Art and Photography

why does the lowest end dslr still take better pics than high end regular digicam?

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  • May 21st, 2010 4:22 am
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Member
Feb 14, 2010
277 posts
GTA

why does the lowest end dslr still take better pics than high end regular digicam?

topic :D
10 replies
Deal Addict
Apr 7, 2008
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censor sizes + superior lenses in comparison

the end
Deal Addict
Oct 19, 2006
1880 posts
124 upvotes
Plus, manual mode and experienced photographers = better than a computer.
Sr. Member
Apr 12, 2003
879 posts
12 upvotes
of course DSLR has better optical lens option here.
Got Rice?
Deal Addict
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Nov 7, 2005
2800 posts
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Toronto
Gotak, seriously though the question is the lowest end slr.
People who buy it don't necessarily shoot fully manual at all.
A good photographer working a point and shoot camera will have better pics than a noob shooting manual on a D700.

Main point is sensor size. Better light capturing capability with less noise.
Second point is potential for better optics with more expensive lens options.
Member
May 27, 2007
288 posts
3 upvotes
New Westminster
As already mentioned, all compact cameras have extremely small sensors.

Here's a diagram from wikipedia comparing sensors sizes. The cheapest dslrs will have an APS-C sensor or 4/3 sensor. The highest end compacts will have sensors around the size of 1/1.7" sensor.
Deal Guru
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Dec 11, 2004
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Does Sigma's DP series can be considered as compact? Those Foveon sensors are just slightly smaller than an APS-C :p
Deal Addict
Oct 19, 2006
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To say the bigger sensor gives better image is an axiom at best and totally wrong at worse. It depends on the conditions, sensor type, image processing algorithms used in the camera and more. I am sure most of you are familiar with the controversial but interesting comparison made between the G10 sporting a larger than most P&S but still small sensor and a digital medium format camera at luminous landscapes. As it turns out the G10 can do pretty good in good lighting conditions. Aside from the DOF it was difficult for imaging pros to figure out which was which in print. Also of interest is the testing done on the Leica S2 again at luminous landscapes. It's high ISO isn't good and for such a large sensor you'd think it would do better, according to internet wisdom.

Here:
http://www.luminous-landscape.com/reviews/kidding.shtml
http://www.luminous-landscape.com/revie ... s/s2.shtml

So why is a low end DSLR better than a P&S? It's not always better. It depends on how you use it.

As for the lenses. Again are P&S lens that automatically worse than entry level DSLR lenses? It depends. But keep in mind before you jump to that conclusion that some P&S lens have more complex construction using more expensive elements than some entry level kit lenses.
Deal Addict
Feb 5, 2009
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ummm..
perhaps the OP should give a google on his question :-)
This isn't the first time this quesiton or similar questions have been asked.
Deal Guru
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Dec 3, 2004
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Markham/Mississauga
gotak wrote:
As for the lenses. Again are P&S lens that automatically worse than entry level DSLR lenses? It depends. But keep in mind before you jump to that conclusion that some P&S lens have more complex construction using more expensive elements than some entry level kit lenses.
Adding to what gotak says, for high quality lens found in a point and shoot check out the Panasonic Lumix cameras. Most sport Leica lenses.

There's a reason why Panasonic digital cameras are highly regarded by everyone from enthusiast to pros alike.
Deal Fanatic
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May 29, 2003
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CSAgent wrote: Adding to what gotak says, for high quality lens found in a point and shoot check out the Panasonic Lumix cameras. Most sport Leica lenses.

There's a reason why Panasonic digital cameras are highly regarded by everyone from enthusiast to pros alike.
We had a "Leica" Lumix and it definitely not up to par with the cheapest DSLR on the market.

With that said, I didn't find Leica LUX-4 to be that impressive either. I had a chance to use it extensively.

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