Camera Differences: SLR vs Point and Shoot

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Camera Differences: SLR vs Point and Shoot

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Camera Differences: SLR vs Point and Shoot - 8/7/2005 10:56:32 AM

VisualModality

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Joined: 7/30/2005
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Cameras: SLR's how they differ from Point and Shoot

Here is a question alot of people ask when buying cameras. Which should I buy..the "advanced" SLR or a Point and Shoot? Let's first address the "what do I use the camera for" aspect. If your looking for a camera to take family candids, vacations, just hit the button convience or everyday living I would suggest a point and shoot camera. That does not mean techno saviness not required either. All cameras require to a degree some techno learning, but just not as much needed with a point and shoot. Point and shoot cameras are created for convience...the camera to think for you and you hit the button to take the pic. Automatically it will focus, pick your shutter speed, pick your aperature, and if your still using film..will set your ISO film speed. This is done all automatically with a point and shoot, all you have to do is compose the shot and hit the button. Hence the name "Point and Shoot".

Now if your looking for control...now it is time to look at SLR cameras..Single Lens Reflex. This involves people looking to further photography from plain ole candids to taking fine art. You need the control for instead of the camera thinking for you..you are thinking for it. Of course you have to remember the cost factor. With an SLR you will be buying camera body, many different types of interchangable lens for the body, filters, remote controller, tripod, hot shoe flash, etc. Yes it can get very costly. But in the end worth it and priceless.

Let's go over just some advantages and differences:

Point and Shoot

Camera Controlled
Fixed Lens with limitations on zoom
Need a 5 megapixel or better for prints larger than 8 x 10
ISO Film Speed limitations
Aperature and Shutter Limitations..small range
Viewing thru viewfinder exactly as naked eye sees not as lens sees*
Perfect for those quick shots of Grandma in the yard
Less techno lingo required
Most times all automatic including focus (*which u wont know thru looking thru the viewfinder until shot is developed)
Small and lightweight
Easy storage and travel
Will take most large memory cards
Some P/S cameras have add on filters for effects..bit more expensive camera to buy
Some P/S cameras have add on lens for zoom and wide angle..also a bit ore expensive camera to buy

SLR's

Person controlled
Interchangle lens for wide variety of shooting (telephoto, wide angle, fisheye, macro etc)
Most are 6 megapixel and better..high resolution and high file for printing some as large as 20 x 30
ISO film speeds from 100-1600..larger range for low light and bright light situations
Aperature and Shutter with auto settings or manual
-Larger ranges Aperature from an F2-F32 on some..greater depth of field view
-Shutter from bulb-1/3000 of a sec or higher in some..greater speed captures or slow motion captures
Viewing thru the viewfinder as the lens sees the images, your eye sees at that time if in focus or not
More techno lingo learning required
Lot more gear to carry and store
Will take all types of memory card storage..2 gigbyte can provide over 1000 images even high file size
Perfect for the budding photographer looking to make more than a hobby
All types of Filters for effects are available

As you can see there is some differences with an SLR compared to a Point and Shoot which some people may warrant the control. If you say to yourself you can take a great pic with any camera..you are in a sense correct..but if you want even more control than you have you can take beyond greatness...you can take perfection.

If you have any questions..let's talk about it in this thread!

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Tina M Maravelis
Raptor T-Shirts and ETC Store:
www.cafepress.com/visualmodality

Five Rules to Happiness:

1. Free your heart from hatred.
2. Free your mind from worries.
3. Live simply.
4. Give more.
5. Expect less.

Post #: 1

RE: Camera Differences: SLR vs Point and Shoot - 8/12/2005 3:46:20 AM

rhemaangel

Posts: 68
Joined: 7/30/2005
From: Perth, Australia
Status: offline

That being said -- some of my best photos have been done with a point & shoot.

http://www.ebsqart.com/Artists/cmd_4765_profile_portfolio__1_1_G.htm

and
http://www.ebsqart.com/Artists/cmd_4765_profile_portfolio__1_2_G.htm were both done with a p&s.

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Post #: 2

RE: Camera Differences: SLR vs Point and Shoot - 8/12/2005 7:49:16 PM

VisualModality

Posts: 1624
Joined: 7/30/2005
Status: offline

Oh sweetie..it was not meant to say Point and Shoots are bad..they are wonderful to work with..and your pictures are beautiful!!!!!

