLRs are available in the market. Nikon, Canon, Pentax and Sony are some of the top companies who provide best range of SLRs with different features and pricing. Choosing the correct camera really depends on your need and use. If you are going to shoot some videos and upload it to youtube, then you might need a different camera than just the high quality picture freak would need. If you are going to use it for professional photograpy, they you might go for higher range. Whatever your need might be, but don't forget to check following features:

-- Resolution (Megapixel)

In simple words; the higher the resolution or megapixel, the bigger the photo print will be. It doesn't necessarily mean that it will give high quality pictures.

-- Image Stabilization

Stabilization helps to eliminate blur in your photos caused by hand shake. There are two different types of stabilization, one is inside the camera and the other comes with your lenses.

-- Live View

With a live view system, you can compose photos using the LCD screen on the back of the camera in addition to the viewfinder.

-- Autofocus

Autofocus helps you focus anywhere from 3 to 9 individual focus points. It is mainly for automatic flash, contrast, brightness and other image settings.

-- Continuous Drive

This feature allows you to take multiple photos in rapid succession. More expensive cameras have better speed to take continuous photos.

The above mentioned parameters might be higher or lower depending on the range of camera you are choosing.

First you need to freeze down what kind of camera you are looking for. Then it will be easier to compare the prices of the different digital SLRs, and make a correct decision.