“Why changing towards Point and Shoot”

When we talk about buying a camera, there is one question which always strikes in the mind, and that is that which one should I buy, an SLR, a compact camera, or a point and shoot. People who actually know photography will always recommend an SLR, reason; because it’s a professional camera, but there are very few people who actually know what to buy.

Let us first talk about a compact camera… A compact camera is the one which is used for the general photo clicking purpose. These types of cameras are simple, easy to use and are made to work simply on AUTO mode without applying further brains into it… Turning these cameras onto MANUAL mode has simply no great use…They just understand one simple language, point and click; the rest will be done by the intelligent brain of the camera.

Coming towards point and shoot cameras, then in this case…. point and shoot is the term which was coined for the compact cameras or to the cameras that have AUTO functioning. Hence, it would not be wrong if we call a DSLR to be a point and shoot… Actually point and shoot is the term which is used in places where the person has no idea about the aperture or shutter management or exposure management. He just decides the frame and clicks (shoot). So, with the terminology of point and shoot there has been a bit of a misconception. But if the world is using it, then why not us…. Well!!! Actually there were only two types of cameras from the beginning of the digital age… A compact one (point and shoot) and the SLR (Single Lens Reflex), but later when the photographers found some real intelligence in the point and shoot then they thought of a new series: - the BRIDGE Cameras.

The Point and Shoot Bridge cameras born because of the intelligence that was hidden in the compact cameras… Actually, when photographers saw that in some peculiar light conditions when they are not able to take a very good picture, there a compact camera doing pretty well. Hence, they thought of a camera which could have manual functioning to work as an SLR and intelligent AUTO functioning too, which could give them better results at some peculiar situations. Hence what could that be called?? Then the companies brought up the Point and Shoot Bridge cameras… The point and shoot bridge cameras are made in such a way that they have convertible lens, MANUAL functioning, APERTURE PRIORITY, SHUTTER PRIORITY, and AUTO functioning in them.

When we come to the so called professional cameras i.e. DSLRs (Digital Single Lens Reflex), then these cameras are the first priority for a professional photographer. Actually these cameras have complete manual control from focusing till setting up aperture, shutter and exposure value. This doesn’t mean that they don’t have the AUTO functioning. Of course they have that, but using the AUTO mode on a DSLR, feel to be like an amateur is holding the camera. DSLR cameras doesn’t have convertible lens, because they are made in such a way that the lens is changed at times, according to the picture the photographer wants to shoot. And hence for shooting different types and clans of images, the photographer certainly needs to buy the different lenses. These lenses are highly expensive and a beginner photographer cannot afford to have the complete series of lenses. Another problem working with DSLRs is that at times when the photographer needs to shoot a zoom image and he is having a wide lens attached, he will take at least 7-15 seconds to change the lens. During that time, the image he is thinking to click may be lost or the situation may have changed, resulting in the loss of efficiency…

So after these issues regarding the DSLRs, the point and shoot bridge cameras offer better efficiency, at an extremely low and affordable price. So the pros and cons regarding the DSLR and are: -

v  DSLR cameras are relatively expensive.

v  Out of the budget range of an amateur photographer.

v  These need the changing of lenses for different scene capture.

v  The lenses solely are very expensive.

v  The range of lenses is not easily available everywhere, not even on the internet.

v  The accessories of these cameras are easy to buy on the internet but not manually on the shops.

v  The image quality of these cameras is often good.

v  The lens range is enormous and isn’t affordable for every photographer.

v  The functions are present but the application is fruitful with specific lenses only.

v  Not for beginners, for professional use.

v  A good, camera range starts from at least Rs. 50000 and goes to lacs…. (lenses taken separately)

v  Some model allows video shooting.

v  All models allow manual zooming and focusing.

Now we talk about the Point and Shoot Bridge cameras: -

v  Relatively cheaper than DSLRs.

v  Doesn’t need the changing of lens.

v  In built fixed lens, which is convertible in nature.

v  Outer, adjustment lenses are also available if to enhance or widen the limits of the camera.

v  Easily available, manual shopping and online shopping both.

v  The accessories are also available, if not in manual shopping, then surely on online shopping.

v  The image quality is often good.

v  Doesn’t generally require, external attachments.

v  The functions are present and fruitful in nature without external attachments because of convertible lens.

v  For all classes of people, beginners, amateurs, and professionals.

v  The best point and shoot will come in Rs. 50000.

v  Allows video shooting also.

v  Manual focusing and zooming is available in some selective models only.

v  External flash feature is also available in some models.

v  Because of internal intelligent IC, the camera is able to get better or say vibrant colors, that are dull in DSLRs when the SLR is used without the filters…

v  The colors are so contrast, that very less post processing is needed to be done…

Hence after considering so many points regarding the three ranges of cameras, it becomes clear, why the people are turning towards the point and shoot bridge cameras. It is true that some traditional photographers feel the professional cameras to be the best, but this is also a reality that with the incoming of these cameras, the companies are trying their level best to give a further powerful tool into the hands of the public and that too at low price…

 Note: -  The views expressed in this article are solely of the writer, not meant to promote or demote any company, brand or type of camera.