WEEK 2 - CASE STUDY 1

Question

Should you buy a DSLR or Point and Shoot Digital Camera?
 

Siti Noor Photo has registered a short course on photography and she has decided to purchase a digital camera for the course. She already has the Point and Shoot Digital camera and now she is in dilemma whether she should buy the Digital Single‐ Lens Reflex (DSLR) camera. Followings is her thought “I’m using a compact point and shoot digital camera and i would like to ask it is worth it to upgrade to a DSLR camera? How huge a difference do DSLR cameras make compared to compact point and shoot igital camera? What matters the most when buying a digital camera? Is it the image quality, the brand name or the features offered by the camera?.... Oh friends… please assist me on this…”

Answer

Digital SLR camerasFrequently called DSLR cameras. are quite different from fixed-lens digital cameras  Often incorrectly called Point&Shoot digital cameras, of which only some are. The main advantages of a digital SLR camera are: less image noise at high-sensitivities, interchangeable lenses, a reflex viewfinder and much faster speed of operation. Note that only the reflex viewfinder is truly a property unique to DSLRs

Things To Know

• Digital SLR cameras are defined by their reflex viewfinder. DSLRs are the most efficient when using such a viewfinder. Some DSLR cameras also feature live-view which uses the rear LCD to show an approximation of the scene. At this time, live-view either means slow autofocus or a cropped preview, plus it is also not WYSIWYG nor does it allow access to all functions.

• A DSLR viewfinder sees through the lens. It is easy to judge focus - but not exposure - through it. You can't see how bright or dark a picture will come out before taking it.

• Optical zoom depends on the attached lens. It makes no sense to specify optical zoom when describing a digital SLR camera. Lenses which do not zoom are called prime lenses.

• A DSLR's focal-length multiplier is determined by the size of its image sensor. The angle-of-view of a lens mounted on a particular sensor is calculated using the focal-length-multiplier.

• The connector between an SLR camera and a lens is called a mount. Only SLR cameras and lenses with the same mount-type can be attached to each otherNote that even if a lens attaches, all its features may not be supported.   

• SLR lenses are zoomed and manually focused by handIn auto-focus mode, an SLR uses a motor to focus. This is faster, more precise and much more responsive than typical electronic zoomsOnly a few non-SLR cameras have mechanical zooms..All DSLR cameras have full manual controls, manual focusing, custom white balance, high-ISO sensitivities, a hot-shoe for an external flash and can produce RAW images.

• Available apertures are limited by the attached lens. Available shutter speeds are determined by the camera.

• Battery life on a DSLR is significantly longer than most fixed-lens digital 

Advantages of using DSLR camera  :

1.Image quality

Imahe quality produced by a DSLR is higher than most fixed-lens digital camera although it is strongly affected by the choice of lens. A combination of low image noise and high retention of details, particularly at higher ISO settings, places DSLR ahead of fixed-lens. DSLRs can also capture more dynamic range than the vast majority of fixed-lens cameras. However, both types of cameras are equally capable in terms of color, white-balance and exposure.

2. Speed

The most significant performance advantage of a DSLR is in terms of speed. Compared to fixed-lens cameras, a DSLR focuses faster and shoots faster for longer. Most other DSLR timings are noticeably faster too, including startup time and shot-to-shot delay.Focusing speed is important when capturing a moving subject. The faster a camera can focus, the faster it will take a picture. Shot-to-shot times and burst speed are also faster at maximum resolution on every DSLR than any camera which is not the Casio Exilim EX-F1. Burst-mode is mostly used in action and fashion photography where capturing a precise moment is paramount. Not only do DSLRs shoot faster but they can take more shots in a single burst at a constant speed. This increases the chances of capturing a decisive moment.

3. Shutter speed

Lightning fast shutter speeds. Why is a fast shutter speed important? Have you ever lost a shot with an inexpensive digital or standard camera waiting for the picture to snap? Digital SLR cameras are quick on the draw, so when that special moment happens, you’ll capture it all in glorious color. 

4. Multiple lens options. 

Digital SLR camera offers serious options for serious photographers. Most prominent among these options is the ability to add a variety of different lenses to the camera. Whether you’re shooting panoramic vistas or emotional close-ups, there’s a lens for your SLR to capture it more effectively.

5. Low light photos. 

Digital SLR’s have the power to turn poor lighting conditions into great shots. The digital sensors in a digital SLR camera can bring vibrant images to life even when there’s not enough ambient light to go around. And the coolest part, they can do it without using a flash!

6. More human control.

Cameras with automatic flashes or zoom controls are a great choice for many weekend photographers. But people who need a more control are better served by Digital SLR cameras. While many of the point-and-shoot features that make digital cameras so great are available here, there is also a wealth of customizable options in SLRs that a person can control just about every aspect of their photography.

However..my opinion is..if Siti dont have a lots of money..is better for her only borrow from the faculty..hahaha...like me..kui3.. But if she really want to buy it have money..why not just buy it for her future..may be in future..she can use it for get some extra money..if she good in taking pictures.whose know right? She will learn a lot in her class about using DSLR camera..