Digital cameras: Should I go with digital compact or a digital SLR camera?
- 4/10/09 2:35 PM
compact digital vs. SLR
by joe74012 - 3/21/09 8:09 AM In reply to: Should I go with digital compact or a digital SLR camera? by Lee Koo (ADMIN)
If you budget allows and you do not mind the bulk, go for the SLR. What you see is what you get. If it has through the lense meters, even better. If you just want a small inexpensive camera to put in your pocket for casual shots, get a good digital compact. They have come a long way. I have had a problem with Kodaks. The lense cover sticks. I have a nikon cool pix that has a light and speed problem and sometimes takes blurred pictures. Be sure to check the shots in the LCD.
Compact or dSLR
by forkboy - 3/21/09 8:31 AM In reply to: Should I go with digital compact or a digital SLR camera? by Lee Koo (ADMIN)
Cecilia,
Your question couldn't have come at a better time. I have been (and remain) the most-pleased owner of a Canon A630, but took the plunge into the world of dSLR just over a year ago. In addition, I'm actually preparing to order my very first macro lens in a few days.
I for one couldn't agree more with the salesperson and not just for the very valid reason of seeking better glass (the more hip word for lens in the SLR/dSLR crowd 
While a dSLR will not make you a better photographer (think framing, composition, lighting, etc.) it will offer you more opportunities to capture photographs that might have gone missing using a compact digital camera.
In addition, the ability to shoot in the RAW file format will give you additional opportunities to tweak/correct images in ways that are more difficult or have less desirable results when editing JPEGs that come off most compact digital cameras.
Clearly the toughest part for you will be deciding which camera to purchase. While I use the Canon 40D I would never suggest that you only consider Canon. Certainly Nikon makes very fine cameras and I loved using my Nikon N65 35mm camera for many years. Other manufacturers include Sony, Olympus, Pentax, Samsung, etc. Adding to the mix is the fact that you can purchase glass not only from these companies, but from third-party manufacturers like Sigma, Tokina and Tamron, etc.
To add to the confusion there is now the four/thirds dSLR, which is a camera with a sensor that is larger than the one found in digi compacts, but smaller than the one found in most consumer-grade dSLRs (like the Canon 40D, Nikon D80, Nikon D300, Rebel series, etc.). A good explanation of these issues can be found here:
http://www.cambridgeincolour.com/tutorials/digital-camera-sensor-size.htm
So...what do you do? My completely personal opinion would be to focus on what you want to do with your camera and then shop to meet those desires. Advantages to staying with the two biggest names in photography, Nikon & Canon, is that their products are everywhere, they make complete camera systems (camera bodies, lenses, flash units, accessories, etc.), and you would be hard pressed to not find what you want or need. The other manufacturers, I imagine, also can provide you with fine equipment, but there is something to be said for working with those who have both a long history and large inventory of merchandise.
Specifically regarding your interest in macro work, I would suggest looking for reviews on macro lenses to help you narrow your field of both lenses and camera bodies. One site to which I often turn is:
http://www.photozone.de
Take their information for what it is worth. For me personally, I haven't felt I've been steered wrong yet.
If you opt to look at any of the four/thirds format cameras or ones from manufacturers other than Nikon & Canon, be certain that they (or a third-party company) offer some macro lenses. I would also strongly recommend the purchase of a solid tripod or monopod if you do not have one or the other already. Macro photography really requires a rock-steady camera and this can be very difficult to accomplish while hand-holding a dSLR with lens as they can get heavy, especially when compared to the A620 to which you are accustomed. And do not look towards one of the cheaper tripods as they really aren't made for the heavier dSLRs and lenses. Spend the extra bucks for a solid and steady tripod/monopod and you'll be very glad you did.
Finally, and since this is about my personal opinion and advice, I'm very happy with my Canon 40D and I'm purchasing the Canon 100mm f/2.8 macro. There is a 60mm version, but it is almost as expensive and I think the the longer focal length will better serve my particular needs (and allow for a deeper depth-of-field when I want or need it). There is also the more recent Canon 50D, but I'm not yet certain how I feel about the increase in pixel density versus dynamic range.
