What's the difference between a digital camera and?

Question

a digital SLR? I need someone to explain it to me. I am going to Photography school in March and need a good camera.

Answer 1

They both take digital pictures ... the difference with a SLR digital camera is you can use standard SLR interchangeable lenses on them (as in traditional 35-mm SLR cameras). For instance, if you found a 40 year old photochromic SLR lens you really liked (which was created long before digital cameras) you could use it on a digital SLR camera because it is a SLR lens (it is a standard for connectivity ... not the manner of taking the picture).

Digital SLR were a big deal to professional photographers who had tens of thousands of dollars in traditional 35-mm SLR equipment ... it meant they could replace their camera, but still use any of their lenses (which is a BIG DEAL).

Answer 2

Hi!
If you are planning to attend photography school, chances are you will need an SLR. Regular digitals are typically "point and shoot" cameras with fixed lenses and minimal option for creative control.
SLRs, on the other hand, allow the photographer the option to change lenses and its various settings give the photographer as little or as much control over shutter speed and aperature (among other things) as they want.
I can pretty much guarantee that if you are going to photography school, the instructor would prefer you to have an SLR in order for you to learn about the ins and outs of the camera.
There are a number of good digital SLRs out there ranging in price from about $500 or $600 to a few thousand. It might be a good idea to start researching some Canons and Nikons to try to determine what might be best for your situation. It might also be a good idea to contact the school you will be attending to find out exactly what you will need for the classes. When I was in school (graduated a few years ago) we weren't even allowed to use digital...we had to use film SLRs because we processed the film and printed the photos ourselves. I don't know how much of that you will be doing, but it will be good to check and see what you'll need first before you purchase anything.
Good luck!!

Answer 3

just as all the others said, you need a digital SLR if you want to go to photography school. I disagree with the guy that said that you need a film SLR as you will be experimenting alot and you don't want to waste your money on developing your film while you could save up to get a good lens. I say, pentax k10d and k100d super are just wonderful. In-built image stabalization at such a low cost. I advice you to go for it. Plus, it can use every k mount lens ever created and thats more than 2 000. Or was it 20 000? i forgot. anyway i hope this helps.

Answer 4

A regular digital camera is basically like a point & shoot camera. A SLR is one with a interchangeable lens. If you are going to a photography school I would suggest a nice digital SLR. A Canon or Nikon would be my choice. I would prolly go with a Canon myself. Both are good though.

Answer 5

IMO you should first check the requirements of the school you'll be attending. A really good school will have you using a traditional, all manual 35mm film camera like the Pentax K1000 or Canon FTb or Minolta SRT-202. It would be foolish to invest in a DSLR now and then have to buy a 35mm film camera in March.

You will learn about f-stops and shutter speeds and ISO and composition and light much faster using a 35mm film camera. You'll learn to process your film and print your negatives. After a year or so of using a film camera you'll be ready to switch to a digital as you continue your studies.

Answer 6

When my wife was in art school everything she did was 35mm and well in her opinion you can't be a true photographer unless you know how to shoot with film. Not knocking digital but she says a good school will teach you technique with film.