DSLR v Point & Shoot : Observations

[Honest Gaza]

As mentioned on other threads, I wanted to purchase a new camera and was tossing up between Point & Shoot (eg Panasonic FZ-50), and DSLR (eg Canon 400D).....and I eventually went the way of DSLR.

Many points were addressed as to why one camera type would be "better" than the other. However, it was after my purchase that I discovered a significant difference that may be useful for others to note when making a similar decision.

Let me state up front that this is not meant to deter the buyer one way or the other....just an observation based on fact (and ignoring the technical reasons why).

When using a "Point and Shoot", if you set Aperture or Shutter Speeds that are inappropriate for the current conditions, then the screen will reflect it accordingly.....and you will know not to take the picture.

When using a "DSLR", if you set Aperture and Shutter Speeds incorrectly for the current conditions, the Viewfinder will still give you a lovely clear view of your subject. Unfortunately, the end results will be somewhat different on review. (I've got lots of dark pictures of flying birds to prove it :) :) :) )

Again, this is not to denegrate the DSLR.....just pointing out that more care must be taken when using manual settings on a DSLR.

I hope this observation can be useful for others of my photographic experience :o

[forno]

Gazza, are you using the DOF preview button, it will give you more idea of what the final product will be

Also, I went shootng on a veru bright day and cranked up the brightness on the lcd, when I got home all my shots were underexposed

I was used to the "look" of the pictures in the viewvinder so I adjusted the EV comp and this resulted in underexposure

[Honest Gaza]

Yep...funnily enough, this was one of the features that I liked about the 400D (the "Depth of Field Preview")....but silly me forgets to use it :(

[Honest Gaza]

Here's a couple that did work....

[toriaj]

When using a "DSLR", if you set Aperture and Shutter Speeds incorrectly for the current conditions, the Viewfinder will still give you a lovely clear view of your subject. Unfortunately, the end results will be somewhat different on review.

Yes. But the beauty of digital is that you can see the result on the LCD immediately after pressing the shutter button. If you don't like it, adjust the settings for the next shot. (However, I understand that with some shots, flying birds being one of them, you don't get a second chance.)

I didn't know that P&S show the outcome of the settings on the LCD preview. Thanks for the info!

[Honest Gaza]

I didn't know that P&S show the outcome of the settings on the LCD preview. Thanks for the info!

Let me clarify that by saying that it is true for the Panasonic FZ-20....which is obviously more than your "garden variety" Point & Shoot.

[murrays]

When using a "DSLR", if you set Aperture and Shutter Speeds incorrectly for the current conditions, the Viewfinder will still give you a lovely clear view of your subject. Unfortunately, the end results will be somewhat different on review. (I've got lots of dark pictures of flying birds to prove it :) :) :) )

OTOH, your dSLR viewfinder should show a exposure meter that will indicate if the settings don't give what it thinks is the proper exposure.

Have a look.

-murray

[Honest Gaza]

Yes...but if you are moving the lens around (eg. following a bird in flight where the metering / light conditions change with the background) then an inexperienced person is not keeping a watch on the meter readings at the bottom of the viewfinder........while he's snapping off 20 shots in quick succession :o

This will come with experience I know.
Again, just making an observation for newbies to the DSLR world.