Recently, a dear friend asked for suggestions on new camera. He has been shooting a lot of his pictures with his smartphone and he is ready to upgrade to something a little more sophisticated. I suggested a couple of point and shoot cameras as well as a couple of DSLR and mirrorless systems. He asked me what is the difference between a DSLR and a point and shoot.
I realized after chatting with him that I have had quite a few people ask the same question. As we move into the holiday season, many of us are already starting to research gifts for families and maybe even for ourselves. If you are in the market for a new camera, here are a few things about DSLR cameras and point and shoot cameras that may help you with your purchase.
DSLR Cameras
Before there were digital SLR cameras (DSLR), most photographers used film SLR (Single Lens Reflex) cameras. DSLR cameras use a mirror and prism system allowing the photographer to view directly on the lens versus viewing through a separate viewfinder offset from the lens.
DSLR cameras use the mirror and prism system to reflect the image coming through the lens through the body of the camera to the photographer’s eye. When the photographer presses the shutter button, the mirror moves out of the way of the image so it can be projected on the camera sensor or film. If you have used a film SLR camera before, moving to a digital SLR is an easy transition.
Now, there is a new brand of cameras called mirrorless interchangeable lens cameras. Some of these cameras are small like point and shoot cameras with large sensors and interchangeable lens flexibility like DSLR cameras.
Interchangable Lenses
DSLR cameras are sold as the camera body only or with a kit lens. I am not fond of kit lenses because most of them are all-around terrible. Being able to change your lens offers flexibility you cannot get from a point and shoot. Depending on the subject matter, lighting situations and your artistic vision, you can produce amazing pictures with your camera body and a high quality lens.
Large Image Sensor, Better Quality
The image sensor on most DSLR cameras is larger than a point and shoot sensor. The larger sensor allows for larger pixel sizes. DSLR cameras generally can be used at faster ISO and faster shutter speeds resulting in less grainy images.
Manual Controls
One of the things many professional photographers love about their DSLR cameras is the ability to manually control every aspect of the image they produce. You can adjust the ISO, Shutter Speed, Aperture and the focus of your lens.
Point and Shoot Cameras
Compact Size
Point and shoot cameras are compact and typically include autofocus, automatic functions and settings and a built in flash. All you have to do with them is point at your subject and take the picture. Now, don’t be fooled into thinking point and shoot cameras do not take good pictures. Many of the best models do.
Reasonable Price
The price of point and shoot cameras is the main reason people tend to purchase this type of camera when they upgrade from their smartphone camera. The compact size is another benefit to the point and shoot camera. The lighter, less complicated device make sit I easy to fit in your pocket, purse or bag, making it ideal for travel.
Automatic Settings
Another advantage of point and shoot cameras is the automatic settings. Since the camera self-adjust to capture images quickly, you don’t have to worry about missing exciting moments. If you simply want to take pictures, work on your composition skills and not worry about manipulating your images, this could be the camera for you. Preset shooting settings, such as fireworks,portrait,macro and waterfall make it easy to choose your desired setting and the camera makes all the adjustments for you.
If you are going to purchase your camera from an online store, make sure you take the time to hold the cameras in person. Go to your favorite electronics store and test out the cameras. See how they feel in your hands and whether or not you like the placement of the dials and buttons.
Information on the cameras was very helpful.
Glad to hear that, Bryan. There is so much information on just about any kind of camera you may be interested in. Definitely do your research and it is really important to hold the camera you would like to buy in your hands. The way it feels can be a deciding factor.
This is so helpful, Lucrecer. Read this at just the right time … I’m thinking of investing in a “real” camera like your friend.
I will follow up and let you know what I get. =)
Mike, that is outstanding. I am glad this was helpful. Do let me know if you have any questions. It would be my pleasure to help out.