Whatever you decide those of us replying undoubtedly wish you the best of luck and hope you really enjoy your upcoming purchase.
Mark
Pixel density vs dynamic range
by hjfok - 3/21/09 5:50 PM In reply to: Compact or dSLR by forkboyThe recent Canon 5D mark II and the new Nikon full frame D-SLRs have somewhat answered the old question about pixel density vs dynamic range. Ultimately, higher pixel density will give a better looking photo for most print sizes, especially the bigger prints, thanks to the new sensors with newer and better processing engines.
conpact digital vs DSLR
by RM Barker - 3/21/09 8:39 AM In reply to: Should I go with digital compact or a digital SLR camera? by Lee Koo (ADMIN)
As another serious amateur who recently faced the same dilemma, may I suggest that you are definitely at the stage for a DSLR.
From the 1970's I was a dedicated SLR-user and through sheer laziness and a wish for convenience I went to the film compact cameras then to compact (kindof - Fuji Finepix 3800) digital which I very much enjoyed and took thousands of pictures but got very frustrated, finally, by the lack of control. But, don't go for the lowest level DSLR's but for good "entry-level" - you won't be sorry. Check out the advice re DSLR's in Consumer Reports.
WOW!!!
by kalel33 - 3/21/09 9:58 AM In reply to: conpact digital vs DSLR by RM BarkerWhere did all these people come from? I hope they stay to help out others that are in need of questions instead of just helping out Cecilia.
To those helping out, please help with the other people that need questions answered.
SLRs are better for Pros, but probably not you
by Anamouse - 3/21/09 9:59 AM In reply to: Should I go with digital compact or a digital SLR camera? by Lee Koo (ADMIN)
The answer to your question depends a lot on your needs and finances.
Generally digital compacts are smaller, lighter, less expensive, less likely to be able to take technically challenging pictures, and have worse picture quality than digital SLRs.
However Compacts do take great pictures, and are great values, if you’re an average photographer. You don’t use the camera professionally, you like to take pictures of family events and outings, email copies to friends, and rarely intend to make poster-sized prints. You and your friends will probably never notice the difference between your pictures and ones you could have taken with a Digital SLR, and you won’t miss the extra features you would rarely have taken advantage of unless your want to document sporting events.
Digital SLRs get better quality results and are always the choice of professionals who require the extra quality, and more the extreme flexibility that they can buy especially with all the professional attachments that are available for their cameras.
Digital SLRs start with larger imaging sensors, and because the sensors are larger, they inherently tend to give better picture quality, even when the sensors have the same mega pixel rating. The tiny dots on the sensor are further apart and that lessons the problem associated when the light from an object tends to fall on the edge of one sensing dot and bleed over to the one next to it, which slightly blurs the result. Larger sensor produce sharper images with less blur. The larger sensor size has a drawback.
Each time the sensor size is doubled, the camera must gather 4 times the amount of light, to expose the image properly. Digital SLRs have big sensors, which must be housed in big cameras and use big heavy lenses. The body on most Digital SLRS is larger than many Compacts, and most people who use SLRs have several lenses.
Digital SLRs usually accept a full line of accessories that range from lenses to flash support that can make shots that are impossible to get with Compacts possible, but that extra capability isn’t cheap. The question you have to ask yourself is do you need that extra capability, and is it worth the trouble to carry it around, and the price you would have to pay to get it? To most people, including most who own the SLRs, the answer is clearly NO. If they own SLRs they usually got them for the same reasons they own Ferraris and benefit from them in the same ways.
If you compare the pictures from both side by side, most people won’t notice any difference until they print enlargements, and even then, if you didn’t have the SLR print right next to the Compact version, you’d think the Compact was pretty darn good. There is no difference when you drop them down to a size you can view easily in emails or share 4 x 6 prints with your friends.
