Digital SLR Vs Digital Point-and-shoot Cameras: A Non-technical Guide

5 Questions and Answers for Casual Photographers

Not everybody wants to be a professional photographer. Some of us just want to take a few pictures here and there, and don't want to spend a fortune doing it. Before you confront the army of camera sales teams in your local home electronics store, take a look at this guide for casual photographers. The sales push is on for Digital SLR cameras, so be prepared before they come after your wallet.

1. What is SLR?

SLR refers to Single Lens Reflex, or a camera that has one single lens to both view a scene and capture an image. What this means, to the casual photographer, is the picture you take will be the same as the image you view through the lens. It also means you can change the lens to take telephoto or wide angle photos. The most appealing aspect of an SLR camera is the ability to adjust the camera's settings manually, so that a seasoned photographer generally knows what the finished picture will look like before it is ever viewed.

2. What is Point-and-Shoot?

A point-and-shoot camera uses one lens to view the scene, and a separate lens to capture the desired image. This means the image captured will not be the actual image viewed by the photographer, but only a close approximation. For most casual photographers, the image is so close you won't recognize the difference. Point-and-Shoot cameras require very little manual adjustment (if any), and operate like the name describes. Focus is usually automatic.

3. Does an SLR take better photos?

Yes. With an SLR camera it is usually easier to capture high quality photos, but there is a price. Entry level SLR camera prices are two to three times higher than high-end point-and-shoot camera prices. SLR cameras also have a learning curve, and require the user to learn a little about how a camera works.

4. Does a Point-and-Shoot take poor photos?