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Are you planning on buying a digital SLR camera? There are some very important questions to ask yourself before you do. Knowing the answer to these questions will stop you from buying the wrong camera.
Do I need a faster shutter speed?
Are you always missing the ‘perfect’ shot? DSLR cameras are at least 3 times faster than point and shoot cameras. You definitely need one if you’re a parent trying to capture your kids in sports.
Do I need better photos in dim light?
DLSRs use larger imaging devices with bigger pixels. A 10 megapixel digital SLR camera will take a much better picture than a 10 megapixel point and shoot.
Do I want to print large photos with great resolution?
Point and shoot cameras start to lose sharpness if you enlarge your photo more than 8″ x 10″. If you want clear, sharp photos in large format, a digital SLR camera is for you.
Do I need better, faster focus?
Smaller cameras typically use a single focus point… in the center of the photo. Landscape shots can pose a problem without a defined point of focus. DSLRs us a multi-point focusing system so focusing is blazing fast.
Do I need separate lenses for more photographic opportunities?
Are you unhappy with the close-up shots of your point and shoot? Do you wish your telephoto shots were closer, or clearer? Then you need to be able to switch out your lenses to get better shots.
Am I willing to carry the ‘gear’?
This is a biggie. Carrying a pocket camera is as easy as… well, putting it in your pocket. Carrying a digital SLR takes a little more planning. There is more to carry. But for some people; well worth carrying a shoulder bag or backpack.
Am I willing to go through the learning curve?
Yes, most DSLRs have an automatic function. But the true value of the camera lies in its ability to manually choose the settings. But it will take some practice. Are you willing to practice enough to become familiar with your camera’s settings?
Do I need a longer battery life?
A decent DSLR can shoot about 500 shots, while a point and shoot offers about 250. It’s nice to be able to capture all the shots you want without having to change batteries.
Do I need the rugged construction?
No, you can’t drop a digital SLR camera on the sidewalk and expect it to be fine. But many digital SLRs have metal alloy frames that can handle some bumps and bruises. Good to know since you’ll be schlepping it all over the place.
So take what you’ve learned here and either go buy the best digital SLR camera for you…. or enjoy learning how to use your point and shoot to its best advantage.
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{ 4 comments… read them below or add one }
Thanks, that helped. I definitely could use a digital SLR!
i have to agree with the comment on leaning to use the manual settings. As i have said in other comments the best cameras in the world are nothing u nless you know how to use them.
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I find that a DSLR is overkill for many users if they aren’t willing to learn how to get the camera out of Program mode.
Thanks for the article.
This camera has a lot of the features of much more expensive cameras I shopped around for. This is my first digital SLR camera and I am very happy with it. It is easy to use even though it is feature rich. Possibly too many “point and shoot” modes for my taste. Canon calls them “Basic Zone” modes, but you don’t have to use them and they can be very convenient. The “Creative Zone” modes are for those who know photography and want control rather than give it up to the camera.