I need want a DSLR camera. If you’re like me and once an idea is in your head there’s no escaping fate. I will give in sooner or later and it might as well be now so I spend less money avoiding what I truly need want. But have you ever searched for a DSLR camera? The price alone could give Bill Gates a heart attack. Ok, maybe that’s a slight huge exaggeration, but there is still a huge difference between Point and Shoot Camera and DSLR Camera prices.
So let’s start very at the beginning. DSLR (Digital Single Lens Reflex) camera uses a single lens reflex (SLR) mechanism to produce a digital still image. They have removable lenses and a reflex mirror for live optical viewing through that lens taking the image. No single lens can meet the needs of every photographer which is why a wide range of lenses are available for DSLRs. To compose the picture, a mirror reflects the light from the lens to the viewfinder, and after the picture is taken, the mirror (momentarily) flips out of the way allowing the light to pass through the lens diaphragm to the CCD or CMOS sensor. Through-the-lens viewing enables precise manual focusing because tiny LCD screens do not have adequate resolution. Bonus, holding the camera against the face helps steady it.
So what’s the big deal? I have an iPhone, that’s enough right? Consult this list provided by Digital Photography School to determine if they’re really their bang is worth the buck.
DSLR Strengths
- Image Quality – Due to the larger size of image sensors in DSLRs which allows for larger pixel sizes – DSLRs are generally able to be used at a faster ISO which will lead to faster shutter speeds and less grain.
- Adaptability – Ability to change lenses opens up a world of possibilities for photographers. While point and shoot cameras have a nice little Optical Zoom, DSLRs can be fitted with many high quality lenses ranging from wide angle to super long focal lengths depending upon subject (and of course my budget). Add to this a large range of other accessories (flashes, filters etc) and a DSLR can be adapted to many different situations. Wait a minute – you mean I’m in complete control? Those are the three words every woman loves to hear, “I’m in control”.
- Speed – DSLR’s are generally pretty fast pieces of machinery when it comes to things like start up, focusing and shutter lag. These cameras can snap a picture faster than you can snatch the last fried shrimp off the party tray.
- Optical Viewfinder – Due to the reflex mirror DSLR’s are very much a “what you see is what you get” operation.
- Large ISO Range – This varies between cameras but generally DSLRs offer a wide array of ISO settings which lends itself to their flexibility in shooting in different conditions.
- Manual Controls – While many point and shoots come with the ability to shoot in manual mode, a DSLR is designed in such a way that it is assumed that the photographer using it will want to control their own settings. While they do come with good auto modes the manual controls are generally built in in such a way that they are at the photographers’ finger tips as they are shooting.
- Hold Their Value – Some argue that a DSLR will hold its value longer than a point and shoot. There is probably some truth in this. DSLR models do not get updated quite as often as point and shoot models (which can be updated twice a year at times). The other factor in favor of DSLRs is that the lenses you buy for them are compatible with other camera bodies if you do choose to upgrade later on (as long as you stay with your brand). This means your investment in lenses is not a waste over the years. I don’t know about you, but terming any purchase an ‘investment’ is how I justify all large purposes.
- Depth of Field – A DSLR can give you depth of field that puts everything from foreground to background in focus through to nice blurry backgrounds.
DSLR Weaknesses
- Price – While they are coming down in price (especially at the lower end) DSLR’s are generally more expensive than point and shoot digital cameras. Also consider that you might want to upgrade your lens (as kit lenses are generally not of a super high quality) or you may wish to add more lenses later and that this adds to the cost of a DSLR.
- Size and Weight – DSLRs are heavy and sizable and when you add a lens or two to your kit bag you can end up with quite the load!
- Maintenance – Every time you change lenses you run the risk of letting dust into your camera. Dust on an image sensor is a real annoyance as it will leave your images looking blotchy. Cleaning your image sensor is not a job for the faint hearted and most recommend that you get it done professionally (which of course costs). This is a problem that is being rectified in many new DSLRs which are being released with self-cleaning sensors.
