DSLR vs P&S vs iPhone

Hi Mike,

I always take my DSLR on trips because the quality is incredible plus the weight isn't too much of an issue for me. But for a point & shoot, I like my Sony Cyber-Shot. The pictures come out great for a P&S camera. It comes with a disc that allows for easy upload onto your computer. Phones are okay for the quick picture, but I'd definitely use a P&S or DSLR for the pictures you want to show off or keep for memories.

Hope that helps!

Amanda

A topic like this always gets lots of actual and anecdotal replies. Here's mine. I'm not an accomplished photographer and haven't used a single lens reflex since my film camera, an AE1 Program, went out of style. During our last few journeys my camera has been a Panasonic DMC-ZS1. It has been unfailing and I print a number of pictures to 8 1/2 x 11 with great results. I bought two others of the ZS series but neither took as good photos as the old camera. If I were to get a new camera it would probably be Sony DSC-RK100 m1.

Sometimes using a smaller camera will get you shots in situations a larger camera would draw undue attention. If you are packing light there is no question a smaller camera is imperative.

Take short videos and panorama shots with your phone. Have the real camera ready for the postcard shots you will show off to others. Keep a small P&S in your pocket at nights (I call it the drunk camera) for candid shots of the new friends, local meals, and floodlit scenes that are often cherished, but hazily remember, parts of your trip.

Mike, I think you already know the answers to your questions. I carried an SLR (plus a boatload of film back in the day) for the first 5 trips or so and then as I got older I switched to a smaller point and shoot for the last 4 trips. I tried to get by with one lens, say 24-105, but of course that wasn't always satisfactory. With the newer cameras I believe you'll find a P&S that will take excellent photos. I currently use a Canon G15. You probably know the websites you can research to find just what you are looking for, but www.dpreview.com comes to mind. I have an iPhone and personally wouldn't just use it alone. In the final analysis its going to come down to what you are willing to move around with, and the expectation you have of your camera. Others here will have good input. Have a great trip.

I like high-quality photographs, but when traveling overseas, mobility is a higher priority for me. I carry three cameras ... a Canon S120 P&S; a GoPro Hero 2; and the iPhone. All three do both stills and video.

The S120 produces relatively good images for a pocket-size camera. I like the leveling feature (a red horizontal line on the screen turns to green when the camera is level). I also like the "hybrid" feature -- when set on "hybrid" the camera records four seconds of 720p video and sound every time a still photograph is taken, and saves the video clips into a daily digest that can easily be edited later on. On the "video" setting the camera produces nice 1080p video.

The GoPro, famous for daredevil videos of outdoor sports, is tiny, featherweight, unobtrusive, and makes decent extreme-wide-angle still images. I use it inside buildings, vehicles, etc., and for outdoor panoramas. Example here.

The iPhone is basically just a backup to the others.

No, these are not professional-grade cameras, but most deficiencies in the results can be cured with a little post-production work in PhotoShop.

Here is a video I edited from my trip to Bavaria last August, combining video and stills from the S120 (including many of the four-second "hybrid" clips) and the GoPro. And here is an album of stills from all three cameras.

I have been to Europe several times and never taken my large camera/lenses (Canon T3i). I have a Canon Powershot SX260 12.1 MP point and shoot that I absolutely love! It has a wide angle lens and 20x optical zoom so getting good shots isn't an issue. We had three of the pictures we took with that camera blown up to a 20" x 30" size and they look really clear. It also has 1080p video capability. The camera is small enough to fit in your pocket (I usually wear cargo shorts and the side pocket is a great place for a camera) or hang it on your wrist. Canon has a newer model of this camera but I am not sure which one it is. As for iPhones, they tend to take decent pictures, but you may have issues with filling up the memory.

Which camera one brings is all personal preference formed by mood and trip at the time of packing, IMO. I've tried them all and changed back and forth. But, as I am less inclined to carry the weight around, I use my iPod for instagram. I take my Canon EOSt2 and its 40mm normal lens. It keeps it small and light. Fits in my medium sized purse (the bottom of my purse is 2.5" wide). Sometimes I sneak in an inexpensive 15mm-55mm lens, but for my next trip, I'm thinking not. Again, mood. Never the same.

Hi Mike-well, as you know, it all depends. I carry a DSLR with 16-85 lens, a great point and shoot, and my iPhone 4s. Sometimes I'll leave the DSLR behind in the room, but I am willing to carry it for the noticeable increase in quality it brings over the p&s, including color rendition and perspective that I really like.

I do use one of the Black Rapid cross body straps to get the weight onto my shoulder instead of around my neck.

There's no question that camera technology is (still) zooming ;-) forward, and that there are many p&s and compact cameras that can return spectacular results. For me, with the time and money spent on a trip, and a rather critical eye for photos, it's worth it for the additional capability and the level of quality it provides.

