Point & Shoot or DSLR Camera - Which is Right for You?

Whether you’re a first time buyer or thinking of upgrading, this question can be rather daunting given the wide selection of cameras on the market these days. With Point & Shoot cameras inching up in features to match that of the lower end DSLR, and DSLRs coming down in price so more consumers can afford them, it can be a confusing decision. Let’s take a look at both formats to help make your decision a little easier.

If you are a first time buyer, don’t be intimidated by DSLR cameras. DSLR stands for Digital Single Lens Reflex. A mirror is used to reflect the light coming through the lens at a 90 degree angle, then reflected another two times by a pentaprism to portray the image correctly to the viewer. The mirror swings upward and the shutter opens, allowing light to project onto the image sensor through the lens. Another shutter will cover the sensor to end the exposure, the mirror drops back into place and the shutter then resets. The speed of this process is milliseconds and a fast camera can do this more than 10 times a second. If you’re planning to take lots of action shots, you will need to consider this when choosing a camera. Lower end Point & Shoot cameras may have an action feature, but it just doesn’t quite compare to the speed of an entry level DSLR or that of a higher end point & shoot.

• Wide range of interchangeable lenses. While the newer Point & Shoot cameras can have longer optical zoom capabilities, having removable lenses opens up many more shooting options. Telephoto lenses, macro, wide angle and fish eye are just a few of the many lenses available. Add to that the vast array of accessories, such as filters and external flashes, and you certainly open the doors to much more creativity.

• Manual and Auto controls. Although some of the newer Point & Shoot cameras have manual controls, they are still limited. The manual controls on a DSLR camera give you more flexibility when programming your own settings while still giving you the option of Auto controls when needed.

• ISO range. DSLR cameras have a larger image sensor allowing the use of higher ISO settings with an adjustment to the exposure setting, or shutter speed, to give you less noise (grainy pictures) than a point & shoot. This can give you much more options for shooting in different situations.

• Better image quality. As I’ve already stated, DSLR cameras have a larger image sensor which will give you a better picture quality when using a higher ISO setting. This will also hold true if you wish to print your picture on a larger format of photo paper. The image will not appear pixilated or grainy as quickly, allowing you to expand the size to a greater degree than you could with a Point & Shoot.

• Quality lenses. Point & Shoot lenses have certainly improved recently, but generally the lenses that come with, and are manufactured for, a DSLR are of excellent quality. The purchase of extra, good quality lenses only add to the options available to you and, if maintained properly, can add to the value of your camera kit.

• Bulky and heavy equipment. With the camera, extra lenses, possibly a tripod or monopod and all the accessories, it can be rather cumbersome to pack your photo equipment with you wherever you go. It’s not as easy to just grab your camera and go.

• Price. The cost of DSLR cameras is continually dropping, but they can still be more expensive. When you start adding on extra lenses and accessories, you can have a pretty penny invested in your photography equipment.

• Learning curve. There is definitely a learning curve when starting off with a DSLR, but that will depend on how much knowledge you already have of photography and cameras. If you’re not familiar with all the terms and what they mean, you must be prepared to take the time to learn them.

• Maintenance. Maintaining any camera is very important to keep them working at their best, but DSLRs need a little more care than Point & Shoot cameras. Each time a lens is removed from the body the chance of any foreign material getting inside is increased, and this can cause some unwanted results. Though most of the newer models have an automatic dust cleaning function built into the camera that will clean the sensor each time the camera is shut off, it isn't foolproof so great care is needed when changing lenses.

Please continue on to page 2 to find out the pros and cons of a Point & Shoot digital camera.