- Noise – DSLRs are generally more noisy to use than point and shoots. This will vary depending upon the lens you use but while point and shoots can be almost silent when taking a shot a DSLR will generally have a ‘clunk’ as the mechanisms inside it do their thing.
- Complexity – While DSLRs are designed for manual use this of course means you need to know how to use the tools that they give you. The learning curve can be quite steep. Having said this – all DSLRs have fully Automatic mode and many have the normal array of semi-auto modes that point and shoot digital cameras have.
- No Live LCD – In many DSLRs the only way to frame your shot is via the optical viewfinder. Some photographers prefer to use a camera’s LCD for this task. This is another thing that is changing with more and more new DSLRs having a ‘Live View’ LCD which enables you to frame your shots without looking through the view finder (which isn’t the most accurate representation of what you’re shooting due to low screen resolutions).
Some people may think that all non DSLR’s are inferior, but I think it is dependent upon the photographer’s intent and budget. Point and Shoot cameras can be a more practical and affordable choice for the occasional or hobbyist photographer. Here are some Pros and Cons of Point and Shoot digital cameras:
Point and Shoot Strengths
- Size and Weight – They are slim and light enough to slip into any back pocket (even the ones from high school in the back of your closet). This feature makes them great for parties, travel and all other events.
- Quiet Operation – If you take a shot but there is no subject to hear it, does it make it sound? The answer here is “No” in either case. Point and Shoots are normally quieter than other cameras.
- Auto Mode – Quality of images produced in point and shoots varies greatly, but in general they shoot quite well in auto mode. You do not need any advanced knowledge to operate the camera in auto mode.
- Price – Generally more affordable but there are pricier, more advanced models on the market.
- LCD Framing – Framing shots using LCDs is natural and preferred by a lot of photographers. Point and Shoots always come with this ability and some even come with ‘flip out’ screens that enable their users to take shots from different angles and still see what they’re shooting.
Point and Shoot Digital Camera Weaknesses
- Image Quality – Generally have small image sensors which means that the image quality is not at the highest. For the hobbyist photographer this is primarily not an issue – unless you’re planning on using your images for major enlargements or in professional applications in which case the quality would not be high enough.
- Smaller ISO Range – Generally (advances are being made recently) ISO ranges are more limited in point and shoot cameras which results in limitations under certain shooting conditions.
- Speed – Point and Shoot digital cameras are notorious for their slowness, just like your boyfriend (or ‘friendboy’ as I like to call them during the loathed “what the heck are we” phase) that’s dragging his feet to commit. But in this case it’s particularly of their “shutter lag” which is the time between pressing the shutter and when the image is taken.
- Reliance upon LCD – Most Point and Shoots rely almost solely upon their LCD for framing and reviewing. And most cameras have view finders but they are generally so small that they are almost useless. During the recent trends, the viewfinder is omitted entirely from the design.
- Manual Controls Limited – They are not equipped with the ability to manipulate manual settings and controls. Some are available with ‘aperture priority’ and ‘shutter priority’ modes which are great – but quite often the manual controls are hidden in menu systems and are not as accessible as on a DSLR (if they are there at all).
- Less Adaptable – What you buy is what you’re stuck with – they are not adaptable.
So what does this all boil down to – buy what you want need and can afford. If you want an affordable camera to fit in those jeans (that do wonders for your rear end) to take photos that you do not want to edit or print, then a Point and Shoot may be the best option for your lifestyle. But if you want to take photos professionally or if you’re a control freak like me and you want to be completely in charge of your settings, then maybe a DSLR is the right fit for you if you are able to spend the extra bucks.
Yepp, it is official. I need want a DSLR camera now.
But how do I choose one? I can barely decide what I want for dinner or what to wear. How am I supposed to decide on a several hundred dollar camera? See my next post for the everlasting, famous Canon vs. Nikon battle!
Amy Hughes Photography 