What makes SLR's better quality than point and shoot?

Tom-eg · 23-02-2009 11:58AM #1

From a technical point of view. Why are they better quality? What can you do that you can't with a point and shoot?

DotOrg · 23-02-2009 12:09PM

1 - you can change lenses
2 - you actually see the scene with your eyes through the lens rather than on a screen and when you press the button it is pretty much instant for the picture to be taken
3 - you have better control over shutter speed, iso, aperture which are the three main variables in the 'look' of a photo

CabanSail · 23-02-2009 12:22PM

Better? In what regard?

ALL cameras have strengths & weaknesses, so the term "Better" is too general to use.

The DSLR is probably the most versatile camera system available & because of interchangability of lenses & so many different accessories are available you can adapt them to many different situations. However if you want a set up that will cover most eventualities then you are going to be weighed down with a LOT of gear.

The Point & Shoot cameras have their advantages too. If you pull out a high end DSLR and start shooting photo's then it can be quite noticable. There are situations where discretion can be an advantage, so a smaller compact camera can be useful. I hear that many Journalists are opting to use cameras like the Canon G9/G10 when in situations where drawing attention to yourself can be dangerous or fatal.

Everything is a compromise, what is the most suitable will therefore vary with the situation.

Fajitas! · 23-02-2009 12:24PM

Lens quality, control, sensor size... pretty much.

bocha · 23-02-2009 12:44PM

larger diameter of the lens and larger sensor are the two main reasons. more light captured

Cameraman · 23-02-2009 01:45PM

The electronics bits may be better as well.

All digital photos are taken in 'Raw' format. In P&S cameras they are internally processed into JPEG format, so you never get the raw version (in most, anyway). In SLR's you often get a choice of using either. The electronics which do this processing may often be better and more controllable in an SLR than in a P&S.

ThOnda · 23-02-2009 04:08PM

Larger sensor size gives you shallower DoF - more creative use of the camera.
Possibility of changing lens - from kit lens for €30 to lens for €3000.

What makes SLR's better quality than point and shoot?

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