A former point-and-shoot photographer can take professional-quality photos with a digital reflex (single-lens reflex) camera by learning and experimenting with its complex operations. There are many benefits to switching from a point-and-shoot digital camera to a DSLR camera. These include capturing images “faster, more flexibly and with more creativity” (Busch, Digital 9). Additionally, taking photos with a DSLR camera reduces the amount of time that would otherwise be spent editing with photo editing software to improve the quality of your photos. Why would one want to upgrade from a point-and-shoot digital camera to a DSLR camera? Some of the reasons are: a more precise viewfinder, a more powerful sensor, less noise in photos, depth of field control, speed, resemblance to a regular SLR camera, greater lens flexibility, and freedom from image editors (Rowse). Some disadvantages are: cost, size, weight and complication of use. What are some of the key features to think about when buying a DSLR camera? Some of the features are: lenses, sensors and image processors, exposure systems and focusing systems. There are also special features to consider for the needs of the individual photographer (Busch, Digital 61-63). Lenses are one of the main elements to consider when purchasing and using a digital SLR camera. All DSLR cameras come with a basic lens for general use (mid-range or regular), but many people prefer to have special lenses, depending on the type of photography they are interested in. Some of these special lenses are: zoom, fixed focal length, wide angle, fish eye, telephoto and macro. Also, it is important to get a lens with...... half of the paper ......35-40). Many photos should be taken in different ways so that those that offer the best composition can be chosen later. If you follow the tips above, the result should be quality photographs. However, the photographer may want to enhance photos using photo editing software such as Adobe Photoshop, Corel Paint Shop Pro, Adobe Photoshop Elements, Picasa, Picnik, GIMP, or Adobe Photoshop Express. The last four programs are downloadable and free ("Photo Editing Software"). In conclusion, a former point-and-shoot photographer can upgrade to a DSLR camera and take professional-quality photos by learning and experimenting with the complex features of the camera. features and operations. The first step is to purchase a digital SLR camera suited to the photographer's needs. Then we should start taking photos, lots of them!