Difference between zooms of point and shoot camera and DSLR?

Question

If super zoom lenses of a DSLR cost a bomb, then what lenses does a wildlife photographer use? As per my understanding, they use DSLR and they need good zoom to capture minute details of forest (flora and fauna).

Also same question for a photographer who clicks in a cricket match (I have observed photographers near boundary line with big lenses). The photos clicked by them are awesome.

Also, what difference it will make if I shoot with A.) a point and shoot 50x zoom camera and B.) a DSLR with zoom lenses? in above two situations?

Answer 1

There are three reasons you will never see a 30x zoom for a DSLR.



1. It would be costly.

2. It would be huge.

3. It would not be very good optically.



One thing proponents of huge power zooms (12x and above) fail to understand is that as the zoom power goes up, the image quality goes down.



Currently, about the most powerful zoom for a DSLR is probably a 18-300mm lens, which is around 16x.



But understand two terms, zoom power (x power) and focal length. DSLR owners don't typically describe their lenses in zoom power as it is meaningless. They describe their lenses in focal length.



Zoom x-power is just a ratio. A 10-40mm lens would be a 4x lens. A 100-400mm lens would also be a 4x lens. But even though they are both 4x, there is a huge difference between a 10-40mm and 100-400mm lens. For this reason, DSLR owners don't use zoom power, they use focal length.



Perhaps one of the best lenses for amateur wildlife and bird photography is the Sigma "Bigma", which is a 50-500mm telephoto. It has a "zoom power" of 10x, but that says nothing about what you can capture with it. This lens has a very long reach.



It will match any 50x zoom compact camera, but result in better images; as both the DSLR's lens and sensor will produce better images.



And yes, you can buy a 50x zoom with a compact camera, but;



1. it will be optically deficient.

2. the camera MUST use a tiny sensor to get such a huge lens into a manageable size. In fact, such cameras have sensors 15 to 30 times smaller than a DSLR. Smaller sensors result in less low-light performance, lower contrast, and so on.



So you are making a compromise in image quality in both the lens and sensor when going with one of those stupid cameras with a 50x zoom.



No one needs a 50x zoom, if you know what you are doing.

Answer 2

If super zoom lenses of a DSLR cost a bomb, then what lenses does a wildlife photographer use?

-The ones that cost three bombs and more money spent on camouflage tents and waterproofing gear.



Zoom is nothing more than the ability of the lens to change angle of view. It's all in the focal length. Sometimes, the best lens for the job is not a zoom lens.



DSLR lenses have bigger glass elements thus making them more difficult to fine tune which makes them much more expensive. Those glass elements need to be bigger because they need to project a larger image for the larger digital sensor. That larger digital sensor is what limits zoom in the first place but it does not limit the way the lens can make a distant object seem closer to you. Take note that it is perfectly normal for one non-zooming lens to make a far subject nearer to you than a super zoom lens.



The most zoom a dSLR lens has is 16.66X. Compare that to bridge cameras that have already reached 60X. Despite that huge disparity, I will continue using dSLR's with non-zooming lenses for the best image quality. The more zoom a lens has, the poorer it is optically. Blame science on that one. Anyway, if the subject is too far, the image won't be that good even if you have a 1M raised to the 10K X zoom lens!

Answer 3

Long lenses are expensive, no way around that. Those huge lenses you see on the sidelines of sporting events cost from $3,000 US to over $10,000 US. There are a few that don't quite cost as much, but are much better suited for daylight use only. It's all about speed... shutter speed. Long and fast lenses cost a fortune.



The superzoom point and shoots can give you the same, and even longer, reach. They lack in speed, and the cameras they are mounted on will give much lower quality images. Having said that, it is much easier for someone without unlimited funds or a business buying their gear to use a superzoom than it is to take out a second mortgage for a lens. It is possible, with proper technique, to get adequate photos this way. They won't be Sports Illustrated quality by any means, but they will be adequate.



The longest zoom range lens currently being made for a DSLR is the Nikon 18-300mm... about 16.6x zoom. 300mm is a decent general purpose focal length for most uses, and the lens is not terribly expensive. Nikon also makes a 300mm f/2.8 prime (no zoom) but it runs upwards of $6,000 US. You have to find the balance between your budget and your needs, and make it work as best as you can.

Answer 4

P&S Camera are usually small compact camera with build in flash and lens. Simple to use and handy. There are a few disadvantages of P&S camera. 1) Slow, and have a longer shutter lapse time. Meaning when you press the shutter, it will delay longer. You will not be able to catch that real moment you want. 2) Small CCD size. This is crucial when you try to shoot at high speed or at low light situation. You will need to set it to a high ISO setting, and that usually come with a lot of digital noise. Not suitable for big print. On the other hand, DSLR allow you to change the lens to suit each individual needs. It has a relatively fast shutter lapse compared to the P&S. A larger CCD which will have lower noise. The only disadvantage is the size. Some P&S come with super zoom... but they are usually slightly bigger than basic zoom camera. Very useful if you want to have a for travelling and hate to bring along a big DSLR.

Answer 5

Dslr Or Point And Shoot

Answer 6

Watch at football games, you'll see the same kinds of lenses, much larger than the camera mounted to them. Zoom and clarity, that's what it's all about out. Cheap lenses as used on point and shoot cameras can't hope to offer the kind of clarity the big guys can but... that kind of quality costs money, lots of money. Camera - perhaps $3,000, lens perhaps $8,000 or more. Photography is not a cheap hobby or profession if you're going to hope to do that kind of shooting.