While choosing an SLR camera, you have to choose between those featuring autofocus (AF) and those with manual focus. Autofocus SLR cameras are able to track your eye movements through the viewfinder to focus on your subject. However, with a manual SLR camera, you set the focus yourself and in some cases the aperture and shutter speed as well.

A manual SLR camera allows you to learn how to compose an image and understand every aspect of photography. But for beginners, an AF camera would be the best option. Apart from the advantages of readymade settings, there are some limitations associated with an AF SLR camera such as its high battery requirement, dependence on electronics, more noise production than the manual versions, low durability and high cost.

If you are seriously planning to buy an SLR camera, go for the digital SLR cameras. Most of them are capable of shooting in the AF as well as the full manual mode. If the digital SLR camera user is a beginner, he or she can switch on the AF mode, while the professionals can improve their skills by turning to the manual mode. Some of the digital SLR cameras available in the market are Nikon D90 18-105mm VR and Sony Alpha 200 (DSLR-A200K) 18-70mm.

The Nikon D90 18-105mm VR belongs to the Nikon D90 kit type. It features a CMOS-Chip and an APS-C sensor format. The memory cards compatible with it are SecureDigital (SD) and SecureDigital HC (SDHC). The Sony Alpha 200 (DSLR-A200K) 18-70mm has a CCD-Chip sensor type and the compatible memory cards are CompactFlash (CF) and Memory Stick (MS).