What makes an D-SLR better than a EVF camera at DVinfo.net

Dylan Couper · February 15th, 2004, 01:14 PM

Is there really much of a benefit to buying a digital SLR over a high end EVF camera like the Minolta A1 or Canon Pro 1?

Besides the high speed 1D or super megapixel 1Ds, it seems that these cameras are almost identical in performance these days. The only real difference I see is the ability to change lenses, but with Canon using an L-series lens on the Pro 1, and Minolta's A1 with built in IS (and every major company putting very high quality glass on their higher end cameras these days anyway), that doesn't seem to be that big a difference anymore, to me anyway.

Is there anything else that the D-SLRs offer that I'm missing?

Jeff Donald · February 15th, 2004, 05:26 PM

This a hot topic on many of the photo forums. The only currently available 8MP camera is the Sony 828. It uses a smaller CCD than the DSLR's. The smaller pixels produce higher noise in many circumstances. The Sony also seems to suffer from noticeable Chromatic Aberration (CA) on some lighting conditions. I would wait for several of the newer cameras to reach retailers before purchasing a camera in this segment.

The EVF is too low a resolution to really be useful for focusing etc. DSLR's can't use EVF's because the mirror blocks the chip from the optical path. EVF and LCD screens lack the number of colors, resolution etc. to be of use to many pro's. The LCD screen is only used to check composition of shots and make rough decisions regarding focus. The histogram is used to determine exposure.

Dylan Couper · February 16th, 2004, 12:14 AM

Thanks Jeff!

February 15th, 2004, 01:14 PM	#1
Dylan Couper Wrangler Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: Vancouver, British Columbia Posts: 8,314	What makes an D-SLR better than a EVF camera Is there really much of a benefit to buying a digital SLR over a high end EVF camera like the Minolta A1 or Canon Pro 1? Besides the high speed 1D or super megapixel 1Ds, it seems that these cameras are almost identical in performance these days. The only real difference I see is the ability to change lenses, but with Canon using an L-series lens on the Pro 1, and Minolta's A1 with built in IS (and every major company putting very high quality glass on their higher end cameras these days anyway), that doesn't seem to be that big a difference anymore, to me anyway. Is there anything else that the D-SLRs offer that I'm missing? __________________ Need to rent camera gear in Vancouver BC? Check me out at camerarentalsvancouver.com

February 15th, 2004, 05:26 PM	#2
Jeff Donald Warden Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: Clearwater, FL Posts: 8,287	This a hot topic on many of the photo forums. The only currently available 8MP camera is the Sony 828. It uses a smaller CCD than the DSLR's. The smaller pixels produce higher noise in many circumstances. The Sony also seems to suffer from noticeable Chromatic Aberration (CA) on some lighting conditions. I would wait for several of the newer cameras to reach retailers before purchasing a camera in this segment. The EVF is too low a resolution to really be useful for focusing etc. DSLR's can't use EVF's because the mirror blocks the chip from the optical path. EVF and LCD screens lack the number of colors, resolution etc. to be of use to many pro's. The LCD screen is only used to check composition of shots and make rough decisions regarding focus. The histogram is used to determine exposure. __________________ Jeff Donald Carpe Diem Search DVinfo.net for quick answers \| Where to Buy? From the best in the business: DVinfo.net sponsors

February 16th, 2004, 12:14 AM	#3
Dylan Couper Wrangler Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: Vancouver, British Columbia Posts: 8,314	Thanks Jeff! __________________ Need to rent camera gear in Vancouver BC? Check me out at camerarentalsvancouver.com