Few reasons why DSLR over compact camera

If you are shopping for a camera and fret over between a compact camera and DSLR, I urge you to seriously consider your choice. DSLR is an expensive tool and if you have the passion and interest to go into photography, then a DSLR will be suited to you. If not, you are wasting money over on something that you shouldn’t even need them and probably settle for a lower end camera. I will share with you some advice why you should get a DSLR over compact camera.

1. Larger sensor size
Most compact camera have smaller sensor size. Smaller sensor size is not very sensitive to light, thus it affects the picture quality when you are shooting at night. Try increasing ISO in compact camera and you will find that noise is visible and picture starts to degrade.

2. No shutter lag
When the shutter is half pressed, the camera needs time to focus on the subject and when focus is complete, it takes time to take a picture when the shutter is fully depressed. Shutter lag is common in compact camera as camera will take most of the time focusing an object. With a DSLR, the shutter lag is negligent because of fast auto focus system. This will prevent you from missing a great photo opportunity.

3. Faster start up
Most DSLR has quick start up time. This means if you switch off your camera and you happen to see a great shooting opportunity, you can instantly on your camera and take your picture immediately. With a compact camera, you will need time for it to start up. The reasons are most cameras have retractable lens and you will need time for the retractable len to complete its extension. Even if it does not have retractable len, it still needs to take some time for the camera to “warm up”, most noticeably the appearance of brand in LCD screen.

4. More controls over camera
Although compact camera has manual features but they are restrictive to allow you to control ISO, aperture and shutter speed. You may not be able to control metering, flash power or change file types and etc unlike using DSLR. This gives more option to control your camera and enable you to shoot creatively.

5. Able to change len
Most compact camera has range from 24-60mm. While this range is sufficient for general photography but it may not allow people to shoot far or extremely wide. Compared to DSLR, the ability to change len is a plus point as it can allow them to branch into specific area of photography like macro, sports, portraits, landscape and etc.

6. Able to mount external flash
while some compact camera do allow you to mount an external flash, they are only catered to small percentage to the market. The majority of the people still carry compact camera with in-built flash. Getting a external flash allows you to do a wide application of flash photography such as stroboscopic, second-synchronization flash, etc.

7. More accessories
They are countless list of accessories that you can get from DSLR. Flash, lens, remote controllers, len filters and so on. These accessories can greatly enhance your shooting experience and give you more options to shoot creativity. With a compact camera, your option is limited by the accessories that come along with the model.

8. Cheaper price
With the price of DSLR getting cheaper, more people can own DSLR cameras. Lower ends DSLR are offering at such a cheap price that there is little price difference as compared to compact camera. Even if you still find it expensive, you can try to source them cheaply at used market.

9. Ergonomic
Most compact camera has plastic built which will give you the feeling of fragile or it may break easily. You will feel tired after you hold the small camera for a long period of time. With DSLR, the built are more rugged and some have magnesium casing which will give you the feeling that the DSLR can withstand punishment from any conditions. Moreover, with better grip, you will be able to hold them comfortably.

10. Ability to shoot RAW
Not all compact cameras will allow you to shoot RAW. RAW is an uncompressed image file which can be manipulated in photoshop software. RAW allows you to adjust the image white balance, exposure, colour without losing any image quality. With JPEG that is the standard image format found in compact camera, you will find that there is little control after the image is taken.

In the next section, you will find the reasons why compact camera over DSLR