These are the Top 10 Best DSLR Camera in India 2024:
– Megapixel: 45.7
– Sensor Type: CMOS
– Sensor Size: Full frame (35.9 x 23.9)
– ISO: 64-25600 (Expandable to 102,400)
– Connectivity: WiFi, Bluetooth and GPS
– Video Resolution: 3840 x 2160
– Processor: Expeed 5
– Screen: 3.2-inch Touch screen
– Warranty: 2-years
Pros:
1. This camera has won various “Best Camera in the World” awards.
2. 45.7 Megapixel Back-side Illuminated CMOS Sensor
3. EXPEED 5 quickly processes all 45.7 megapixels of data for lower noise, wider dynamic range.
4. Dynamic range down to ISO 64, this camera has the lowest base ISO of any DSLR.
5. Fast continuous shooting, flagship autofocus and precise metering.
6. 153 focus points. 99 cross-type sensors and a dedicated AF processor, it combines the best of flagship AF technology.
7. Focus is near darkness down to -4 EV to capture best low-light scenes
8. Excellent 4K and 8K Time-Lapse.
Cons:
1. SnapBridge app is average.
2. Being the best camera, it is very unforgiving too. Every tiny mistake and fault will cost you.
3. It can only click the image at 7fps which is not preferred for sports, wildlife and fast events. And if you want to expand it to 9 fps you need to buy MB-D18 battery grip which will cost you another 60-70k.
*If you are a beginner, see also:
a. Top 5 Best DSLR Camera Under ₹50000
b. Top 5 Best DSLR Camera Under ₹30000
– Megapixel: 30.4
– Sensor Type: CMOS
– Sensor Size: Full frame (35.9 x 23.9)
– ISO: 100-32000 (Expandable to 50, 51200, 102400)
– Connectivity: WiFi, NFC, Bluetooth and GPS
– Video Resolution: 6720 x 4480
– Processor: DIGIC 6+
– Screen: 3.2-inch Touch screen
– Warranty: 2-years
Pros:
1. Up to 61 points / 21 cross-type AF points.
2. Full-frame, high-speed CMOS sensor that’s ideal for a broad range of applications
3. Featuring an ISO range of 100–32000 (expandable to 50–102400).
4. The powerful DIGIC 6+ Image Processor increases the camera’s in-camera capabilities.
5. Excellent Performance — Up to 7.0 fps
6. Built-in GPS provides geotag information.
7. 150,000-Pixel RGB+IR Metering Sensor Helps Provide Precise Exposure Metering
8. Built-in NFC technology.
Cons:
1. With the 1.74x crop factor, you cannot shoot at a wide-angle.
2. Lack of a high fps in 4K.
– Megapixel: 20.9– Sensor Type: CMOS– Sensor Size: APS-C (23.5mm, x15.7mm)– ISO: 100-51200– Connectivity: WiFi, NFC, Bluetooth– Video Resolution: 3840 x 2160– Processor: N/A– Screen: 3.2-inch Touch screen– Warranty: 2-years
Pros:1. Multi-cam 20k autofocus sensor with 153/99 AF points.2. ISO range of 100-51,200 expandable to Lo 1 and Hi 5 (50 – 1,640,000 equivalent).3. The small sensor means good portability.4. Built-in Wifi and NFC technology for fast photo transfer.5. Focus is near darkness down to -4 EV to capture best low-light scenes.6. Durable and rugged build.
Cons:1. The small sensor can’t match the all-round performance of full-frame sensor.2. For shorter focal length you have to buy DX lens which will be of no use if you upgrade to a full-frame camera.Buy Now From Amazon– Megapixel: 20.2
– Sensor Type: CMOS
– Sensor Size: 22.3 x 14.9 mm
– ISO: 100 – 6400
– Connectivity: WiFi, Bluetooth
– Video Resolution: 5472 x 3648
– Processor: Digic 6
– Screen: 3-inch
– Warranty: 2-years
Pros:
1. 65-point all cross-type AF system for high-performance, accurate subject tracking.
2. EV -3 sensitivity for focusing in extreme low-light conditions.
3. Smooth, fast, and accurate autofocus for good video shooting.
4. TTL secondary image-registration, phase-difference detection with the dedicated AF sensor.
5. The powerful DIGIC 6+ Image Processor increases the camera’s in-camera capabilities.
6. Advanced mirror vibration control technology that enables the camera to support its speedy, continuous shooting capabilities.
