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Comparative Case Study: Digital Cameras

Point – And – Shoot VS DSLR

Degubaton, Ma. Kristina Cassandra G.

University of the East

CIC_1101

Professor Marita Tolentino

October 14, 2022

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ABSTRACT

There are different types of cameras in the market with different specs and uses. In

this research, we are given two examples to compare; a point – and – shot and DSLR

camera. We will specify the cost and quality between Point – and – shot and DSLR

cameras along with the differences in amount of storage, how each stores images and

how they transfer images to a computer, mobile, or device. This will also determine their

uses and which category do they perform best. This research will conclude which of

these cameras is best to use for the family-owned coffee shop for them to easily upload

their content on Facebook and other social media platforms.

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Comparative Case Study: Digital Camera

Point – and – shoot VS DSLR

The owner of the family-owned coffee shop would like to purchase a digital camera

to upload pictures of the coffee shop, its products, and its employees to its Facebook

page and its website. We will settle this prolem by comparing the two given example of

cameras; Point – and – shoot and DSLR. We will specify which is best by responding to

the following questions:

 What is Point – and – shoot and DSLR camera?

 How much is the difference in average cost?

 How much is the difference in storage?

 How do they store the images?

 Which between the cameras can easily transfer images to a computer,

mobile, or device?

 Which has better specs?

Understanding the differences between the two cameras could help us estalish which is

best to use for the coffee shop and other marketing purposes.

The quality of camera is based on its specs, Specs include the number of megapixels,

aperture, focal length, sensor size, zoom type and methods of stabilization and focusing

system.
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Point – and – shoot Camera

What is a Point – and – shoot Camera?

Point-and-shoot cameras, often known as compact cameras, are typically more

compact, lighter, and more reasonably priced than their DSLR counterparts. The

majority of well-known manufacturers, like as Canon, Nikon, Sony, Fujifilm, and others,

offer point and shoot models in their product lines. Fixed lenses with either zoom or

fixed focal length choices and a greater dependence on auto settings for exposure and

focus are some characteristics that are frequently connected with point and shoot

cameras. These features, together with the fact that they are more affordable, make

point and shoots excellent introductory cameras for budding photographers.

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Here are some of the advantages of choosing Point – and – shoot Camera:

 The Point – and – shoot is easy to carry because of its handheld size which you

can just slip in your pocket and bring anywhere, anytime.

 Most of the Point – and – shoot cameras are lightweight without needing extra

bags, tripods, and other accessories.

 All point – and – shoot cameras have fixed lenses, so you don’t have to change

the lenses.

 Massive Depth of Field. In layman’s terms, it means that point and shoot

cameras typically cannot separate foreground from background, bringing

everything in focus and making the entire scene look sharp. This could be both

good and bad.

 The average cost for the Point – and – shoot camera based on iprice.ph is

around ₱4,800 - ₱15,500 in the Philippines (2022). Which is cheaper.

Disadvantages of Point – and – shoot Camera:

 Quality. Due to the smaller size of the camera sensor, point and shoots are no

match to DSLRs when it comes to image quality, even with more Megapixels.

 Downside of a large depth of field. While a point and shoot gets your entire

scene nicely in focus, there is not much you can do to isolate your subject from

the background and make it look soft and blurry. With DSLR cameras and

special lenses, you can get a very shallow depth of field and completely isolate

your foreground from the background.

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 Adaptability. Point and shoot cameras are not upgradable. You cannot change

their lenses or mount external flashes (with the exception of some high-end

models) and the number of external accessories is limited to the brand and make

of the camera.

 Limited control. Unlike DSLRs, point and shoot cameras give much less control

over the process of taking pictures. In many compact point and shoot cameras,

there is very limited control over aperture and shutter speed, there is no distance

marking on the lens and the cameras are tougher to control in manual mode.

 Shooting in the dark. Point-and-shoot cameras do not have good capabilities

for night photography.

 Inability to capture wide-angle shots . Most point and shoot cameras have

lenses that start at 30-35mm, which means that you cannot fit much of the scene

and would have to stand back to capture more.

 Most point and shoot cameras are limited in how fast they can capture an

image. Point and shoots are not designed for sports and action photography.
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The DSLR Camera

DSLR is the abbreviation for Digital Single Lens Reflex.

