What does (d)SLR mean these days?

[Adey]

Single Lens Reflex yes. But what i mean is how relevant is it whether a camera is Single Lens Reflex anymore?

To me SLR/DSLR used to mean pro camera, like a by-word almost, that could be my own naivety only, but thats how people not in the know think right?

But it seems like the camera technology as a whole has improved so much - that it seems like separating the spectrum between DSLRs and non-DSLRs is less relevant.

For example i have a 400d, does the fact that its a dslr automatically make it better than all compacts or bridges in terms of IQ. I guess there will always be cameras with limited manual options but thats because the market for those cameras want simple operation, but could the image quality of say a Powershot SX30 IS compete with a 400d or 1000d?
http://www.canon.co.uk/For_Home/Product_Finder/Cameras/Digital_Camera/PowerShot/PowerShot_SX30_IS/

Or is it really just down to the sensor size and lens at the end of the day?

Hope this thread isn't to vague, i kinda feel like im not too sure exactly what im asking

Adey

 

[I-S]

SLR means what it always did.

Image quality goes with format - the larger the format the better the quality, to a general approximation.

In other words, there's no reason a 35mm rangefinder should produce any worse or better quality than a 35mm SLR for a given lens specification. That means that a compact camera or rangefinder can produce equal image quality as long as the format is equal. There are several recent examples of this - the large-sensor compacts such as leica's X1 and M9, fuji's x100 and sigma's DP series.

However, there are things that SLRs can do that they can't - eg there's no large telephoto possibilities with them.

So no, the spectrum between SLR and non-SLR is not less relevant now - it's more so. A mass-market 35mm compact worked on the same format as SLRs did, but now mass market compacts are based around 1/2.5" sensors, a small fraction the size of even the APS-C SLR sensors.

 

[Adey]

Well the SX30 goes to 800mm, do you mean the large format compacts dont have the telephoto possibilities? So the compacts either have a large sensor an limited zoom range, or small sensor and large zoom range? I guess that would make sense given the whole crop factor issue.

I guess i can carry on being smug about having a dSLR then?



Thanks for you input I-S, its made things much clearer for me

Adey

 

[I-S]

Well the SX30 goes to 800mm, do you mean the large format compacts dont have the telephoto possibilities? So the compacts either have a large sensor an limited zoom range, or small sensor and large zoom range? I guess that would make sense given the whole crop factor issue.

Correct. Small sensors can easily attain huge focal lengths, as the SX30 shows - however, try using one for sports or wildlife and it's not focal length in isolation that matters.

I guess i can carry on being smug about having a dSLR then?

As long as it's the right thing for your needs. I was on a flying business trip to prague a few weeks ago, and had no idea if I was going to have hours in the town centre to do as I pleased, or no time at all. I already had my work laptop (a mere 4.5kg....) and a bunch of other stuff, so my 5D stayed at home. Right then, I desperately wanted a Fuji X100. I still want something for that sort of situation, but without sacrificing absolute quality, but where the lens limitations are acceptable.

 

[Adey]

Well in that case i feel smug about still having a 10 year old finepix 4700z

I wish i hadnt said i was smug for having a dslr though, i think its more that the honey moon period has worn off, and im starting the question my 400d's capabilities. Or maybe im just showing early signs of GAS?

 

[strumstrum]

I wish i hadnt said i was smug for having a dslr though, i think its more that the honey moon period has worn off, and im starting the question my 400d's capabilities. Or maybe im just showing early signs of GAS?

GAS maybe ya problem, I get like this if I havent bought anything for a week

I have had 2 bridges (panasonic fz45 & fuji s100fs) and my son uses a lumix fz20 and as good as they have been I always feel there is something missing when using them, I think speed is always the issue. if there is a non SLR camera that can match it on PQ it would be as easy to use, once you know your way around a SLR there is nothing easier or quicker to take photos with IMO

 

[Adey]

When i first got my 400d i was amazed how 'normal' it seemed to be, it always held a bit of mystique for me all this fancy camera equipment lark, but my 400d just feels like a consumer gadjet tbo (yeah, yeah ). But i guess the average joes are put off by dslrs, either because they think it will be hard to use or because they dont understand the jargon used in the ads, so the numbers and stats cant impress them. Where as everyone understands megapixels, or at least they think they do.

Going off on tangents again:bonk:

 

[Jared]

Time for a 1d, hope you've got a good credit card or some nice savings lying around