Choose between SLR and point and shoot cameras
Many photography enthusiasts are confused about the kind of camera they should buy, and find it difficult to choose between point-and-shoot cameras and digital SLRs. Both have their own set of advantages and disadvantages, which should be considered and understood before making a decision.
The digital camera industry has improved a lot in the last few years, and the significant decline in prices has made digital SLRs affordable to common users. Read on to understand the important features of each segment and make an informed choice.
Lug around, or hug around…
One of the biggest advantages of a point-and-shoot camera is its compact size and lesser weight, which makes it easy for you to carry the camera wherever you go. On the other hand, SLR cameras are bigger, and often needs a separate bag to carry it. The fact that most SLR camera lenses are heavier than the camera body itself warranties a carry case for the entire SLR apparatus.
Lens is important, but…
Generally, all the SLR camera bodies come with a standard zoom lens suitable for normal photos. For example, an 18-55 mm lens supplied with Nikon D40 can produce good portrait and landscape photos. However, you would have to purchase more lenses for special shooting purposes. For example, the 18-55 mm zoom lens is not sufficient to take a close-up photo of a bird sitting at the branch of a tall tree near you.
On the other hand, normal point-and-shoot cameras have a bigger zoom range when compared to the standard lens issued with SLR cameras. These lenses are powerful enough to meet normal photographic needs like family portraits and picnic photos. As most of the manufacturers use high-quality lenses for their compact cameras, picture quality would generally be good.
Features matter
In digital SLR cameras, you don’t have to place the subject at the centre of the frame to get it in focus. You just have to choose a focal point from the multiple focal points that are marked in the viewfinder and press the shutter release button halfway down. The focusing will be done within a fraction of a second.
In compact cameras, you have to place the subject at the centre of the frame and press the shutter release button halfway down to focus the subject. You cannot release the button until you are done with framing, and then clicking.
There are significant differences between the auto focus performance of SLRs and compact cameras.
- Digital SLR’s provide sharper and more accurate focusing and metering compared to a point-and-shoot camera.
- Unlike a point-and-shoot camera’s auto focus, that of the SLR’s is very quick. Auto focusing process may take one or two seconds in compact cameras.
- In DSLRs, there is no shutter lag, a short delay between pressing the shutter release button and the photograph is actually recorded. But in point-and-shoot cameras, the shutter lag will be very significant – a lag of one or two second is common.
Unique features of SLR cameras
As mentioned earlier, SLRs are meant for advanced users. Understanding some of the useful features of DSLRs will help you to take a final decision.
- SLRs give you superior performance, especially for low-light photography, as the sensor (CCD) used is much bigger than that of compact cameras.
- Unlike point-and-shoot cameras, the photographer has complete control over all the settings. Thus, it is the photographer who decides how the photo should be.
- SLR cameras are capable to shoot anything in the world using interchangeable lenses.
- The focusing mechanism of SLRs is very fast and accurate. There will be no shutter lag as well.
- SLRs can record images in RAW format, offering you more control over how the final image is generated.
Unique features of point-and-shoot cameras
Although digital SLRs are good in some areas, compact cameras have their own unique features as well.
- Video recording facility is not available in SLRs, and this feature alone makes point-and-shoot cameras a favourite of many users.
- Point-and-shoot cameras are easy to operate for normal users, as they don’t have a lot of unwanted settings that are meant for professionals.
- The large LCD preview screen and lightweight of compact cameras help users to shoot photos with minimal effort.
Make your decision
If you are seriously thinking about buying a new camera, you need to spend some time to analyse your requirements as well as the available options. You may seek help from knowledgeable friends and experts to get a better idea about the products.
If your requirements are not met with a point-and-shoot camera, you should go for a digital SLR camera. But be prepared to shell out extra money on must-have lenses and equipment. These would cost a few hundred euros extra depending on your requirements.
If your photographic needs are normal and you won’t mind having little difficulties like shutter lag, to enjoy an advantage of greater portability and versatility, a compact camera is the best option for you.