Differences Between SLRs And Compact Cameras

It's very obvious that the major difference between SLR and digital compact cameras are price.Even digital SLRs has been dropping,they are still significantly more expensive than compact cameras.Inexpensive digital SLR camera starts around $500 and that's often without a lens.Tack on an additional $100 for a kit lens or $500 for a higher quality zoom.If you cannot effort spending $800 to $1000 on a digital camera,then SLR is definitely not a right choice for you.Even it price isn't a problem,there are still several other differences between SLR and compact digital cameras that you need to be aware of.For example:


There Is No Movie Mode

Digital SLR cameras don't capture movies.They are dedicated only for taking photos and they are particularly excel at that.Unless you;re a videographer kind of person,then camcorder or a compact digital camera with movies mode will definitely be your choice.



Live Preview

SLRs has a very limited live preview.If you ever come across or seen any compact digital cameras then you know that you can compose photo just by looking at the LCD monitor on the camera's back.You'll notice it obviously that virtually everyone owned a compact camera takes photo by this way,they never look through the viewfinder.The LCD is only good for viewing shots that you've taken but it wont show the photo you're about to take.Meanwhile,surprisingly difference between SLR and compact digital cameras is that SLRs don't have live preview mode.Well,several SLRs has it but not all.Here are live preview digital SLR cameras that you can choose from.



Manually Zoom

Compact digital cameras have electronics zoom.You just have to press a button or lever and the camera's lens zoom in and out.With digital SLR,you have to need to hands by zooming in manually.You'll just have to twist a ring on the lens to zoom in and out.



Zoom Range

Let's talk about another differences between SLR and compact digital since we're on the topic of zooms.Recently several compact cameras have been introduced with 'mega-zooms'.For compact cameras normally the zoom range is described bu multiplier (i.e. 4x,6x or 10x) while with digital SLRs lenses described in millimeters (i.e. 50mm,100mm or 300mm).Compact cameras with 10x or 12x zoom cover an extremely wide range form wide angle to telephoto.A similar lens for a digital SLR cost about $400 or more and it usually don't have the same optical quality as zoom that doesn't cover such wide zoom range.For an advice,if you want to get a 12x zoom with digital SLR,it's better you get two lens instead of just one.



Weight and Size

Depending on yourself.If your idea of ultimate camera is something that fits in your pocket,then forget all about SLR cameras.Obviously beside price,the difference between compact digital and SLRs is sheer size.Just imagine even the smallest size for SLRs is TWICE the size and bulk of a compact cameras.Since there are many new SLRs models that are more portable and easier to travel along with but with the additional of lens,you'll never be able to stow it away in your pants.



Which One Should You Buy?


Though I've talked about differences among SLR and digital compact cameras,you still might be on the fence.Here are few questions you'll have to ask yourself,hope it might help you make uo your mind:

.Do you actually mind carrying a bulky bag along with you?

.Do you want to take more professional looking photos?

.Do you take a lot of outdoor indoors?

.Do you want to take photos of pets,insects and children in constant motion?

.Do you want to be able to change the lens attached to your camera?


If you answered this question mainly YES then get a digital SLR.You will be happier in the long run but if you answered mainly NO or perhaps MAYBE,then take a good look at the digital compact cameras.