The two popular types of digital cameras on the market today are the “point-and-shoot” and “digital single-lens reflex.” While the imaging technology and picture formats are nearly identical, their operation, convenience, and purchase prices are significantly different. This article will explore camera characteristics and capabilities. Refer to our article on Digital Camera Users and Shopping Tips to obtain insights into price points and shopping tips for selecting the best camera for your needs.
Digital point-and-shoot type cameras
This segment includes Ultra Slim, Point and Shoot and Premium Point and Shoot cameras, which vary by size, price, weight, and overall appearance. They all share one trait – they have fixed (i.e. non-removable) lenses. Ultra Slim cameras are generally one inch or less in depth (width). Point and Shoot cameras can be a rectangular, box shape, or take on the appearance of the more sophisticated single lens reflex cameras.
The point-and-shoot camera gets its name from the simple way it operates—turn the camera on, point it at the subject, and take a picture. Most cameras have a built-in flash and electronic zoom lens that retracts into the camera for storage. For this reason, point-and-shoot cameras are commonly called “compact” or, in the case of ultra slim, “sub-compact” cameras because many are small and completely self-contained. The smaller Ultra Slim cameras can weigh as little as 5 ounces; larger point-and-shoots can weigh as much as 14 ounces, with the larger advanced cameras, with their versatile controls and long zoom lenses, and super-zoom models (generally 10x or more), heavier still.
Nearly all camera features, from focus to flash settings, are completely automatic on a point-and-shoot camera. When the lens cover is open, a compact camera previews the picture on a small liquid crystal display allowing the camera to be held overhead, or at arms length, when taking the picture. There is no need to look through the tiny viewfinder, which does not look through the lens as single lens reflex cameras do, and is only an approximate image of the picture being taken. Avoid one common complaint by ensuring your LCD screen is viewable in bright sunlight, which could be a major distraction on some models for some consumers, and may force you to use the viewfinder under these circumstances.
Some of the more advanced compact cameras will allow the user to change many of the image settings, including exposure and shutter control, but it is often done through a series of cumbersome menu commands. Some models even have face detection technology, which enables the user to “focus” the camera on a particular face or group of faces, providing best resolution for these subjects, regardless of background. Nearly all have what is called “red-eye” reduction mode that reduces the red tint seen in many subject’s eyes when using a flash. Many also allow the recording of short video clips.
Digital single-lens reflex cameras
A digital single lens reflex (DSLR) camera offers the highest quality digital camera in the market today. Designed for the serious or professional photographer, more and more general consumers are shopping for DSLRs for the picture quality and features offered. As the “pro-sumer” market grows, manufacturers are designing more consumer-friendly models and they are being sold at many more locations.
Unlike a self-contained point-and-shoot camera, older DSLRs may not have a built-in flash or zoom lens. They are sold as a camera chassis (“body”) with a selected lens, making them more expensive than a compact camera, and more complicated to use. But compared to a compact camera that may have one or two available accessories, DSLR cameras have hundreds of available accessories including lenses, filters and flashes.
Many DSLRs do not preview the picture, forcing people to use the viewfinder. To the avid photographer, this is the best way to take a picture, but for most people this was a big disadvantage to a DSLR. However, most new DSLRs offer a “live-view” to satisfy the larger population. Moreover, DSLRs also offer the serious photographer complete control of all the camera functions manually (lens, shutter speed, and light settings). Again, the newer DSLRs include the latest auto focus technology for consumers who prefer the “auto” mode.
Key considerations
When choosing from among point-and-shoot and DSLR camera models, there are several points you should consider:
- Delays. An issue with most point-and-shoot cameras is the “shutter delay” of the model of camera you are looking at, or the delay after the shutter switch is pushed until the picture is actually taken. This delay makes it difficult to use a point-and-shoot camera at sporting events or other occasions when it is imperative to “capture the moment” instantly. Other areas of delay can be the time to take your first picture and flash recharge intervals. Experiment with your preferred camera or research these issues on camera-oriented web sites to get a sense for relative delay intervals among different models and brands. Start up and shutter delay are generally not an issue with DSLRs, however flash recharge/interval may be.
- Photo enlargements. If you mainly take 4x6 snapshots or even 8x10 enlargements, 5 or 6-megapixel resolution should generally work for you. 7, 8 or more megapixels will produce incrementally, slightly better resolution and give you the flexibility of even larger formats.
- Battery type and life. Unlike many of their analog predecessors, digital cameras can use rechargeable batteries, which can range from an expensive battery pack to a set of AAs. With arguably little difference between these battery configurations, consumers should expect their camera’s batteries to last at least a month’s worth of photos, or upwards of 150 photos among point-and-shoot camera types. DSLR batteries should last at least 250 photos, which is well below the average of 400 photos taken by an average user in an average month. In either case, plan on having an extra set of disposable batteries along with you in case your rechargeable batteries run down in the middle of shooting.
- Control over exposure and composition. Most point-and-shoot cameras with some zoom lens capability should handle the majority of the casual shooter’s requirements, particularly those in the basic Point and Shoot category. More advanced, Premium Point and Shoot cameras will provide more capabilities for the more diligent. Two of the more important capabilities are optical zoom range (i.e. 5x or 10x or more), very useful for outdoor photos and candid, unobtrusive portraits; and the variety of manual controls that will let you determine shutter speed and lens opening. Again, DSLRs will have more easily accessible and user friendly controls than most point-and-shoot cameras.
- Overall convenience. A point-and-shoot camera is small, easy to use, lightweight, and very convenient. A DSLR camera, on the other hand, is much larger and more complex especially when equipped with a multitude of lenses and accessories. Many require a separate camera bag for carrying and storage.
Which is right for you?
Choosing which type of digital camera is best for your needs is a matter of personal preference. If you are on a limited budget, value convenience, and are not technically savvy, a point-and-shoot or even some ultra thin model cameras may be right for you. On the other hand, if you are an avid photographer or professional, you will likely demand the image control only a DSLR can offer. Digital camera technology has advanced to the point where choosing either type of camera will typically lead to high quality photographs.
