The DSLR Difference

Overview & User Experience

The photographic experience of using a digital SLR differs from that of using a non-SLR digital camera. While it is known that digital SLRs can take better pictures, little has been said about the photographic experience and usability of these types of cameras. The purpose of this article is to fill this gap.

There are many articles available discussing the differences between SLR and non-SLR digital cameras. Most of these articles conclude that the main advantage of a digital SLR is its lower noise-levels, particularly at high ISO sensitivities (not even available on most non-SLR digital cameras). Other significant advantages include a viewfinder that shows focus clearly, a panoply of interchangeable lenses, longer battery-life and generally speedier operation. These conclusions are understood to be valid, so they wont be discussed directly here.

For the purpose of this article, we took the excellent Canon 20D DSLR and the amazing Konica-Minolta Dimage A2 for several photo-shoots and took hundreds of pictures with both cameras under the same conditions. The photographic experience uisng other camera models will vary, but these two cameras represent excellence in their class. The first noticeable difference, before starting to shoot, is the weight and size of these cameras. The 20D requires a larger camera bag and the A2 feels very light after using the 20D extensively with a 200mm lens.

The second difference encountered is with the viewfinder. While differences between each type of viewfinder has already been discussed at length in our viewfinders article, here is a summary of our experience: The exposure-priority live-preview on the A2's LCD is a wonderful feature, it allows to search for the composition very casually and freely. Conversely, an SLR's viewfinder is much less convenient for that since an eye must be brought to the viewfinder's level while checking composition. Then again, that is where the DSLR conserves the most battery power. To precisely control the composition however, one must look through the viewfinder (either EVF or OVF) . Here the EVF's 100% coverage provides the best experience. When it comes to judging focus, despite the EVF's remarkable sharpness, the SLR's optical viewfinder is far superior. With the SLR's OVF, any slight focus error is easily recognized. It would be hard to give up a true SLR viewfinder for anyone who frequently uses manual focusing.

Now the shot is taken. The shutter-release button is pressed halfway, then fully. The SLR always completed these actions faster. It is true that focusing speed depends on the lens used but it always seemed faster with the 20D. There probably isn't a technical reason for the focus to be slower (its probably manufacturers' product differentiation). For the shutter-lag, the non-SLR camera has to flush the charge on the CCD and probably close the shutter before doing that. This could explain why the DSLR reacts faster. The continuous drive on the DSLR is also much better but this seems to be more product differentiation again (since non-SLR cameras are sold for less, they are equipped with less memory buffer and slower internal processors).

Before even inspecting pixels, there are some obvious differences which should be explained. The Digital SLR always shoots in a 3:2 aspect ratio, this is the same aspect ratio as a 35mm film camera. Pictures having 3:2 aspect ratio print exactly on 4"x6" paper without any wasted space or distortion. When displayed on most computer screens, 3:2 pictures do not cover the entire area, they leave empty space at the top and bottom. On the other hand, pictures from most non-SLR digital cameras have an aspect ratio of 4:3 which is exactly the aspect ratio of the majority of computer monitors. Note that the A2 (and some other non-SLR cameras) can shoot in 3:2 aspect ratio by cropping the image in-camera and on the EVF and LCD. Printing 4:3 pictures on 4x6 paper gives 4"x5 1/3" prints bordered by 1/3" stripes on each side. Consequently, pictures will differ in composition even if the 35mm equivalent focal length is the same.

By on 2005-05-05

Please Support Neocamera

All information on Neocamera is provided free of charge yet running this website is a huge endeavor. Purchases made via affiliate links found throughout the site help keep it running and up-to-date. There is no additional cost to you, so please consider buying via these links to our affilates:

  • Essential Photo Banner
  • Best Buy Banner
  • BH Photo Banner
  • Adorama Banner

If you found any information on this site valuable and did not purchase via our affiliate links, please considering donating via PayPal:

Any amount will be greatly appreaciated. Thank you for your support!