Cons:
1. No Movie Servo AF at 1080/60p
2. Dynamic range at low to moderate ISOs not as good as competing models.
3. No Touch screen.
– Megapixel: 20.9– Sensor Type: CMOS– Sensor Size: 23.5mm x 15.7mm– ISO: 100 – 51200– Connectivity: WiFi, Bluetooth and GPS– Video Resolution: 3840 x 2160– Processor: Expeed 5– Screen: 3.2-inch– Warranty: 2-years
Pros:1. 8 fps continuous shooting with extended buffer capacity.2. The same excellent image quality and dynamic range as the D500.3. This camera employs the same CMOS image sensor used in the Nikon DX flagship model D500.4. 51 points AF system.5. Stunning 4K UHD video and advanced filmmaking features.6. Full HD time-lapse movies, entirely in the camera.7. Power Aperture Control.
Cons:1. Extremely high extended ISOs aren’t very useful in real situations.2. Rolling shutter can be noticeable in 4K videos, especially when panning.Buy Now From Amazon | Flipkart – Megapixel: 24.2– Sensor Type: CMOS– Sensor Size: 22.3 x 14.9– ISO: 100-25,600 (Max to 51,200)– Connectivity: WiFi, Bluetooth, NFC– Video Resolution: 6000 x 4000– Processor: Digic 7– Screen: 3.2-inch– Warranty: 2-years
Pros:1. 45 autofocus points, important for speed and accuracy of autofocus and burst photography.2. Full HD video with full manual control and selectable frame rates.3. WiFi, NFC and Bluetooth built-in which is useful for remotely controlling your camera and transferring pictures wirelessly as you shoot.4. EF-S mount is compatible with all EF and EF-S lenses.5. Built-in 5-axis digital stabilisation ensures footage remains steady.6. Timelapse.
Cons:1. No AF fine-tuning.2. No 4K video.3. No headphone jack.Buy Now From Amazon | Flipkart – Megapixel: 24.1
– Sensor Type: CMOS
– Sensor Size: APS-C (23.6mm x 15.6mm)
– ISO: 100 – 25600
– Connectivity: WiFi, Bluetooth and GPS
– Video Resolution: 4K
– Processor: DIGIC 8
– Screen: 3-inch Touch screen
– Warranty: 2-years
Pros:
1. Comes with enhanced Dual Pixel CMOS AF performance and functionality during live view shooting.
2. The Creative Assist feature makes it easy even for beginners to change the look of their photos.
3. 4K video captures your memories more vividly than ever before.
4. Screen vari-angle LCD monitor that can swivel up to 180°.
5. Eye detection AF
6. Its UI guide is good for people upgrading to DSLR from Mobile Phones or simple Point and Shoot camera.
Cons:
1. Only 9 AF points.
2. Cropped output in 4k resolution.
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– Megapixel: 24.2
– Sensor Type: CMOS
– Sensor Size: APS-C (23.6mm x 15.6mm)
– ISO: 100-25600
– Connectivity: WiFi, NFC and Bluetooth
– Video Resolution: Full HD
– Processor: EXPEED 4
– Screen: 3.2-inch Touch screen
– Warranty: 2-years
Pros:
1. Screen vari-angle LCD monitor that can swivel up to 180°.
2. You can connect your device with the camera for automatic sync of images.
3. You can also use your smart device as an external monitor and shoot remotely for instances when you want to be in the picture.
4. Compatible with many Nikkor lenses.
5. It also comes with free cloud storage.
6. Shoot fast action with confidence at 5 frames per second so you never miss that perfect moment
7. Shoot from dawn to dusk with no problems.
Cons:
1. Autofocus in the video mode is not good.
2. No in-body stabilisation.
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– Megapixel: 24.3
– Sensor Type: CMOS
– Sensor Size: APS-C (23.6mm x 15.6mm)
– ISO: 100 – 25600
– Connectivity: WiFi and NFC
– Video Resolution: Full HD
– Processor: Bionz X
– Screen: 3-inch Touch screen
– Warranty: 2-years
Pros:
1. Wide 179 AF points coverage, over nearly the entire screen.
2. 4D Focus for sharp focus on moving objects.
