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Disadvantages of dSLR Cameras

Disadvantages of dSLR cameras are few but it is still helpful to know about them.

Keep in mind, however, for many photographers, the dSLR camera is a fantastic tool for creating stunning photos.

Really Wide Angles?
No LCD For Composition
Dust/Dirt?
Size
No Movie Mode

As a photographer, the disadvantages of dSLR cameras are fewer than its advantages but keep in mind that the dSLR camera is a tool to provide the necessary manipulations for your creative compositions.

For certain photographic artists, some dSLR advantages could be seen as disadvantages in certain situations. Likewise, the disadvantages of dSLR cameras can be turned into advantages.

Really Wide Angles?

Most dSLRs today have a sensor that is smaller than the 35mm film cameras.

This means that lenses that provided very wide angle views will not provide the same view on a digital SLR. Why?

Because of the crop factor that is introduced when moving to a sensor that is less than the 35mm format.

Unless you have a full-frame digital SLR like a Nikon D3, D700 or Canon EOS 5D or EOS 1Ds Mark III, this will be a concern for you.

No LCD For Composition

Now there are dSLR cameras that allow you to use the LCD for composition but they aren't quite as robust as you would expect. This is a concern if you are someone who likes "live view" functionality provided by non-dSLR cameras.

The reason that dSLR cameras cannot provide this functionality is due to the design of the camera itself. There is a mirror in the camera body which must flip away to allow the light to be recorded by the sensor.

Dust/Dirt?

Yup...

This is a strong factor against dSLRs. The reason is that if you changes lenses, you will inevitably attract those wonderful, dust bunnies into your camera. These will cause problems for your photos because these dust and dirt specks will get stuck on your sensor and cause ugly spots.

A solution to this is to carefully change lenses in clean environments or to get your camera cleaned at an authorized dealer.

Unfortunately, there is no way to completely prevent dust/dirt from entering your camera, but if you are at all concerned by the quality of your photos, this is something that you will take into consideration as normal maintenance of your artistic tools.

Size

Non-dSLR cameras are tiny and most are getting tinier every year! If you like small cameras that you can slip into your pocket at any time, then a dSLR camera is not for you.

Because of the way they work, dSLRs are big! And if you add big lenses to your camera, you will have an impressive, but heavy, chunk of plastic, metal and glass around your neck! If you are a traveler, you probably wouldn't want a heavy one or two kilogram camera dangling on your trip.

Personally, I have found that a bigger camera does give you clout in certain situations. Sometimes, because of the size of my camera, people will move aside for me to allow me a greater view and a better shot of a subject.

For some, the weight and size may be a disadvantage, but I see it as a digital SLR camera advantage.

No Movie Mode

A camera is meant to take photographs not movies but a lot of non-dSLR cameras have the ability to make movies. dSLRs, until recently, did not have this ability. The Nikon D90 was the first dSLR camera to have a movie mode capability included.

Sometimes making movies with your camera is a natural and necessary extension of photographic ability. Please weigh this carefully to see if this is something of concern to you.

Please remember that your camera is your tool. The real gift of photography is what you see with your eyes that you choose to share with others.

Any perceived disadvantages of dSLR cameras are only perceptions. Only you, as an artist, know the limitations of your creativity.

Love your camera. Love yourself. Love your photos.