Compact digital cameras are pretty impressive these days and
everyone needs a small and lightweight camera to take on outings, to family
events, concerts and for everyday photography. Compact cameras do have their
limitations though and there will be times when you want more control over your
creativity or just a little more power.
For these situations a DSLR
(Digital Single Lens Reflex) camera may just be the thing to take your
photography above and beyond. Here are some reasons why you should upgrade to a
DSLR camera.
1.
Low Light
Performance
DSLRs have a much larger sensor than the majority of compact cameras. The
bigger sensors have better light sensitivity and are less prone to noise
(digital graininess or colour spots) and therefore create better images in low
light. The advanced sensor technology and reduction in noise allow for usable images at much higher ISOs (higher
light sensitivity). Paired with a lens
that lets in more light (low aperture), you will be amazed by some of the low
light situations that you can shoot in.
2.
Interchangeable
Lenses
With a DSLR comes versatility. Because the lenses are interchangeable,
the one camera can be used in multiple shooting situations. A wide angle lens
has a larger angle of view and can be good for landscapes whilst a telephoto
zoom may be your go-to lens for portraiture. With a variety of lenses, one
camera can shoot in many different situations with a myriad of effects.
3.
Better
Portraits
DSLRs can give better results for portraiture for a number of reasons;
their larger sensors provide a more shallow depth of field, blurring the
background and separating your subject from the background. This is what
creates that pop or the more 3-dimensional effect. There are a series of lenses
available that are considered to be ‘portrait lenses’. These lenses generally
range between 85mm and 135mm,
although there are no hard and fast rules. The lenses in this style can be more
flattering as that viewpoint will compress or flatten the features of the face
somewhat in comparison to a wide lens that will distort the features.
4.
Speed
Whilst there are exceptions to this in the world of compact cameras, the
majority of DSLRs are faster than compact cameras. The overall layout on a DSLR
is geared to quick operation with the most used functions being easily
accessible at your fingertips. The assortment of dials and buttons fit in with
the ergonomic design of the DSLR for quick and easy manual control.
DSLR Lenses use a faster method of focus that can track moving subjects
accurately. Combine this with a fast frame rate (quick successive shots) and
the DSLR is the obvious choice for sports or actions shooters.
As you climb higher up the DSLR ladder you will see higher speeds and
designs more suited to the speed conscious shooter.
5.
Control
Even with all of today’s bells and whistles, cameras are still built on a
few main functions; aperture, shutter speed, focus and ISO. In essence it is
the combination of these that will determine how your photographs will
look. Recent camera advancements make it
possible to never have to consider any manual settings at all but manual modes
are where the fun lies.
Although daunting initially, being able to creatively control your camera
opens a world of shooting possibilities and improves your photography. The
beauty of digital is that you can experiment and learn on the fly, reviewing
images as you shoot them and seeing what works and what does not.
6.
Large
Range of Accessories
Flash units, filters, remotes, bags, cases, cables, microphones, software and more. DSLRs
have the largest number of cool accessories by far and these can be used to control the camera, enhance the
images as you take them, or in post-production. The possibilities are unlimited
and once you get a DSLR you will be on the lookout for the next interesting
accessory to boost your kit.
While a DSLR is not essential for good photography it can
allow you to get a step closer to achieving your artistic vision. A good DSLR
camera will enable you to take control.
If the idea of a larger camera is off-putting but you still
want some extra control and interchangeable lenses, check out the more compact CSC cameras.
These cameras, while not quite at the level of a DSLR, are advancing at a fast
rate and offer many of the advantages above.
There are shooters out there getting some amazing results with high end compacts, rangefinder styled cameras and CSC cameras. In the end it
comes down to personal preference and your requirements; as the saying goes – ‘the
best camera is the one that's with you’.
You may find that your photography demands a variety of
different cameras for different situation but the DSLR is still the most
versatile option for innovative images.
What are your thoughts? Has using a DSLR enhanced your
photography? Are you a compact camera boffin? Is CSC your camera of choice? Let
us know in the comments below.
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