Compact Digital Camera versus the Digital SLR-What’s the Best Choice for You?

If you have been browsing the digital camera aisle of your favorite store, you may have noticed there are two basic styles. One style has a convenient size, a small lens and emphasizes convenience. The other is larger, has a noticeably larger lens and emphasizes features.

The first style of camera is referred to as compact digital camera or a point-and-shoot camera. The other style is most likely a digital SLR or DSLR. The most obvious difference between the two (besides the appearances mentioned above) is price. The DSLR is most often associated with quality photography and creative expression. The compact digital camera is all about ease of use and mobility. The following article takes a quick look at the two basic types and provides some guidance on which style may be best for you.

Other than physical characteristics, the big difference between compact digital cameras and DSLRs is the price. Most compacts can be found in the range from $100 to $300. On the other hand, DSLRs are found in the $500 to $1000 range and beyond.

Digital SLRs provide the maximum amount of control over your photography. They allow for the use of different lenses and accessories like an external flash. Resolution capabilities are typically above 12 megapixels. Virtually every aspect of exposure can be altered to fit your goals and they feature a full range of digital effects. If you are constantly imagining creative ways to photograph your subjects, then a DLSR is definitely the way to go for you.

Compact digital cameras are called “point and shoot” for a reason. They are designed to allow you to take photos without having to think about much. That doesn’t mean these small cameras aren’t powerful. They just tend to assume you will go with the automatic settings most of the time. If you want a digital camera to record all the events of your life and post pictures of yourself and your friends online, then a compact digital camera is your best choice.