Video:Point and Shoot vs. Digital SLR

Transcript:Point and Shoot vs. Digital SLR

Hi I'm Chris Davis for About.com.  Let's take a quick comparison between a point and shoot and a digital SLR camera.

Cost of a Digital SLR Camera

The number one advantage to a point and shoot camera is cost.  A decent point and shoot camera can be purchased for around $50.  Whereas a DSLR begins at $450 and quickly climbs.  However, your point and shoot is limited to itself.  You can't add additional lenses, flashes and accessories over time to improve your camera and photographs as you can with a DSLR.  Point and shoot cameras also don't hold the same lasting value of a DSLR which should be considered an investment more than a flat out purchase.

Size of a Digital SLR Camera

Size is a big advantage as well.  A point and shoot can be placed in a bag, purse, or pocket with ease.  This makes it exceptionally handy when you are on the go and don't want to haul around additional lenses and gear that usually come with a DSLR which will require a separate camera bag.

Limitations with Point and Shoot Camera

Ease of use also goes to the point and shoot camera.  They are designed with the idea that they will most likely be used in automatic mode. The automatic features are effective at taking good pictures at almost any setting.  However, if you want to explore beyond the auto modes you will quickly realize that a DSLR is the way to go.  Most manual settings are right at your fingertips and are adjusted without having to navigate through a series of menu options.
DSLR's do have a bit of a learning curve. You can begin by taking photos in automatic mode but to truly improve your photography you will want to move into the manual settings which will have you reviewing the operator manual, probably more than once.

Megapixels vs. Camera's Sensors

You will often notice that point and shoot cameras have the same or even more megapixels available, which would lead you to believe that they provide an equivalent picture to a DSLR.  However, megapixels aren't everything.   Point and shoot cameras can take some exceptionally nice photos but it isn't  the megapixels that make the best pictures. It's the sensors in the camera and the quality of your lens. A DSLR has a larger sensor and a much higher quality lens, as well as the ability to upgrade lenses.  Because of this a DSLR will take a better photograph even if it has fewer megapixels than a point and shoot.

With these ideas in mind a point and shoot camera is designed for the photographer who needs to capture the moment quickly, doesn't want to deal with multiple settings doesn't want to invest a lot of money.  Whereas a DSLR is truly designed for the professional or budding amateur photographer who understands the deeper elements and concepts behind the art of photography and needs a camera capable of providing

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