Xmas and New Year are over and as Santa did not bring you a new digital, now you
have the time to look at your old camera and work out what you really ‘need’ in
a new camera.
At some stage, when looking at a new digital, the question
comes up - Compact or SLR? Unfortunately, there is no simple answer, but the
decision will come down to your requirements, your budget and your aspirations
as a photographer.
First off, understand that both types can return sharp
images, both can boast the same number of pixels and both give the photographer
an ‘instant’ record of the shot just taken. However there are some basic
differences which should be understood before going into the camera shop with a
fully loaded credit card.
A Digital SLR (DSLR) has interchangeable lenses (with many to
choose from) while the compact has one attached lens, though some may have a
‘zoom’ capability.
The DSLR has a TTL (Through The Lens) viewfinder - when you
look through the viewfinder of a digital SLR, you are seeing what the end result
will be. If the image is out of focus, the end result will be out of focus. The
compact has a viewfinder which is separate from the lens and does not
necessarily show exactly the final image or its image size that will be
recorded.
The DSLR has a large camera body while the compact can be
slipped into a shirt pocket.
The DSLR can use an external flash unit, while very few
compacts have this feature.
Finally, DSLR’s can be run fully manual as well as various
automatic modes, while most compacts are automatic only.
So let’s look at what features you really need and what
features are not really totally necessary, but just “nice” to have.
Let’s look first at lenses. If the type of photographs you
want to take involves wildlife, or extreme close-ups, then you have to go DSLR
which is designed for interchangeable lenses, and their system has a complete
range. However, you must always factor in the cost of the additional lenses. The
compact will usually have a small zoom ability, but nothing like the extremes a
DSLR can achieve. Some compacts will also boast that they have screw-on
attachments to give you a wide angle image. Forget it, the quality of the final
image just isn’t there.
The next item to consider is ease of use. If all you want to
do is take candid snaps while walking around the neighborhood, then you
certainly do not need a heavy, bulky DSLR camera swinging around your neck, but
you need a good quality small compact that slips in a pocket. However, be
careful that it doesn’t slip out of the pocket on to the ground. No camera is
indestructible. With the auto compacts, controls are simple (though limited),
while the DSLR can do much in the creativity field, but you will have to get
used to drop-down menus and 100-page instruction books. Ease of use is a compact
camera all the way.
Is the type of photography you want to pursue taking shots at
night, be that time exposures or people candids? If so, then forget the compact
ranges. Sure, they all have a tiny built-in flash these days, which will
illuminate anything within two meters from you. If you want to be able to light
up the other side of the moon, then it is a DSLR, as these cameras can take
off-camera flash guns. The DSLR also has extended time exposure ranges much
better than any compact.
Is action photography your bag? Then forget the compact
ranges - you need greater control over the final image, and that means a DSLR
with the ability to control shutter speeds and depth of field. A medium length
lens will also help.
Finally, if you still can’t make the fateful decision between
DSLR or compact - just get both. There are times when both are needed, and you
will be ready!
However, do not forget that good photographs are made by the
photographer - not by the type of camera!