3. Eye AF revolutionises portraiture.
4. Up to 11 fps continuous shooting with AF tracking.
5. What you see is what you get with an OLED Viewfinder.
6. All the quality in half the size & weight of other DSLRs.
7. Wide range of 54 Native mirrorless Lenses.
Cons:
1. Sony proprietary power adaptor is expensive.
2. Very noisy shutter.
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– Megapixel: 24.1
– Sensor Type: CMOS
– Sensor Size: APS-C (23.5mm x 15.6mm)
– ISO: 100-12,800(Max up to 25,600)
– Connectivity: WiFi
– Video Resolution: Full HD
– Processo: Expeed 4
– Screen: 3.2-inch
– Warranty: 2-years
Pros:
1. Superb Image Quality through Cutting-Edge Innovations
2. It is designed without an optical low-pass filter (OLPF), allowing the high-resolution CMOS sensor to record the smallest details with precision.
3. Define Every Detail with its 39-Point Autofocus
4. Share precious moments the instant you snap them with its built-in WiFi.
5. Log your Travels with its Built-In GPS Function
6. 9 special built-in effects, including the new toy camera and HDR painting.
7. Shoot at any Angle with its 3.2-inch Vari-Angle LCD Monitor.
Cons:
1. Built-in stereo mics very susceptible to handling noises and wind (though there is a wind filter option)
2. No video recording option with Wi-Fi remote app.
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DSLR Camera: Perfect Buyer’s Guide
Is DSLR the right camera for you?
– DSLR are very versatile devices, and ideal for shooting day to day scenarios, portraits, wildlife, landscapes, architecture and even low light photography.
– This is driven by the ability to change most settings, lenses and produce great shots in a wide variety of scenarios from the same camera.
Here’s a quick comparison of a DSLR and various different types of cameras available in the market today:
a. Usage
– DSLR: Highly versatile and suited for almost all types of photography in varying conditions.
– Mirrorless camera: Similar performance, versatility and capability as a DSLR.
– Action camera: Best suited for shooting videos and fast-moving situations like sports, underwater swimming and action sequences.
– Point and shoot or digital camera: Limited functionally and have a much smaller sensor compared to a DSLR or Mirrorless camera.
– Phone camera: Every day shooting of content that is instantly sharable.
b. Flexibility with Interchangeable lenses
– DSLR: Yes Huge range of lenses and functionalities are easily available.
– Mirrorless camera: Yes, However, as mirrorless cameras are newer, lens options may be limited vs DSLRs.
– Action camera: No, Interchangeable lens are not available.
– Point and shoot or digital camera: NO
– Phone camera: NO
c. Picture quality
– DSLR: Excellent, especially for skilled photographers.
– Mirrorless camera: Excellent, especially for skilled photographers.
– Action camera: Good for Video recording. Not ideal for static photography.
– Point and shoot or digital camera: Average with limited Zoom options or modes vs DSLRs.
– Phone camera: Average with limited Zoom options or modes vs DSLRs
d. Weight and Portability
– DSLR: Bulky and may need space considering that you may carry lenses, tripods separately.
– Mirrorless camera: Lighter and more portable compared to a DSLR but still bulkier than other cameras.
– Action camera: Very compact and highly portable.
– Point and shoot or digital camera: Compact and easy to carry.
– Phone camera: Lightest and easiest to carry around.
e. Indicative starting cost
– DSLR: ~₹20,000
– Mirrorless camera: ~₹30,000
– Action camera: ~₹10,000
– Point and shoot or digital camera: ~₹5,000
– Phone camera: Included in phone cost
f. Ideal for
– DSLR: Professional and Semi-pro and beginners ( most photography enthusiasts).
– Mirrorless camera: Professional and Semi-Pro photographers.
– Action camera: Travel, Sports and adventure enthusiasts.
– Point and shoot or digital camera: Ideal for families and users who want an easy to use dedicated camera.
– Phone camera: Everyone
Camera Sensor
– The light coming in from the lens falls on the sensor, which captures the light and all details to produces the picture.
– It is the defining factor for a DSLR and determines the image size, resolution, low light performance, depth of field and lenses.
– The size of the sensor also determines both the physical size and the cost of the DSLR.
