Digital SLR Camera versus a Compact Digital Camera

by Virginia Wong

Digital Single Lens Reflex (SLR) cameras are excellent cameras that produce clearer, sharper and more colourful images than most point and shoot digital cameras available. With prices falling rapidly, they are now more affordable then ever. With the price gap between an entry model digital SLR camera and the most expensive compact digital camera narrowing; the question is? do I spend the extra money and get a Digital SLR camera? or save a few hundred dollars and purchase the best digital compact camera.

Well, it really depends on your budget; however if you do spend the extra money, here's what you get:

In addition to the price falls in the Digital SLR models, the performance on these cameras has increased year on year with the latest Digital SLR cameras being quicker and faster than ever before. They have improved to such an extent that power up or start-up time is near instantaneous with virtually no lag time. ?Lag time is the time between you pressing the shutter release button and the camera actually taking the shot?. This delay can vary quite a bit between different camera models and it is one of the biggest drawbacks compared to a compact digital camera. The latest digital SLR cameras have virtually no lag times and react in the same way as conventional film cameras, even in burst mode. Compact digital cameras are catching up; however the difference is still significant. A lag time of ~0.5 seconds can result in you missing the heartbeat of the moment and hence that potential great picture.

Digital SLR camera also has a larger sensor versus a smaller sensor in a compact digital camera. This equates to higher sensitivity and less noise and results in the camera taking clearer pictures in low light. (They also have better autofocus speed in low light as well). A measure of sensitivity in a digital camera is ISO and a typical ISO range for a Digital SLR camera varies from ISO 100 ? 1600 with the latter being more sensitive. The ISO range for a compact digital camera varies from ISO 50 ? 400. In summary, the higher the ISO rating, the greater the sensitivity and the better the photo can be taken in low light.

The Digital SLR cameras have a much longer battery life due to the limited use of the LCD screen. Please note, that as the LCD screen is only used for viewing the image, the battery life of a digital SLR can allow up to 2000 shots per charge in some cameras compared to 500 for a good point and shoot digital camera.

Digital SLR cameras also allow you to interchange lens such as adding a zoom or macro lens when required.

On the negative side of a Digital SLR camera; They are usually larger and heavier than compact digital cameras, the image cannot be previewed on the LCD screen prior taking the picture. If you really require the image to be viewed on the LCD prior to taking the picture, there are third party manufacturers that produce LCD screens that attaches to the viewfinder and allow the scene to be view just like a compact digital camera. The other drawback is the inability to take videos and finally, lenses are expensive with the majority costing more than the camera itself.

Although compact digital cameras cannot compete on features with a Digital SLR camera, they are great value, have the ability to take videos and are portable. If you have decided to purchase a Digital SLR camera I recommend you visit infodigitalcamera.com to find additional information on Digital SLR camera. If you are still undecided, purchase both.

About Author

Virginia Wong is an IT consultant and has a passion for digital photography. Her research into digital camera resulted in the development of her own digital camera website. http://www.infodigitalcamera.com

Digital Picture Frames: The Wave of The Future

by Antigone Arthur

What is a digital picture frame? Think of a digital picture frame as a slide show of sorts for your picture. Like a flat screen TV, the digital picture frame is sleek, elegant and classy. You can buy a stand-alone reader that produces images from a memory card, or one connected to a phone line. The latter allows you to receive pictures sent from computers around the world.

Let's talk more about this modern innovation and how it may impact your life.

How A Digital Picture Frame Works

A digital picture frame, much like an ordinary picture frame, displays pictures. The difference however is this... a digital picture frame has an LCD screen. This screen can display many photos like a slideshow. Most digital picture frames connect to the Internet or a computer using a phone line. They then download pictures and display them.

Unlike a traditional frame most digital units do not have a glass barrier separating the picture from the user. Digital picture frames usually are about the same size as a traditional photo frame. Some digital picture frames contain a memory card to store photos. If you use this type of frame you don't need to connect to a computer to display images.

Some digital picture frames work by having you upload your pictures to a Website. Then the digital frame connects to the sight and downloads your photos. New pictures show up on their own as this happens. You can adjust the setting on your digital picture frame to produce a slideshow of pictures. Most frames allow you to adjust the speed with which images change.

If you do log into a Web site you may need to buy a subscription service. These are generally cheap, ranging about $10 a month and up. The price is worth it. Some sites will allow you to upload pictures and news, sports and other information to your digital frame. You can even order prints online through companies like Kodak.

Digital Picture Frame Choices

You can select many features for your digital picture frame. Here are some considerations when buying:





Number of Pictures - Some frames allow you to display an unlimited number of pictures. Others have an internal memory that allows a defined number of images to be stored and displayed. If you want to store many pictures, you might consider a digital frame with a removable memory card. This will allow you to store more images.

Portability - Some frames are smaller than others. You may buy a digital picture frame that plugs into a wall, or one that runs off batteries. Obviously a battery powered digital frame is more portable than a plug-in.

Resolution and Size - The larger your digital picture frame, the more expensive. Many display images 5x7 or smaller.



Most digital frames are compatible with JPEG images. There aren't many that support an MPEG, so check before you buy if you have MPEG formatted pictures. You should also be sure to check user options when selecting a digital frame. Some common user options include:




Choice to select the interval between images when in slideshow format.

Ability to rotate pictures to display them in different modes, like landscape or portrait.

Choice to change transition between images.

Sleep function to allow you to turn the frame off at appointed intervals.

Ability to alter the colors, contrast or brightness of images.



Some digital picture frames also allow you to upgrade your digital frame on occasion. Check to see if you can download improved software as a bonus feature for your frame.

Digital Frames For Young And Old Alike

One of the best features of the digital picture frame is its ease of use. You don't have to be technologically savvy to use a digital picture frame. They are in fact, the perfect gift for Grandparents, whether or not they have a computer. Remember that some digital picture frames use a memory card to display pictures.

The best way to explain the benefits of a digital picture frame is to show your family how it works. The first time your grandfather sees a slideshow of his grandson's first birthday party he'll understand why digital frames are so useful. They are simple to operate. All you need to do is plug them in a push a button to start your picture slideshow. Digital frames are especially beneficial for relatives that live far away. You can use them to keep family members updated on their children, grandchildren and more!

Rest assured, the age of the digital picture frame is upon us. In a few years, likely every household will have at least one digital picture frame. You should too!

About Author

Antigone Arthur is a successful writer providing informative articles on such topics as cheap picture frames, collage picture frames and magnetic picture frames.