What is a Digital SLR Camera and How Does it Compare With a Digital Compact Camera?
The term digital SLR stands for single lens reflex. It is so called because the SLR cameras use a mirror that is placed behind the lens.
Although SLR cameras for capturing still images have been in use for quite some time, the ones that could capture both the stills and the videos were introduced in 2008.
Earlier the SLRs were used only by the professionals. They were not very common and were costly as well. The good news is that the digital SLRs are becoming cheaper as the time passes and coming within the easy reach of even the amateur photographers. You can buy an SLR at the price of a high end digital compact camera.
How does the digital SLR work?
When the light enters through the lens, it falls upon the mirror. The mirror, in turn, reflects (throws) the light upon the focusing screen. The light passing through the focusing screen falls upon a block of glass called pentaprism, which reflects the image that can be seen on the viewfinder. When you take a photo, the mirror flips up opening the shutter which exposes the digital sensor to light.
What- you- see- is- what- you- get photos
The SLR uses the viewfinder to compose the photo and adjust the focus. You can, thus, get the photo of the original as you see it on the lens.
SLR camera allows for a wide range of lenses with different focal lengths. You can change the lens whenever you like. This is what makes the SLR ideal for serious photography. Moreover, the image sensors of the digital SLRs are large and produce high quality photos.
Lightness and compactness vs. versatility and image quality
An attractive feature of the digital compact cameras is that they are cheap, light, compact and easily portable. You can just pop in the compact camera in your purse or pocket.
The SLRs are weighty and voluminous. Some of them are tank-sized for professionals. But they provide the invaluable advantage of accommodating a large range of lenses and accessories that were originally designed for film SLR cameras.
Of late, new generation light weight ultra compact DSLRs have also been introduced in the market. They have small lens and weigh around 20 oz / 0.5 Kg.
While the crispness and sharpness of the photos taken with the digital compact camera and SLR camera in broad day is by and large same, the SLR scores over the compact camera when you have to shoot in dim light or capture the fast running scenes of actions. This is because the SLRs have high sensitivity larger sensors.
Anti shake/vibration designs
The photos shot with non-SLR cameras in dim light or with long telephoto lenses may be blurred. The reason is that the camera gets shaken during the exposure. The SLRs are equipped with Image Stabilization (IS) systems that protect them from the impact of motion during exposure. Therefore, the photos shot with SLRs even in dim light or at long focal lengths are sharp and excellent.
Speed
What makes the SLR much superior to the compact camera is its speed in taking pictures, which makes it ideal for action photography as there is a zero lag time. Even the entry level SLRs shoot faster than the best compact cameras. So you can easily shoot both a sleeping and a running tiger with this camera.
Dust Removal mechanism
If you have to shoot in arid, dusty or even in humid and damp conditions, no camera can beat an SLR. They have inbuilt dust removal systems that keep the sensor clean. They have weatherproof seals and solid magnesium alloy cases.
High Definition (HD) videos for HDTVs
This is another advantage of SLRs over the compact cameras. They can shoot High Definition videos. They come equipped with HDMI ports which allow the camera to be directly connected to the TVs. You can view your videos on the TV.
So which camera should you buy?
It all depends upon your needs. If you want speed, exquisite professional looking photos even in dim light and more control over the photos and are not bothered about weight and volume, go for an SLR. If you are just an occasional photographer wishing to carry the camera in your pant pocket, you can buy a compact camera.
Please read my Best Digital Cameras Guide for more information on digital cameras and photography.
