A probation order, I think, as compared to a minimum fine, which stands alone, has much, much more flexibility. A fine is almost the pinnacle of inflexibility, whereas a probation order can have any number of conditions that can combine both rehabilitative and punitive conditions, such as community service, charitable donations, and addressing certain issues that may underpin the commission of the offence. In many cases it becomes far more onerous.
The flexibility really has to do with the fact that it can be attached to a conditional discharge, which in effect does not have somebody carry a criminal record for the rest of their life.