The Wonders of Compact Cameras

Not too long ago, compact cameras were used by most people to take snapshots of family members and daily activities. Professional photographers and amateurs dislike compact cameras because of the low quality images and limited functionality. Now, compact cameras have changed a lot and have been very sophisticated, especially in the digital era where the digital technology has advanced by leaps and bounds.

Although small in size, compact cameras are able to produce well exposed photos although the image quality could not rival those produced using DSLR cameras. But what we need to keep in mind is that sometimes the absolute image quality is not top priority. Despite some obvious drawbacks of compact camera, they do have many advantages over DSLR cameras.

Compact camera is also known as point and shoot camera or pocket camera. Compacts are invented so the average people can take photograph easily and comfortably. It was in such sense that they were designed to be small with simple functions to be as user friendly as possible.

Compacts do not operate using reflex mirror and pentaprism like those used in the DSLR camera system. Therefore compact cameras can be built at a smaller size with less cost.

Unlike the DSLR camera, the lens on a compact camera is not interchangeable. However, a compact camera usually is equipped with a zoom lens that is adequate for normal usage.

Nowadays, compacts are becoming more sophisticated and of higher quality. Many professional photographers have shown interest into compacts when manual controls have been incorporated, meaning the user can adjust the aperture, shutter speed and ISO manually. This allows light exposure to be controlled at higher accuracy. Furthermore, prestigious high-end compacts offer some DSLR level features such as manual focus control, wide maximum aperture, a hotshoe for external flash, recording in RAW format and larger sensors.

High performance compact cameras were built with specifications similar to DSLR cameras. Users of the compact cameras can manually control the adjustment for aperture, shutter speed, ISO and many more.

The down side of compact camera

One of the main disadvantages of compact cameras is the size of its sensor. At this time, the size of most compact cameras is much smaller compared to those used in DSLR cameras. Therefore, the images recorded using a compact camera are usually not suitable to be enlarged excessively as some details can go missing. The smaller sensor also causes the image to be more noise-prone compared to that from a DSLR, especially when higher ISO is used and the image is viewed in high magnification.

This photo was recorded using a DSLR camera to achieve maximum detail. To capture images of scenery or architecture like this, DSLR cameras are more suitable since usually the photos are meant to be displayed big. Using a large and heavy camera is not a hassle in this situation because the photographer is not required to carry the camera around too much. (Photo by Hasnuddin Abu Samah)

But you should keep in mind that this limitation is not a big issue if you are not planning to showcase the image in a large size. Another thing you need to consider is weather exposing minute detail is important to you.  This depends of the kind of photo and for what purpose it will be used. For example, if we plan to record an image for fine arts, sometimes sharpness and details are not major priorities. The same goes if we want the photos to be used in web pages where high resolution in not required- images from compact usually suffice.

Another weakness of compacts is the degree of efficiency and response speed of the controls.  Adjusting the parameters in compact cameras is rather cumbersome and sluggish, especially when using them in fully manual mode. This is due to the layout and size of the buttons are not as ergonomics as in DSLR. So, to shoot photos and to work fast, compacts are not suitable. Otherwise this would not be an issue.

Compacts also suffer from shutter lag where there is a slight delay (in millisecond) between when the shutter is pressed and the moment where the image is captured by the camera. This is a serious problem when capturing action shots or other images where timing is crucial. But this should not be an issue if we are photographing subjects that do not require split second timings.

Most compact cameras employ contrast detect autofocus as opposed to DSLR’s phase detect system.  The lens moves back and forth through trial-and-error until the sensor reads an image which gives the highest contrast. This is relatively slower than phase detect which utilizes dedicated autofocus sensors to establish the different phases’ converging point, which is a more straight forward process.

Other disadvantage of the compact camera is that the lens is not interchangeable like the DSLR camera. This means the user of a compact camera has to be satisfied with the limited choice of field of view and focal length. However the modern compact camera is often equipped with a long ranging zoom that covers wide angle to short telephoto. To most users, the focal length and zoom range in compacts are sufficient. So if your work requirement does not require lenses with extra ordinary focal length, the zoom fixed on a compact would suit nicely.

Advantages of compact cameras

The main advantage of a compact camera is its small size hence the light weight which makes it easy to be carried around. This is probably not desirable for certain tasks but it is very useful when you wish to take photos for a long period of time or when you need to move a lot. When taking photos during a travel, having a compact camera is a bless due to its small size and  light weight.

The photo of a staff of Shinkansen bullet train captured in Hiroshima, Japan using a compact camera. This camera is very suitable for travelling or back packing overseas.(Photo by Hasnuddin Abu Samah)

The small size of a compact does not stand out and attract attention of the people around you. This feature is very useful for photographers who involve in street photography. By using a small concealed camera, the presence of the photographer is often not noticed and would not be bothered, hence allowing him to photograph his subject in a more natural state. This way the photographer can approach his subject comfortably. Here, the small size becomes an advantage for a specific purpose.