You did a beautiful job on them...my essay was mainly to show differences between the types of cams...and also that you have more versitility and control with an SLR camera than a point and shoot. Not everyone needs one..or has the use for one...or honestly can afford one..(I saved up for months for my digi setup)..it is just really to point out differences..and SLR's have an enhancement and greater edge due to the amount of control you will have.

Your pictures are superb...and you have something that is greater than that box with a hole in it...you have a grand photographer's eye

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Regards,
Tina M Maravelis
Raptor T-Shirts and ETC Store:
www.cafepress.com/visualmodality

Five Rules to Happiness:

1. Free your heart from hatred.
2. Free your mind from worries.
3. Live simply.
4. Give more.
5. Expect less.

(in reply to rhemaangel)

Post #: 3

RE: Camera Differences: SLR vs Point and Shoot - 8/12/2005 7:56:57 PM

linwood

Posts: 805
Joined: 7/30/2005
From: Sarasota,Florida
Status: offline

I`m not a photographer nor do I intend to be but the posts you`ve been making in this forum have kept my attention and taught me a lot with very little amount of verbage.

I have an interest in photography due to my painting.
I rarely ever go anywhere without my P&S because I hate when I am without it and I run across something that would be awesome to paint but I can`t get a permenant reference.

I just wanted to let you know what you`ve been posting here has been more informative and easy to comprehend for a newbie than all the camera boards and sites I was cruising last week when trying to decide what P&S to buy.

Thanks VM.

Edit:
For instance I searched message boards and camera sites for hours before I got the answer to the one question I was looking for.
I wanted to know what MP camera I needed to get a decent 16x20 print.
The answer is the second thing listed in your post above.
Took me hours to pry that one piece of info from numerous sites last week..

< Message edited by linwood -- 8/12/2005 7:58:57 PM >

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Post #: 4

RE: Camera Differences: SLR vs Point and Shoot - 8/12/2005 9:05:29 PM

VisualModality

Posts: 1624
Joined: 7/30/2005
Status: offline

That makes me smile from ear to ear

..I am very happy that you found what I have been talking about useful!!!

Me personally when I started out with photo..I started with my grandmas p&s when I was 12 years old..it took me..that was it..but I was never able to afford the SLR's at the time due to many things going on in my life. When I finally got one..and it was film at the time..it was like being 12 all over again. My biggest gripe tho when I was learning about photo in a more advanced stage..was the teachings...there was not a single book or person who explained anything I could understand! I was never tech savy. Then my boyfriend ( who is also a photog) taught me in lahman terms. Then it clicked.

One reason I wished I would be a host in this section is to share what I learned...in plain ole english...with others..so they too will understand and it clicks. I love to teach...I love to share...I love to grow...and I enjoy taking time with people and really telling them what it is with a camera.

That one thread about Photographer's Eye..is the true key to photography..not all the hoots and hollars of expensive equipment..it is the ability to see. Once you have that muscle strong...you can shoot with a pinhole box.

I thank you for those comments..and I take that to heart..my goal here..is to help..and to teach any and all who will listen and want to know.

Tina

_____________________________

Regards,
Tina M Maravelis
Raptor T-Shirts and ETC Store:
www.cafepress.com/visualmodality

Five Rules to Happiness:

1. Free your heart from hatred.
2. Free your mind from worries.
3. Live simply.
4. Give more.
5. Expect less.

(in reply to linwood)

Post #: 5

RE: Camera Differences: SLR vs Point and Shoot - 8/12/2005 9:23:03 PM

linwood

Posts: 805
Joined: 7/30/2005
From: Sarasota,Florida
Status: offline

quote:

That one thread about Photographer's Eye..is the true key to photography..not all the hoots and hollars of expensive equipment..it is the ability to see. Once you have that muscle strong...you can shoot with a pinhole box.

I believe thats the key to any and all artforms.
I read the thread and it totally relates to painting and drawing as well.

I gave my older digi kodak p&s to my wife for family pics but I`ve been letting my little girl run around with it and teaching her to take well framed and interesting pictures.
She just likes it because it`s fun, I see it as an excellent way to teach her how to "see" that she can even apply to aspects in life that have nothing to do with art.

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(in reply to VisualModality)