Should I buy a high-end point-and-shoot or stretch for an entry-level DSLR?
Asked 10/6/2010
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I’ve been using a Nikon Coolpix point-and-shoot for several years for family events and outdoor trips, and I want to upgrade. I’m trying to decide between a higher-end point-and-shoot and an entry-level DSLR. My budget is limited (around $450), and while a superzoom point-and-shoot fits that budget better, an entry-level DSLR is tempting because of image quality and flexibility. I’m also concerned about the extra cost, size, and maintenance of a DSLR system, especially in a humid climate. For someone shooting general family and travel/outdoor photos, is it better to buy a capable point-and-shoot now, or wait/stretch for a DSLR?
Originally by Photography Stack Exchange contributor. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0
Photography Stack Exchange contributor
15y ago
2 Answers
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Today's high-end P&S's really are pretty good "jacks of all trades". Considering the fact that you've got one unit to carry around, you can cover an impressive range of photographic needs reasonably well.
In order to cover the same focal range as the P100, you're probably going to need multiple DSLR lenses, which increases the cost and weight of the DSLR setup (in order to equal the capabilities of the P&S). If you find yourself using all of the zoom range of your P&S, be sure you look at what sort of glass you'd need to buy to equal this range in a DSLR.
Don't forget that you'll then have to carry that equipment around. Pick up a DSLR with a decent-sized lens, and compare this to your P&S. The difference isn't significant for most shooting, but if you're backpacking or traveling, the bulk of a DSLR can be a factor.
The DSLR, on the other hand, gives you get more versatility, higher quality, and better performance. If you've ever become frustrated because your P&S couldn't perform the way you want in marginal light or doesn't autofocus or respond as fast as you'd like, these are the sorts of things that a DSLR will help with.
Give some thought to the things you'd like your P&S to be able to do better. What are the things that drive you crazy about your camera? What sorts of shots do you miss? Given these, consider whether the DSLR would help with those issues.
Having said all that, the D3100 looks like a really sweet camera -- especially for the price. ;-)
Originally by user269. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0
user269
15y ago
0
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With your budget and uses, a high-end point-and-shoot is the more practical choice right now. Modern advanced compacts and superzooms are good all-rounders, and you get a wide focal range in one small package.
A DSLR does offer real advantages: better low-light performance, shallower depth of field, a true optical viewfinder, faster response, and more direct control. But to match the zoom range of a superzoom compact, you’d likely need multiple lenses, which adds cost, weight, and complexity.
That matters for family events and outdoor trips, where convenience and portability often mean you’ll carry and use the camera more. If the DSLR body already stretches your budget, remember that lenses are part of the system cost too.
So unless you specifically need better low-light results, background blur, or interchangeable lenses, the point-and-shoot is the safer buy now. You can keep learning composition and exposure with it, and move to a DSLR later when your budget better supports the whole system.
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