Which camera to choose - SLR or compact?


If you plan to buy a camera, you will inevitably face a dilemma: which is better - a specular or compact digital one? The question does not lose its relevance to this day, no matter how many new models are released. Before proceeding to the choice of the manufacturer and model, it is necessary to determine your shooting needs. It is they who “prompt” the right decision.


Main selection criteria

How to choose a camera
  • The quality of the pictures. Today you can get good pictures even from your phone. Therefore, it is quite reasonable to set the bar a little higher for the camera. High-quality images can be obtained both on the compact and on the SLR. Provided that representatives from one price segment will be chosen for comparison.
  • Weight and size. This is a very important point and one of the most important differences between SLR and compact cameras. Do you plan to carry around a photo bag with a heavy SLR camera and lens, or do you need the device to fit easily in your pocket? For most, this factor is decisive.
  • What do you want to shoot. It is advisable to decide before the purchase, so that there are no disappointments in the already purchased camera. Most devices are manufactured for specific tasks. For example, a reflex camera will be more suitable for night photography, the quality of images will be much higher.
  • The size of the pictures. Everything is simple here: photos will go on sale, posters, large calendars or for a family album and network. If there is no need to enlarge photos several times, then the simplest compact device is often enough.
  • Passion for the process. A DSLR camera “opens up” its capabilities in the hands of a professional. Using the automatic shooting mode, you will receive identical shots from both devices. The mirror is designed for thoughtful and "advanced" use.

Usually the basic criteria helps to tip the scales in one direction. If you still could not decide which option will be best for you, you can consider in more detail the advantages and disadvantages of each representative.


Advantages of SLR cameras

The main advantage, of course, are the capabilities of mirror devices. Holding this solid device in your hands, you immediately feel that together you can do more than just click and move on. Now you can afford “difficult” tasks: the moonlit track, fireworks, sunsets and sunrises — everything that used to be only frustrating when shooting soap boxes or smartphones. With the help of a SLR camera it all becomes real. Now the photos are pleased with high detail without overexposure, "soap" and digital noise.

In addition, there are additional opportunities in the form of buying various lenses, which in turn will expand the already huge possibilities of the SLR. Would you like to “photofoto” on birds or wild animals? Telephoto lens to help you. More attractive environment of the microworld? The macro lens will fulfill your cherished wish. Love an artistic photo with a blurred background? Fixed focal length lenses are ideal for this purpose.

The main reason why people buy a SLR camera is a high-quality and clear picture. Anyway, the reflex camera will produce an image better than a compact digital camera with the same number of pixels. This is due to the fact that in mirror devices optics and a matrix are better.

The disadvantages of SLR cameras

Of course, the ideal does not exist, so the mirror devices have not only advantages, but also disadvantages. First of all - this is the price. It starts with 20 000 rubles. For comparison, a good compact device can be bought at half the price.And everyone knows that the cheapest does not mean the best. "Serednyachok" will cost 50,000 rubles. So the price plays a significant role in the issue of choice.

The second disadvantage is the dimensions of the SLR cameras. Entry-level cameras weigh 500 grams, a higher class comes to a kilogram. This unit will not be able to put in the pocket of jeans or shirts, in contrast to the compact. For long journeys and hikes, where each kilogram weighs like a weight, weight and size are important.

The third drawback is not so obvious, but, nevertheless, it is. Changing the lens is not always possible. For example, on the device at the moment a lens for close distances and suddenly something interesting appears on the way in the distance. As a rule, changing the lens will prevent not only laziness, but also inappropriate conditions. Rearranging lenses is not so easy, you need to make sure that dirt and dust do not hit the matrix, so that the lens does not fall. Often the desired frame and will not be able to do.

The advantages of compact cameras

The advantage of compacts are just the disadvantages of DSLRs. That is, the price and small size will be undoubted advantages. Compact digital cameras, popularly known as soap boxes, are very light. It is convenient to carry them with you, they are always at hand, they allow you to “watch out” the moment.

An important factor is the correct comparison of soap cases and DSLRs. Agree, it is not quite fair to compare a mirror device for 25,000 rubles to a compact for 5,000 rubles. For comparison, it is better to choose a model with the same price. With such a comparison of deficiencies in the soap box will be a little less. Why?

Expensive models of compact cameras (and the price of 25,000 rubles for soapboxes is considered considerable) are equipped with a bunch of all sorts of functions, both affecting the image quality and absolutely useless. The useful can be attributed to:

  • manual shooting modes;
  • shooting in RAW format;
  • the possibility of changing the lens;
  • water tightness;
  • shock resistance

The less useful features include the possibility of panoramic shooting, which in practice was of little use to anyone, a GPS navigator, an additional screen, a mirror and a compass.

The disadvantages of compact cameras

The biggest disadvantage of compacts is a weak matrix. It is she who “answers” ​​for the quality of the resulting picture. Until now, many believe that high-quality images require a large number of pixels. This is one of the greatest misconceptions. For a standard 10x15 photo 3.2 megapixels are enough. Once upon a time it all began with them. Now we are shooting at 12-20 megapixels.

The second disadvantage is the weak optics, which is “put” on compact digital cameras. Unfortunately, the laws of optics do not allow to receive photos of super quality through a small lens. Namely, these are available with soap trays. In addition, the lenses on compacts are very "dark". That is, have a weak luminosity. It also affects the quality of the image is not the best way.

So, before you make a final decision and decide what is best for you: a reflex camera or a compact camera, be sure to weigh the pros and cons. Be extremely honest with yourself, really assess your needs and capabilities, because there is no point in paying for something that is not useful. What personally suits you better - convenient use in combination with simple and flat pictures or a desire to express yourself in photographs and get high-quality pictures? You decide.

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1 comment
  1. Serge
    Very affordable explained for dummies. Understood at last. Thank!

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