Why are DSLR Cameras great for video?

Simply, the image quality is excellent for the money invested in the camera and gear.  The image quality from good DSLR’s is similar to that of high end video cameras and high end cinema cameras.

Also, there is a wide range of lenses that you can use to create different looks and effects that enhance the image quality.

How do I make the background blurry?

Making the background blurry is affected by several factors:

• Aperture or F-Stop – This is the number that is something like 1.2, 1.4, 2.8, 4, 5.6, etc.  The smaller you set this number on your camera, the easier it is to make the background blurry.  Please note, that not all lenses are created equal.  Some can only go down to 4-5.6 which means you will have a harder time making the background blurry.
• Lens focal length – This the mm number for a lens for example 50mm lens or 70-200mm lens.  The longer the lens, the easier it is to make the background blurry.
• Camera sensor/imaging area size – The larger the sensor, the easier it is to make the background blurry.
• Close focusing distance – This is the closest distance the lens is able to focus on a subject.  If you place your subject closer to the lens, it helps to make the background blurry.

What first lenses should I get?

• I recommend getting a 50mm lens.  The 1.8 and 1.4 versions of 50mm lenses are a great start.
• I also recommend getting a wide angle lens like 28mm or wider for full frame cameras and the 10-18mm lens for crop sensor cameras
• I also recommend getting a telephoto lens like the 75-300 mm lens
• Please note, if you can afford to get the higher quality versions of lenses, go ahead and make that investment.  You don’t have to replace the high quality lenses for many years, even decades.  But if all you can afford are the lower budget lenses, don’t worry, you can take some amazing images with them.  It is always about the knowledge and skill of the person using the tools not the cost of the tools.

Why does it look grainy or noisy?

An image may look grainy or noisy because there is not enough light for the sensor.  You will either have to increase the light, lower the ISO, or get a lens that has a smaller F-stop number like 1.4 or 1.8 to allow more light.  Or you will have to upgrade camera body that shoots better in low light.