I am a first-time parent.

It has been the most rewarding and the most difficult experience of my life.

I have used reserves of patience I didn't know I had, and my son has taught me more about life, love and laughter than I ever thought possible.

Through it all, I have set out to take pictures so that I won't forget how he grew and developed during his first year of life.

I use a digital Single Lens Reflex (SLR) camera.

When I talk to other parents who use compact digital cameras, I often hear complaints: "it's too slow", "all I get are blurry photos", "the kid is gone before the camera turns on".

That's what generated the idea for the article you're reading now.

I'd like to present a better alternative to all of you parents out there who love taking photos of your kids, but are tired of missing prime opportunities.

Faster Than a Running Toddler

First and foremost, digital SLR cameras are fast.

They turn on instantly, focus in seconds, and are ready to take photo after photo as fast as you can press the shutter button.

They have special modes that allow you to track moving subjects and they ensure that photos are in focus and crystal clear.

High-speed shutters let you freeze the motion of even the most frenetic 2 year-old, capturing expressions and poses that aren't possible with slow compacts.

Since they are ready to go at a moment's notice, even a short-term event in your child's life can be captured and preserved in a digital photo.

Able to See in Low-Light

This is a feature that most camera manufacturers don't focus on, but is one of the biggest benefits of a digital SLR when you're a parent.

The feature is called ISO.

It allows you to boost the sensitivity of the digital SLR sensor in the camera so that you can take photos in minimal light without using a flash.

Digital SLR cameras let you easily change the ISO whenever you want.

I photograph my son indoors a lot. Whether he's chasing the cat around the living room, or taking a well-deserved nap on the sofa, I want to be able to get a photo that's not a blurry mess.

Since I am able to boost the ISO on my digital SLR, I can take photos indoors as if I were outside on a sunny day.

I don't have to use the flash (which helps if he's sleeping) and can get photos of special moments that I would otherwise miss.

Built to Last

Digital SLR cameras are solid.

They aren't made out of plastic