As promised, I am breaking down the strength and weakness of DSLR (digital single lens relex) and Digital Point and Shoot cameras. Hopefully this will help anyone who is looking to purchase a new or used camera.
DSLR
First, I think a definition is in order.
DSLR’s are cameras that have removable lenses and a reflex mirror. There are a few cameras being marketed as DSLRs but they are not. Make sure you know exactly what you are purchasing, and you don’t get tricked into by false advertising.
DSLR Pros
Image Quality
Due to the larger size of image sensors DSLRs allow for larger pixel sizes, able to use faster ISO (speed by which the camera sensor takes and holds the image), which lead to faster shutter speeds and less grain.
Adaptability
DSLR’s ability to change lenses opens up a world of possibilities. There is a vast array of high quality lenses for DSLR’s. Lenses range from wide angle to super long focal lengths. Depending on what you’re photographing and your budget the only limitation is your own imagination. Add to this a large range of other accessories (flashes, filters etc) and a DSLR can be adapted to almost any situation.
It should be noted that the diversity in quality of lenses is great, which has great impact on the quality of your image.
Speed
DSLR’s are relatively fast when it comes to things like start up, focusing and shutter lag.
Optical Viewfinder
Due to the reflex mirror DSLR’s are very much a what–you-see-is-what-you-get operation.
lSO range (speed by which the camera sensor takes and holds the image)
This varies between cameras but generally DSLRs offer a wide range of ISO settings which increase 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 assuming the photographer to control their own settings. While they do come with good auto modes, the manual controls are generally built for ease of the photographer.
Depth of Field
Depending on the lenses you choose a DSLR can give you depth of field that puts everything from foreground to background in focus all the way to nice blurry backgrounds.
Quality Optics
Although there is a large degree of difference in quality between DSLR lenses, you’ll find DSLRs are superior to a point and shoot camera (although point and shoot lenses are improving every year). DSLR lenses are larger, and more glass can add to the quality. I strongly advise DSLR buyers to buy the best quality lenses that they can afford.
DSLR Cons
Price
DSLR’s are generally more expensive than digital point and shoot 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 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 lugging around quite a load!
Maintenance
If you’re going to use a DSLR with more than one lens, consider that every time you change lenses you run the risk of letting dust into your camera. Cleaning your camera, in particular the image sensor ,is not a job for the faint hearted and I recommend that you get it done professionally (which of course costs). Some DSLRs now have self-cleaning sensors.
Complexity
DSLRs are designed for manual use. This means you need to know how to use the tools that they give you. The learning curve can be quite steep. Of course you can always leave the DSLR in auto mode.
No live LCD (viewing screen)
In some DSLRs the only way to frame your shot is via the optical viewfinder because they have no live LCD screen available.
Point and Shoots
While some people write off all non DSLR’s as inferior I think they’ve got a lot going for them. For many people DSLRs may not be the best option. It depends on the level of photography that you engage in, your budget, the things that you’ll want to do with your photos and the subject matter that you will be shooting. A Point and Shoot camera just may be the ticket. Here are some of the pros and cons to Point and Shoot Digital Cameras:
Pros
Size and Weight
To be able to slip a camera in a pocket as you dash out the door is a wonderful thing. Point and shoot cameras can be slim and light – great for parties, travel and all manner of situations. Other point and shoots can be a bit bulky – especially some of the super zoom models.
Quiet Operation
They can be so quiet your subjects may not notice you’ve taken a shot.
Auto Mode
The quality of images produced in point and shoots varies greatly, but in general they shoot quite well in auto mode. These cameras are geared for those individuals who don’t want to think to hard when shooting photos.
Price
In general point and shoot digital cameras are cheaper.
LCD Framing
Many digital camera users prefer to frame their shots using LCDs. 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.
Cons
Image Quality
Point and shoots generally have small image sensors which means that the quality that they produce is generally lower. If you’re not planning on using your images for major enlargements or in professional applications, the quality of point and shoot cameras can be more than enough for the average user.
Smaller ISO range (speed by which the camera sensor takes and holds the image)
In general ISO ranges are more limited in point and shoot cameras – this limits them in different shooting conditions.
Speed Issues
Point and shoot digital cameras were always notorious for their slowness; particularly their ‘shutter lag’ (the time between pressing the shutter and when the image is taken), start up and even focusing time.
Reliance upon LCD
Most point and shoot digital camera rely almost completely upon their LCD for framing.
Limited Manual Controls
Many point and shoot cameras do have the ability to play with an array of manual settings and controls. They often come with ‘aperture priority’ and ‘shutter priority’ modes which are great – but quite often these manual controls are hidden in menu systems and are not easily accessible.
• Less Adaptable
While they are highly portable point and shoot cameras are generally not very adaptable. Some do have lens adapters to give you wider angles or longer zooms.
It is worth noting Point and Shoot cameras, like DSLRs, are improving all the time.
I hope this helps you determine which type of camera is the best for you.