Digital vs SLRDigital

[lipskidder]

Okay what I don't get is both convert the images to a digital format. Is there is major difference in how they capture them? Light vs what? - digital light? I am trying to figure outwhy one is better than the other.

[Racer X]

think of cheap glass and cheap sensor vs good to professional quality optics and good to professional grade sensors. Auto focus is far superior with D-SLR cameras, as well as very minimal shutter lag.

[pRON aHOLIC]

The 3 big differences now are mainly sensor size and auto-focus accuracy.

1. Sensor size contributes to may things, especially noise. The more densely packed the megapixel race pushes sensors, the more noise manufacturers must deal with the issue. Most of your 10mp non-DSLR no have 400 ISO on up that are somewhat useable to downright mushy because of noise reduction. While DSLR maybe have 10mp, the chip is physically larger, thus the density is lower. DSLR have 3 chip sizes now, all of which are much larger than point and shoot type sensors. http://photozone.de/3Technology/digital_1.htm

2. DSLR auto focus sensors tend to have more accurate focusing due to the focus point actually focusing on what you want. The AF sensor arrays are more sophisticated because they have room to operate instead of being crammed into a smaller working space. So with all that, you can keep up with that speedy child of yours playing soccer or quicker low light focus.

3, DSLR allow interchangeable lenses, you pay more for the privilege of buying other lenses to put on the camera. Some allowing more light than others. Some with greater reach or showing a wider field of view.

[Racer X]

I would like to add that I have both a digital P/S and an D-SLR, an EOS 5D canon. There are times I would rather carry the Canon 570 IS P/S, and other times I MUST have the EOS 5.

[space-time]

do you want something less expensive, smaller, quality OK, but that you can carry with you most of the time?

or you want something better, more expensive, bulkier, that you may not want to carry with you all the time?

[davester]

Racer X, I think you're comparing cheap point & shoots with DSLRs. There are also the in-between cameras like the Canon Powershot S15IS http://www.steves-digicams.com/2007_revi..._s5is.html which don't have removable lenses like the DSLRs but still have really nice optics and sensors.

Lipskidder, what exactly do you mean? "DSLR" is a subset of "Digital". "Digital" refers to DSLRs, Point and Shoots (P&Ss) and everything in between. The "SLR" in "DSLR" is short for Single Lens Reflex, which means that there is a mirror behind the lens that reflects light up into the viewfinder...the mirror flips up (the "reflex") out of the way of the sensor when the shutter is pressed. This system allows for easy interchangeability of lenses. A DSLR will generally have a much better sensor and optics than a Point and Shoot simply because it costs a whole lot more money and because it's difficult to make high quality lenses and sensors in tiny P&S packages. However, you don't need to go the whole DSLR route (that removable lens and mirror system costs a bunch of money) to get a much nicer camera than a P&S. In fact, if you're not planning on switching lenses, there's absolutely no point in spending the extra on a DSLR.

[wowzer]

Lipskidder,

I think the truth is that if you have an addictive personality (i.e. you like to get very technical with your hobbies) avoid buying a dSLR. Otherwise, be prepared to get hooked on photography. I wish someone would've told me how addictive photography was before I got my first dSLR. The point and shoot cameras take decent pictures, but given how small the chips sizes are, the pictures will lack the clarity of the dSLR's.

The speed of the shutter really makes a difference. For example, if you want to shoot action/sports/birds, you'll like to have a camera with faster shutter reactions. My 2¢ worth.

GL

[Racer X]

I do understand that there are the middle ground digital cameras. I also know that somewhere around $600 can get you into a refurb Rebel XT with the basic kit lens.

[Mac1337]

What about Lumix? It looks more than your typical PS.

[BigGuynRusty]

I love DSLR's, but sometimes I am not driving a FreighterSize Buick, that is where a nice 7/8 MegaPixel Sony with a nice Carl Zeiss lens slipped into my pocket comes in very handy!!

BGnR