DSLR or Point-and-Shoot?

This is a very common question. If you've never had a digital camera before, or are looking into upgrading, you will notice that digital cameras generally fall into the categories of "Point-and-Shoot" and "Digital SLR."

DSLR stands for "Digital Single Lens Reflex," these are cameras that have removable lenses, that have a reflex mirror which allows live optical viewing through the lens taking the image. Point-and-Shoot cameras are smaller than DSLR cameras, less expensive, and are very portable (you can even fit some of them into your pocket). Both cameras have their strengths and weaknesses, and your choice of which type to buy will largely depend upon the type of pictures you will expect to be taking.

Following are a list of general strengths and weaknesses of both DSLR cameras and point-and-shoot models. You should always research your purchase before buying a new camera, and bear in mind the type of photos you will expect to be using the camera for, as well as the budget you hope to spend. You don't necessarily have to be a serious professional to buy a DSLR camera. Likewise, you may only actually need a point-and-shoot camera rather than the bigger, more expensive DSLRs you've been considering.

DSLR Strengths:

Image Quality - Due to the larger size of image sensors in DSLRs which allows for larger pixel sizes - DSLRs are generally able to be used at a faster ISO which will lead to faster shutter speeds and less grain.

Adaptability - DSLR’s ability to change lenses opens up a world of possibilities for photographers. A DSLR can be fitted with many high quality lenses ranging from wide angle to super long focal lengths depending upon what you're photographing. Add to this a large range of other accessories (flashes, filters etc) and a DSLR can be adapted to many different situations.

Speed - DSLR’s are generally pretty fast pieces of machinery when it comes to things like start up, focussing and shutter lag.

Optical Viewfinder - due to the reflex mirror DSLR’s are very much a "what you see is what you get" operation.

Large ISO range - this varies between cameras but generally DSLRs offer a wide array of ISO settings which lends itself to their flexibility in shooting in different conditions.

Manual Controls - while they do come with good auto modes the manual controls, DSLR cameras are generally built in in such a way that they are at the photographer can better control their own settings.

Value Longevity - DSLR models do not get updated quite as often as point and shoot models, and the lenses you buy for them are compatible with other camera bodies if you do choose to upgrade later on. This means your investment in lenses is not a waste over the years.

Quality Optics - DSLR lenses are larger and have many hours of time put into their manufacture. You can greatly improve the pictures taken with a higher-quality lens (even if fitted on a cheaper camera).

DSLR Weaknesses:

Price - while they are coming down in price, DSLR’s are generally more expensive than point and shoot digital cameras. Upgrading lenses can add to that cost

Size and Weight - DSLRs are heavy and sizable and when you add a lens or two to your kit bag you can end up with quite the load

Maintenance - a factor well worth considering if you’re going to use a DSLR with more than one lens is that every time you change lenses you run the risk of letting dust into your camera.

Noise - DSLRs are generally more noisy to use than point and shoots.

Complexity - while DSLRs are designed for manual use this of course means you need to know how to use the tools that they give you.

No live LCD - in many DSLRs the only way to frame your shot is via the optical viewfinder.

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Point-and-Shoot Strengths:

Size and Weight - to be able to slip a camera in a pocket as you dash out the door to a party is a wonderful thing. These days point and shoot cameras can be slim and light and many can fit in a pocket.

Quiet Operation - Many times your subjects won't even know you're taking pictures (unless, of course, you use the flash).

Auto Mode - the quality of images produced in point and shoots varies greatly, but in general they shoot quite well in auto mode.

Price - in general point and shoot digital cameras are more affordable than their DSLR cousins.

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.

Point-and-Shoot Weaknesses:

Image Quality - point and shoots generally have small image sensors which means that the quality that they produce is generally lower.

Smaller ISO range - ISO ranges are more limited in point and shoot cameras - this limits them in different shooting conditions.

Speed - 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).

Reliance upon LCD - most point and shoot digital camera rely almost completely upon their LCD for framing.).

Manual Controls Limited - many point and shoot cameras do have the ability to play with a full array of manual settings and controls, but quite often the manual controls are hidden in menu systems and are not as accessible

Less Adaptable - while they are highly portable point and shoot cameras are generally not very adaptable. What you buy when you first get them is what you are going to be using.