Slr camera vs digital camera..
By jimmy87
@jimmy87 (475)
India
June 26, 2009 8:19am CST
Hey mylotters,for long I haven't understood the difference between SLR cameras and digital cameras.Only I know that the SLR cameras have a high end price.
Which one should I buy??
4 responses
@countrygirl8808 (53)
• United States
26 Jun 09
It very much depends on how serious of a photographer you are.
A serious amateur photographer's best bet would be to go with a Digital SLR camera, if then can afford the digital upgrade. There are still those of us who shoot Film SLR Cameras.
An SLR Camera shows the image directly as it will be on the film: it uses internal mirrors to reflect the exact photograph you will take. Though with digital cameras having the preview screen, this isn't quite a big deal.
If you will be taking portraits, SLR is the way to go because you can choose your depth of field. If you are just intending to "capture the moment" then a regular digital camera will be just fine.
Just make sure that you get an adequate megapixel count to suit your needs. (The higher the megapixels the bigger the photographs can be blown up.)
@bobmnu (8157)
• United States
26 Jun 09
Megapixels are not the most important aspect of the camera. The things that are more important are the lens, sensor and processor. I had a 2.8 mp camera with a quality lens and could print quality 8x10 photos. My son had a 5mp camera and could also produce a 8x10 print but not as sharp as mine. Many camera makers are finding that you get better pictures with 6-8mp in a compact camera than in a 12mp camera. When I buy or recommend a camera to people I always recommend that they consider a name brand camera and a 5-8mp count if they are buying an entry level point and shoot camera.
@Davidarich (985)
• Australia
2 Jul 09
Most SLR cameras on the market are digital cameras. Bob has given a good explanation, although I thought I should add that the latest entry-level SLRs are no more expensive than the top of the range compact (that is, non-slr) digitals. In fact some digital cameras are a lot more expensive than SLRs, so the choice is not quite so simple just on the basis of price.
Also, the latest Olympus and Panasonic SLRs are smaller and lighter than many so-called compacts.
THe big difference is that SLRs produce higher quality pictures in any conditions, and much better in bad conditions, they are more flexible and can do a much wider range of things. Compacts are usually smaller and lighter and more convenient to have with you all the time.
@bobmnu (8157)
• United States
26 Jun 09
There are several things to consider between a Digital Camera and a SLR. The first thing is digital cameras are divided into two categories, Point and Shoot and Digital Single Lens Reflex (DSLR). Here are two articles I have written on Digital cameras that you might find useful.
Types of Cameras on HubPages
http://hubpages.com/_1ydkgrbkkj5s3/hub/Types_of_Cameras?e-emailhub
How to Select a Digital Camera on HubPages
http://hubpages.com/_1ydkgrbkkj5s3/hub/How_to_Select_a_Digital_Camera?e-emailhub
The major difference between a Point and Shoot and DSLR is that a Point and Shoot has one lens that is fixed on the camera and the DSLR has removable lens that you can change. Each lens is usually purchased separately for different types of photography. A top of the line Point and Shoot will allow you to do almost everything you can do with a DSLR with some drawbacks. For example I want to take a photo of my grandchildren playing sports. I take my Canon G9 (top of the line P&S) and will get some good shots but miss the real action. I watch them take a jump shot in Basketball and I rarely catch them in the air. I also have to wait 2-3 seconds between shots. With my DSLR Canon Rebel 350 (older entry level DSLR) not only will I catch them in the air but I will catch them going up and coming down. I can take 2.3 shots per second for up to 9 shots at one time.
Why do I have a Canon G9? Because when I travel it will fit in my pocket if needed. It takes excellent photos if I do not want to stop action. My Canon Rebel requires a separate case with room for extra lens. Cost is another factor. I have about $500 invested in the Canon G9, and close to $3,000 invested in my Canon Rebel and the lens. For most people a good quality P&S camera is all they need.
@incredibleDNA (1742)
• Philippines
27 Jun 09
The question should be, what will you be using it FOR?
if you're serious about photography and expanding knowledge and skills, a DSLR is a better option. However, if you're more of a spontaneous photographer who loves the ability to take a picture but not be bugged down with lots of equipment, a compact cam or digital camera is a better option!
the best compact cams can provide you with a good cross between the advantages of a DSLR. Remember, DSLRs are not travel friendly cams. So if you're looking for something that's easy to transport and take with you to family events, parties, night outs and out of towns, a compact cam is a better option.