Two factors to keep in mind before sensor selection:
1. Sensor type: There are two types of sensors available today, with the CMOS sensors being more popular as its a newer technology with is less expensive than CCD as well.
| CMOS | CCD |
Power Consumption | Consumes less power giving the camera battery life | Consumes more power |
Cost | Less expensive | Need specialized manufacturing and are more expensive |
Technology | Newer technology and fast catching up if not surpassing CCD in terms of output | Older technology and not preferred as it is not energy efficient |
2. Sensor size: Larger sensor = Better images with more details captured
– The sensor size refers to how big the sensor in the camera is.
– Bigger sensors allow for more light to fall on them.
– Popularity available sensor sizes are Full-frame, Cropped frame or APS-C, four-thirds and quarter inches.
a) Medium format or large format: This refers to special application cameras which have sensors larger than 35mm film. Due to the bigger sensors, these are the most expensive type of cameras and preferred only by the serious professional.
b) Full frame: Largest sensor size and is the same size as a35mm film(1.0x sensor). Top of the line DSLRs come with this sensor and are expensive. These are ideal for professional photographers and filmmakers.
c) Cropped Frame or APS-C: These are cameras with sensors smaller than 35mm film. Entry-level to mid-range DSLRs come with this sensor size, with APS-C being the most popular sensor size.
Resolution
– Resolution is a measure of the amount of detail captured in each picture.
– Resolution is measured in pixels or Megapixels(eg 24MP).
– The more pixels on your camera, the higher its resolution and clearer, sharper the pictures.
– Higher resolution images don’t lose clarity or pixelate even on the zooming. This allows higher resolution images to be printed in larger sizes without loss of any clarity.
– High-end DSLR cameras have a resolution of 20MP or more, are ideal for professional photographers, while lower resolution can work for amateur photographers.
Understanding Megapixels: If a camera produces images that are 3000 pixels wide x 4000 pixels long, the resolution is 3000 x 4000 = 12000000, i.e. 12 million pixels or 12 Megapixels(MP). This resolution is sufficient for high-quality prints even on a size of 50 x 66.67 inch (or 4ft x 5.5ft). The output will be still of good quality as it will have a 60 dots per inch (60DPI) resolution.
| APS-C or Crop Sensor DSLRs | 35mm or Full-Frame DSLRs |
Low resolution | Up to 10 megapixel | Up to 12 megapixel |
Medium resolution | 11-16 megapixel | 13-24 megapixel |
High resolution | 17-28 megapixel | 25-56 megapixel |
Connectivity
A modern DSLR camera can be easily connected to other devices, and allow seamless transfer images or for viewing your pictures with others. Following are some of the popular usages along with the ideal technology for the same. Usage | Technology needed |
Connecting to nearby devices such as printers, computer, internet | a. For Fast transfer rates – Wifi, NFC, Cables b. For Slower transfer rates – Bluetooth |
Controlling the camera remotely to trigger modes such as bulb and time lapse | Wifi, Bluetooth |
Connecting the camera directly to TVs, Projectors and storage devices | HDMI Out |
Using the ‘hot shoe’ feature on the camera to attach an external flash | External flash |
Geotagging the photos | GPS |
Lenses
Inter-changeable lens and a wide variety of lens options available make DSLRs one of the most versatile cameras.
Elements you need to consider
1. Types of lenses:
a) Prime lenses – They have a fixed focal length, meaning you cannot zoom into the object.
b) Zoom lenses – They have the advantage of zooming into your subject or cropping the image to fit a frame.
| Prime lenses | Zoom lenses |
Size and Weight | Compact and light No machinery to enable zooming | Large and bulky |
Versatility | Low You will need multiple lenses for different photographs as each prime lens have a fixed focal length | Moderate to High A zoom lens can cover the range of 2-3 prime lenses. |
Price | Cheaper as it doesn’t have a lot of parts | More expensive |
Image quality | Sharp and crisp photos even in low light | Standard quality Best for shooting scenes from far away |
2. Focal length:
a) 18mm – Wide-angle lens (used for Landscape and Group photos)
b) 50mm – Standard lens (used for Street and Documentary)
c) 100 mm – Medium telephoto lens (used for Portrait and Children)
d) 300 mm – Telephoto lens (used for Birds, Wildlife and Sports)
3. Aperture:
“Aperture is the opening of the lens which controls the light passing through it, affecting the exposure of the image.”
