Introduction
Today, there literally are hundreds of digital cameras available in the marketplace. For an average consumer, this wide array of choices can be very confusing. Add to that mix the fact that there are two major types of digital cameras to choose from - "Point and Shoot" and Single Lens Reflex (SLR) - and the confusion surely mounts. Discussing the different types of digital cameras will help us get a good understanding of how they work and of which type suits our preferences the most.
Point and Shoot Cameras
This type of camera is designed with simplicity in mind. Point and Shoot cameras are the most common because they are easy to use and perfect for general use. The main difference between a point and shoot and a SLR lies in the camera's viewfinder. The viewfinder gives the photographer an idea of what picture he will be taking. In a point and shoot cam, the viewfinder is the window that penetrates the body of the camera and allows the user to center the image. However, it does not really give the user an idea of what the image will look like as only an SLR camera shows the view through the camera lens.
Pros and Cons
Point and shoot cameras are exceptionally economical. The best on the market are usually found under $300. Some point and shoot cams even cost around $100. They are usually very small, sometimes the size of a pack of cigarettes, and will fit almost anywhere. Usage is not a problem at all, since it literally is a point-and-shoot process.
On the other hand, one of the disadvantages of this type of camera is the normal, sometimes poor, quality of photo due to cheaper lenses and sensors. While ease of use is an advantage for most people, P/S cams also limit the ability to manually adjust the camera settings for better or more creative photos. While some cameras of this type allow users to adjust the focus, exposure, shutter, speed, f-stop, ISO and the like, most people do not need or want to take necessary manual adjustments and just prefer to use preset scenes such as landscape, portrait, sports, sunrise/sunset, sepia and grayscale.
Another downside of a point and shoot is that the camera lens is a permanent fixture, and thus it does not allow or limit the user from adding more specialty lenses as compared to an SLR.
There are, however, more expensive, intermediate P/S cameras available in the market that have better sensors with less noise and higher quality lenses. Settling for either normal or intermediate point and shoot camera already is a great deal for people who intend to capture moments easily and at a better value.
Digital SLR Cameras
If you are planning to use your camera for a purpose that requires consistently high quality photos, it is a good idea to investigate the benefits of and invest in an SLR camera. The SLR camera uses a much larger sensor than a Point and Shoot one and also offers "raw" formatting which is much better than the JPEG format. While JPEG allows for more storage, the image quality is compromised due to image compression. Moreover, uncompressed, raw format allows the user to edit and correct any defects before images are removed from the camera. SLRs allow users to alter the exposure, white balance, brightness and contrast. While it is better to make sure the settings are set prior to usage of the camera, the fact that they can be changed as the user may see fit is one of SLR's finest advantages.
Moreover, with an SLR camera, the user can exactly see what the lens projects regardless of the range being shot at. An SLR camera also allows the user to use a wide variety of lenses for different conditions like long range shots and wide angle photos. A lens with a focal length of more than 1000mm is appropriate for a long shot while wide angle shots can accept up to 15mm lens.
Most of the features on an SLR camera are automatically adjusted but they can also be adjusted manually to your particular needs. One common problem is long exposures and with an SLR you can use a shutter cable to hold the shutter in the open position. This is called "bulb" mode and is used quite often in disciplines like astrophotography. Unlike a P/S a SLR can reuse lenses from previous cameras, even some 35mm cameras.
While most SLRs are automatic, they can also be adjusted manually to suit the user's preferences and needs. They also allow a wider array of effects to be used. Both filters and flashes are available in many sizes. A close-up filter, for example, works well in taking photos of small objects. Macro lenses work well but a filter produces a better photo quality.
With these advantages, it is without doubt that SLR cameras are much more expensive compared with the P/S type. A low-end SLR costs around $500 or more. If you are after extra features and flexibility, an SLR can help you produce a professional, picture-perfect photo.
If you are new to SLR cameras, look for a lower priced beginner SLR camera which will have many automatic adjustments to help you take the best shot. As you learn more about photography, you can then adjust the settings as desired.
See our digital SLR camera buying guide for advice.
Conclusion
Regarding which type of camera is best to use, one must consider two things: first is the image quality and second is the flexibility of use. Point and Shoot cameras are easy to use, highly portable and relatively inexpensive. On the other hand, SLR cameras, although more expensive, are more flexible, thus allowing users to use various, precise camera shots.
See our list of top digital cameras for specific recommendations.