Posted to Digital SLR Articles 2009-03-08
What are the differences of a DSLR verses a Point and Shoot digital camera?
Digital cameras have revolutionized how people take pictures. Digital SLRs have combined the high-quality images which SLR's are capable of producing with the instant gratification of digital photography. Digital point and shoot cameras have made digital cameras affordable for everyone. Which one is right for you depends on your level of interest, what you plan to photograph and your budget.
Digital SLR Cameras
Digital SLR cameras share a common body design with their 35mm SLR cousins. These cameras allow the photographer to look directly through the lens which gives the most accurate possible representation of what will appear on the final image. This also makes it possible to take photographs of very fast action as there is no electronic delay between display and scene.
Digital SLRs also generally feature the changeable lenses that do 35mm Cameras. This offers huge benefits toward flexibility for the photographer. Most Digital SLRs are autofocus, though there are manual focus models available. These cameras disadvantages are their size, quite larger than most point and shoot models, and their price. A dropped or mishandled Digital SLR can easily result in a significant financial loss.
Point and Shoot Cameras
Point and shoot cameras are designed with simplicity and affordability in mind. These cameras tend to be feature-heavy, with technological advances such as face recognition, auto focus, auto flash and electronic displays making it possible for anyone to take great snapshots. Most point and shoot cameras have live displays of the image in front of the camera. This of great help for amateurs as it makes composing the image very easy. Some models also feature modes such as night-vision and black and white options.
Point and shoot cameras, however, are far more limited in their capabilities than are digital SLR cameras. The lenses are permanently fixed which means they are serviceable for only a certain range of distances and situations. Of course, this means that lenses cannot be upgraded, as they can with digital SLRs, as well. The lens the camera comes with is the only one it will ever have. The digital displays lag a bit behind the action in front of the camera, which makes them unsuitable for shooting sports and other fast-action on anything but a casual level.
Point and shoot models tend to be very affordable. A decent camera can be purchased for under $100 and, given proper care, will provide a long service life. Most of them are small enough to be conveniently carried in a pocket or purse and have their own lens coverings attached to prevent accidental damage.
If you plan on serious photography, a digital SLR is appropriate. For fun snapshots, point and shoot is more than adequate.
• Some DSLRs to consider are:
Canon EOS Rebel XSi
12.2 mega pixel, 3.5 fps, 3.0 inch LCD Screen
Nikon D90
12.3 mega pixel, 4.5 frames per second, ISO 200 to 3200, 3 inch LCD screen
Sony DSLR A700
12.2 mega pixels, 3.0 inch LCD screen, approx. 5 fps
