DSLR

A defination of DSLR (Digital Single Lens Reflex):

cameras with genuine reflex viewing systems using a mirror in the optical path, not to the cameras using an EVF. Exactly the same as an SLR except that a digital sensor is used to capture the image instead of film.

EVF - electronic viewfinder - similar with the one used in video cameras. The EVF was adopted for non DSRL cameras with wide range zooms. It has both advantages and problems but they will get better eventually.

From wikipedia:

A digital single-lens reflex camera (digital SLR or DSLR) is a digital camera that uses an automatic mirror system and pentaprism or pentamirror to direct light from the lens through the viewfinder eyepiece.

The basic operation of a DSLR is as follows: for viewing purposes, the mirror reflects the light coming through the attached lens upwards at an approximately 90 degree angle. It is then reflected by the pentaprism to the photographer's eye. During exposure (when the photograph is taken), the mirror swings upward, and a shutter opens, allowing the lens to project light onto the image sensor.

A few months ago my friend was in Singapore with his super big DSLR. I was honoured to have an hour to play with it.

He taught me many things about DSLR, like basic ones such as how to hold a DSLR, or more rare ones such as you have to adjust something at the eyepiece so that the image that you see is adjusted to your spectacles or contact lens.

Then about the autofocus:

DSLRs typically use a phase detection autofocus system. This method of focus is very fast, and results in less focus "searching", but requires the incorporation of a special sensor into the optical path, so it is usually only used in SLR designs. Digicams that use the main sensor to create a live preview on the LCD or electronic viewfinder need to use the slower contrast method of autofocus.

What my friend said is, he never uses the autofocus. "It will let you have bad habit of not focus according really to what you want". For him, that always take artistic shot, of course it is always the case, because clear image doesn't usually mean artistic image. For me, I am rather neutral.

For me, the only two reasons I will buy DSLR:

1. The optical zoom function (great for sneaky shot). Using my friend's mid-range lens, I was able to catch a girl's fact that sat about 50m away (using auto focus, because I was not able to get a clear image by manual focus because the eyepiece is not adjusted to my eyes).
   
2. The manual focus. I think this is really the major power of a DSLR. What's the point of buying DSLR if you just use the autofocus mode? Digital cameras nowadays are catching up with DSLR's quality, so a DSLR will stand up only when it comes to manual focus.
   

Let me compare the speed between an autofocus DSLR, manual focus DSLR, normal digital camera and my handphone's camera.

1. my handphone's camera is of course already lose the race. Everyone knows that I need to forever to focus on a dark or moving object.
2. any ordinary digital camera, is just slightly faster than my handphone one. No point comparing with DSLR, really.
3. how about autofocus and manual focus for DSLR? OK, compare this way: assume two experienced photographer (I am not saying expert, god knows how they take photo), one using autofocus, another manual focus. From a neutral position, they need to do zoom in, and then focus, then take photo. I think the manual one will be faster, if same quality is required. For autofocus, you need to zoom in, then half-press to focus, then double check whether it focus to the object you want, and then press to take. For manual focus, simple, just focus and zoom in in the same time, and when you get what you want, just click.

Ok, I know that is not scientific. And of course I know speed isn't anything in taking photo. I am just a bit sick of my super duper slow focus on my handphone camera. Imagine, at night, when the camera finally finish focusing, there will be nothing left to be taken.

But if you think I am saying my friend will be faster, then you are wrong. He will not be faster than anyone (including me using my handphone) if he starts from a neutral positioned DSLR, because he has to adjust so many things, such as exposure timing, ISO standard, select the lens he wants, and then zoom in, and then manually focus, then only he can take a photo. See how serious he is in taking photo?

I hope one day I can be as serious as him in taking photos. This is taking photo taking to another level.

Edit: after reading much more material on SLR, I realised that there are a lot more to talk about besides zoom and focus. I just hope that I have a DSLR and can really play with it.