The change from a regular compact point and shoot camera to a digital SLR camera can be daunting for some people. I don’t find it surprising because the digital SLR (or DSLR) camera has more advance settings compared to its smaller and simpler cousin the compact point and shoot digital camera.
With the DSLR get ready for how some really beautiful results – your DSLR will be redefine how you capture images from that moment on. By merging the optics and the components of a single lens reflex camera with that of a digital imaging sensor, photography is pushed to a whole new level – one that dramatically changes the world of photography.
We can hardly find film based cameras today. And as you get more serious in getting better photographs, you would want to have a DSLR to work with. Your point and shoot camera for more casual and impromptu situations – even that it being taken over by the smartphone but that is a whole different story.
The popularity of the DSLR can be attributed to the fact that camera manufacturers have started to produce more user friendly cameras. They are easy to operate and most of the time comes with help built into the unit. In addition, DSLR cameras have become more affordable today unlike in the past where they were considered a luxury item.
If given the option to choose between an entry level DSLR and a compact point and shoot camera, I would go for a DSLR. Mainly because DSLRs come with so much more features than a point and shoot compact camera.
I am listing here why I think these features make DSLRs a better choice. I have listed seven, but I am sure there are more.
1. INTERCHANGEABLE LENSES
With a DSLR you get the liberty to use the lens of your choice. When you buy a DSLR camera, it would come with a kit lens. You can later purchase other types of lenses – prime lens such as a 50mm or a telephoto lens. Depending on what your interests are.
When you’re on vacation or traveling, you would not probably like to carry around several lenses with you. Unless you’re the most dedicated of photographers, that is. It’s often the same if you’re trying to enjoy a day with the family and don’t want to spend all day changing lenses and moaning about your heavy backpack. A 18-200mm lens would be a suitable choice. I think it will be a good all-day or travel lens because it would be easy enough to carry around and offering you the freedom to capture shots from landscapes to portraits, and zoom in on distant objects.
2. MODE DIAL
While most compact cameras would have buttons to access their features, DSLRs would come with a mod dial on the body. This feature provides access to basic camera or automatic scene mode settings. It also enables the user to customize or adjust the settings while taking an image.
3. HD VIDEO
This feature allows the user to use a movie mode that can record high definition motion video.
4. LIVE PREVIEW
It allows the user to view the optical viewfinders image on the LCD display of the camera.
5. DUST REDUCTION SYSTEM
This includes a dust cover filter which is positioned behind the lens mount. It prevents dust particles from entering the chamber.
6. LARGE IMAGE SENSOR
This feature enables the camera to produce high resolution images therefore giving the user access to better quality images. The DSLR larger image sensor enables you to get larger pixel size. When capturing images, it’s possible to use faster shutter speed to reduce image noise.
7. LONG BATTERY LIFE
Compared to the short battery life of compact digital cameras, the battery life of DSLR camera is much longer due to the limited use of LCD screen which is only used to view the images. With a fully charged battery, one can take about two thousand shots.
It is important to note that DSLR cameras maintain their value longer than a point and shoot digital camera. This is because they are not updated on a regular basis. This type of camera is excellent for those with a goal of becoming serious photographers. Since DSLR settings are more advanced, you will not be in a position to take good images if you are not familiar with these settings and the correct photography techniques. Therefore, whenever you use a DSLR camera, you need to keep on practicing in order to learn how to take great pictures.
