It’s fairly easy to spot the differences between digital SLRs and point-and-shoot cameras. But when it comes to entry level and high-end digital SLRs, things become more confusing.

Most people will look at megapixels. That’s because manufacturers have trained us to judge cameras by their megapixels.

It’s true that high-end cameras usually boast more megapixels. But entry level cameras are quickly catching up.

Instead, begin by looking at the camera body. High-end cameras are generally made of a metal alloy. They're more durable than cameras with plastic bodies. They will also have better seals to protect against the elements. Cleaning the inside of an SLR is costly!

More expensive cameras tend to be larger and heavier than other SLRs. That’s because the sensors are often larger. The LCD screen may also be bigger. Additionally, the camera will probably have a vertical grip and controls.

Each of these things is important, so I’ll go into them individually. But let’s talk about the size of the camera body itself first. If the camera is too large or heavy for your hands, skip it. If a camera is uncomfortable to use, it will probably sit in the foot of your camera bag. It doesn’t matter what features the camera has.