"Canon is better. No, Nikon is better. It's only good if it's this model. You have this camera, no wonder you're a great photographer. This picture sucks, it's obviously because you're using this model. You can't take a good photo with that camera! I can't believe you chose that camera, what a terrible choice. Well, no wonder this photo sucks, it's taken with an entry level DSLR and th------"

    It's okay. Don't panic. I'm here to set the record straight _{(along with some help with my friend David Tennant)}. 

    You may have heard this or something like this before. Unfortunately, there are people who believe that how good your photography is is largely based on what DSLR (digital single-lens reflex) camera you have in your hands and not what you yourself can do. Sometimes, it's people who participate in the silly "fight" of Canon vs. Nikon. Sometimes, it's some elitist who believes that you can't take a good photograph with an entry level DSLR. Both of these things are quite silly - Nikon and Canon are very similar in terms of quality and an entry level DSLR is more than capable of taking an amazing image. But there will still be people who will tell you otherwise. 

    Unfortunately, so. But luckily, as much misinformation that runs rampantly on the web (or even in our everyday lives), there's also information that you can rely on. And honestly, in this situation, the best judge is your own eyes. This is the "Rebelling Against Assumption" feature. The following photographs are all taken with a Canon entry level camera, the Rebel series. I chose this series because it's a very popular entry level model (and because I myself am most familiar with Canon). Any of these photographs could be achieved by any DSLR on the market today. And the work speaks for itself. 

    All camera's have limitations, it's true, and entry level DSLR's do have more limitations than their more advanced counterparts. The power of being a photographer is the knowledge of what these limitations are and what to do to get the best possible image that you can. For instance, entry level DSLR's tend to not have as many (or as high) of shutter values, and may not be able to shoot at as many fps (frames-per-second) as a more advanced camera. For example, the Canon Rebel XS has a maximum shutter speed of 1/4000 of a second and can shoot a maximum of 3 fps. If we compare that to the Canon 5D Mark II, that camera has 1/8000 maximum shutter speed and can shoot up to 6 fps. This means that the latter is much more effective at taking high speed shots, like Kamermans's above photo, WaterSplash. Kamerman has an amazing shot here, even with the low amount of frames per second, with timing and persistence. 

    Another limitation of an entry level DSLR has to do with exposure - specifically, the ISO values. ISO is essentially how sensitive your camera is going to be to light - the higher the ISO level, the brighter your shot will be. However, using a high ISO does come at a cost. Venture to high, and you'll find that your photo is full of noise (specs all over your photograph, or colour distortion in some cases). On an entry level DSLR, you can't go very high without worrying about that being an issue. You'll have it show up soon above the 200 level mark. On a more advanced camera, you'll be able to use a higher ISO value at less of a cost - on a 5D Mark II, you could go up to values of even 3000 without having to worry too much. ISO noise can be combated in a couple of ways - you can either use photoshop software that will take noise out of your photo, or you can find a way to bring more light into a photograph before you take it. The following photograph was taken by local photographer in my community, demonstrating how you can find cheap methods of bringing light into a photograph without breaking the bank on flashes. He spent 80$ Canadian on this sweet little set up, and got a couple of friends to help him out. 

    One of the possible short comings an entry level camera can have are its autofocus capabilities. I honestly can't go into too much details about this, quite simply because I almost never use autofocus. For some people, it's a very big concern, particularly those who are photographing events that require that they focus and refocus very quickly (races, or even a wedding ceremony can be daunting at times). For those of us who are shooting things that are a little more still, there's good old manual focus. It takes a bit of practice, but emphasize the bit. Once you get the hang of it, and learn the tricks of the trade (for example, if you're shooting in a lower amount of light that isn't allowing you to see properly to focus, simply lighting the area until you're focused and then removing it for the shot), you'll be proficient at it in no time. 

    And then, there's one of the simplest reason where an entry level DSLR might have trouble competing with the more advanced models - quite simply, because they are crop sensor cameras. What this means (in the most unelegant way I could possibly state this) is that when you put a lens on that camera, you're viewing a cropped version of what that lens can take. It's "zoomed in" on what the camera could be taking, so to speak. For example, if I was to place a Canon EF 50mm f/1.4 lens on a Rebel XS, I would actually be using the lens like an 80mm, because the crop factor of 1.6 will make it so. So, how can you combat this issue? Simple answer - move your feet. The best zoom you can possibly have is your own foot-mobile, get using it! Plan for it, make sure the place you're shooting has the room you need! 

    Finally, although this isn't a shortcoming, it is something that deserves to be mentioned. The glass you use (and by glass, I mean lenses) are important to the photos you take. In fact, they are more important than the body you're using. It doesn't matter how advanced your camera is, if you don't use the right glass, if there's something wrong with your glass, or if your glass isn't a very good quality, your photo will match that. Choose wisely when spending money on a lens, and do your research before blowing your savings on a lens that may not be the right lens for you. 

     If you're frustrated with your camera, but you don't really know what the problem is, then have patience. Take time, learn, practice, and you'll always keep improving. This is the most important thing I can possibly tell you, because the most important component of photography is you. You're smarter than your camera - you're the one who composes the photograph, who puts it together, who finds the light, who finds the perfect speed, who picks the right glass, who knows the right angles. You need to trust in yourself, and you need to trust in your eyes. You need to believe in yourself, and be critical of yourself, and understand your camera. When you understand your camera like the back of your hand, understand the limitations of your camera, and find that those limitations limit you, then it may be time for an upgrade. But never, every let the camera in your hand make you feel discouraged - the camera doesn't make an image amazing. It's you who does that.