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Should you buy a DSLR or point -&- shoot camera?
With
the DSLR prices falling and the point-and-shoot cameras improving their
performance, it’s becoming difficult to make a choice. The benefits and
drawbacks of each to help you take an informed decision.
Pros
Image quality
A DSLR always gives better quality of pictures than a point-and-shoot.
The difference is evident while shooting in low light; with proper lenses
and settings, a DSLR delivers superior results. In addition, all DSLRs let
you save images in the RAW format, enabling better control after
processing.
Battery life
Most DSLRs have a battery life of over 500 shots on a single charge.
The point-andshoot cameras usually allow 200 shots. So, with a DSLR, you
will not be required to carry a battery charger all the time.
More control
A DSLR lets you tweak various settings for best performance. You can
alter the ISO, shutter, aperture, white balance, etc, for each shot to improve
the result. A point-andshoot offers limited flexibility. Cons
Baggage size
Since a DSLR is bulky and requires special care, you will have to carry
a bag all the time. If you want to carry multiple lenses for the shoot, you
will end up lugging a heavy tote all through the day.
Lenses
By default, most DSLRs come with a basic 18-55 mm lens kit. If you want
extra lenses, be it zoom or wide angle, or macro performance, you will need
to invest more. Keep in mind that the lenses can be more expensive than the
camera itself.
Environmental damage
Unless you are buying a DSLR with weather seals, which is usually at a
premium price, you will have to be careful while using the camera in
locations like beaches or mountains. The DSLR sensor can get dirty or even
damaged by dust and moisture. Pros
Low price tag
Point-and-shoot cameras come for as low as 5,000 and deliver good
performance. Even those with a 10-15X optical zoom are available for around
10,000.
Simple operation
Unlike the DSLRs, point-andshoot cameras have simple and
straightforward controls. You do not need to tweak too many settings as the
camera takes care of them automatically for most scenarios.
Portability
One of the biggest advantages of this camera is its compact size. You
can carry one with a 20 MP resolution and 20X optical zoom comfortably in
your pocket. Cons
No upgrades
You don’t have the option to upgrade to a better lens, flash or an
add-on battery. You are stuck with a default zoom, wide angle and macro
range that the camera offers.
No depth of field
Unless you go for an advanced point-and-shoot with a fast aperture,
this camera tends to keep everything in focus. You cannot blur the
background to highlight a subject, which is possible with a DSLR.
Visible noise in images
Due to the small sensor size, results from a point-and-shoot suffer
from grainy images at a 100% crop. Even images taken in daylight are prone
to noise in most cases. Know the shoot modes on your camera
P or program mode
This is like the auto mode, but offers more control. It handles
advanced stuff like aperture and shutter speed on its own, but lets you
control some settings like ISO, flash, white balance, focus points.
TV/S or shutter
priority
This mode allows you to set the shutter speed while the aperture is set
automatically. A high shutter speed lets you freeze moving objects, while a
slow one lets you click in low light.
AV/A or aperture priority
It allows you to set the aperture, while shutter speed is set
automatically. A smaller aperture (higher F stop) brings everything in
focus, while a larger one lets you do so selectively.
Manual
The manual mode provides all exposure controls on the camera at your
fingertips. You can play around with shutter speeds, aperture, ISO and
other settings to get the perfect shot.
Macro
If you like to take detailed, close-up pictures of objects, this mode
helps. With a DSLR, you’ll need a lens that supports macro and a tripod to
get a sharp image. Macro can also be enabled with lens adapters.
Sports
The sports mode is ideal to capture fast-moving objects. It increases
the shutter speed and ISO (light sensitivity), minimising any blurs caused
due to the movement of the subject.
Landscape
This mode is good to shoot natural landscapes and events. It
automatically selects a small aperture to keep minimal depth of field;
every element in the foreground and background is in focus.
Portrait
As the name suggests, this mode is best for clicking people. It
enhances depth of field by putting the background out of focus, which
automatically brings the person in focus.
KARAN BAJAJ ETW 130930
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