Digital means that the camera operates with a fixed, digital sensor.

Single-lens means the camera uses the same lens for framing, focusing, and taking the

photograph. This is different from rangefinder and twin-lens-reflex constructions. With

those types, you can’t see the exact view from the lens that will take the shot. Instead,

you need to rely on other methods for setting up the shot.

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Here are the advantages of DSLR Camera:

 Better image quality. A DSLR camera typically has a much bigger sensor than

a point and shoot camera – a point and shoot typically has a sensor area that is

only about 3-5% of a full frame DSLR sensor.

 Better sensitivity to light. Can work in dim environments unlike point – and –

shoot camera.

 Shutter and focus speeds. DSLRs can acquire focus very quickly and take

multiple shots per second.

 You see what you shoot. A DSLR is constructed with reflex mirrors, which

means that you look through the lens, instead of a see-through hole in the

camera.

 Flexible Controls. Has more buttons so you can have more controls.

 Better investment. Generally, DSLR cameras hold their values much better than

point and shoots.

 Ability to use different lenses. There is a big array of lenses that can be

mounted and used on DSLRs, from super wide angle to telephoto, depending on

your needs.

 Full control over depth of field. You are fully in charge of isolating foreground

from background or bring everything in focus through aperture control of the lens.
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 Weather sealing.  While point and shoot cameras are only suited for normal use,

higher-end DSLRs can withstand dust, moisture, rain and snow and severely

cold weather.

 Solid construction. DSLRs are built to last. While there are some parts that are

made of tough plastic, the professional DSLRs are made of magnesium-alloy and

can take a lot of physical abuse, while point and shoots would quickly break

down.

Here are the disadvantages of DSLR Cameras:

 High price tag. DSLR cameras are more expensive than point and shoot

cameras.

 Complexity. DSLR cameras are quite complex to work with. Once you buy a

DSLR, you will need to invest a lot of time to learn the main features and figure

out what all the buttons do.

 Ongoing maintenance. The cost of maintenance on a DSLR is much higher

than on a point and shoot. The camera sensor can get dirty and dust can get into

lenses. Obviously, the cost of repair on DSLRs and lenses can get outrageously

expensive.

 Weight and Size. Weight also makes it hard to hold the camera still and you will

have to learn how to properly hold it to have less blur in your pictures.
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 Noise. Due to the nature of DSLRs and their construction, every time the shutter

opens and closes, there is a substantial amount of noise that comes out of the

camera. Some newer cameras now have a special “Quiet” mode (such as Nikon

D600), which helps lower the noise.

DSLR VS Point – and – shoot

DSLR Point – and - Shoot

 ₱ 17, 000 + Lenses  ₱ 8, 500 +

 Can change lenses to suit the  Large File Size

situation.

 Has different settings depending on  Avoids Lens glare in right light.

the light.

 Can take additional hardware, like  Features different settings for

flash. various situations.

 Can make large – scale prints.  Has button zoom capabilities.

 Total control of manual settings.  Cheaper

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In conclusion, Although expensive, DSLR is better for marketing since it has wide

capabilities and can be used for long – term. As we also observed on the above picture,

the colors on the DSLR camera are enhanced which is great to make products of the

café look appetizing for the customers which will attract their interest to the shop. DSLR

also comes with many different settings which can be used in different situations, it’s

also sturdier than point – and – shoot , thus, making the expense worthwhile. However,

if the café chooses to lean on the cheaper inexpensive side, they can always go for the

point – and – shoot camera.

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REFERENCES

(2000-2022) Cameras, GSMARENA

https://www.gsmarena.com/glossary.php3?term=camera#:~:text=Specs%20include

%20the%20number%20of,best%20and%20most%20versatile%20solution.

Jirsa, P. (2019). The Point and Shoot Camera. SLR Lounge

https://www.slrlounge.com/glossary/point-and-shoot-camera-definition/

(2011 – 2022). What is DSLR exactly?. Expert Photoraphy

https://expertphotography.com/what-does-dslr-stand-for/

Elise, L. (November 11, 2019) DSLR VS Point – and – shoot Cameras. Photography

Life

https://photographylife.com/dslr-vs-point-and-shoot-camera