Updates

    2023.11.20

  • 2023.11.20

    Best Digital Cameras of 2023 Update Poster

    Best Digital Cameras of 2023

    Find out which are the Best Digital Cameras of 2023. All the new Mirrorless Digital Cameras from entry-level to high-end professional.

  • 2023.07.10

  • 2023.07.10

    Fujifilm X-H2 Review Update Poster

    Fujifilm X-H2 Review

    40 Megapixels APS-C Hybrid Mirrorless Digital Camera with 7-stop IBIS. Fastest shutter ever and 8K video capture. Large builtin EVF with 0.8X magnification and 5.8 MP, plus an Eye-Start Sensor. Packed with features and large number of controls in a weatherproof and freezeproof body.

  • 2023.05.07

  • 2023.05.07

    Sony FE 20-70mm F/4G Review Update Poster

    Sony FE 20-70mm F/4G Review

    Review of the unique Sony FE 20-70mm F/4G lens. The optical zoom of this lens spans ultra-wide-angle and medium focal-length coverage, making it one of the most versatile Full-Frame lenses on the market.

  • 2023.01.15

  • 2023.01.15

    Huion Inspiroy Dial 2 Review Update Poster

    Huion Inspiroy Dial 2 Review

    Review of the Huion Inspiroy Dial 2 tablet, a medium sized drawing surface with dual dials and customizable buttons. Connects via USB-C or Bluetooth 5.0 with Windows, Linux and Android support.

  • 2022.12.08

  • 2022.12.08

    How to Pack for a Photo Trip Update Poster

    How to Pack for a Photo Trip

    Find out how to pack for a travel photography trip, carry your gear safely while meeting airline regulations.

  • 2022.11.13

  • 2022.11.13

    Best Digital Cameras of 2022 Update Poster

    Best Digital Cameras of 2022

    The best digital cameras of 2022. A short list of the most outstanding models in their respective categories. Choose one for yourself or as a gift.

  • 2022.09.21

  • 2022.09.21

    Pentax DA* 60-250mm F/4 SDM Review Update Poster

    Pentax DA* 60-250mm F/4 SDM Review

    Review of the Pentax DA* 60-250mm F/4 SDM, the constant-aperture telephoto zoom with the highest zoom-ratio on the market.

  • 2022.09.20

  • 2022.09.20

    Pentax DA* 50-135mm F/2.8 SDM Review Update Poster

    Pentax DA* 50-135mm F/2.8 SDM Review

    Review of the Pentax DA* 50-135mm F/2.8 SDM, the lightest professional telephoto zoom native to the K-mount.

  • 2022.09.10

  • 2022.09.10

    Pentax DA* 11-18mm F/2.8 DC AW Review Update Poster

    Pentax DA* 11-18mm F/2.8 DC AW Review

    Review of the Pentax DA* 11-18mm F/2.8 DC AW, the widest professional ultra-wide zoom native to the K-mount.

  • 2021.11.24

  • 2021.11.24

    50 Gifts Under $50 For Photographers in 2021 Update Poster

    50 Gifts Under $50 For Photographers in 2021

    50 Gifts photographers will love. All for under $50 USD. 2021 Edition.

  • 2021.11.17

  • 2021.11.17

    Best Digital Cameras for 2021 Update Poster

    Best Digital Cameras for 2021

    Neocamera shows which are the very best Digital Cameras for 2021 in every category: Mirrorless, DSLR, Premium Compact, Ultra-Zoom and Rugged.

  • 2021.09.04

  • 2021.09.04

    Pentax HD DA* 16-50mm F/2.8 PLM AW Review Update Poster

    Pentax HD DA* 16-50mm F/2.8 PLM AW Review

    Exclusive review of the Pentax HD DA* 16-50mm F/2.8 PLM AW professional lens of Pentax K-Mount APS-C DSLR cameras.

Camera Bag

Clear

Your camera bag is empty. To add a camera or lens click on the star next to its name.

Your camera bag is empty.

Add cameras or lenses by clicking on the star next to their name.

NEWS