– It can be used to add a creative dimension to your photographs by blurring the background, make your pictures brighter or darker by altering the exposure. Lens type | What is it | What is used for? | Tip |
Standard or portrait lens (Focal length: 35-80mm) | A lens with a fixed focal length | – Full-length portraits – Group photos – Street photography – Landscapes – Social occasions | Most photography enthusiasts prefer the 50mm standard lens. |
Telephoto or Zoom lens (Focal length: 70-200mm) | To zoom into the subject, and is ideal for situations where you cant get close to the subject. | – Portraits – Sports – Wildlife | Panning (photograph a moving subject by following its horizontal plane) is best achieved with a telephoto lens. |
Wide-angle lens (Focal length: 50mm & wider) | To capture wide shots, and have low focal lengths. | – Landscape – Architecture – Interior shots | Shorter the focal length of the lens, wider the field of view, and the more you’ll be able to fit in your frame |
Fisheye lens (Focal length: 8-15mm) | To produce, strong visual distortion intended to create a wide panoramic/ hemispherical image – this is how a fish would see underwater. | – Panorama – Hemispherical photo – Artistic & creative photography | – |
Macro lens (Focal length: 100-200mm) | To take sharp, detailed, close up photos of small subjects such as flowers, plants, insects and products. | – Insects – plants – Other small objects | – |
Best lenses of a specific type of photography:
a) Portrait photography – Prime/standard lens
You normally shoot people at close and controlled distances, where the variable focal length is not needed.
b) Wedding photography – Prime/standard lens
These are controlled distances and don’t require zooming.
c) Street photography – Prime/standard lens
These are controlled distances and don’t require zooming.
d) landscape photography – Wide angle lens
To capture more of nature in a panoramic setting.
e) Travel photography – Fisheye lens
To make creative or artistic photographs.
f) Sports photography – Super/telephoto lens
These help you zoom into the action even if you are far away from it.
g) Wildlife photography – Super/telephoto lens
the wildlife will may not ever come too close to you, and you will need to zoom in for a clear picture.
h) Insect/flower/food photography – Super/telephoto lens
To fill up more of the picture with the small objects due to their magnification ability.
Other elements
1. Design and functionality:
– Most DSLRs are designed to fit well in your hand.
– The buttons and dials on cameras are placed such that you can effortlessly flick through them when you are focused on the subject.
– The functionalities provided through different buttons and dials increases as you go into the premium DSLR range.
– In top-end DSLR, you can also program individual buttons to help keep your most-used functionalities upfront without having to go deep in the menu.
– Most displays are touchscreen these days ensure that the DSLR you choose has this, to avoid inconvenience in navigating through buttons.
2. Exposure triangle – A popular term used by photographers to describe the combined use of three functions on a DSLR that has the most significant effect on the quality of the final photo or video.
a. Aperture – Explained above.*
b. Shutter speed – “Camera shutter is like the curtain or covering in front of the camera sensor, which stays closed till the trigger is pressed.
This is responsible for two important factors:
– The brightness of the photo.
– Creating effects such as freezing and blurring motion.
– Slower shutter speed means the shutter is open for longer and more light and the subject is captured.
– Faster shutter speed means the shutter is open for a very short time and lesser light is captured along with the subject.
“Shutter speed is measured in a millisecond or fraction of second. Higher the denomination, faster the shutter speed”.
c. ISO – “ISO is critical in low light photography as it allows you to choose the clarity and brightness in the picture.”
– This setting decides the amount of light captured in a particular photo or video.
– To capture more light, choose the higher ISO setting.
– It is measured starting from 100, which is the lowest amount of light captured, and doubles from there, i.e. 200, 400, 800, 1600, 3200, 6400 and so on.
– In entry-level DSLRs, you might have to go into the settings and choose the ISO whereas you will find dedicated buttons or dials in more professional DSLRs.
3. Video: Though DSLRs were designed for professional photography, they are a more affordable way of creating high-resolution videos compared to video cameras.
Benefits of DSLR when shooting videos:
– A bigger sensor on DSLRs mean better quality compared to a point and shoot camera or phones.
– Control the depth of field.
