Do I need a DSLR? DSLR vs Smartphone Camera

“Do I need a DSLR?”

“Which is the best DSLR under Rs XXXXX?”

And so on. These questions are so common that Google gets more than 10k search queries per month for the exact same string of words.

Also, smartphones are progressing so much in recent years that people think DSLRs will be succeeded by smartphones.

No, my dear friend, DSLR is not going anywhere so soon. It will always maintain a unique place in the world of photography and videography. Let’s compare them!

Advantages of Mobile Camera

If we compare various products in tech-industry then it is not really difficult to realize that the highest number of innovations have taken place in the smartphone market.

We literally get to see new features on smartphones on a daily basis. Obviously, this led to better innovations in mobile cameras.

Here are the reasons why you should get a smartphone camera instead of a DSLR.

1] Mobility

No device can beat the pocket-friendliness of a smartphone. After all, who will carry a bulky DSLR to every place? It is not really feasible unless you are Mumbiker Nikhil. We need instant clicks and phone cameras can beat any other camera.

2] Easy Sharing

Not only a smartphone camera is easy to handle but it is easier to share the pictures instantly. In today’s world, why do most of the people click pictures?

Of course, to share on their social media handles like Facebook, Instagram or Whatsapp. A DSLR is totally impractical when it comes to uploading images somewhere.

3] Faster than DSLR

Yes, sharing from a smartphone is easier but images can be clicked much faster on a smartphone. We are talking about the automatic mode here.

While you can click multiple images every second, a smartphone also processes those images faster.

4] Filters and Artificial Intelligence

Let’s admit that most of us love those fancy filters and doggy ears. Smartphone cameras have become so smart that they automatically make you fairer with a slim face. That’s what you absolutely love!

Some apps like FaceApp have become even smarter that they tell you how you might look in the future. Pretty smart!

DSLR captures the real image of your face. I am sorry to say but you are going to hate yourself if you click raw images and don’t edit it later. Just telling.

5] Videography

As the phone cameras evolved, videography was given detailed attention and now smartphone cameras capture better videos than most of the DSLRs.

I mentioned about various aspects in my previous post. In case you missed it, you might check it out: Camera Quality – Is Megapixel Everything?

As I mentioned in my previous post, OSI plays an important role in stabilization. Also, most of the smartphones support 4K video recording today.

Some premium DSLRs are great for videography but most of them lack 4K support and proper stabilization.

Advantages of DSLR Camera

Digital Single Lens Reflex (DSLR) camera still plays a huge role in the photography industry that means there is some major reason.

It is said that you don’t capture images in a DSLR. You make them.

1] Lens

DSLR has the most important benefit over all the cameras and that is the ability to change the lens. What do you want to click? Consequently, we have multiple lens for each and every task. That is to say, there is a vast variety of lens that you can use in a DSLR.

2] Sensor

If you compare with a smartphone then DSLR sensors are really huge. A smartphone sensor is nothing in front of a DSLR sensor. That is the thing that makes a DSLR bulky.

Do you know why an 8 Megapixel DSLR camera beats a 64 Megapixel camera easily? So, the real culprit is a sensor. As I mentioned in my last article, larger the sensor – better the image quality. In case you have not read it, I will link it here:

Camera Quality – Is Megapixel Everything?

Should I buy a point and shoot camera or a DSLR?

I know this question arises when you are running out of budget and desperately looking for an external camera.

Most of the people think like, “I am not that serious in photography to buy a DSLR but I still need a better camera than phone.”

For those who don’t know what a Point and Shoot cameras are, here is a picture for your understanding.

Point and Shoot Camera vs DSLR camera will always remain an unending battle but the way DSLRs have progressed is simply spectacular. Moreover, smartphone brands are working extensively on improving their cameras. But no progress was made in Point and Shoot camera as the market demand was too less.

Also, let me tell you that a smartphone camera will always bang a point and shoot camera in almost every aspect.

Either a Smartphone with a better camera or DSLR but nothing in between. Just a suggestion.

Will Smartphones Replace DSLR?

Nope. That is not going to happen so soon. We might agree that smartphone brands are working really hard but DSLR brands are also not sitting and enjoying their tea.

Even DSLR brands like Canon, Nikon, and Sony are doing excellent work in making their products.

Also, unless and until we introduce too many cameras on a smartphone, we won’t compete a DSLR. We are already reached till 4-rear cameras from dual cameras but let’s see how far it goes. Moreover, how will we compete for the sensor size of a DSLR?

If you have made up your mind to buy a DSLR camera then I am linking a few great cameras for you. You can check them out:

1. Canon EOS 200D II | Amazon Link ~ Small and Light
2. Nikon D5600 | Amazon Link ~ Good For Beginners
3. Sony Alpha A68 | Amazon Link ~ Good For Beginners
4. Canon EOS 750D | Amazon Link ~ One of the best mid-budget DSLRs
5. Nikon D3500 | Amazon Link ~ Good for Beginners

Do I need a DSLR to capture good photos?

I’ll keep it short here.

Are you a professional photographer or a hobbyist who plans to do something really valuable? Then yes, go on! Since it will be a great investment for you.

Likewise, are you just interested in photography and rarely use a camera? Then don’t go for a DSLR. Because it is a huge investment and maintenance becomes a headache if not properly used.

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