My guide to choose a DSLR camera?

I own a Digicam, a Samsung L73 (silver) and its more then a year old but still in perfect working condition. Now you must be thinking that I am here to sell my digital camera, don’t you. NOPE!! I am a lil sentimental person, what ever stuff that I’ve got with my hard earn or something that I’ve got after I craved for it, will be treasured like gold. So my motive here is not to sell my camera. (don’t worry baby, you are not going anywhere)

Now, I am bit bored of playing the point n shoot digital camera and planning to get lil bit more high end with Digital SLR (single lens reflex) cameras. So I started to do some serious research about getting myself a DSLR few months back. Before I further I would like to share with you guys what is the research results that I’ve got and what have I learned some basic stuff about Digital Photography with DSLR.

What is DSLR

First thing first, DSLR is the term in short for Digital single lens reflex because these types of cameras use a mirror positioned behind the camera lens to direct light toward the viewfinder when you’re composing a photo. When you release the shutter, the mirror swings quickly out of the way, letting light from the lens travel straight to the sensor and momentarily blacking out the viewfinder.

Next will be like what are the factors of buying or choosing the DSLR Camera.

1. Budget

• To me, this is the main factor because without setting my budget, I would be like lost. And if I rich and if $$$ is not a problem at all then do i need to say more? Since there are cameras price range from RM2k to RM20k and even higher price. So set your budget!
• Prepare some $$$ for accessories as well like speed light (external flash), tripod, lens and lens hood and camera bag (if it doesn’t included in your buying package)

2. Purpose

• Determine what is the DSLR’s purpose whether I wanna utilize it more on outdoor shootings or indoor events or natural sceneries, or even macro (close up) shots.
• In this case, I must make sure i am well verse in choosing the type of lens that I require. If I need a longer zoom, I should get a 200mm lenses and if I’m more into family function photography, I should go for a 20mm lenses. Note this, the lens might cost more than your camera, so prepare a big budget for the lens as well.

3. Features on the camera

• Size– The camera size does matter! The handling is very important here, let say you’ve got a big palm but your camera is small, its not gonna be really that good for you to handle it and if you have a small and sweaty palm, then its always better for you to get a camera that matches your hand and has a good grip.
• The mega pixels– the higher the pixel, the costlier the camera is. So I had set my mind not to go over the budget so, a 10.2mp is fair for me as i am a beginner.
• Memory card– It depends on the type of the camera, sometimes it can be CF (compact flash) card or SD (secure Digital) or even MMC card. Tips: Ask for free memory card when you buying a new DSLR, normally they will give as it comes in a package.
• File format– I am not gonna touch much on this as I’m not really good and not well verse in this subject. But as far as i concern there are RAW, JPEG and TIFF format for the photography output.
• LCD monitor – As far as i concern, most of the DSLR comes with it but it doesn’t work like the point and shoot digital camera as you can use it as view finder. The main purpose is to change the setting and also to view back the shoots that had been taken.
• Retaining Value – some argue that a DSLR will hold it’s value longer than a point and shoot. There is probably some truth in this. DSLR models do not get updated quite as often as point and shoot models (which can be updated twice a year at times). The other factor in favor of DSLR’s is that the lenses you buy for them are compatible with other camera bodies if you do choose to upgrade later on (as long as you stay with your brand). This means your investment in lenses is not a waste over the years. source

Well so far i can only remember of this criteria. If you guys have any more to add on, please drop it at the comment box. many thanks in advance. Actually, I have this 2 cameras in mind but still cant decide. Can any one enlighten me? lolz
These are my choices according to my budget.