DLSRs Vs Compact Cameras, and EVIL


The one in the middle is EVIL. Photo by nokton

I use a compact camera, a Canon S90. I have always used pocket-sized cams. Professional photographers generally use DSLRs, or digital single lens reflexes. These are big cameras with big sensors that take great photos, fast. They are, however, big and heavy and require a man-bag if not a duffel. Their size forces you to be a ‘professional photographer’ all the time rather than someone who just happens to take pictures.

I was playing with one last week, however, and there are serious advantages. For one, they shoot fast. I could look at something and capture the image instantly. On my compact I have to track moving stuff and shoot a second before I think the action will be. This usually fails. Hence I’m much more comfortable taking pictures of stationary stuff, like candles or glasses of liquid. DSLRs also have interchangeable lenses, including zoom. These are big, but it is nice not having to be right in the action to get a good shot. With my compact I literally have to be five feet from the action to get a good shot, so I end up taking a lot of arty pictures of the back of peoples heads. With a good zoom you can get good shots from far away, or stay in one spot and shoot different elements of a scene.

DSLRs, however, are still too big and I’ll never get one. I like travelling light and I try to blend in (as much as possible). I also find the weirdest images just happen as I go about daily life, and that doesn’t include a five pound weight on my arm.

The technology, however, is changing. There are now some mirrorless cameras (called EVIL, for Electronic Viewfinder Interchangeable Lens). These are smaller and, in time, should approach the quality of DSLRs. Wired, in fact, has gone so far as to say ‘Ditch Your Digital SLR‘. These cameras, like the Panasonic GF1, are still to big for me, but they are an interesting development. I’m still quite happy with my compact, but I do hope some of the DSLR professionalism trickles down to smaller models.

7 Comments

  1. Yeah, the SLR’s are far too heavy. Now I don’t bother carrying a camera when I travel.

  2. Oh come on, DSLRs aren’t that heavy or big, and personally I think it’s amazing abilities far outweigh the drawbacks. If you have an appropriate bag (I have sort of a sidebag thing that first the cam and the extra lens perfectly) you can carry it around without much fuss.

  3. yeah DSLRs rock in terms of the images you can capture. But they’re not that great for travel and ease of use. especially when u are trying to be descreet.

  4. If your really love photography and don’t mind the hassle then get a DSLR.

    The weight is just a small drawback. The pictures you take end up being worth it!

  5. I think you can really love photography with a compact. It’s more about the eye than the camera. A lot of great street and wartime photographers were using compacts like the Leica. Too many people get into this camera porn about lenses and bodies and stuff. Personally, I think you can take great photos with a camera phone and a good eye.

  6. I’m jealous of anyone with an EVIL. A friend made me read about it and it’s true, DSLRs are too big and heavy and one can not, for the life of them blend in. But, its too late for ppl like me who already invested a fortune on their cameras to ditch that and get an EVIL. The temptation is huge though.

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