I have taken my Canon PowerShot S120 on numerous European trips and have gotten excellent quality photos and HD videos. As mentioned above, it has a ton of bells and whistles, and you can also set it manually (aperture priority, shutter speed priority, or completely manual). It also can be operated completely 'auto', has a nice variety of 'scene' settings, and takes very good quality night shots. I think the only negative is that I wish it had more zoom capability, but I am willing to give that up for portability. I have mothballed my Nikon SLR because it's about as big as a volleyball (well, maybe a little smaller). The P& S option is obviously a trade-off, but when travelling light during the day, for me size/portability tops lugging a professional grade SLR and associated lenses/gadgets. However, if one is a very serious photographer, they will require more zoom, wide angle, and/or flash capabilities that a P & S can provide. I also take an iPhone 5 with me, but rarely use it for photos and wouldn't want to have it as the only option for photos.

For anything other than safari-type pictures, I find I've been using my Sony RX100 a lot more frequently, and my DSLRs a lot less. The sensor in the RX100 is much larger than most P&S cameras, the zoom is good enough, and it fits easily in my pocket. It also shoots photos in RAW format, which makes it easy to process in Lightroom. Also, the panorama feature is phenomenal (good for cityscapes), and the video is 1080p.

Mike,

I like to travel with both a dSLR as well as a P&S Camera and now an iPhone as well, as they're each useful in different ways. Although the current P&S cameras are very good, the dSLR provides much more flexibility in varying or difficult conditions and allows me to get some shots that aren't possible with a P&S. I also shoot RAW most of the time, which provides the most image detail and the ability to work with them without degrading the original. As you probably know, the compression of JPEG images removes a lot of detail from photos, which can never be recovered.

I'm also able to change settings on the dSLR very quickly and the larger sensor produces better images (IMO). The dSLR is considerably larger and heavier so more of a burden to carry but I'm willing to put up with that as photography is an important part of my holidays. I may only get to some locations once in a lifetime, so want the best quality images possible. There have been many occasions when I've been out in the evening with just the P&S, and have regretted not having the dSLR.

I've been working with some of my images over the last few days for an upcoming exhibition that the Camera Club is taking part in, and was really pleased that I had packed along my dSLR as it gave me images I could work with. I haven't travelled with a Tripod since 2010, but I may pack one along this year as I got some good night shots (I have a smaller "travel model" that is easier to haul around).

I agree with Ken about the DSLR. You just can't match it for quality, light sensitivity (especially important for interiors), shooting RAW and zoom capabilities. So if photography is pretty important to you, you may well regret not taking it. I use a 18-200 zoom lens. It is long and heavy but rarely bothers me. But I'm not a fan of multiple lenses, just too much to carry around and switch out. You could go with less zoom, but I like being able to get details.

There are excellent P&S cameras out there, some of which have been mentioned. They won't be as good as the DSLR, but for most people they are more than adequate to the task.

I use the iPhone only for snapshots of food, or people or for images to easily post on social media.

I miss my manual FM-2 with an array of lenses. Digital photography just doesn't seem as real to me. So I took the plunge a few years ago and got a P&S Canon, which is fine for what I want to do. I also use my iPad for photos (more of a backup than primary) that I want to email right away, and get very good results most of the time. I am also more reluctant to haul around a full-size camera plus lenses anymore.

Mike, For many years I used SLR film cameras doing free lance work for several publications. With digital SLR and interchangeable lens one does have the most flexibility and there is no denying the quality. That said, I've have also shot literally thousands of frames using several pieces of Cannon P&S equipment with a reasonable zoom capability. GREAT convenience (can simply carry it in a vest or shirt pocket), light weight, and really good quality. To me the additional weight, storage problems, and theft potential are just not worth it to get (IMO) a small increase in quality and flexibility. With the P&S I simply bracket the heck out of every shot and then edit at night or later at home. I've never regretted not taking the big equipment or not using an iPhone. It is a trade off, Mike, but I personally will never carry the big equipment again on an extended personal trip. TC

I use a fairly tiny Canon. It takes great pictures, has a good optical zoom, low-light, image stabilization, HD video, macro, etc. The entire back of the camera is a screen, so I can compose shots and delete any that aren't worth keeping. It's a great camera in a small package. I traded the wrist strap for a neck lanyard and keep it in a shirt pocket or tucked inside my jacket when not in use.

Years ago, I took an SLR with lenses, filters, bag, tripod, etc. on a trip through three Asian countries. My photos were great but so were my friend's, who only took a small Canon auto-focus. Mine weren't enough better to justify lugging around the added weight.

Although the photos are decent and easy to upload. I'm not sure I consider any iPhone a perfect alternative to a camera for anything other than quick candid shots. iPhone cameras keep getting better but you still need add on lenses to get optical zoom or macro.

I took my Canon 6D on a 21 Day BOE tour last year with three Canon L lenses. I must admit that by the time we were going home, I was pretty tired of lugging it around. But 6 months later, after I've gone through all 7,400 pictures in Lightroom, I'm really glad I used the DSLR. In reviewing the pictures, a lot of the best ones in my opinion, were the low light cathedral, museum and night shots in cities like Venice, Florence and Rome. For me personally, this was a trip of a lifetime and I'll have the shots for a lifetime, so I'm more than willing to carry my DSLR as long as I am able.

