If there is one thing that the advent of digital has brought about, it is a multiplicity of cameras and camera styles. These days, the choices available to the consumer are incredibly wide. Digital cameras come in all shapes and sizes – from pocket sized compacts through to an amazing array of all-in-ones to the digital interchangeable lens type SLR or digital single lens reflex. For many of us, the latter be a wise choice, and for whom? Shelton Muller discusses the reasons…

Digital Single Lens Reflex (DSLR) cameras are designed to produce incredibly high quality images. This has always been the difference between them and their more compact counterparts – even those with built in flashes and zooms. In the world of digital, the same still holds true. In what ways? First of all, there is the camera’s sensor. This is the capture device, the piece of technology that is the modern replacement of the frame of film. In most of the smaller digital cameras, this sensor is also smaller, bringing with it inherent quality problems such as increased noise. Noise is like film grain and can make an image appear coarse. It is produced by heat in the sensor, and smaller sensors are inherently noisier than those in the larger interchangeable lens type SLR cameras.

What this means is that while you may have two cameras that boast an identical megapixel rating, the SLR will still be a better quality image. You see, the amount of pixels isn’t the be all and end all of image quality. That would be similar to saying that the same kind of film will produce the same quality image no matter what camera you put it in. That simply isn’t true.

A camera’s exposure system is of paramount importance. Over and under exposure in digital images will degrade them and even though you can correct the image using software, you only degrade it further by doing so. It is also time consuming. Lens quality is also essential to the sharpness, contrast and colour saturation in an image. With interchangeable lens cameras, not only do you have a wide range of lenses to choose from, you also have the best lenses money can buy. These lenses also give you greater scope of creativity, allowing you to grow without having to resort to buying new cameras to match your abilities.

Then, there is the dreaded problem of shutter lag. Compact digital cameras generally respond much more slowly to the press of our finger than DSLR cameras do. This is a very important factor in your decision, especially if you have experienced the frustration of missing that candid moment because your compact digital failed to respond in time. By the time your camera took the picture, the moment has probably well and truly passed. This is not a problem with a quality DSLR camera.

Interchangeable lens type SLR cameras are the kinds of machines that, as we have said, allow you to grow and grow with you. The mistake many of us make when we initially purchase is that we believe that we will remain where we are in terms of our creative desire and potential and buy accordingly. However, as many have learned, this is not always the case.

Photography – especially digital photography – can become an addictive habit. You want to ensure that you have something in your hands that matches your growth.

What this means is that you will want the option of having a greater vision, something afforded you by lens choices. This is only the case if you have an interchangeable lens type SLR. As your prowess with a camera increases, so the range of your subjects will also. You may want to experiment with lighting, different subject styles and themes, different photographic techniques and skills. For this, a DSLR is your best bet.

At this point, many might object. The cameras are larger. Yes, they are. They are more difficult to use. Perhaps, although not really. A DSLR can be as ‘point and shoot’ as any compact or prosumer style camera. Each person needs to analyse what they want from their photography. DSLR cameras are larger, true, but they are easy to use and the pictures they are capable of producing are exceptional.

We are certainly not talking down the purchase of any quality camera whether it is a compact or an all-in-one style digital. In fact, there is no reason any photographer cannot enjoy the benefits of owning more than one kind of camera. These days the competition and the technology demands that any camera on the market that competes at any price point has to be good or it just won’t sell. However, have a serious look at the new range of DSLR cameras that are available – some starting at under $1000 complete with lens. These are powerful picture taking machines that allow you to create, grow creatively and produce high quality images. If that is you want from your photography, a DSLR might be just what

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Entry was posted on Tuesday, August 15th, 2006 at 9:53 am under Uncategorized.

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