Compact digital camera vs not so compact digital camera

Bjørn, Fri Mar 31 2006, 02:24PM

I made this comparison between a compact digital camera and a DSLR camera. Both pictures are the same when it comes to distances and aperture. The larger image chip on the DSLR gives a far shorter depth of field so the background has just one third of the resolution.

This means that the DSLR is a more demanding tool to use but can give spectacular results. A compact digital camera is bad for artistic use since it is very hard to get the focus/blur where you want it but it is simpler to use since it is hard to get anything out of focus. The compact digital camera has a great advantage when you want to keep as much as possible in focus, for example in macro shots.


1143815091 27 FT0 Dsk
Re: Compact digital camera vs not so compact digital camera
Avalanche, Fri Mar 31 2006, 06:14PM

That's quite interesting, I've never really given any thought to how the size of the sensor influences depth of field! Suppose I should find out the sensor size of my cameras, although I have got some fairly good macro results with my powershot G5
Re: Compact digital camera vs not so compact digital camera
HV Enthusiast, Fri Mar 31 2006, 07:20PM

Are the shots above the original uncropped images? Although the relationship you state is correct, to make a true comparison, both images (DSLR vs. Compact Digital) must be taken with exactly the same field of view.

What this means if you have the DSLR with a focal length of 35mm, and the sensor size of the Compact Digital is 1/4 the size, then the focal length for the Compact Digital must be set at 1/4 the focal length or 8.75mm to make a true DOF comparison.
Re: Compact digital camera vs not so compact digital camera
Bjørn, Fri Mar 31 2006, 09:55PM

Yes, both images are uncropped except the one from the compact camera has been slightly cropped top and bottom to get the same aspect ratio. The difference in size of the smallest object that can be resolved in the background of the pictures is the same as the difference in size of the sensors in the cameras.