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DSLR or a Compact? If you’re shopping for a new digital camera one of the biggest decisions to make is whether to go for a digital SLR or a compact/superzoom model. An DSLR is not absolutely better and vice-versa. Each has distinct pros and cons so it’s important to understand both the benefits and downsides before making your decision. Using a non-SLR is significantly simpler (due to its live preview, 100% coverage, compactness and light weight) and more convenient (except for manual focusing). This type of camera is sometimes usable for hand-held low-light photography and for landscape photography. DLSR cameras are more useful, despite their weight, for sport photography (due to focusing and continuous-drive speeds), for large prints in any type of lighting and for being more flexible (e.g. lenses, external flash). The real question behind this topic reads "What do I want from my photography in terms of output?" or "What is/are the usecase(s) that you will address?". Below each of the next usecase we highlighted the best performing camera type. There are of course exceptions to each of the conclusions, some cameras are optimized exactly for one usecase. Therefore each conclusion is to be taken relatively; even if, for the sake of a readable text, we will speak absolutely. Do you need a camera which responds very quickly? A DSLR will startup and respond much quicker than a compact and offer superior continuous shooting capabilities. Auto-focusing on DSLRs is also quicker, although this is greatly influenced by the type of lens you fit. If you’re serious about shooting wildlife, sports – or even just fast-moving kids – then consider upgrading the supplied ‘kit’ lens to a quicker model. Some compacts like the Canon PowerShot SX1 IS and Sony Cyber-shot HX1 now offer fast continuous shooting, but normally with some restrictions such as a limited number of frames or locked focusing during the sequence How important is taking photos in low light? The larger image sensor of a DSLR has less electronic noise, and therefore can be used at higher ISO values without objectionable noise. This means much better picture quality under low light conditions or with the fastest shutter speeds to freeze action. This is a key advantage of DSLRs. So if decent quality in low light conditions is important to you, go for a DSLR every time. Are you unwilling to clean your camera or images for dust? The bottom line is dust will affect every DSLR owner at some point, so you’d better get used to dealing with it – either by retouching your existing photos, or using a blower to physically dislodge particles. In contrast, compacts and superzoom cameras are closed devices and virtually impervious to dust getting inside (although in some cases it can eventually make its way in through the lens mechanism). Note DSLR owners can reduce the risk of dust by rarely changing lenses, and this is where superzoom lenses can prove a very practical option. Do you like composing photos using the colour screen? Composing photos with a nice big colour screen is one of the joys of digital photography using compact or superzoom, but sadly it’s something which traditional DSLRs find tricky. Most new DSLRs are equipped with Live View facilities which allow them to compose using their main colour screen, but there are compromises. If the main sensor is used for Live View, the mirror has to get out the way and the shutter open first, causing delay and noise. Additionally, this then bypasses the AF system of most DSLRs, forcing them to either temporarily flip the mirror down again to take a reading, or employ a slower contrast-based AF system. So composing with the screen on a DSLR is possible, but there are compromises and it's not as slick or smooth an operation as using a compact or superzoom. As for DSLRs without Live View, you'll need to press your eye up to the traditional optical viewfinder to compose your shot. In practice a DSLR viewfinder actually allows you to check the focusing much better than a colour screen. Is the size and weight of your camera a big issue? Due to their lens mounts and internal mirrors, DSLRs are simply bigger and heavier than most compacts or superzoom cameras. If you want a camera you can slip in a pocket or a small bag, then a compact is the best choice. If you want a small DSLR though, consider the Olympus E-4x0 or Panasonic's Lumix G1 Do you want ultra wide angle coverage, telephoto or other specialist lenses? By offering interchangeable lenses, the DSLR makes available a wider range of focal lengths. This is especially the case at the long end, where extreme telephoto lenses are available. On the other hand, you get the inconvenience of having to change lenses. Special adapters may increase the coverage of some compacts and superzooms, but they’re bulky and again can’t match what’s possible with a DSLR. If you’re willing to invest in additional lenses (and carry them around), a DSLR offers much greater flexibility. Do you need to use an external flashgun or studio lighting? While a handful of compacts and superzooms offer flash hotshoes (e.g. Canon PowerShot G10 and Panasonic Lumix LX3), the fact is DSLRs are much better equipped to connect with and control external lighting. So if you’re linking multiple flashguns or fancy renting a studio for the day, a DSLR is the camera for you. Do you want the ability to capture video clips? Video capture has long been a standard feature of most compact and superzoom cameras, with the latest models even offering high definition modes. DSLRs are beginning to get in on the act, but as of Q2 2009, there's still very few models which offer it, for example Canon's EOS 5D Mark II and EOS 500D / T1i, Nikon's D90 and D5000, and the Pentax K7. So unless you're aiming for one of these new DSLRs, movie modes predominantly remain in the realm of compacts and superzooms. Note: video recording using a DSLR normally involves a number of compromises though. If easy handling and usability are really important to you, consider buying a camcorder instead. Are you willing to pay the price for a DSLR? Most of the other references are leaving this question away. Still you should know that a compact or superzoom is not that expensive as a DSLR. Summing up we could say: References |
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