Although the initial cost may be greater than a traditional film SLR, digital SLRs make up ground by saving on developing fees and consumables such as film. Taking multiple frames is limited only by the size of your memory card and over-shooting has little or no cost impact. The digital camera revolution has allowed photographers to save on materials and has provided the freedom of shooting to their hearts’ content without repercussions. Digital files are initially stored on your memory card, which is re-usable, but you can back up your images on inexpensive CDs or on your computer.
Film has to be stored properly to prevent degradation. It must be processed and printed in order to view the images. Digital cameras have eliminated most of the costs and waiting time!
With no need for consumables like film, digital cameras give you instant results. You can view your images on your LCD screen as soon as the image has been shot and you have the ability to delete images on the spot. Instead of printing every shot, you just load your images onto a computer, adjust the colour balance and exposure, crop the image, and send only those you want printed to the lab.
As stated above, DSLRs allow you to change lenses, offering more versatility. The lens quality itself is usually greater than point and shoots and allows for clearer images with better colour quality. Most professional lenses have exceptional features such as image stabilization, aspherical glass elements, extra low dispersion technology, and silent autofocus motors. All these elements combined with a DSLR produce the highest quality images.
Because the sensors are larger than those of point and shoots, you also gain the ability to shoot in low lighting and produce great images with less noise. The larger sensor is capable of capturing more light, allowing the DSLR to have a higher ISO.
Another great advantage of digital over film cameras is that you can change your ISO from image to image instead of roll to roll. DSLRs allow you to take multiple images in different lighting situations and, with a push of a button, instantly change the ISO for the next shot. The digital nature of the camera allows you to make split second changes to capture the exact shot with the right exposure.
Compared to most point and shoot models, DSLR cameras offer faster shutter speeds, burst modes, and auto focusing. Especially essential for fast moving subjects like sports or fashion photography, fast shutter speeds allow the photographer to capture movement without blur.
The burst mode of the camera allows the photographer to take multiple photographs in succession with only one push of the shutter release button. Taking a series of photographs increases the chances of capturing a moment at just the right time. DSLRs have better burst modes, enabling you to capture the winning goal, the perfect movement of hair on a model, a fleeting expression on a child’s face and other fast action shots.
Battery life is also increased in a DSLR. Since there’s no live preview, DSLRs converse energy more efficiently than point and shoot cameras.
DSLRs allow you to customize your shooting parameters and customize your camera with photography accessories. Every DSLR has a hot shoe mount that accepts an external flash for greater control of lighting. Attaching a battery grip to your camera will give you increased peace of mind, as the charge is generally longer than a standard battery. These grips may also come equipped with a shutter release button for vertical portrait shots in a more comfortable hand position.
There is also a wide array of filters available, designed to protect your lens, enhance your images, control exposure, and eliminate reflections in water and glass and more.
