The DSLR Difference
Low Light Photography
High ISO settings are used to achieve higher shutter speeds either to freeze action or prevent camera shake in hand-help photography. The Konica-Minolta A2 has an Anti-Shake system which reduces camera shake. It turns out that the anti-shake system works exceptionally well. So well that in cases where ISO 1600 does not allow a sufficiently fast shutter speed for hand-held photography with the 20D, the A2 managed to produce quite sharp and noise-free pictures using only ISO 200. This demonstrates that the A2 can be better suited for hand-held low-light photography than the 20D when light-levels are to low for using ISO 1600.
The contrast of images is difficult to quantify because once they are brought to a discretized color-space the ratio of values is the same for any image which includes deep shadows and strong highlights. What we measured then is the dynamic range of each camera. The 20D appears to have about 1/3 stop more dynamic range than the A2 which has 8 stops dynamic range. Subjectively speaking, the 20D also appears to have slightly more gradations in the lowest stop of its dynamic range. This contributes to the 20D's more appealing long-exposure pictures.
Colors produced from both cameras are extremely good. With both camera's default settings, the saturation is stronger on the 20D. This produces appealing pictures but less accurate than the A2's default color. We found that by adjusting in-camera parameters the color saturation can be matched between both cameras. As for automatic white-balance, the A2 produced better results outdoors while the 20D produced better results under artificial lighting. Manual white balance was dead-on with both cameras. As a side note, the multi-segment metering of both cameras produced identical exposure parameters.
All in all, an SLR is not absolutely better than a non-SLR camera, and vice-versa. There are distinct advantages to both, but both are extremely capable and useful photographic tools. Using a non-SLR is significantly simpler (due to its live preview, 100% coverage, compactness and light weight) and more convenient (except for manual focusing). This type of camera is even usable for hand-held low-light photography (for up to 12"x9" prints at ISO 800 or using anti-shake for prints up to 25"x19") and for landscape photography (due to its immense depth of field). DLSR cameras are more useful, despite their weight, for sport photography (due to focusing and continuous-drive speeds), for large prints in any type of lighting that ISO 1600 can handle, and for having countless lenses to chose from.
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:
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
2024.04.03
Fujifilm X-T5 Review
Newest Fujifilm flagship boasting a 40 MP APS-C sensor, 5-axis IBIS with 7-stop efficiency, 15 FPS continuous drive, 6.2K Video capture, dual control-dials and dual SDXC UHS-II slots in a sturdy weatherproof and freezeproof body.
2023.11.20
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
50 Gifts Under $50 For Photographers in 2021
50 Gifts photographers will love. All for under $50 USD. 2021 Edition.
2021.11.17
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.
2024.04.03
2023.11.20
2023.07.10
2023.05.07
2023.01.15
2022.12.08
2022.11.13
2022.09.21
2022.09.20
2022.09.10
2021.11.24
2021.11.17
NEWS
2024.04.24
Megadap Ultimate Canon EF to Nikon Z Adapter
2024.04.24
Sony Custom Grid License
Technology
2024.04.16
Sony Launches Bright Ultra-Wide Compact Zoom
Lens
2024.03.27
Sigma Ultra-Bright Normal Mirrorless Lens
Lens
2024.03.27
Nikon Launches Full-Frame Super-Zoom Lens
Lens
2024.03.20
New Lens Statistical Comparisons
2024.03.14
Fujifilm Brings New Features to Instax Series
Instant Camera
2024.03.07
Leica Launches SL3 Full-Frame Mirrorless
Digital Camera
2024.02.22
Panasonic Unveils Full-Frame Travel-Zoom Lens
Lens
2024.02.21
Sigma Reveals 2 Extreme Full-Frame Lenses
Lens
2024.02.21
Sony Reveals Bright Compact Full-Frame Zoom
Lens
2024.02.20
Venus Launches First Autofocus Lens
Lens