 Enrique R. Cerda |
DSLR versus Point and Shoot Hello everyone, I would like to know if someone could explain the difference between a DSLR (what does this stand for?) and a Point and Shoot camera? Is the Panasonic FZ20 considered a point and shoot camera. I currently own a Sony DSCP8 and have taken photos for recreation. I have become more and more interested in photography and I will most likely be purchasing a camera in the next month so I would like some guidance as I would like to take landscape photos and night shoots of skylines. I am also interested in a versatille camera which may be used for portraits. Any help would be appreciated.
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Michael H. Cothran |
DSLR - Digital Single Lens Reflex camera. SLR's were first manufactured in the 1930's (the German Exacta was the first SLR in production), and really gained popularity in the mid 1960's during the Vietnam war, when all the war photographers were introduced to the new Japanese Nikon F slr camera. The difference? - in an SLR, when you look through the viewfinder, you are looking through the actual lens, via some prisms in that big hump that sits on top of your SLR. In a point & shoot, you don't view what the lens is seeing, but view through a simulated optical finder. Also, but not always true - SLR's have interchangeable lenses whereas p&s cameras usually don't. Like I say, this is not always true, but is in most cases. SLR's are usually more component-ready, and one can add many accessories. P&S cameras usually don't offer too much else - they're made for exactly what the name implies - point it at something and push the button. SLR's are usually more expensive since they are more complex in manufacturing, and if you are serious about your photography, I would certainly recommend an SLR over a P&S. Michael H. Cothran
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Jon Close |
The Panasonic FZ20 is a digital "SLR-type" camera. It is nearly as capable as a DSLR. The technical differences are: (a) it has a permanently mounted zoom lens.
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Enrique R. Cerda |
Michael and Jon, Thank you both for your thorough replies to my question. I have many questions swirling in my head and thanks to generous people like you it makes it easier for beginners like me to enjoy photography more and more. I’ll keep you guys posted on what I purchase. Thanks again.
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Enrique R. Cerda |
Hey guys, Just a quick update. I purchased the Canon EOS Digital Rebel today, with the black body. Thanks again for your advice. I compared the 75-300mm lens and I loved the quick auto focus. Enrique
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