Reflection (Week 2 : 12 Jan 2011)

In week 2, we discuss about case study in class. Let’s take a look at the case study given by Dr. Zaida… 

Should you buy a DSLR or Point and Shoot Digital Camera?

 

Siti Noor Photo has registered a short course on photography and she has decided to purchase a digital camera for the course. She already has the Point and Shoot Digital camera and now she is in dilemma whether she should buy the Digital Single‐ Lens Reflex (DSLR) camera. 

Followings is her thought:

“I’m using a compact point and shoot digital camera and i would like to ask it is worth it to upgrade to a DSLR camera? How huge a difference do DSLR cameras make compared to compact point and shoot digital camera? What matters the most when buying a digital camera? Is it the image quality, the brand name or the features offered by the camera?.... Oh friends… please assist me on this…”

I have answer for Siti question. There are 4 main matters the most when buying a digital camera.

1) Image Quality

DSLR - has the larger size of image sensors which allows for larger pixel sizes – generally able to be used at a faster ISO which will lead to faster shutter speeds and less grain.

Point and shoot camera - generally have small image sensors which means that the quality that they produce is generally lower.  If you’re not planning on using your images for major  enlargements or in professional applications that the quality of point and shoot cameras can be more than enough for the average user. 

2) Change Lens

 

 

DSLR - ability to change lenses opens up a world of possibilities for photographers. DSLR can be fitted with many high quality lenses ranging from wide angle to super long focal lengths depending upon what you're photographing (and of course my budget). Add to this a large range of other accessories (flashes, filters etc) and a DSLR can be adapted to many different situations. It should be noted that when it comes to lenses that the diversity in quality of lenses is great. Image quality is impacted greatly by the quality of the lens you use.

Point and shoot camera - has a nice little 3x Optical Zoom (and many these days have longer ones)

3) Depth of field 

 

 

DSLR -  can give you depth of field that puts everything from forground to background in focus through to nice blurry backgrounds.

4) Composition of image