– Wide range of lenses for different use cases.
– Better low light videos.
– Light, compact and portable to shoot on the fly when compared to professional video cameras.
– Less expensive than professional video cameras.
Potential downsides:
– Not designed to shoot steady video. You will need a tripod, or a rig needs to be paired to get a stabilised output.
– Inbuilt microphone is very basic, and an external microphone needs to be attached to record high-quality audio along with the video.
“Go for video cameras and not DSLR when shooting videos is your primary use.”
Factors affecting DSLR that you will use to shoot videos too are:
a. Resolution – Most modern DSLRs can record in a 16:9 resolution, which is currently the most common aspect ratio used for displaying in high definition (HD) for televisions and screens globally. More megapixels(MP) = better video resolution on a DSLR camera.
b. Frame rate – 24 FPS and 30 FPS is the most commonly used frame rate to shoot videos
– 24 FPS gives you the cinematic feel that you see in the movies.
– 30 FPS gives you the video the visual feel of a TV show.
c. Slow-motion – This is generally achieved by recording video at a higher than the normal frame rate and then playing it back at normal speed. For example, if you record at 60 FPS and play it back in 30 FPS, the video slows down by 2x.
You will need to choose the lens and frame rate to get the desired slow-motion effect. A telephoto lens is best for action shots, and a standard lens is good for portraits.
d. Impact of storage(speed and capacity) – Your DSLRs SD card also impacts the quality of the video.
– A camera that shoots at a high frame rate but with a slow memory card in it will not be able to clear the buffer fast enough to continue capturing the video at its maximum quality. For best results, always use fast pro-grade memory cards: class 10 or higher.
– Video recording also needs a lot more storage than taking wile still photographs. Choose an SD card with high memory for videos. Estimation for how many minutes of recording you can get in different scenarios on your SD card below. Decide your memory requirements accordingly.
e) Autofocus – This ensures that the subject you are shooting is highlighted and in perfect focus when compared to the background.
– You will find built-in advanced features in high-end DSLRs, removing the need for much manual intervention.
– For videos, having a camera with a touch screen helps change the focus setting quickly.
f. Image Stabilisation (OIS and EIS) – It is crucial when shooting in low light or when you have to follow the action with your camera. DSLRs can come with two types of stabilisation options:
– OIS is a hardware solution that uses the lens in your camera to make compensatory adjustments to you shaking the camera.
– EIS is a software solution, which relies on the sensor and processing unit (microprocessor) of the camera to do the same.
g. Microphone quality – Though all DSLRs come with onboard microphones, it is recommended investing in a dedicated external microphone if the quality of the recorded audio is important in a video.
h. Action photography – Many DSLRs have a sports preset mode that comes in handy while capturing fast-moving objects in videos.
4. Camera accessories
a. Storage (Memory cards and external storage)
– All your photos or videos are stored on this.
– Capacity is measured in GB
– Some DSLRs come with a memory card; for others, you will need to purchase an additional one.
Types of storage:
– Secure Digital (SD) cards are the most popular type of storage on today’s DSLR’s
– Older high-end ones accept compact Flash (CF).
Storage speed: Check the label on the memory card image for transfer speeds, class rating and write speed. The higher, the better, but keep an eye out for compatibility with your device.
b. Camera bags
– Safely store your camera and a few important accessories like extra lenses, batteries, charger and filters depending on their design.
– Available in different styles like a cross sling or a simple backpack. Choose what you find comfortable.
c. Tripod
– Let you keep the camera absolutely still for long exposure shots like wildlife or the night sky. Holding the camera in your hand will lead to slight shakes and undesired distortions.
– For group shots also they can prove useful.
d. Batteries
– The batteries that come with your DSLR camera are generally the best you can get.
– Stock up on an extra pair of the same ones if you think you’ll be shooting for long periods of time.
e. External microphone
– Lets you to get better sound when shooting videos.
– Very useful when recording interviews.
f. Filters
– These create s a similar effect as the image filters on social media.
– These are the glass elements screwed on to the front of a lens to block or modify the light entering the camera in a particular way.
g. Cleaning kits
– It is good practice to keep the parts of your DSLR clean to ensure clear pictures and improve life.
– Regular cleaning helps avoid static build-up in your camera body or fungal growth on your camera lens.
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