Photography Step By Step

Some camera manufacturers have released cameras with the DSLR label that technically are not. I’ll define DSLR’s as cameras that have removable lenses, that have a reflex mirror which allows live optical viewing through the lens taking the image. DSLR’s use a mirror that allows you to see the image you’re about to shoot through the view finder – when you take the shot the mirror flips up allowing the image sensor to capture the image.

Here I will present the strengths and weaknesses of these cameras. To do that I need to use some terms that may be new to you, but I’ll explain all of them in later lessons.

Strengths:

Image Quality – due to the larger size of image sensors in DSLRs which allows for larger pixel sizes, DSLRs are able to be used at a faster ISO which will lead to faster shutter speeds and less grain.

Speed – DSLR’s are fast pieces of machinery when it comes to things like start up, focusing and shutter speed.

Large ISO range – this varies between cameras but generally DSLRs offer a wide array of ISO settings which makes them very flexible in shooting in different conditions.

Adaptability – DSLR’s ability to change lenses opens up a world of possibilities for photographers. DSLRs can be fitted with many high quality lenses ranging from wide angle to super long focal lengths. Add to this a large range of other accessories (flashes, filters etc) and a DSLR can be adapted to many different situations. When it comes to lenses the diversity in quality of lenses is great. Image quality is impacted greatly by the quality of the lens you use.

Optical Viewfinder – due to the reflex mirror DSLR’s are very much a what you see is what you get operation.

Manual Controls – a DSLR is designed in such a way that it is assumed that the photographer using it will want to control their own settings. While they do come with good auto modes the manual controls are generally built in in such a way that they are at the photographers finger tips as they are shooting.

Quality Optics – in general the lenses that you’ll find on a DSLR are superior to a point and shoot camera. DSLR lenses are larger and many of them have many hours of time put into their manufacture.

Weaknesses:

Price – while they are coming down in price DSLR’s are generally more expensive than point and shoot digital cameras. Also consider that you might want to upgrade your lens or you may wish to add more lenses later and that this adds to the cost of a DSLR.

Size and Weight – DSLRs are heavy and sizable and when you add a lens or two to your kit bag you can end up with quite the load!

Maintenance – every time you change lenses you run the risk of letting dust into your camera. Dust on an image sensor is a real annoyance as it will leave your images looking blotchy. Cleaning your image sensor is not a job for the faint hearted. Many new DSLRs are being released with self cleaning sensors.

Complexity – while DSLRs are designed for manual use this means you need to know how to use the tools that they give you and the learning curve can be quite steep.

Here I will present the major strengths and weaknesses of these cameras.

Strengths:
- Size and Weight – to be able to slip a camera in a pocket is a wonderful thing. These days point and shoot cameras are in general slim and light – to the point of not even knowing you’ve got them with you. This is wonderful for parties, travel and all manner of situations.
- Auto Mode – the quality of images varies greatly, but in general they shoot quite well in auto mode. Manufacturers presume that this style of camera will be generally used in auto mode (or one of the preset modes) and as a result they come pretty well optimized for this type of shooting.
- Quiet Operation – with the new cameras there are frequently situations when you don’t even notice you’ve took the shot.
- Price – in general point and shoot digital cameras are cheaper.
- LCD Framing – many digital camera users prefer to frame their shots using LCDs. Point and Shoots always come with this ability and some even come with movable screens that enable users to take shots from different angles and still see what they’re shooting.

Weaknesses:
- Image Quality – point and shoots digital cameras generally have small image sensors which means that the quality that they produce is lower. If you’re not planning on using your images for major enlargements or in professional applications, the quality of point and shoot cameras is more than enough for the average user.
- Reliance upon LCD – most point and shoot digital camera rely upon their LCD for framing. While some enjoy this others don’t. Most point and shoot cameras have view finders but they are generally small that they are useless.
- Smaller ISO range – this is changing slowly, but in general ISO ranges are more limited in point and shoot cameras.
- Speed – point and shoot digital cameras are notorious for their slowness, particularly their time between pressing the shutter and when the image is taken.
- Manual Controls Limited – many point and shoot cameras do have the ability to play with a full array of manual settings, but quite often the manual controls are hidden in menu systems and are not as accessible as on a DSLR.
- Less Adaptable – point and shoot cameras are generally not very adaptable. What you buy when you get them is what you are stuck with. Some do have lens adapters but generally people don’t go for these accessories.

In the next lesson we will talk about DSLR cameras.