Digital SLR Superguide: Why a dSLR?
Other aspects to consider Despite the obvious advantages, dSLR cameras may not suit all needs. They do have drawbacks to consider.
Lens apertures & sharpness
Many prosumer cameras have zoom lenses of a large aperture, such as f/2, which would be extremely expensive, or just impractical to use on a dSLR. The lenses on prosumer cameras are designed specifically for their CCDs, and generally perform better at large apertures than comparable lenses on dSLRs. On typical consumer-grade SLR zoom lenses, the user has to stop down to f/5.6 to get the equivalent level of sharpness or invest in a professional-grade lens. The main reason for the difference is that the space taken up by the mirror in a dSLR requires a complex retrofocus design to get a wide-angle view.
The SLR design
By the very nature of its design and structure, a dSLR lets you view the shot only after you have taken it (the Olympus E-330 is an exception because there's an second sensor that projects live view on the camera), while a prosumer camera lets you view the scene through its LCD or electronic viewfinder. This same design also doesn’t allow any dSLR to have a video capture mode, which is a common feature on many digital cameras.
Bigger = more weight
Most prosumer cameras are much more compact and lighter than dSLRs, which is a big advantage when traveling or for casual picture-taking. For example, the Canon Digital IXUS 850 IS weighs in at a mere 150g, including batteries, while the Canon EOS 30D weighs a much heftier 700g with the lightest kit lens. The size also forms another factor since dSLRs are much bulkier in terms of form factor and equivalent accessories.
Prosumer cameras are often sealed units with a fixed lens, so there’s no worry about dust getting on the sensor. With interchangeable lens dSLRs, dust is a problem and requires frequent cleaning, which is a delicate and timeconsuming task.
Macroholics beware
A prosumer camera lets you take extreme close-ups, often as large as 1:1 with its built-in lens. With a dSLR, you have to buy a rather expensive macro lens, and carry it around with you. In addition, the prosumer cameras with a wider depth of field and smaller sensors are very useful for macro photography. A prosumer camera doesn’t have a moving mirror, which is a source of vibrations and noise in dSLRs, and therefore it can be used at a lower shutter speed and with less camera shake, which is critical in extreme close-ups or in locations where silence is important.
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Why a dSLR?- Talkback
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