Attach a lens to the front of an SLR camera body.
If you're shopping for a new single-lens reflex camera take note of the two ways retailers package cameras: body only or in a kit. If you're just getting started in photography, choose a camera kit that includes a lens or two, memory cards and additional batteries. If you're looking to upgrade your current camera or add to your camera collection -- and already have lenses, a dedicated external flash unit and other accessories -- you will want to purchase only the camera body.
SLR Cameras
An SLR camera body does not include a lens. Since lenses are interchangeable on SLR cameras. Lenses are considered an accessory, even though a camera will not function properly without a lens. Although many manufacturers sell cameras with a lens as a kit, you can choose to buy a camera body only and then select a lens to purchase separately that best fits your photography needs.
Kit Lenses
Often the kit lens included with a camera body has limited function or durability. The lens may have a fixed-focal length view -- which doesn't offer any zoom. Look over the kit lens for quality and craftsmanship; it may be constructed of cheaper, lighter-weight plastic than the camera body. Kit lenses often don't work well in low-lighting situations due to the limitations of the aperture ring in the lens. For example, a lens with a maximum aperture opening of f/5.6 doesn't allow as much light into the camera and costs less to build than a lens with a maximum aperture of f/2.8. Look at the maximum aperture information printed on the barrel of the lens.
Body-Only Advantages
Buying a body-only SLR camera will cost less than purchasing a kit. Put those extra few dollars toward a lens that best fits your needs. Do you need a wide-angle lens for large group pictures or sprawling scenic views? Or do you prefer to zoom to capture children playing sports or document birds in the park? Choosing a body-only SLR camera ensures you're not locked into accepting the standard kit lens sold with the camera body.
Body Care
Storing a body-only SLR camera without a lens attached requires an extra accessory. Keep the image sensor clean by placing a camera body cap over the opening in the camera where the lens attaches. This keeps dust from entering the camera body and eventually showing up in photographs. Only remove the body cap when attaching a lens. Manufacturers sell body caps with body-only SLR cameras and separately as an accessory.
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