recommendation about what kind of camera to buy.
Now, there are two main kinds of digital camera you can consider: A
small point-and-shoot, or a larger Single Lens Reflex, or “SLR.”
Here’s a quick run-down of the pros and cons for each:
SLR - PROS
** You can sell your photos for more uses. SLR cameras have bigger
light sensors than point-and-shoots, which leads to bigger file sizes
and better-quality images. (Bigger images sell for more in stock
photography, make bigger enlargements in fine art and prints, and make
better full-page spreads in magazines.)
** You can take better pictures in poor conditions. If you want to
shoot in low-light situations, an SLR camera will give you a cleaner
result with less "noise" at high ISOs (we’ll go over what that means
in New Orleans).
** You have more flexibility inside with an SLR. If you want to do
portrait work and studio work, an SLR can trigger (or “talk to”) the
studio lights.
** An SLR is more versatile, since you can change lenses. You can use
macro lenses that will let you take a full-size image of a fly’s
eyeball from a quarter of an inch away... or you can use long
telephoto lenses that will let you take a picture of a fly on an
elephant from a quarter of a mile away.
** You can capture movement more easily. An SLR camera is good for
action photography, sports, birding, etc. That’s because it has a
quick response time with auto focus and exposure control.
SLR - CONS
** They’re heavy. With sturdy construction and large lenses, SLRs tend
to weigh a lot and can be a pain, literally and figuratively, to carry
around all day.
** They’re noticeable. It’s tough to be inconspicuous with a big SLR
camera around your neck. Don’t try to shoot the local motorcycle gang
without asking permission from all concerned.
** They require more “stuff.” SLRs are bulky and demand higher
maintenance than point-and-shoots. You’ll need a large, padded camera
bag; lens cover; and a number of accessories, like lens cloths, large
batteries, and more.
** SLRs can be expensive. Depending on what you want to do with your
photos, you may or may not need an SLR at this point. Though it’s
often money well spent, an SLR camera can cost 10 times more than a
point-and-shoot. In almost all cases, particularly in SLRs, the more
you spend, the more rugged and weather resistant the camera. The more
expensive ones will also focus faster and take more frames in a burst.
POINT-AND-SHOOT - PROS
** The price is right... if you don’t need large file sizes. If you’ll
only ever look at your photos on a computer and email them to Aunt
Martha, a decent point-and-shoot will get you images comparable to
that which the most expensive SLR provides. And if the largest print
you’ll ever want to make is 8x10 or smaller, there will be little, if
any, discernable difference in quality between a point-and-shoot and
an SLR.
** Point-and-shoots are discreet. You can go “street shooting” and
take a lot of photos of people without anyone yelling at you.
** They’re light. You can just slip a point-and-shoot in your pocket
and carry it with you at all times... so you’ll always get the shot.
POINT-AND-SHOOT - CONS
** Limited use of your photos. Typically, point-and-shoots have much
smaller light sensors than SLR cameras, so you can’t enlarge your
photos as much, and sometimes you’ll get digital “artifacting”
(another thing we’ll go over at our March workshop). Images shot with
a point-and-shoot sell for less in stock photography (some agencies
won’t even accept them), and magazines can’t print as large an image
from a point-and-shoot photo, so an editor may not be able to use your
shots.
** Poor quality in low light. While point-and-shoot image quality can
be very good with plenty of light, at low ISOs (again, we’ll be
learning more about ISO and camera settings in New Orleans), low light
situations may not give you as fine a shot as you can get with an SLR.
So now that you have the quick run-down on the differences between
point-and-shoot cameras and SLRs, here’s something they both have in
common: You can learn how to take great photos with either one.
It’s like asking: Smart car or VW Eurovan? There’s a good case to be
made for owning both. But only you can decide which one is right for
you.
But most importantly... no matter what you choose, pick up your camera
and start taking pictures.
It will get you more involved in the world around you and give you a
different outlook on life. Instead of hurrying from one place to the
next, you’ll be interested in the journey.
And isn’t that what life is all about?
Happy shooting!
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