The Digital Photography Companion

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MAKING THE DECISION

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Making the Decision

Still having a hard time making a decision? Take a look at this basic feature comparison

table.

Feature Compact DSLR

Removable lens No Yes

External flash No Yes

Video recording Yes No

High-quality enlargements (13×19 upward) Seldom Yes

Live preview of image on LCD Yes Sometimes

Excellent low-light shooting capability Seldom Yes

Shirt pocketability Often No

Cost Less than $400 More than $400

Basic feature comparison

In practical terms, both compacts and DSLRs have their place in the photographer’s kit.

For your child’s soccer game, the proper tool is a DSLR with a telephoto lens. is type

of assignment requires camera responsiveness, fast burst rates, extra lens magnification,

and good image quality at higher ISO settings.

On the other hand, if you’re a guest at a wedding reception, a quality compact makes

more sense. You can stash it in your jacket pocket as you interact with others, quickly

retrieve it when grab shots present themselves, and even record a short video when the

best man makes his toast.

Photography adheres to that old adage, “Use the best tool for the job.” If you have the

means and desire to own both a quality compact and a DSLR, that is my real-world rec-

ommendation. For those who need to choose between the two, I suggest you start with

a good compact, and shop for a DSLR as need dictates and finances allow.

A W