When comparing digital cameras and looking through sales ads, you may notice some cameras are listed with the phrase "body only".

A "body only" camera means that the camera is not a compact or prosumer camera but a higher-end digital SLR (single lens reflex) camera. These types of cameras normally support professional features including the ability to shoot faster shots with less noise in the resulting photos.

Unlike other digital cameras, digital SLRs allow you to replace the lens, allowing for different degrees of wide-angle and telephoto shots. Plus, some lenses are 'faster' than others (ones with a larger aperture), allowing you to shoot even clearer photos in low-light conditions.

Since most dSLR purchasers want to choose a lens or group of lenses based on their photography needs, most dSLR cameras are sold as "body only", as cameras without a lens.

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