BetterPhoto Q&A
Category: New Answers

Digital or Digital SLR

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December 20, 2005

The major advantage is being able to see the picture you just took in the LCD. It might not necessarily be the best possible picture and the LCD's size won't guarantee you'll be assured a perfect 11X14 print, but it's better than waiting for the photo-finisher [one hour or longer.]

That's probably not only the major, but also the only advantage of digital. Lots of folks will argue that digital is cheaper [not necessarily,] because you don't have the cost of film and developing, and they'll will point to all the things you can do in Photoshop or some other editing program.

I scan negatives, slides and prints and thus am into digital editing without a digital camera. And, I've commented ad nauseam, in threads on shooting weddings, that the ability to shoot thousdands of pictures at a ceremony [or anywhere else] just doesn't guarantee a good or better picture.

When you compare the cost of a digital SLR, its memory card, its batteries, the computer, the printer, the paper and THE INK, digital may not be cheaper at all.

Traditional film cameras have been around a long time. Images they produce are well understood as are their mechanics of use. Too often we hear about folks asking how to use their digitals - primarily because they're loaded with features that may or may not ever be used.

Whether it's a film or digital, the camera won't make the picture. The photographer does. So, it's up to the photographer to determine what s/he wants in the way of features and whether s/he wants to be into digital.

Then, s/he needs to go to a reliable camera store and get the feel of some cameras. Each has ergonomic features and the "feel" is very important. While there, s/he can also get the price of the camera and its accessories and, once his/her heart stops palpitating, make a decision to buy at the store or take a chance on mail-order/Internet.

LOL

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December 20, 2005

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December 20, 2005

RE: an upgraded digital, go for an SLR. Lens interchangeability can't be beat. And, you can see the picture you're taking in the viewfinder. These are the real SLR advantages.

If your Minolta is a recent Maxxum, it's possible that it's lenses will be usable with a new Konica-Minolta digtal SLR. If so, you'll save some money.

When I wanted to upgrade my vintage 1970's Minolta to an autofocus, Minolta indicated its new beauties would require an all new lens system. So, I could jump ship and I went to Canon EOS. If you must make a manufacturer change, the selection is wide open.

You major decision rests on the type of image you plan to produce. SLRs with 5 MP or less can produce 8X10s and, some folks even suggest you can get an acceptable 11X14. I note that the Epson 1800 can produce a 13X19 print. I'm not sure so, if your pocket book can stand it, I'd look to 8 MPs at least.

No one can really tell you which model to buy; you need to try them out and make your own decision based on the available features and how a camera feels in your hands.

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December 20, 2005

DSLRs are also more versatile, allowing manual focus and exposure settings in addition to the auto modes, and greater options in flash lighting. Plus the shutter actuation is instantaneous without the "one thousand one on thousand two..." lag common to most digital P&S cameras.

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December 20, 2005

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December 20, 2005