Point and shoot versus SLR, which is the one for me?

As a professional photographer many people come to me for advice on what digital camera is good for them. I love to help all aspiring photographers so I have put together this checklist to determine which camera is good for you. (Full disclosure - I am a Canon user, so of course I am going to recommend Canon.)

Ask yourself the following

• I want the camera to do all the thinking for me. (Point-and-shoot cameras automatically select the aperture and shutter speed.)
• I want a compact camera
• As long as the photo is exposed right, I am happy
• My budget is somewhere around $300

Did you answer yes to most of these? Then a Point & Shoot is good for you (see Point and shoot section below). Need more from a camera? Keep reading.

• I like the challenge of the manual mode – figuring out the light and exposure for creative control in creating the final image.
• I shoot a lot of photos indoors or in low lighting and don’t always want that “flash” look
• I am willing to carry a large camera (and possibly multiple lens and external flash)
• I want the camera to take the photo when I push the button, no shutter lag
• I am willing to take a course or read some books
• Photography is worth an investment to me
  

Did you answer yest to most of the above? Then a SLR is the way to go (see sectionon SLR below).


So, you chose a Point and Shoot – I recommend a Canon PowerShot SD790 IS.

There are several key features you want to look for when shopping for a point and shoot, and this top-rated camera has all of them:

• IS (Image Stabilization): When the light is low, the camera uses a slower shutter speed. This results in a longer exposure, which means that the camera lens is kept open longer. The longer the lens is open, the more likely that there will be some noticeable camera movement. It also compensates for camera shake, when you just can’t keep your hand still enough to get that shot.
• Aperture: This camera is f/2.8-4.9. It is important to get a camera that has the ability to shoot at a large aperture. Hint: the smaller the” f/#” = larger aperture = more ability to shoot in low light situations and creating depth in your image (blurry background).
• DIGIC 4 image processor: Claims to improve image quality as well as speed.

A downfall, that seems unavoidable in new point and shoots is unnecessary megapixels.

• 12 Megapixels: A megapixel is one million tiny colored dots in a photo. It seems logical that more megapixels would mean a sharper photo. In truth, though, it could just mean a terrible photo made of more dots. It does help, however, if you want the ability to crop in on images while keeping the resolution high enough to print. 7 Megapixels is plenty, but it is hard to find a new camera that offers less than 10 Megapixels without losing some of the other important functions I mention above. Let me know if I am wrong!

Your choice was an SLR. I recommend the EOS Rebel XS with 18-55IS lens.
I shoot with the new Canon 5D Mark II and love it, but there is no reason for a beginner photographer to make such a hefty investment. Starting out, the EOS Rebel XS will have all the creative controls you need. Where you do make the investment down the road is buying quality lenses.

Benefits:

• Shooting manual: The main reason for choosing an SLR is the ability to shoot manually. For example, a point and shoot in automatic would be confused in this situation, exposing for the bright light and giving you a silhouetted subject. Using the manual mode on an SLR you can compensate for the exposure, using the back-light to your advantage for creative effects.
• Interchangeable lenses and other accessories: Unlike a point and shoot, the aperture can be changed with the lens. This camera comes with a 18-55mm F/3.5-5.6 IS lens. This is a good lens to start off with. Even thought the aperture doesn’t go as large as that on the point and shoot mentioned above, the camera has a better image sensors, processor, etc, which improves your end product. You can invest in faster lenses as you learn more about photography and determine your needs.
• Shutter speeds: The SLR camera offers a wide choice of shutter speeds. Use a fast shutter speed to freeze action. Use a slow shutter speed to capture an image in very low light or for artistic effect; for example, to exaggerate running water or to interpret motion poetically.
• 10 Megapixels is plenty: The reason a SLR will give better pictures is not because it has more mega pixels. It's because the SLR has a larger, better sensor, better lenses, and better image processor. You could compare a 8MP SLR to a 8MP point and shoot and see a big difference in quality of images. Because the DSLR offers more, even with the same mega pixels, you still see a difference is sharpness, contrast, and color saturation.
• DIGIC III Image Processor: Improving quality and speed

This entry is intended for the beginner photographer, so I am trying to just give the “nuts and bolts”. There is so much more that can make a good camera right for you. Let me know if you have any questions or comments by responding here, or emailing me personally.