Other advantage of the compact camera is its relatively cheaper price compared to DSLR cameras. If we are not looking at certain features on a DSLR camera, why spend on one? It is much better to purchase a compact camera at fewer prices as long as it fits our needs. Even if we already own a DSLR camera, a compact can serve as a good backup camera or to be used when it fits a certain purpose.

Modern compact cameras are equipped with better features from time to time. High end compacts are continuously being designed with additional technologically advanced features and narrows the gap between compacts and DSLRs.

The application of compact camera

We have already understood the features, weaknesses and strengths of compact camera. We should take note that a certain weakness of the compact camera is not a weakness if it is not relevant to a certain task or need. For example, having a small sensor is not considered a weakness to a photographer who has no intention of publishing his work in high resolution. Therefore the weaknesses of a compact camera should not be taken as issues if they do not pose as problems to our work. It is best to focus and fully capitalize the many advantages of a compact that are not offered by DSLR cameras.

It is not the intention of this article to suggest that compacts are better than DSLR cameras. The main thing is we need to realize that sometimes compacts are more suitable to be used than DSLR cameras in some situations. For most photography enthusiasts and professionals, compacts are used only for specific purposes and they also keep a DSLR camera for other kind of photography.

Due to its light weight, compact cameras are suitable when you are out shooting for a long period, especially when you need to move a lot or walk to get the shot. One example is when you are taking a stroll in a foreign city during an abroad travel.

This kind of camera is also suitable when we are doing trekking activity in the forest or while hiking. For such outdoor activities we would definitely spend a lot of energy for locomotion, not to mention hauling a heavy rucksack. To add up the weight with a DSLR camera would increase the burden. Therefore a compact camera is very suitable in this situation. However this ultimately depends on what you are planning to do. If you need high quality photos that give the best details, then DSLR is the way to go.

This photo was taken at the summit of Mount Kinabalu, Sabah, Malaysia using a compact camera. Climbing such mountain is very taxing on the body. Therefore, a lightweight compact camera is an excellent choice for companion. (Photo by Hasnuddin Abu Samah)

Compact cameras are light due to its small size. Small cameras have their own benefit. They do not stand out and attract attention. Some photography assignments require us to photograph human subjects which are not acquainted in an unfamiliar place. When we use a compact camera, the people around us normally do not pay much attention to our presence and we would not be perceived as a professional photographer, instead we don the image of a tourist or a casual snap shooter.

There was a case where a press photographer masqueraded as a commoner with a compact camera and was allowed to a restricted area whereas other photographers were barred from entering. He managed to get good photos using the compact while the rest, armed to the teeth with DSLR equipment, didn’t get a single shot.

Compact cameras are priced less than DSLR cameras. If you are interested in photography but still cannot afford a DLSR camera, you can get a compact at a much lower price. Compact cameras also offer various interesting features which are often enough to start your exploration in photography. To learn the basic of photography such as shutter, aperture, ISO, white balance and composition, you can often do so with a compact camera.

Because of its low price, compact cameras are also very useful as a second camera beside your DSLR camera. Compacts can be used as a backup camera in case your DSLR breaks down. Other than that, even if you already have a DSLR camera, a compact may be a more suitable camera when you are just taking family snapshots or going out travelling.

Due to lower price, compacts are often the camera of choice for those who are venturing into underwater photography.  The underwater housing for compact cameras is much cheaper than that of DSLR cameras. By using compact the risk is less if an accident happens where the housing leaks and causes damage to camera.

Compacts are much simpler than DSLR cameras. The controls on compacts are limited and not as intricate as DSLR cameras. But not everyone or every task requires sophisticated specifications. Sometimes all we need is just a simple camera to take simple photos.

They are also suitable for you to practice taking shots in a creative and unrestricted ways. Creative photos sometimes do not require complicated technical controls on the camera. Furthermore then using a complicated device, we tend to shift our focus to control the device instead of producing a creative and artistic piece of work. Compacts are also light and mobile, making it comfortable to be carried anywhere and this encourages you to practice photography composition while experimenting on creative techniques.

Images in the fine art photography sometimes do not require immense details but emphasize more on message, mood, composition and so forth. This photo was taken using a compact camera without the need for extreme details. (Photo by Hasnuddin Abu Samah)

The simple compact camera is also suitable as a tool to survey a location before a massively planned shooting is made. You do not need a high quality photo while scouting- the images from a compact would do just fine. While scouting you might need to walk a lot hence a DSLR camera will make you tired and subsequently takes the concentration away from the survey duty.

Simply put, compact cameras with the latest technology should not be taken lightly. Although there are still drawbacks, these cameras have significant advantages against DSLR camera. The bottom line is everything depends on the usage. For certain purposes the compact camera is better and more practical to be used compared to DSLR camera. They ride the technology wave and continuously being improved over time. We do not know how far they will rival DSLR camera. But for certain they will surely become better and better.

Original article from fototeacher.com/blog by Hasnuddin Abu Samah. Translated by Amir Ridhwan

To read more article in Bahasa Melayu, please visit - http://hellofotografi.blogspot.com/