With all the makes and models of digital cameras on the market today, deciding which one to buy can be difficult. They range from plain and simple point-and-shoot to high-grade professional equipment. If you’re trying to find the camera that’s right for your photo-snapping needs, one of the most important distinctions to make is the difference between SLR and point-and-shoot cameras.
The basics: SLR
SLR stands for “single lens reflex.” This is the defining characteristic of an SLR camera. Instead of having two lenses – one for the shutter and one for the view-finder – SLRs have only one. They use a mirror inside the camera so that what you see through the view-finder is exactly what goes on the film (or, in the case of digital cameras, the image sensor.) This allows the photographer to see exactly how a photo will look before the shutter even snaps.
SLRs are also designed to attach different lenses. If you know that a particular shot would look better taken with a wide-angle lens, you can switch lenses out, take the shot, then change lenses again. SLRs can take other accessories, too, like filters and flash systems.
The difference is not only in equipment, but in performance. SLRs tend to have faster shutter speed, more zoom control (manual), and faster autofocus. They also have less noise (speckles, spots, or lines) in low light.
However, there are some downsides to SLRs. They are usually heavier and bulkier than point-and-shoots, making them less convenient to carry, especially if you’re bringing alternate lenses. Changing lenses can make for great shots, but it can also lead to dust collecting on the camera’s sensor, which will then have to be cleaned. If you’re not accustomed to using an SLR it will take some time and practice before you start getting the most out of it, like learning when to use which lenses and how to compose different shots. One of the biggest detractors from SLR cameras is the price tag. SLRs can run from $500 to thousands of dollars, and their accessories can be just as costly.
The basics: Point-and-shoot
Point-and-shoot cameras differ from SLRs in many ways. One of the most significant of these is the number of lenses. A point-and-shoot usually has separate lenses for the shutter and the view-finder. This means that what you see through the view-finder is an approximation, not an exact representation, of what the actual photo will look like. Usually, however, these are so similar that it’s difficult for the amateur photographer to tell. Advancements in technology have also resulted in much higher-quality point-and-shoot cameras than were previously available.
Digital point-and-shoot cameras have some features that SLRs don’t, such as LCD view screens, image preview, settings for different conditions, and the ability to record video clips. There is also greater variety among point-and-shoots – you can buy a simple snapshot camera or one loaded with features. In general, they are lighter and easier to carry than SLRs. Point-and-shoot cameras are also much less expensive, ranging from about $80 to $500.
The run-down
Which type of camera you buy ultimately comes down to what kind of photos you want to take and how much you want to spend. If you’re a wedding photographer, an SLR would be a better investment for high-speed, professional grade pictures, especially in low light. If you’re looking for something with a little less maintenance, or a little more convenience, there are many high-quality point-and-shoot cameras available.
