What pros/cons for a non SLR to a SLR digital camera?

Question

I heard that going for a good non SLR digital camera has benefits over an SLR version.

I've been looking at the Canon Powershot S5 IS in particular compared to the nearest equivalent SLR version.

What are the pros and cons for both?

I'm moving up from a cheap Vivitar 3.3 mega pix 'point and shoot' with x3 zoom with video, which I find rather rubbish for sharpness etc... I think my first ever childhood Kodak instamatic took and my Time UFO shaped web-cam and a 4x zoom 1.something meg pix phone camera take way more focused pics than the Vivtar has ever done. anyway

Please answer in simple beginner terminology, as not up with tech terms to well as yet, although not new to photography.

Thanks in advance

Answer 1

A digital SLR will be better at first. In fact, you don't even need an SLR at first, until you're more experienced. The photographer takes the pictures, not the camera. With a digital camera you can practice as much as you like without worrying about wasting money on the materials used in bad shots.

Answer 2

To put it really simply, an SLR has a lot more attachments and control than other normal cameras, although the S5 IS is almost all you need. However an SLR also has a wider Lens and so more light can get into the camera. The more light there is the better the photos both inside and outside will be... but given that photography means painting with light, I guess that makes sense. If you are looking at becoming serious with photography which your selection suggests, id go for an SLR, they inspire you so much to go ahead and create... have a look at the Canon EOS 400D, or the Nikon D40/ D40x (if you can stretch) or your BEST option would be a Nikon D80, but I expect thats too much. Hope this helps mate, and enjoy your new camera.

Answer 3

Digital SLR camera also has a larger sensor versus a smaller sensor in a compact digital camera. This equates to higher sensitivity and less noise and results in the camera taking clearer pictures in low light. (They also have better autofocus speed in low light as well). A measure of sensitivity in a digital camera is ISO and a typical ISO range for a Digital SLR camera varies from ISO 100 � 1600 with the latter being more sensitive. The ISO range for a compact digital camera varies from ISO 50 � 400. In summary, the higher the ISO rating, the greater the sensitivity and the better the photo can be taken in low light.

The Digital SLR cameras have a much longer battery life due to the limited use of the LCD screen. Please note, that as the LCD screen is only used for viewing the image, the battery life of a digital SLR can allow up to 2000 shots per charge in some cameras compared to 500 for a good point and shoot digital camera.

Digital SLR cameras also allow you to interchange lens such as adding a zoom or macro lens when required.

Answer 4

Both non-SLR and DSLR cameras will give you good results as a point'n'shoot but it really depends on what you want to do with it.

You have more creative options with a DSLR. Remember a non-SLR has a dedicated lens so you're restricted in that sense. If you know how to use the control of Aperture and Shutterspeed, a DSLR is the one to go for. Also, a non-SLR will have a restricted Depth Of Field and Field Of View due to the combination of dedicated lens and APC-sensor.

Basically speaking, if you want a Point'n'shoot, go for a decent non-SLR. If you want to grow into your photography from Point'n'shoot to more creative images, go for a DSLR (Canon 350D/400D or Nikon D40 are good choices).

Hope this helps.

Answer 5

Having the digital camera with an SLR option is the answer to every photographers wish to not lug all the heavy paraphernalia such as the huge camera, tripod, lenses etc around. Your camera can take small versions of the 200 to over 400 mm telephoto and superwideangle attachments.Aside from the Canon line, the Olympus line also have good SLR digital cameras.
Ask a pro to show you their best digital SLR camera. If you dont ask, they might think you already know. Most of them show you the7x digital, with 10-12x optical as the minimum/optimum good enough results cameras with SLR option. Pay attention to the tricks of taking shots without the tripod

Answer 6

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To get started, all you need is a camera, whether it be the latest digital camera or a traditional film-based apparatus!

Read about what is ISO, aperture and exposure. Discover different types of lenses and flash techniques. Explore portrait photography, black and white photography, HDR photography, wedding photography and more.