What's the differences between a Cybershot camera and a Digital SLR ??

Question

And which DSLR would you guys recommend for a beginner? Thanks =]

Which brand of DSLR do you guys prefer? Nikon or Canon? How about sony?

Answer 1

The name Cybershot is Sony's brand name for all of its digital cameras from the pocket sized to the serious and even their own DSLRs. The pocket sized cameras by all manufacturers have limited controls and limited zooming. I am going to assume that if you are considering as DSLR that your other choice would be a larger digital camera.

In general a DSLR differs from other digital cameras in that it has a single lens reflex viewfinder like a film SLR. This means that there is a mirror positioned at 45 degrees between the lens and the sensor which reflects the light up to a prism which sends it back to your eye. When you take a picture the mirror swings out of the way for a moment. The advantage of the SLR is that you see in the viewfinder exactly what the lens sees. This is not so much of an advantage in digital cameras because the view screen also sees what the lens sees but with a SLR you hold the camera up to your eye so the image in the viewfinder is not washed out by bright light. Also, even though the DSLR has a view screen like other digital cameras, you can't use it to compose your picture because the mirror is in the way. The screen is useful only for viewing pictures in the camera's memory and navigating menus. SLRs have always been the choice for photographers who wanted to use several lenses. In the days of film other types of cameras had their shutter between the forward and back elements of the lens so it was not easy to change lenses. Also the through-the-lens viewing meant that you didn't have to change viewfinders. With the improvement in zoom lenses many photographers have no need for multiple lenses. A good digital camera with a 10x to 12x zoom lens will suffice. Also if you get a camera with a high pixel count (8 to 10 megapixels) you can enlarge and crop your photos to get even more magnification without too much loss in quality. The main advantage now for DSLRs is that you can choose the lens you want and you can use extreme telephoto or wide angle lenses not available on a camera like a Cybershot. Also you could mount a DSLR on a telescope or microscope with a simple adapter.

I use a Nikon D50 which was Nikon's lowest priced DLSR at the time. So far it exceeds all my needs. I can set it on automatic and it behaves like a point-and-shoot. But I can take control of just about any aspect of exposure just like a manual camera. I know people who swear by the Canon Digital Rebel XT. I chose the D70 because it has a larger grip and fit my hand better.

Answer 2

The CyberShot is a point and shoot with an electronic viewfinder. This makes it too sluggish to do action photography (it's practically impossible to time your shot). Another thing that (digital) SLR cameras do much better is low light photography. For me, those were the two biggest reasons to upgrade. Never mind the better image quality, with my dSLR I can CAPTURE more shots.
dSLR cameras also offer you more creative control, such as the ability to blow the background out of focus for portraits, etc.
All dSLR cameras have an 'idiot mode', so they can be as easy to operate as any point & shoot... or you can take as much control as you want.
What you sacrifice with a dSLR is massive zoom range in a nice small package, you lose the ability to shoot short videos, and a dSLR setup is more expensive.
If you want to get a dSLR, the Nikon D50 is a great entry level model. Together with the very good Nikon 18-70mm zoom lens, it should cost about $800. (Less, if you get it with the so-so 18-55mm kit lens.) One step up, and you can consider the Nikon D70s or the Canon Rebel XT, a.k.a. Rebel 350D. For around $1000 to $1500, you can find several good models, the best of which are the Nikon D80 and the Canon Rebel XTi, a.k.a. 400D.
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In response to your question about brands, I like Nikon and Canon. ALL of their current dSLR models are well worth the asking price. Another part of what makes them great brands is the insane lens selection... and this is where Sony is lacking. They use the old Minolta mount, but even then your choices are pretty limited.
(I personally use a Nikon D200)

Answer 3

A lot! A SLR actually has moving parts such as the mirror and the shutter. A Cybershot is all electronic with no moving parts and the shutter is electronic as well. A SLR also has interchangeable lenses as opposed to a fixed lens on the cyber shot. The viewfinder on the Cybershot is also electronic causing it to have more battery draw and its slower. Try a Nikon D70s or a D80 if your looking for a great DSLR thats easy to use, fast and has a great battery life. I think you will find your pictures will turn out much better with a DSLR.

Answer 4

Yes there's a change. A DSLR would now not have as many megapixels, nonetheless the scale of the sensors that take within the gentle that create the snapshot in a DSLR are plenty greater than the ones often in a factor and shoot virtual digital camera. This way the first-class of the pixels can also be a lot larger making a cleanser snapshot in lots of occasions. Secondly DSLR cameras have plenty extra aspects that may be transformed relying at the difficulty. This can also be very rewarding in a few occasions, reminiscent of taking pix at nighttime, or changing the focal factor in a photograph. Generally regardless that, if it is only for individual use there's a giant cost change while shopping a DSLR digital camera that would now not be valued at the fee. The fee of lenses can also be $2 hundred or extra. There could also be the fee taken in studying the distinctive settings of a DSLR. There is obviously a knack to utilising one in evaluation to a factor and shoot digital camera! However for those who wish to take a few particularly high-quality pix then a DSLR is a pleasant solution to pass!

Answer 5

Cybershots are simple, point and shoot cameras, whereas a SLR is faster, and not as easy to use. SLRs are more professional models.

For a beginner, go with the Cybershot.