Six ways to get the most from your DSLR

01 A SOUND CHOICE Should you wish to delve deep, there are almost endless ways to get more from your DSLR. For example, if you shoot video, then adding an accessory off-camera microphone will typically achieve better, more professional sound.

02 BRIGHT GLAS Buy the best quality lens your budget will allow. Yes, the camera’s sensor size and pixel count is important, but a great piece of ‘glass’ trumps all.

03 FILTER IT OUT Invest in a set of filters. While your camera may offer digital effects filters – Toy Camera or vignetting, for instance – filters that affix to your camera lens let you try out effects on the fly and also protect your precious glass.

04 DATA CRUNCHER Buy a fast (say Class10), high capacity memory card. All the DSLRs here store their photos and videos onto SD media cards. Opinions vary as to how big a capacity you should invest in – with photographers nervous that they could lose hundreds or thousands of images if a card corrupts.

05 FLASHGUN & WALLOP On-camera rather than incamera flash is another way to improve your photos from these DSLRs. While pop-up flash is preferable to a small bulb buried in the bodywork, it can cause harsh shadows if fired near a subject. Buying an accessory flashgun, attaching it to the available hotshoe and angling the head will allow for more professional results

06 A DIFFERENT VIEW Take a step forward or back or adjust the zoom. If you’re unhappy with the results when shooting, simply try changing your viewpoint. Crouch low or stand tall, get up onto a chair or shoot wide. There are many ways to photograph the same subject, some better than others.