Why are DSLR cameras better?

Question

I had a PowerShot, but it died due to error 18...

Why should I get a DSLR camera? I mean, I would like to have one, but can you name some reasons, please, why you like it?

Answer 1

More resolution, much better photo quality, easier to hold. Just better for so many reasons. You get what you pay for, and DSLR's are the best cameras to have

Answer 2

Here is a short list

* Much larger sensor, so the images are much higher quality (over 15 times larger than a P&S camera)

* Much better optics and the ability to buy specialty lenses for the subjects you shoot. (extreme wide angle, wide range standard lenses like the 18-200 mm made by both Nikon and Canon, macro lenses and extreme telephoto lenses like those used by sports photographers)

* Superior performance at high ISO settings.

* Easy transition from shooting 35 mm SLR's to DSLR's

* While there are a lot of "toy" P&S cameras being sold with promises that cannot be met, DSLR's made by established camera makers are true photographic tools that can be used by professionals, artists and advanced amateurs.

* Many of the Nikon and Canon cameras can use lenses made over the life of the cameras existence ... most notably Nikon .. I have lenses made in the early 1970's that work just fine on my Nikon D3.  Canon's EF lenses made since 1988 are all useable on their current EOS cameras, 35 mm and DSLR's

Answer 3

The main reason they are considered better is simply because of the quality of the images. They look much more professional. This is because they have more advanced software and powerful image sensors.

If you are good with manual settings, you will find that DSLRs give you much more flexibility because you can adjust the settings however you like.

DSLRs are also faster. They don't have that lag time that point-and-shoots, especially older models, have. You press the button and the picture is taken. You don't have to wait through a second of electronic whizzing noises.

Lenses are another thing. Lots of pricier point-and-shoots can use a variety of lenses, but DSLRs are the real deal when it comes to the adjustable lens. There are so many different lenses you can use to achieve different technical and artistic effects. Everything from macro lenses for ultra close-up photos to UV lens filters to absorb UV rays and eliminate haze. This can be a lot of fun if you like to experiment with your photography or go for a certain look.

If you have the money for a DSLR and really want to learn about photography, go for it. If you want to check out the kind of photos you can get from DSLRs, I recommend this site: http://www.pbase.com/cameras. You can compare images from different cameras.

Good luck.

Answer 4

All of the answers you received are very good indeed. But, if you don't want to fiddle around with shutter speeds/apertures, change lenses and carry a somewhat bulky camera then digital SLRS are not for you.

Let alone the cost of one compared with a $200- point and shoot.