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Point and Shoot Vs. DSLR: Which One to Pick and Why

Tulika Nair
Are you planning to upgrade from a point and shoot to a DSLR? If yes, then you need to compare the two, in order to understand whether the upgrade will work for you or not. Let's see some information about the various pros and cons of these two types of cameras.
With point and shoot cameras becoming as affordable as they have, it is not surprising that many people are shifting preferences and opting to buy DSLRs rather than the former ones, which are admittedly easier to operate and well, cheaper.
Also, point and shoot cameras unlike the earlier versions, come with many more features and some model functions, where image quality is concerned. But, with improving point and shoot cameras, a similar revolution is occurring in the DSLR world as well.
Several companies are introducing DSLRs for every type of consumer; from those who are novices in the field of photography, to those who are professionals. But, there are many people who are still confused by the debate between the two camera types.
In order to choose between the two, it is important to look at the advantages and disadvantages of digital cameras of both types, which will enable you to understand which one suits your purpose of photography. Let us take a look at the advantages and disadvantages both types of cameras.

Point and Shoot Cameras

When trying to decide which camera to opt for, there are many important features you need to keep in mind.
While point and shoot digital cameras beat the DSLR hands down when it comes to affordability and portability, there is nothing like an image taken with the latter in terms of quality in digital photography.
● Most point and shoot cameras are so small that you can carry it around as easily as your wallet without worrying about cases and other extra baggage. In addition to this, these cameras are extremely light weight. But, if you opt for point and shoot cameras that have some features of an SLR, then the weight and the size of the camera increases quite a bit.
● For a beginner, a camera with a fixed lens is a great thing. But for someone who is a little more proficient with the art of photography this may cause a lot of misery. When you compare the two types of cameras, you can control the aperture, shutter speed, and other such features only in limited capacity in a point and shoot camera.
● Also, in such a camera, there is no differentiation between the foreground and the background. You cannot isolate your subject from the background due to a large depth of field. This is good if you want the photograph to look sharp, but this is a downside if you want to click photographs like motion pictures, sports photography, action photography, etc.
● In a point and shoot camera, the image sensor is quite small, and is no match for a DSLR.
● Other problems with the former is the limited ability it provides to shoot at nighttime or in low light. Apart from this, its inability to shoot wide angle shots is also a drawback.
While these advantages and disadvantages of the point and shoot camera are just some of the important ones, something that works in its favor completely, is of course the price.

DSLR Cameras

DSLR cameras are generally used by people who have some level of proficiency with cameras, but with increasing affordability several beginners are also opting to buy DSLRs, making the comparison between the two types important to understand.
● An important advantage of a DSLR is the fact that the image quality is much better because of the bigger sensor it possesses. This results in less noise and overall better quality. It is also more sensitive to light, which makes it adaptable to areas with low light.
● A DSLR allows you complete control over features like shutter speed and aperture. The features are flexible because of their predominant use by professionals.
It also allows you to use a wide variety of lenses allowing for different kinds of photography. So you can use wide angle lenses, telescopic lenses, fish eye lenses, etc. The best part is that if you need not bother about the controls; you can always set the camera to auto mode.
● DSLRs allow you the freedom to isolate the subject from the background. With this camera you can take photographs with blurred background and in complete isolation of subject.
● There are many high-end cameras that allow you to shoot photographs even in the most extreme of temperatures, as they possess the ability to tolerate dust, rain, snow, extreme temperatures, etc.
● Major downsides of a DSLR is the price. These cameras are generally expensive but they are much better investments in the long run.
● They require proper maintenance, which needs to be done regularly. Most cameras come with a warranty, but still replacement of parts can be very expensive.
● One thing that you will definitely think about is the weight that you have to lug around in case you own a DSLR. Add to this the weight of the tripod and other accessories, and well the downsides have a way of adding up.
Most people who are trying to decide which option is the best, can now decide which camera they should opt for. The advantages and disadvantages listed out here may help you to decide which camera is better suited for your purposes.