What is the advantage of SLR camera? My understanding was that the SLR camera removes parallax error as in convensional cameras, the view port and the lens actually get two different views of the object. Now, in digital camera, the lcd display shows whats actually captured on the ccd. So if I don't actually look through the viewport in the digital camera, SLR is not of any additional advantage (apart from being bulkier and costlier). Is my understanding correct? 1) as redsoxer says, you have the capability to change your lenses. Depending on the photography you do, this is a significant advantage in of itself that usual digital cameras do not afford.
2) The CCD is usually larger and better developed, allowing an image quality that can easily beat prosumer digitals. At least in my experience, I noticed a significant difference in this area.
3) Digital SLRs come with some extra features not found on some other models, although admitably the priciest prosumer cameras have almost the same feature set.
4) Battery life and response time/burst rate. Today's digital SLRs have virtually no lag from the time you turn it on, and press the shutter - the camera works instanteously like a traditional film camera. I would bet the prosumers are improving on this fact also, but I love my Nikon D50's responsiveness and will not settle for less anymore. Battery life is amazing on my digital SLR at least, better than what I've seen on prosumer digitals because the LCD doesn't need to be on when you compose your shot. This is very significant for contemplative photographers who carefully compose their subject matter. I always felt rushed when using a prosumer because I knew I was leaving the LCD on too much.
5) As for the very expensive digital SLRs, you pay for the ruggedness and durability of the camera. Magnesium alloy housings, protection from sand and rain, etc, are all essential for the pro photgrapher on assignment. You pay for that.
That's all that comes to my head, could be more... The main advantage is that you can change lenses the way you can on a traditional SLR, as opposed to the fixed lenses of most "point and shoot" digital cameras. |
