Design options: Point-and-shoot or SLR?
Before digging into specific camera features, it helps to review the two basic design types of digital cameras: compact, point-and-shoot models.
Digital SLR models are often called dSLRs. The acronym SLR, by the way, means single-lens reflex and refers to some internal mechanisms used by this type of camera. Delving deeper into that bit of business isn’t critical; the important thing to know is that SLR cameras enable you to swap lenses. You can use a wide-angle lens for your travel photography, for example, and switch to a close-up lens for pictures of flowers and other small subjects. Point-and-shoot models do not offer this flexibility. Both types of cameras have their pros and cons:
✓ dSLRs: These models offer the greatest degree of creative control, not only because you can swap out lenses but also because you get advanced options for manipulating exposure, focus, and color not found in most point-and-shoot models. And dSLRs do tend to be a cut above in the quality arena because they tend to have larger image sensors, although many point-and-shoot models also produce excellent images.
In addition, dSLRs offer the options that professionals and serious amateurs demand. They’re made to work well with external flashes, and they’re also able to connect to external lighting systems (such as studio flashes and modeling lights). Some dSLRs can shoot up to 10 frames per second for highspeed, no-lag photos of action and sports, and many are “ruggedized” for use in foul weather and other tough environmental conditions.
On the downside, dSLRs are expensive; expect to pay $400 and up just for the body, plus additional dollars for lenses. If you already own lenses, you may be able to use them with a digital body, however, and lenses for one dSLR often work with other models from the same manufacturer. So if you buy an entry-level Nikon dSLR, for example, and really catch the fever to go semi-pro or pro, you can use the same lenses on a higher-end Nikon body.
You should also know that with some dSLRs, you cannot use the monitor as a viewfinder as you can with point-and-shoot digitals. This isn’t a major concern for most dSLR photographers, who prefer framing shots using an old-fashioned viewfinder. But if you want to have the choice, the feature in question is called Live View (or something similar). It’s implemented in different ways, so experiment to see which design you like best.
Finally, dSLRs can be intimidating to novice photographers. If you’re new to SLR photography, your best bet is to check out entry-level models, which typically offer you the choice of shooting in automatic mode or manual mode and also offer other ease-of-use features you may not get with a semi-pro, high-end model. Then you can enjoy your camera right away but have the ability to move beyond auto mode when you’re ready.
✓ Point-and-shoot: These models offer convenience and ease of use, providing autofocus, autoexposure, and auto just-about-everything else. And they’re typically less expensive than dSLRs, although some high-end point-and-shoots aren’t all that different in price from an entry-level dSLR.
You don’t necessarily have to stick with automatic mode just because you go the point-and-shoot route, either. Many point-and-shoot cameras offer just about the same advanced photographic controls as a dSLR, except for the option to use different lenses. Using those advanced controls can be somewhat more complicated on a point-and-shoot, though; on a dSLR, you may be able to access a feature through an external button, but on a point-and-shoot, external controls may be more limited because of the smaller size of the camera body.
Speaking of size, the other obvious decision you need to make is just how much camera bulk you’re willing to carry around. Although dSLRs are getting more compact every year, you’re not likely to be able to tuck one in your shirt pocket, as you can with many point-and-shoot models. But you can always do what some pros do: Carry both! Keep a point-and-shoot handy for quick snapshots and pull out your dSLR when you have the time (and inclination) to get more serious.
