Digital SLR or normal digital camera with a large optical zoom?

Question

I currently have a Canon A80, which I love, but am looking to upgrade to something I can be more creative with. Which is better - a digital SLR or a normal digital camera with a high optical zoom? Thanks!

Answer 1

The choice depends on your level of interest, commitment and budget. You need to decide how big a jump you want to take now.

D-SLR's overall do have better capabilities, especially for more difficult photographic situations. They have faster response times, and do better in very low light. They also have easier to use controls. And there are more high quality accessories available for them.

On the other hand, d-SLR's are more expensive and the better quality multiple lenses are very expensive. (The "kit" lenses that might come with a d-SLR are considered mediocre.) To "be creative" multiple different lenses are required for different situations.

D-SLR's are bigger and heavier. And multiple lenses are bigger and heavier. So you end up needing big camera bag(s) to carry around all the equipment.

The alternative is the high end digicams. There are several available today that have been called "near d-SLR" by pro critics. These have high quality lenses, good zoom ranges, and full manual and automatic controls. They cannot match the d-SLR's in every situation, but they come with a wide range of capability, and some extras like real time preview of the pics and video clips.

These limit your costs to the camera with it's primary lens, and some "add-on" lenses if you want even more wide angle, telephoto, or macro capability. They are heavier than what you have, but still convenient for travel.

Rough costs:

Entry d-SLR and quality lenses $1000 to $3000 (and up)

High end digicam $700 to $1000
(e.g. Sony R1, Canon Pro1, Panasonic FZ50, Fuji S9000)

Ultra Zoom digicam $400 to $600
(e.g. Sony H5, Canon S3 IS, Panasonic FZ30, Fuji S5200)

A few months ago I faced a similar decision and went with a 2005 model Sony H1 for $350. I have been learning to get more artistic shots, and have been very happy with the capabilities, especially the long 432mm telephoto.

It's not an easy decision. (And it won't be your last!)

Have Fun!

Answer 2

Remember that since you are talking about a DSLR, then your last 2 points, macro and "great optical zoom" are features of the lens, or lenses, that you buy, not the camera. Canon and Nikon both make great DSLRs and have a wide variety of lenses available. Just remember that it is possible to get a good SLR and put a crappy lens on it and be just as unhappy with it. I personally like the Nikons, I have a D50, which is 6.2MP, the D40 is now the entry level, with the D40x having the sensor that meets your requirements. Expensive is a relative term. Some people think $600 is expense, to others it's cheap.

Answer 3

There's a lot you can do with a hybrid digital camera, and one of these will typically cost about the same as a good zoom lens for a dSLR. I would say that unless you have a lot of money to throw at lenses then you're better off with a good hybrid digital - try them out in the shop and read up on them before you buy.

I would lean towards Nikon, Panasonic or Sony, each of their leading models has something different to offer.

Answer 4

The main advantage of DSLR compared to the EVF are in the lenses. High optical zoom will always lower the lens quality and also pincushion or any other lens problem however it lighter then carrying many lenses.

Will you need Super Wide(<20mm)? Will you be needing UltraZoom (>300mm)? Will you need this often. If you do then DSLR is your choice.

All current digital camera (6mp+) take decent picture if you only save in computer or print at 4x6. If you don't need to print big I won't think DSLR a good choice for your pocket

Answer 5

I bought a Fuji Finepix digital S5600 earlier this year for my daughter's wedding. I have just been using it for pictures of my new grandchild. The natural light setting is amazing, I have been able to take excellent photos indoors without flash.

The optical zoom is good although if you try to do really long distance photos it starts to get a bit fuzzy then.

It's classed as SLR-like, which means it has lots of the features I had on my old semi automatic 35mm Fuji. And also means it's not as expensive as a full SLR.

Answer 6

I don't think there is a digital camera that can beat the "quality optical zoom-ness" of the great SLR.

If your purpose of using a camera is for events such as parties, social gatherings, etc., then the digicam is best. But if nature is what you're after--vacation--then I suggest the SLR.

Or... You could always buy the two of them. Personally, it's worth it. ;-)

Answer 7

After many years of film photography and 2 years with a Nikon digital which suddenly broke down and couldn't be fixed, I chose the Panasonic Lumix FZ30 (Google it) 8 megs, 12x zoom, Leica lens. I did a lot of research before buying it and believe it is the best you can do for under $600.00.

Answer 8

The best combination is always a dSLR, but that's also the most expensive one. Most lenses sold with a dSLR body are not the best lenses, you have to buy them seperatly. This can be more costly than an all in one digital camera with a good lens on it.

The best way is to rent a dSLR for a period, like a month, just to get the feel of it.

Also check out the website www.dpreview.com for good indepth reviews of dSLR and all in one camera's.

Good luck with your decision.

Answer 9

A good DLSR would give you more manual controls to enable being creative.
The right answer for you basically depends on how important camera size and cost is for you. If they are not important then go for the dslr.

Answer 10

If you want to do creative work in Photography always go fo Digital SLR.