All about size: Point-and-shoot
convenience wins when it needs
to slip into a pocket.
matically and determines the precise exposure through the same lens that
captures the picture. What’s perhaps most important about SLR cameras is the
ability to easily change that lens. Typically, digital SLR camera manufacturers
offer a wide assortment of lenses, from wide-angle to telephoto, to meet virtually
any picture-taking need. This allows you to tailor your digital SLR system to your
photographic interests: travel, sports, nature, wildlife, you name it.
Not only lenses, but also powerful flash units and a host of other accessories can be added to your SLR system as you need them.
In the end, SLR cameras offer more precision and versatility than their
compact counterparts and, for a number of reasons, have the ability to take
visibly higher-quality images.
Megapixels are megapixels, right?
Yes and no. Most people believe that a compact point-and-shoot camera
and an SLR with the same megapixel count will have the same picture-taking
capacity. This isn’t necessarily the case. The imaging sensor in a digital SLR is
physically larger and supports higher overall picture quality.
Ready when you are
Almost everyone has experienced the frustration of pressing a compact
camera’s shutter button, only to have the camera hesitate before taking the
picture. Digital SLR cameras react almost instantaneously, virtually eliminating
shutter lag. The peak moment of sports action and the perfect portrait expression can be caught as they happen. For many people, this is the most important reason to own a digital SLR.
Any downside to digital SLRs?
Good question. First, even the smallest digital SLR cameras (and some digital
SLRs are much smaller than others) are larger than the average compact digital.
Most people love the notion of being able to go anywhere with a high-quality
camera that fits easily into a pocket or purse—which is why many people who
opt for the higher quality of a digital SLR own a compact digital camera as well.
On balance, digital SLR cameras are more expensive than their compact
counterparts, though prices have been coming down, making them more affordable than ever.
Finally, digital SLRs have a reputation for being more difficult to use. In some
instances, this reputation is well earned, but, in general, manufacturers have
made great strides in making their digital SLR cameras easy and intuitive to operate. These new-generation digital SLRs have made high-quality picture taking
more accessible and more fun.
Summing up
Compact design has teamed with capability, convenience and lower prices
to make digital SLR cameras the right choice for people who want to take
great pictures right from the start. For those whose enthusiasm for photography
is the starting point, a digital SLR offers practically unlimited potential. A