About the Author
I am an affiliate marketet and I do not recommend any product without having a thorough knowledge about it
Video test (outdoor HD): iPhone 3GS vs Samsung NV8 (compact camera)
|
|
Uniden UDWC23 Wireless Video Surveillance Accessory Portable Indoor Camera, black, one camera $76.67 INDOOR WIRELESS PORTABLE CAMERACOMPACT DESIGN1/4″ COLOR CMOS3.6MM LENSMOTION JPEG IMAGE RESOLUTION: 640 X 480 VGA & 320 X 240 QVGALOW-LIGHT SENSITIVITY: 1 8 LUX11 IR LEDS FOR NIGHT VISIONSTATUS LEDS2.4 GHZ FHSS WIRELESS TECHNOLOGY TRANSMITS UP TO 600 FTINCLUDES PORTABLE LI-ION BATTERYINCLUDES CAMERA STAND & AC ADAPTERDIM: 4.5″L X 2.4″W X .75″DWEIGHT: 3.9 OZUPC : 050633405031Shipping Dimensions : 8… |
|
|
Defender PX301-012 Digital Wireless DVR Security System with receiver, SD Card Recording and Long Range Night Vision Camera $184.71 Defender’s PHOENIX 301 system can be used to monitor and record video and audio in any indoor or outdoor space at any time of the day. This wireless plug and play system allows for easy set up in a matter of minutes and the included 2GB SD card can record up to 350 minutes of continuous audio and video footage. The wireless, weather resistant camera included with this system has 18 infrared LEDs t… |
|
|
Milwaukee 2310-21 Cordless M-Spector Digital Inspection Camera with 12-Volt Lithium Ion Battery $444.00 Digital technology delivers superior image quality providing a crystal-clear picture of hard-to-reach places such as inside pipes, drains and equipment and behind walls. Ergonomic handle for comfort in any orientation. A power saving, auto-shutoff feature preserves battery life. Probe (in.): 36, Head Size (in.): 11/16, Monitor Type: 2 3/8 in. color monitor, Display Type: LCD screen, Light Type: LE… |
|
|
EyeClops Mini Projector $99.99 Kids can project movies, video games, and more with the Eyeclops Mini Projector. Designed for ages eight and older, this portable digital projector fits in the palm of your hand and projects a screen size of up to 60 inches! All you need for big-screen excitement is a dark room and standard RCA cables to connect the Eyeclops to your favorite media player or game console. With an optional battery p… |
|
|
Marshall V-LCD50-HDMI 5 Inch Professional LCD Video Monitor With HDMI Connection $475.00 Marshall Electronics introduces a new addition to its’ popular and well-praised lineup of portable camera-top monitors. This new portable unit is the perfect solution for DSLR and video professionals seeking to capture their best shots. Don’t be fooled by higher screen resolution or sizes. Our picture performance, feature set, customer service, and experience is why the industry’s leading photogra… |
|
|
RCA EZ205 Small Wonder Digital Camcorder with 2 Hour Recording and 1GB Included Memory $99.99 1.5″ flip-out LCD display / 1GB Card included / Uses 2 AA Batteries / Still Photo Capture / YouTube upload / Memory Manager Software / USB / White… |
|
|
New-N8 Touchscreen Smartphone – N8ORANGE N8 Touchscreen Smartphone – The Nokia N8, Nokia’s latest smartphone, intuitively connects to the people, places and services that matter most. With the Nokia N8, people can create compelling content, connect to their favorite social networks and enjoy on-demand Web TV programs and Ovi Store apps. The Nokia N8 introduces a 12 megapixel camera with Carl Zeiss optics, Xenon flash and a large sensor t… |
|
|
Duracell DPP-300EP Powerpack 300 with Built-in 300-watt Inverter and 250 PSI Air Compressor, (Pack of 1) $100.67 Duracell is the brand that’s “trusted everywhere” in households around the world for high-quality, long-lasting batteries and chargers. Following its tradition of superior quality and dependability, Duracell brings you highly reliable, rugged portable power solutions that can be counted on in any situation. From power outages and roadside emergencies to recreation and the great outdoors, you can… |
|
|
ProAm® 7 LCD Video Monitor Hood / Sunshade $19.99 Have you ever found yourself shooting outdoors and unable to see your DSLR or DV camera’s external LCD screen? Glare on a bright, sunny day can make it impossible to see what you are filming. Shooting and filming outdoors has its ups and downs. On the plus side you can capture stunning photos and record breath taking HD videos but on the downside you are subject to the elements of nature. The Pro… |
|
|
Midland XTC100VP2 640 x 480 Standard Definition Extreme Action Camera with 4 types of Mounts Included (Black) $59.99 640 x 480 standard definition @ 30fpsSingle slide switch for easy operation on/off Adventure action camera for first person point of view video Camera view 140 wide angle lens 4:3 aspect ratio 3 led light indicatorsPlug-and-play; no special software requiredUses micro SD card (not included)Includes 4 mounts camera USB 2.0 cable helmet mount bicycle mount goggle mount and 2 AAA batteries… |