I thought that I'd start a series of photo posts...everything from getting to know your camera to tips on taking better photos. I know that everyone is at different levels, so I'll just start from the beginning and we'll grow together. =) STEP 1 - CAMERA INFO P&S vs DSLR – What is the difference and what are the pros and cons for each? A P&S is typically smaller and lighter, with limited features. These can be both pros and cons. A small, lightweight camera is great for carrying around with you to capture everyday moments. Most will fit in your pocket. However, a smaller size camera also means a smaller sensor and a smaller sensor means a lower quality photo. From a scapbooking perspective, theoretically, you will not be printing photos larger than say 12x12 (and likely, much smaller), so this may not be a disadvantage at all. The lens is attached, making the overall camera smaller and lighter, and P&S cameras are easy to use in that literally all that is required is to point and shoot. The disadvantage here is that you give up creative control. You will get a mid-range zoom lens with a wide depth of field. Sure, most of your photos will be in focus, but that also means that most of the photo itself will also be in focus. One main thing that separates the style of snapshots from portraits is the separation between the subject and the background. This is achieved by shooting with a wider aperture that just isn’t an option with a P&S. Shooting in low light conditions is another area of give and take. A point and shoot camera simply can not perform well when the lights go down. The response here is the added flash. I’m not a fan of ever using a flash, but it’s the only option with a P&S. The biggest disadvantage, in my opinion, of a P&S camera is the time it takes for most of these cameras to take a photo. If you have younger children, then you know exactly my frustration. Kids are far too active for most P&S cameras to keep up. You’re likely to miss a moment, or capture some motion blur when chasing after an active toddler. And finally, the lower cost of most P&S cameras make them a very attractive option, especially for scrapbookers. DSLR cameras are always going to have a much larger sensor than a point and shoot camera – which means a much larger image quality and the ability to print enlargements of any size imaginable. DSLRs are larger and HEAVY. The lenses are larger and HEAVY and a large assortment of lenses means a greater number of creative options, but you’re unlikely to carry them all around. These can be a disadvantage when you’re out and about, on vacation or just at the park. You’re unlikely to just toss one in your bag and off you go. Most photographers have larger, dedicated bags for camera equipment. DSLR cameras are fast – many with the ability to shoot 3.5 or greater frames per second. This is a huge advantage for photographing sporting events and young children. I mentioned earlier about low light being a problem for P&S cameras. The larger sensors of DSLRs allow them to perform far better in low lighting, without requiring a flash. Many DSLRs don’t have a built in flash – but sometimes a flash is needed, in which case, we’re adding to the amount of equipment to buy and carry around. This leads me to my last point for today: DSLRs are much, much more expensive. There are many more items to buy and learn to use. There will never be a time in which you just pick one up at the store, take it out of the box and immediately start shooting. The learning curve of shooting with a DSLR is extensive and time consuming to learn. Is a DSLR for you and do you really need a DSLR? As a professional photographer, I need to have a high quality DSLR and a plethora of lenses, but let’s just talk about my personal photos. I enjoy the creative aspects of photography. I love to change my lenses, shoot wide open, and play with fun effects created with lenses like the Lensbaby Composer. I don’t think that I would be satisfied without a DSLR. Would I like a Point and shoot? YES, but for reasons not related to photo creativity or quality. This isn’t to mean that you can’t get great photo quality from a point and shoot, I just mean that I would choose a P&S camera for other, more appealing features. I would love a lightweight camera that is waterproof and shock proof. Something that could go anywhere, any time. A camera to take to the pool or the beach and not have to worry about getting it wet. A camera to take hiking and not feel like I have to lug 10 extra pounds up 14,000 feet. A camera that I could hand over to the kids and say “have fun” without worrying about losing my job. Before heading out the to the camera store, as yourself what aspects of photography are most important to you. There are definitely advantages and disadvantages to both types of cameras – do your research and find the right features that are for you. So, now that you have a DSLR, where to start? It's best to begin with the manual to get to know your camera and what features it offers. I'm happy to help and discuss any questions you might have. =) What's that flower icon you ask and when should you use it? What do AV/AP, TV/TP, P and M stand for? What does that green box do? My Polly Prompt for step 1 is to grab that manual...no matter what your skill level, give it a hard read, or just a glance over and let's discuss something new you've found or questions you have.
I am going to do this in the morning...I promise..I have it all downloaded. I will be back with questions! I have one now, pre reading manual. raw? I uploaded my photos and they are raw? how do I cook them?
Wow. I surely need this. I read the manual cover to cover with the camera right in front of me, but somehow I just seem to leave it on the basic settings and use those. It's the what with what and what's the effect it creates I need to learn. I Know practice... But if I don't really understand what I'm doing taking more pictures doesn't really help.
This is fabulous information Farrah! Thank you so much for taking the time to write such well written comparison between the two types of cameras. I'm so excited about this series! I have read my manual, but I think I'll pull it out again! Anne! Snort!
LOL @ Ann! Great information, Farrah! I never really thought about the differences. I look forward to all the information you will provide for the other steps! I'm going to figure out my question, and I'll be back!
It's a different file format like .jpg, but it captures tons more information. A .jpg file has all kinds of compression programs run on it inside the camera before it's save to your memory chip to make the file size much smaller, but that also means you're losing some data that was captured from your cameras sensor. The RAW files allow you to fix a ton more if you bring it into a program like Lightroom, but the downside is that it takes knowledge on how to make those fixes and it takes longer for each file. If I'm shooting something really important I will have my camera save both the .jpg and the RAW files so if I want to play around, I can; but I don't have to. I think you're supposed to be able to open raw files in Photoshop too, but my camera is newer than my photoshop so that doesn't work for me.
Anne- What Karen said =) You need to open the RAW files in either ACR (Adobe Camera Raw), which is part of PS OR Lightroom. Karen- Visit the Adobe website to download the ACR extension specific to your newer camera =)
For now, I'd just stick with jpeg. Unless you do extensive editing or need to recover data from blown highlights or clipped shadows, I would just use jpeg. =)
awesome farrah! i have had my DSLR for almost 9 years - and i still haven't takes the time to learn how to use manual mode! this is the year! i'll find the manual today and get busy reading looking forward to this series
Farrah , this is fabulous and I know it must have been time consuming with your hectic schedule, so thank you! The community is lucky to have you!
Thanks for this post Farrah. I am well overdue for learning more about the manual settings from my DSLR.
Sooo...I grabbed my manual to figure out how to set the Custom setting features because I couldn't figure out how to change them. LOL. It was only giving me the option of JPEG and not RAW...but duh...I should have known...good thing for the manual. =) I learn something new every day. Anyone else learn something new this month?
