Compacts versus digital SLRs

In some respects it depends on what you want to use it for: if you just want to take a few snapshots of the family then a compact will more than cater for your needs. However, if you want better quality images or are interested in developing your photography skills then it is definitely worth looking at a D-SLR.

Some of the advantages of using a D-SLR are:

• Better image quality. Digital SLR cameras have larger image sensors than compact ones so the pixels captured by a D-SLR are larger than their compact counterparts. This means that a 5 megapixel image from a D-SLR will be of significantly better quality than a 5 megapixel image from a compact.
• Greater functionality. D-SLR cameras offer more options for capturing images and being creative with your photography. While this may not be an issue if you simply indulge in point-and-press photography, it is invaluable if you want to start getting a bit more out of your camera. However, D-SLRs can also be used as high quality point-and-press cameras too.
• Improved ease of use. Despite the fact that D-SLR cameras have greater functionality than their compact cousins, this does not necessarily mean they are complicated to use. In a lot of cases the reverse is actually true. This is because most of the controls on D-SLR cameras are accessed from the camera body rather than a series of menus through the LCD panel. For instance, if you want to change from Aperture mode to Shutter Speed mode on a compact camera you may have to scroll through two or three in-camera menus. However, on a D-SLR it is usually just a case of twiddling one dial and the change is made instantly.
• Fewer time delays. One of the drawbacks that compact digital cameras suffer from are time delays, also known as time-lag. The main ones are when the camera is first turned on; the time-lag between when the shutter is pressed and an image is captured; and the recycling time between one shot being taken and the camera being ready for the next shot. D-SLRs are ready for use almost instantly once they have been turned on, the shot time-lag is a lot less because of the internal mechanism of this type of camera, and they are designed with a buffer system which allows an image to be captured while the previous one is still being saved.
• Greater flexibility. Since lenses on D-SLR cameras are interchangeable it gives almost unlimited opportunities for high quality and creative photography. As with everything, some lenses are cheaper than others but it is worth investing in good quality ones as this will make a difference to the range of images that can be captured with a D-SLR camera.

Digital SLR cameras are not for everyone, but if you have an interest in photography and want to capture high quality images and develop your skills then they are definitely worth having a look at.

Digital SLR cameras have become increasingly affordable and offer great opportunities for anyone who wants to capture great pictures and take their photography to the next level of expertise