Thanks to everyone for the great replies. My girlfriend really wants the DSLR for the shots of larger things and we agreed on the P&S for everything else. Luckily we are traveling by car for the first week so it won't be carried 24/7.

Hi Mike,

I'm planning a two-week trip to London and Paris this Sept/Oct and as an avid photographer, camera choice is very important to me. I own a number of DSLRs, but didn't want to bring anything I would hate to lose (like my Canon 6D). After a lot of comparison shopping, I settled on a Canon S110 P&S for the following reasons:

1. Small form factor. Compact and easy to handle and very light.
2. Built-in image stablization.
3. Inexpensive -- $179 from Amazon. If I lose it/it gets stolen, I'll be irked and out the photos from that day's card, but it's not like losing a $2k DSRL + lens.
4. 5x optical zoom.
5. Built-in WiFi for image transfer.
6. 12mp sensor produces images big enough for prints / web display.

7. Shoots video in HDR.

8. Most importantly: the S110 has the ability to shoot RAW images.

This may mean nothing to you, but it should. RAW images are very manipulatable in programs like GIMP and Lightroom. You can salvage what looks like an underexposed or overexposed shot. You can bring out colors in washed-out shots. You can straighten a crooked shot. You can do all this without data loss. With a minimum amount of skill and a program like Lightroom, you can recover from an endless list of photographic boo-boos that would otherwise ruin that "perfect shot". Shooting jpeg does not allow you this freedom. You can get more shots on a card with jpeg, but you'll get potentially-better shots shooting RAW.

Final nb: whatever camera you buy, LEARN TO USE IT. Learn the quirks and advanced settings. Don't rely on just pointing the camera and something memorable and pressing the button. Learn how your camera handles backlighting, exposure compensation, bracketting, low-light conditions. Knowing these things will help you take that perfect picture when conditions are less than perfect. Before your trip, go walk around and bang out shots to see what to expect from the camera -- know your camera intimately. It'll make the difference between "WOW!" and "Damnit!".

tl;dr? Canon S110, shoot RAW images and know your camera. :)

MikeV,

It's great to hear that you've got the camera question all sorted. I've always found that having both a dSLR and a P&S is a good combination.

Have a great trip!

I was personally completely fine with my iPhone on our trip last year. It was incredibly convenient and the newer smartphones generate photos with high enough resolution that you can easily print the photos if needed. While I personally wouldn't bring it, I think you should spring for the DSLR if you're really serious about getting some high quality photos. I did bring a DSLR on our first trip back in 2010, but that was back when it made enough of a difference in quality compared to the iPhones of yore.

Lastly, I really don't think a point & shoot serves any notable purpose for anyone who isn't smartphone averse these days. Go big or bring phone!

Anna, I take your points, but I do feel that the comparison of point and shoot vs. smartphone is essentially the same as the DSLR vs. point and shoot, just on a smaller scale. While I agree that a smartphone, especially when well used, can be satisfactory for many/most people, my p & s will run circles around a smartphone. It lands right in the middle between my smartphone and my DSLR in terms of capability and quality attainable. I'm not ready to get rid of the p & s category just yet, I guess.

It's all good food for thought ;-).

I am new to the DSLR world and am biased towards getting the better pictures.
I would say use your phone as a back up and take the DSLR. The reason is there are just some shots you cant get with a P&S.
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I just upgraded to a DSLR because there were a lot of pictures and moments I tried to capture on my last trip but my P&S did not have sensitivity I wanted. I am also finding that taking the time to work on composition and focus makes me spend more time appriciating a site and not just taking a shot and going on to the next activity/building.
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Last time I was in Europe I used my phone as back up in case my camera was stolen, broken or the battery ran out; this way I still had pictures from that days sight seeing.
My 2 cents
J

Wait matters a lot to my shoulders, so I would never take a large camera.

I have found the Lumix cameras do a great job for indoor photos of distant objects taken with less than optimal lighting (eg, fresco details in a cathedral). And my iPhone provides nice back up for outdoor shots, particularly when my Lumix battery has died.

Sherry,

"Wait matters a lot to my shoulders, so I would never take a large camera."

I can well appreciate the issue of weight when travelling with a DSLR, as it often seems to get heavier as the day progresses. However, that's something I'm willing to put up with as it provides the flexibility and capabilities to get shots under a wide variety of conditions. I find the cell phone cameras especially to be extremely limited in low light conditions or with moving subjects.

I take a "small" DSLR - Nikon 3300, with two lenses (one attached and one is a low light lens used in specific circumstances). My husband carries the small point and shoot, which has come in very handy in certain situations.

I HATE iphone cameras and will only use it if no other option is available. Some people manage to take good pictures with one, but I can't.

The weight of the dslr is worth the quality of pictures to me. Pictures are the lasting record of your experience, and I make much better pictures with the DSLR. Worth it's weight and then some.