1 year, 4 months ago
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What is an SLR?
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M$1 Answer
Simply an SLR gives you WYSIWYG (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wysiwyg). A range finder camera only gives you an approximation of what the picture will turn out to be. You can get a decent refurbished SLR for less than $400 (http://shop.usa.canon.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/product_10051_10051_204269_-1).
That said, let me muddy the waters:
Some rang finder digital camera usually have a electronic display showing what will be recorded. Note I said what *will* be recorded - not what was just recorded. This is essentially WYSIWYG (BTW "wysiwyg" is not a photographic term - don't go using it in a real photo shop).
Most people who buy SLRs also do so because you can change lenses. Why? Because, in general, no one lens can do everything well. Actually, most lenses only work their best at their mid point (i.e. a 50mm to 150mm telephoto lens will most likely take the best pictures at about 75mm).
Still can't make your mind up? My suggestion is to buy a cheaper (maybe $200) digital range finder camera and push its as far as it can go. You'd be surprised what some of them can do. If you actually stick with it long enough to find your self wanting (yeah, it was a test, get it?) then get your self a DSLR. You will always want that cheaper range finder camera anyhow as photography is as much opportunity as it is composition. And who wants to drag a DSLR around all the time.
That said, let me muddy the waters:
Some rang finder digital camera usually have a electronic display showing what will be recorded. Note I said what *will* be recorded - not what was just recorded. This is essentially WYSIWYG (BTW "wysiwyg" is not a photographic term - don't go using it in a real photo shop).
Most people who buy SLRs also do so because you can change lenses. Why? Because, in general, no one lens can do everything well. Actually, most lenses only work their best at their mid point (i.e. a 50mm to 150mm telephoto lens will most likely take the best pictures at about 75mm).
Still can't make your mind up? My suggestion is to buy a cheaper (maybe $200) digital range finder camera and push its as far as it can go. You'd be surprised what some of them can do. If you actually stick with it long enough to find your self wanting (yeah, it was a test, get it?) then get your self a DSLR. You will always want that cheaper range finder camera anyhow as photography is as much opportunity as it is composition. And who wants to drag a DSLR around all the time.
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