Is my camera a DSLR? - DPChallenge Forums

Nikon AF-S DX NIKKOR 18-200mm f/3.5-5.6G ED VR II

04/08/2005 09:56:41 AM · #1

Here's my newbie question du jour, laugh at me if you like.

I'm seeing a lot of threads about DSLR and have looked up what the acronym stands for, but that's not really any help for me. I've noticed that there are only a few photos taken by my type of camera that have scored above a 6.

1. Is my camera, Canon Powershot A95 a DSLR camera? (I'm guessing not)
2. If not, how short does my camera fall from DSLR performance, ie what would I personally gain from buying a DSLR?

kosmikkreeper

Nikon D300s

04/08/2005 10:00:34 AM · #2

You have a P&S (point and shoot) camera and a good one too. :-)

DSLR means that you have interchangeable lenses with the camera body. You can buy the body on it's own and buy the lenses you want on it.

That's quick and dirty but it sums it up. :-)

thatcloudthere

Canon EOS-1D

Canon EF 16-35mm f/2.8L USM

04/08/2005 10:02:36 AM · #3

SLR is an acronym for single lens reflex, the D is for the digital variety.

Canon EF-S 17-85mm f/4-5.6 IS USM

04/08/2005 10:05:47 AM · #4

I do also have a "telephoto" lens which attaches with an adapter over top of the built in lens, but I guess that doesn't count, as the built in lens is permanently attached.

p3wiz

Canon EOS-350D Rebel XT

04/08/2005 10:06:54 AM · #5

Also the dSLR has the "Right Now" response.
Instant on (no lens to move)
Shutter lag of <.2 sec

thatcloudthere

Canon EOS-1D

Canon EF 16-35mm f/2.8L USM

04/08/2005 10:06:58 AM · #6

Originally posted by Strikeslip:

I do also have a "telephoto" lens which attaches with an adapter over top of the built in lens, but I guess that doesn't count, as the built in lens is permanently attached.

Well, it's mostly because it's not a single lens reflex.

Apple iPhone

Sigma 24-70mm f/2.8 EX Aspherical DF for Nikon

04/08/2005 10:11:47 AM · #7

If you have a lens thats permenantly attached, its not a DSLR. Your Camera has add-ons, our cameras have a body and independant lens. If you click teh camera names under our nicks you can see commercial pictures of what we have and it may help you understand better.

Originally posted by Strikeslip:

I do also have a "telephoto" lens which attaches with an adapter over top of the built in lens, but I guess that doesn't count, as the built in lens is permanently attached.

Plexxoid

Canon EOS-30D

04/08/2005 10:17:19 AM · #8

The A95 has no viewfinder in which you can optically see through the lens. You must use the LCD to view through the lens, but in poor resolution. DSLR's have no shutter lag as already mentioned. The most important thing is the interchangeable lenses. If you don't like the sharpness of your photos, tough. With a DSLR, you can go from the dull kit lens to the super sharp 17-40 F4L if you wanted.

Another noticeable difference between DSLR's and PS's is their sensitivity. 100-3200 sensitivity, all of which are useable. PS's with their tiny sensors make terrible noise, and don't have an ISO range like DSLR's. So--bigger sensor in DSLR's provides quality like none other.

hatman

Minolta DiMAGE 7Hi

04/08/2005 10:19:41 AM · #9

D=digital- speaks for it self. SLR=Single Lens Reflex requires explanation. With your camera your Viewfinder looks through a window beside the lens and gives an approximation of what the Camera will take as an image. An SLR uses mirrors or electronics to link the Camera's lens and the Viewfinder so that what you see in the Viewfinder is exactly what the Camera will take as an Image. The only disadvantage is that at the moment of exposure (generally) the viewfinder is blanked out as the mirror moves to let the shutter open. Interchangeable lenses are the norm but not compulsory for SLR

04/08/2005 10:28:15 AM · #10

Aha, I see! Thanks for the explanations. I'm going to try not to get lens-envy!

04/08/2005 10:44:07 AM · #11

I must say I am extremely disappointed in this thread. I mean, this IS a dedicated camera site - I would have expected a LOT better answers. By that, I mean CORRECT ones. In this entire thread only one person (thatcloudthere) has posted an answer that was NOT inaccurate.

Please read.... (especially all those who posted incorrect answers)

FALSE STATEMENTS:

DSLR DOES NOT MEANS "that you have interchangeable lenses with the camera body."

[[[Although most DSLR's do allow for the changing of the lens. There are exceptions.

Olympus E-10/E-20 are in fact true SLR cameras. They just happen to be fixed lens SLRs.

An SLR is single lens reflex...not necessarily a removable lens. The main aspect of an SLR system is that when you look thru the viewfinder you are actually looking thru the lens. With the added benefit of seeing what parts of the image are in focus.