The only real downside to a Compact for most people is the limitations of its flash. If you don’t have one that can accept an external flash, your flash range will be very limited, often around 10 feet. That has no effect on most people’s party pictures, and no effect at the beach or even most outdoor sporting events. However if you want to capture your child’s athletic accomplishments from the sidelines, at night, you’re going to need serious lighting equipment that doesn’t work with most Compacts, and incidentally will probably cost you more just for the lighting than you would have spent on your Compact.
My recommendation is that unless you feel compelled to one up your friends, get a good Compact and in 5 years when the new Compacts are better than their SLR, buy one. Your friends will still be paying off their big, heavy, and super expensive SLRs. Get one that accepts good flash, and if you want to add that capability you can, when you need it.
Compact or SLR
by WAArnold - 3/21/09 10:12 AM In reply to: Should I go with digital compact or a digital SLR camera? by Lee Koo (ADMIN)
Should I go with digital compact or a digital SLR camera?
One short answer SLR. That is if you are serious about taking pictures.
Compact or SLR
by ochamichael - 3/21/09 10:50 AM In reply to: Should I go with digital compact or a digital SLR camera? by Lee Koo (ADMIN)
Hi Cecilia,
I am one of those amateurs running around with a compact Panasonic 10x zoom and a Nikon D40x SLR with an 18-200mm zoom lens. I use the compact for macro shots and for carrying with me everywhere. I use the Nikon when I take serious photos. The Nikon is heavier and bigger and announces you as a photographer, but the quality of photos is better, no doubt. However, an SLR cannot be used for macro shots without a macro lens whereas the compact can take macro shots as it is. I find the real difference is that the Nikon SLR responds immediately - no measurable delay from you turn it on till you take your photo - whereas the compact takes a few seconds to get ready. If your concern is macros, I wouldn't take that as a reason to go for an SLR. As said, you would need to change lenses, and whenever you do that you run the risk of getting a speck of dust onto the sensor. If, however, you are serious about portraits and sports photos, where quick response is essential, you need an SLR. It is more expensive, heavier to carry, less discrete, but for sure the quality it delivers is better than a compact. The new Nikon D90 takes high quality photos and video and it has the feature for cleaning the sensor of dust. Check if you are ready to foot the USD 1000 bill (plus USD 800 for the 18-200 mm lens and another payout for the macro lens) for the Nikon. If you do, you have an investment you can build upon forever, but in the meantime you might be happy with a compact you can use and replace.
Digital Regular vs. SLR
by grayja - 3/21/09 11:33 AM In reply to: Should I go with digital compact or a digital SLR camera? by Lee Koo (ADMIN)
With regard to taking good/excellent photographs (as opposed to just "snap-shots"), the single most critical part of a camera is the lens. In a regular camera, even a good lens is stretched to the limit to provide reasonable results over a wide range of conditions (macro and telephoto as you have specified). Such a lens must be made with concessions to the extremes of close vs. distant subjects. If you can afford it, then an SLR with macro, regular, wide-angle, and telephoto interchangeable lenses is the ultimate. Some Digital SLR's (viewfinder optics only) with a fixed lens can have accessory add-on lenses fitted to enhance Macro and Telephoto, but again, this is a concession to "the right lens for the job" concept. Also by the time you have bought the add-on accessory lenses, you might just as well have gone for the SLR model with fully interchangeable lenses in the first place. Ultimately, it all depends how serious you are with your photography (do you want to become a 'Pro' or career photographer', and otherwise "how much are you prepated to spend" to have "all the bells and whistles"? If you are a keen 'amateur/hobby' photographer, how much 'stuff' are you prepared to carry around with you every time you want to go out on a photo-shoot.
Me, I'm extremely happy with my Canon Power Shot S3 IS, and it's Macro and Telephoto performance more than meets my 'hobby' requirements. I almost never print my photos (and then only in small sizes for regular mailing to non-computer users), and with all my family and friends being computer users, I create albums on my own PC and also online at a wonderful website (Webshots) so that invited guests can view some of my work.
