Digital Single Lens Reflex (SLR) cameras are excellent cameras
that produce clearer, sharper and more colourful images than
most point and shoot digital cameras available. With prices falling
rapidly, they are now more affordable then ever. With the price
gap between an entry model digital SLR camera and the most expensive
compact digital camera narrowing; the question is… do I
spend the extra money and get a Digital SLR camera? or save a
few hundred dollars and purchase the best digital compact camera.
Well, it really depends on your budget; however if you do
spend the extra money, here's what you get:
In addition to the price falls in the Digital SLR models,
the performance on these cameras has increased year on year with
the latest Digital SLR cameras being quicker and faster than
ever before. They have improved to such an extent that power
up or start-up time is near instantaneous with virtually no lag
time. “Lag time is the time between you pressing the shutter
release button and the camera actually taking the shot”.
This delay can vary quite a bit between different camera models
and it is one of the biggest drawbacks compared to a compact
digital camera. The latest digital SLR cameras have virtually
no lag times and react in the same way as conventional film cameras,
even in burst mode. Compact digital cameras are catching up;
however the difference is still significant. A lag time of ~0.5
seconds can result in you missing the heartbeat of the moment
and hence that potential great picture.
Digital SLR camera also has a larger sensor versus a smaller
sensor in a compact digital camera. This equates to higher sensitivity
and less noise and results in the camera taking clearer pictures
in low light. (They also have better autofocus speed in low light
as well). A measure of sensitivity in a digital camera is ISO
and a typical ISO range for a Digital SLR camera varies from
ISO 100 – 1600 with the latter being more sensitive. The
ISO range for a compact digital camera varies from ISO 50 –
400. In summary, the higher the ISO rating, the greater the sensitivity
and the better the photo can be taken in low light.
The Digital SLR cameras have a much longer battery life due
to the limited use of the LCD screen. Please note, that as the
LCD screen is only used for viewing the image, the battery life
of a digital SLR can allow up to 2000 shots per charge in some
cameras compared to 500 for a good point and shoot digital camera.
Digital SLR cameras also allow you to interchange lens such
as adding a zoom or macro lens when required.
On the negative side of a Digital SLR camera; they are usually
larger and heavier than compact digital cameras, the image cannot
be previewed on the LCD screen prior taking the picture. If you
really require the image to be viewed on the LCD prior to taking
the picture, there are third party manufacturers that produce
LCD screens that attaches to the viewfinder and allow the scene
to be view just like a compact digital camera. The other drawback
is the inability to take videos and finally, lenses are expensive
with the majority costing more than the camera itself.
Although compact digital cameras cannot compete on features
with a Digital SLR camera, they are great value, have the ability
to take videos and are portable. If you have decided to purchase
a Digital SLR camera I recommend you visit other websites which
has Information on Digital Camera and compare the features. If
you are still undecided, purchase both.
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About The Author
Virginia Wong is an IT consultant and has a passion for digital
photography. Her research into digital camera resulted in the
development of her own digital camera website. http://infodigitalcamera.com. This article is
free to use, distribute and copy as long as the link remains
in place.
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This article was posted on October 07, 2005