In other words, the image the film/sensor see's is the same image you see in the viewfinder.

More on SLR:
//www.answers.com/topic/single-lens-reflex-camera
]]]

dSLR DOES NOT HAVE TO HAVE "the "Right Now" response. Instant on (no lens to move)
Shutter lag of <.2 sec"
[[[This also is NOT a criteria of an dSLR, but rather is a cost factor issue. Example: the Canon Rebel 300D was in fact a DSLR but did not meet the instant on requirements. The new Canon Rebel XT 350D with only a 0.2sec start-up time could claim such.

This is all based on how much you want to pay for performance. A 1Ds Mark II being better than a 20D which is better than a Rebel. However, as technology improves such features become more common (Rebel XT case in point).
]]]

"Another noticeable difference between DSLR's and PS's is their sensitivity. 100-3200 sensitivity, all of which are useable. "
[[[Once again this is NOT a criteria of a DSLR. In fact, older pro DSLR's did NOT have such ISO range. Furthermore, several higher end consumer non-DSLRs offer ISO variances. For example, my cell phone camera gives me ISO range sensitivity between 100-1600. We're talking a 1-megapixel micro camera on a cell phone. Obviously, it's not a DSLR. ISO has no relation on whether a camera is a DSLR. In fact some DSLR's, older models, only have ISO ratings around 100-300.]]]

Most of what has been mentioned and attributed to being a DSLR is actually more of a question of a "Prosumer" vs. "Professional" DSLR.

Olympus E-10/20 & Canon Rebel/XT are both prosumer models. The Canon 20D is a high end prosumer model. Right at the border between pro/prosumer. The Canon 1DS are professional grade.

The features, quality, performance, speed, etc. increase as well as the cost within any given generation.

Unless you're a pro- (or rich cat) with $4,000-$12,000 to spend on a camera body, you're most likely to go with a prosumer model.

Now you just need to find your choice of brand and range...in Canon's current offerings alone there is much choice.

Current Canon SLR Prosumer Models
Rebel
Rebel XT
20D

Tamron SP AF 28-75mm f/2.8 XR Di for Canon

04/08/2005 10:45:05 AM · #12

Add hatman to the + posts (you got your's in before mine posted)... ;)

cheekymunky

Canon EOS-40D

04/08/2005 11:01:19 AM · #13

THISmight help you understand the what an SLR is.
Cheers
MARK

Beetle

Canon EOS-5D Mark II

Canon EF 24-105mm f/4.0L IS

04/08/2005 11:16:14 AM · #14

Originally posted by Strikeslip:

Aha, I see! Thanks for the explanations. I'm going to try not to get lens-envy!

Sorry to be the one to burst your bubble, but you're dreaming there *grin*.
Have a look at this very timely thread.
You'll catch the fever soon enough, start saving!

Samsung Galaxy S21, S21+, S21 Ultra

04/08/2005 11:40:31 AM · #15

Originally posted by Beetle:

Originally posted by Strikeslip:
Aha, I see! Thanks for the explanations. I'm going to try not to get lens-envy!

Sorry to be the one to burst your bubble, but you're dreaming there *grin*.
Have a look at this very timely thread.
You'll catch the fever soon enough, start saving!

Actually, I've been wondering about this for a while now, but that thread was the catalyst for this one.

Thanks for the link Beetle, it was perfect for me.

theSaj... thanks.... I think I'm a little scared of you.

Bear_Music

Sony 24-70mm F4 Vario-Tessar T* FE OSS

04/08/2005 12:53:20 PM · #16

To reduce this to the most fundamental level, the defining characteristic of a "reflex" camera is the use of a mirror to project an OPTICAL image (not an electronic one) onto a ground-glass viewfinder. A camera that views through the lens but projects the image elctronically is NOT an SLR. Case in point is my 5700 Nikon, which mimics a small SLR in appearance but uses electronic imaging, not optical imaging.

The advantage of optical imaging is precision of manual focus and ability to preview DOF, plus no lag in the scene viewed through the eyepiece.

Robt.

04/08/2005 06:10:11 PM · #17

Strikeslip

No worry, i don't bite...well...not unless you're a cute female I'm currently dating.... *lol*

I am still very much a novice, to say the least. And I've gotten superb info and education from this site. So when I saw what is a common mis-conception I wanted to address it.

I myself made the same mistake, 5 yrs ago if you asked me what an 35 mm SLR camera was...I'd have simply said an SLR is a camera with removable lenses. I learned.... (actually, I was 'corrected').

As for what is the best camera? Simply this.... the one you are able to understand effectively enough to use well and have the $$$ to afford.

;)

04/08/2005 06:21:53 PM · #18

Originally posted by theSaj:

:-D