Digital cameras Forum
by vitosnappy1 - 3/21/09 12:05 PM In reply to: Should I go with digital compact or a digital SLR camera? by Lee Koo (ADMIN)
Hi,
Nikon D60 and above versions are best for outdoors and wildlife photography. I have Nikon D60 which gives me brilliant pictures but you have to get acustomed to use it and need some time to know the perfect required settings.
The 70-300 or 80 - 400 telelense will add spice to the photography.
Compact or SLR
by imaginarygenius - 3/21/09 12:56 PM In reply to: Should I go with digital compact or a digital SLR camera? by Lee Koo (ADMIN)
I would go with the SLR. I purchased a Canon 20x compact zoom, an all-in-one "Super-zoom" camera, and, while the picture quality is acceptable when pictures are taken in good light, quality suffers in less that optimum light, and at full zoom without a tripod. I am assuming that the SLR's have much bigger and better sensors. If you just need an all-purpose travel camera, these super-zooms are great. If you want consistent high quality prints, go with the SLR.
Cameras and lences
by Alain Martel1 - 3/21/09 1:58 PM In reply to: Should I go with digital compact or a digital SLR camera? by Lee Koo (ADMIN)
That's an old dilema dating way back to the film era.
You found a good and serious salesman. I realy think that his advice is very good.
No lense can do a good job as both a telephoto and a macro photo. As you said that you are ready do do some serious photography, and have outgrown your actual camera. That some of it is macrophotography, some more general use, and some nature, wild life, photos.
Usualy, zooms objectives need to do several compromises. This can lead to distortion when you are aproaching the limits of the zooming range, or are taking close shots.
I personaly think that you'll be beter with a body that can accept a veriety of objectives specialised to the various tasks. Those objectives will surely give you far beter performance and image quality than an 18x zoom, or any zoom, except, maybe, the very best zooms at exorbitant prices.
I'd go for:
A macro objective, possibly with some macro photo adaptors.
A good telephoto. Be sure to get a good tripod.
A mid range objective for ordinary use. The macro adaptors can be used with this one.
A general use zoom, with a moderate range, for when you can't bring several objectives with you and can't foresee your needs.
Keep your actual camera as a backup, or for situations where you don't want to risk your new camera.
Compact or DSLR
by Symransdad1 - 3/21/09 3:10 PM In reply to: Should I go with digital compact or a digital SLR camera? by Lee Koo (ADMIN)
Have got what was a top of range compact and am member of a top photographic website and results are just as good as those with DSLR.
My current machine is an Olympus SP500-UZ 6.1MP 10x zoom two macro settings and is 4 years old and still does the busines, am into macro myself and many of the pro's on the site I use can't believe the quality. My model has has 3 newer models since SP 565 UZ and the SP 570 uz (18x zoom 10MP) but these models have now been superceded by the SP590UZ with 25x optical 5x digital two macro settings 12MP and great reviews. Comes in around the £350 - £400 mark.
Think the salesman was just after your money and commission because to get similar results to the Olympuses (even my old model) you'll need to part with £600 - £800 because the lenses are extortionately priced.
Best thing is to read reviews in the camera mags or online to make your choice, but don't forget compacts are getting better all the time.
Good luck in your search.
Mark B-S
Digital SLR w/2 Lenses for US$680.00
by lewisedge - 3/21/09 3:38 PM In reply to: Compact or DSLR by Symransdad1The Olympus Evolt E-520 complete with two sharp Olympus digital lenses is available in the USA for about US$680.00. They provide a 35mm focal range from 28mm - 300mm. One of the lenses focuses two inches (5 cm) from the subject.
Should I go with digital compact or a digital SLR camera?
by versan9 - 3/21/09 3:21 PM In reply to: Should I go with digital compact or a digital SLR camera? by Lee Koo (ADMIN)
Go with a compact initially - at least you will be able to carry it around.
I know too many people who have SLRs. The camera takes great pics - but they never have them with them when they want to take a photo - so then what is the point !!!
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