What To Look For
When shopping for a DSLR camera, look for those with the most megapixels for your price range. More pixels will result in better pictures while you are hiking. Because you will be taking the camera out into field and shooting scenes with action, you'll also want a camera with a higher frame rate and burst depth. You can find cameras with a burst depth of 100 or higher that will allow you to take 100 photos in rapid succession, without the camera freezing or stalling. Look for a camera that also is rugged and waterproof.
Common Pitfalls
Shopping for a DSLR camera can be hard because of the many choices on the market. Remember that cameras are constantly evolving and changing as technology changes, which means your new camera may be obsolete within a few years. Also be aware of your picture-taking needs. For example, if you purchase a camera that doesn't allow you to turn off the flash, and you are in the woods trying to photograph wild animals, the flash might scare them away.
Where To Buy
If you have a photography store in your area, that should be your first stop. Gene's Camera Store, Ritz Camera and Porter's are all good choices. Electronics stores and mass merchandise stores also have camera departments. They include Target, Wal-Mart, Sam's Club and Best Buy. Typically, you'll find cheaper prices at these stores, but you might not receive the expertise you need.
Cost
A basic camera, without an attachable lens, retails for $200 or less in 2009. For a larger camera with more features, expect to pay $300 or more. More expensive cameras for amateur photographers retail for well over $1,000. Cameras similar to those used by magazines and newspapers can be $5,000 and up. Expect to pay between $100 and $300 for additional lenses and accessories for shooting outside.
Accessories
There are many different accessories available for a DSLR camera, including camera bags. These bags range from $20 to $200, depending on the material used and the manufacturer. You can also buy memory cards, which allow you to store thousands of pictures on your camera. Memory cards cost from $20 to $100. If you're going to be in the field a lot, also consider investing in rechargeable batteries and a charger, both of which are available for around $20.
