DSLR vs Point and Shoot - Which Is the Better Digital Camera for You?
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DSLR Or Point And Shoot - Join The Debate!
DSLR or Point and Shoot I have both. I use them for different purposes and they both are fantastic cameras.
The Canon EOS Rebel XSI 450D DSLR (digital SLR or single lens reflex) is my primary digital camera as I am a travel photographer. I use it for any shot that I might want to use commercially, or anytime I need close up (from a distance) or anytime I need a burst or sequence of pictures to stop the action.
I also love my point and shoot or compact digital camera. The Fujifilm FinePix XP10 that we have is waterproof and shock proof making it the perfect digital camera to toss into a pocket for events near water, where I don't want to lug the big camera or where I am only taking memory shots of friends.
Here is your chance to join into the debate and for those who want more information to read the advantages and disadvantages of each type of camera. So will it be big vs small, quality vs convenience, options vs simplicity, speed vs lower cost or more simply worded DSLR vs Point and Shoot.
Photo above of my two girls underwater was taken with the Fujifilm FinePix XP10 and is © Rhonda Albom 2011.
DSLR vs. Point and Shoot
You Decide
Quick: DSLR or Point and Shoot?
DSLR or Point and Shoot - Which Do You Prefer?
Do you prefer the flexibility, quality and precision of a DSLR or the lightweight, ease of use of a point and shoot.
DSLR vs Point and Shoot
Fetching blurbs now... please stand byI prefer DSLR
Roman Skvorcov (darkman.lv) says:
I will buy Nikon D5100, and second is Lumix DMC FZ-18 which i own already for 3 years :)
Posted August 19, 2011
jmsp206 says:
I would love to have a DSLR camera for those really detailed shots, for travel flowers, artistic shots.
Point and Shoot are very handy.
Posted August 16, 2011
Kris10P says:
I LOVE my DSLR! It takes the best pictures. I have a point and shoot too for the times when it's not practical to take the big camera, but the pics just aren't the same.
Posted August 15, 2011
Donna says:
My point and shoot is fun, but I want to upgrade to a DSLR someday.
Posted August 15, 2011
Pukeko says:
I love my DSLR. Great for travel shots, sports, action and just about photos.
Posted August 15, 2011
I prefer Point and Shoot
sandyspider says:
I love my Point and Shoot. My husband would like to get a DSLR and I can see the pluses in that. Someday we will get one. Then I can vote on both sides.
Posted August 18, 2011
LissaKlar says:
My point and shoot is okay, I would love a waterproof one. Of course the DSLR would be great to have. I could add it to my new goals list.
Posted August 17, 2011
CastleRoy says:
Love my point and shoot it is also all about price these days you can get great deals on popular high megP Point shoot and besides I break to many cams to upgrade probably never will. my husband has pro photography equipment (he used to do adds for a dealers magazine) it is in cases that I refuse to even look at lol
Posted August 16, 2011
MoiraCrochetsPlarn says:
I only own a Point-and-Shoot, a Nikon L22 Coolpix. Most of my lovely photos are captured using this. But I'd like to own a DSLR so I'd really know the difference.
Posted August 16, 2011
grandmamarilyn says:
I own a Kodak Easyshare which is a Point and Shoot and love it. It is taking the best pictures I have ever taken.
Posted August 15, 2011
happynutritionist says:
I have a Fujifilm Finepix, too,a different variety though, and have never had any of the cameras with the "bells and whistles"...maybe one day I'll change my mind, but fr now, point and shoot is my choice.
Posted August 15, 2011
ChrissLJ says:
I just bought a Nikon Coolpix s3100 and love it. I checked out the DSLRs but was unable to find one (even used) anywhere near my price range. Then you have to add a few hundred dollars for each lens. With 14 mp and 5x zoom, my s3100 takes wonderful outside and high light photos. I don't regret my decision.
Posted August 15, 2011
Pukeko says:
I love my point and shoot for parties, fun photos, underwater and the beach. (Yes, I did vote on both sides)
Posted August 15, 2011
pinkhoodie says:
I am not much of a photographer. DSLR is too complicated for me. I want something which will give me good pictures that is easy to use.
Posted August 15, 2011
DSLR
Do You Have a DSLR?
Advantages of DSLR
I love my Canon EOS Rebel XSI 450D
The Canon EOS Rebel XSI 450D meets all my artistic and sporting needs. With a zoom lens and the burst feature I can capture amazing photos of my girls in sport. This DSLR is my primary camera. You can read more about it and the specs below.
- 1Speed of shot - with instantaneous shot when you press the shutter button you don't miss that once in a lifetime shot, or special sporting moment.
- 2Speed of focus - manual focus is instant, working with you.
- 3Burst (specifically on the Canon EOS Rebel XSI 450D) allow for quick sequence of shots, so that magical moving moment is sure to be captured.
- 4Larger range of light - DSLR allows you to adjust and still produce great shots, even in low light.
- 5Ability to change lenses - offering variety in focal length and other artistic options to always get the perfect shot.
- 6Photo quality - better cameras produce better photos.
Disadvantages of DSLR
- Cost is significantly greater than point and shoot.
- Size - DSLR is much larger and heavier and this only increases as you add more lenses.
- I worry about it more than my point and shoot in terms of it being damaged or stolen. Higher investment means more stress and worry.
Some of my Shots from my DSLR Are Now Available as Posters
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Point and Shoot
Do you have a point and shoot?
Advantages of Point and Shoot
I also love my Fujifilm FinePix XP10
Technically, this one belongs to my kids, but I use it too, whenever I am near water. It is quick, easy, waterproof and shock proof as well. I use it underwater some of the time.
Fujifilm FinePix XP10 12 MP Waterproof Digital Camera with 5x Optical Zoom and 2.7-Inch LCD (Green)
- 1Compact, lightweight and small enough to fit in a pocket.
- 2The Fujifilm FinePix XP10 is also waterproof and shock proof. (Which is why I LOVE this particular point and shoot camera).
- 3Built in zoom, so a quick flick of the button and you are ready for close up.
- 4Minimal thought involved in taking great photos - just turn it on, point at what you want photographed and shoot.
- 5Picture quality can be pretty great, if you are not in need of professional quality.
Disadvantages of Point and Shoot
- Because it is electronic, there is a lag time between pushing the button and your shot, often just long enough to miss the perfect shot.
- Less flexibility - cannot change lenses.
- Often lower picture quality (although my Fujifilm FinePix XP10 has been producing some amazing photos).
Products Created from Photos with Our Fujifilm FinePix XP10
Photo of fish © Rhonda Albom 2011; Seastar photo © Sarah Albom 2011;
See all of our products at Zazzle
My DSLR (Canon EOS Rebel XSI 450D) and Point and Shoot (Fujifilm FinePix XP10) Cameras - Camera Specs
I love them both!
This is my primary digital still camera, although mine has a slightly different accessory package. This one comes with the camera body Canon EOS Rebel XSI 450D 12.2 MP Digital Camera (BLACK), along with Canon EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS SLR Lens + Tamron 75-300 f/4-5.6 LD Lens + 16 GB Memory Card + Multi-Coated UV Filter (2) + Multi-Coated Polarizer Filter + Digital Slave Flash + 50" Tripod + Deluxe Padded Camera Bag + 6 Piece Accessory Kit + 3 Year Warranty Repair Contract
Canon EOS Rebel XSI 450D 12.2 MP Digital Camera
#2 if by sea . . .
The Fujifilm FinePix XP10 is our fun point and shoot, underwater camera, with 12-megapixel resolution. It also is waterproof, freezeproof, shockproof and dustproof with a Fujinon 5x periscopic optical zoom lens, video in 720p with movie editing and blog mode; facebook/you tube automatic web upload function for photos.
Fujifilm FinePix XP10 12 MP Waterproof Digital Camera with 5x Optical Zoom and 2.7-Inch LCD (Green)
The Most Important Thing
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SandraGahlinger
Oct 1, 2011 @ 10:16 am | delete
- I have a ultra compact, a compact (and love them both) - and am researching a DSLR...steep learning curve. I want to be able to have more control and the option of the optical zooming. I've finally gotten frustrated with the limits of my other two cameras. We travel a lot and I can't catch shots - either due to the slow speed of the cameras or not having the lens abilities.
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RuralFrance
Aug 28, 2011 @ 12:49 am | delete
- I used to have a Finepix which was a great little camera, but the time lag is a killer when it comes to catching things that move. Great list of the pros and cons.
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TapIn2U Aug 22, 2011 @ 10:18 am | delete
- I love cameras. Taking pictures is one of my passion. I am planing to buy a new Dslr. Sundae ;-)
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sandyspider
Aug 18, 2011 @ 9:47 am | delete
- Great debate on cameras.
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LissaKlar
Aug 17, 2011 @ 2:00 pm | delete
- Your pictures were really great. I may be buying a DSLR for my daughter in a few years. Don't know when I'll ever get mine! Good debate. I like your pros and cons.
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mbgphoto
Aug 16, 2011 @ 4:59 pm | delete
- I love having both! I carry a point and shoot in my purse at all times but for my bigger photo shoots I use my DSLR. Sometimes I'm surprised when I get great photos out of my point and shoot...just as good as my DSLR. I'm still glad to have both.
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hlkljgk Aug 16, 2011 @ 2:52 pm | delete
- i have both, but a smaller dslr has taken it's place. and my full sensor dslr is my go to camera.
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mcochs
Aug 16, 2011 @ 2:04 pm | delete
- Awesome lens! I love the Fujifilm FinePix XP10. Blessed by a Squidoo Angel-Have a great day!
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jmsp206
Aug 16, 2011 @ 5:16 am | delete
- When the time comes to spend a bit on a good camera I will refer to this lens and info about the Cannon.
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grandmamarilyn
Aug 16, 2011 @ 12:01 am | delete
- I have a Kodak z945 Easy Share. I love it. It makes great photos even when I do a zoom picture. My other one used to fuzz them up. I love the ease of carrying mine. I have a hard time handling anything with any weight to it.
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This Digital Camera Debate Started by Pukeko
More about the author
by Pukeko
I am Rhonda Albom
Travel Photographer / Humorist
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Some of My Favorite Photos
My Favorite DSLR - Canon EOS Rebel XSI 450D
Canon EOS Rebel XSI 450D 12.2 MP Digital Camera (BLACK) with Canon EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS SLR Lens + Tamron 75-300 f/4-5.6 LD Lens + 16 GB Memory Card + Multi-Coated UV Filter (2) + Multi-Coated Polarizer Filter + Digital Slave Flash + 50" Tripod + Deluxe Padded Camera Bag + 6 Piece Accessory Kit + 3 Year Warranty Repair Contract
Amazon Price: $914.00 (as of 02/22/2012)
My Favorite Point and Shoot - Fujifilm FinePix XP10
Fujifilm FinePix XP10 12 MP Waterproof Digital Camera with 5x Optical Zoom and 2.7-Inch LCD (Green)
Amazon Price: $243.59 (as of 02/22/2012)
