Camera question

dehko · October 2011

Sorry to be a PW today!

Okay, so DH and I would like a new camera and we're thinking of asking my parents for one for Christmas.

Part of me would like to get a DSLR and learn to use it. The other part of me knows I don't take pictures that often and should just get a regular point and shoot. Then DSLR part returns and reminds me that my pictures on point and shoots usually suck.

So:

1) Those of you who have DSLRs - was it easy to learn to use them? I've seen the tutorials on line but, without having used a DSLR before, they don't make much sense. Worth it? Recommendations on cameras and where to buy?

2) Those of you with point and shoots that take good pictures that don't suck, and preferably video too - what do you have? Where'd you buy? Where would you rec buying?

EmmaBrooke · October 2011

I've had my DSLR for a year now, and although I've spent countless hours on the internet & understand the basics, I take a million pictures in manual mode, and still only get them right about half of the time. I wouldn't say it's easy at all, but it's fun to learn & once you have the basics down, not too difficult to get a decent picture. You can also use them in automatic mode & they function pretty much like a P&S would. In my opinion, though, unless you are going to take the time to learn to shoot in manual, what's the point of spending the extra cash? It all depends on how & what you think you'll use your camera for.

Also, if you do decide to go for the DSLR, just know that it's seriously addicting & expensive. Haha! I thought I'd be fine with the body and one or two lenses, but now I want mooooore! (Better lenses, better body, editing programs, new computer... it goes on and on...)

jo&sam · October 2011

I have what I consider to be between a P&S and a DSLR. I have the Canon PowerShot SX20. It doesn't have interchangable lenses, but it "looks" more fancy than a normal P&S. (I have no idea if it really does have more features or not!)

I decided to go this route because while I have intentions of learning how to use manual modes, I knew that the odds of that actually happening were about 50/50. I didn't want to spend all the money on a DSLR and then end up using the automatic mode all the time!

I feel like I could actually learn to use some of the manual modes on this and IF I get all of that mastered then maybe I'll move up to a DSLR later.

naylon511 · October 2011

Even my DSLR on automatic (so, basically point and shoot) with the good lens I got takes exponentially better pictures than any point and shoot I ever had.

dehko · October 2011

EmmaBrooke:
I've had my DSLR for a year now, and although I've spent countless hours on the internet & understand the basics, I take a million pictures in manual mode, and still only get them right about half of the time. I wouldn't say it's easy at all, but it's fun to learn & once you have the basics down, not too difficult to get a decent picture. You can also use them in automatic mode & they function pretty much like a P&S would. In my opinion, though, unless you are going to take the time to learn to shoot in manual, what's the point of spending the extra cash? It all depends on how & what you think you'll use your camera for.

Also, if you do decide to go for the DSLR, just know that it's seriously addicting & expensive. Haha! I thought I'd be fine with the body and one or two lenses, but now I want mooooore! (Better lenses, better body, editing programs, new computer... it goes on and on...)

I actually never even thought of that.

heatherkj · October 2011

naylon511:
Even my DSLR on automatic (so, basically point and shoot) with the good lens I got takes exponentially better pictures than any point and shoot I ever had.

I would agree with this.

While I do encourage everyone to learn to use the manual settings on DSLRs for best results, I do think a DSLR is worth having, even if you shoot on auto. For me, the lack of lag-time on the shutter is worth the cost alone. I can't even imagine trying to take pics of babies or children with a P&S now--you rarely capture those smiling moments! With the DSLR, you press the button, it takes the picture in an instant. LOVE.

MrsG.060708 · October 2011

heatherkj:

naylon511:
Even my DSLR on automatic (so, basically point and shoot) with the good lens I got takes exponentially better pictures than any point and shoot I ever had.

I would agree with this.

While I do encourage everyone to learn to use the manual settings on DSLRs for best results, I do think a DSLR is worth having, even if you shoot on auto. For me, the lack of lag-time on the shutter is worth the cost alone. I can't even imagine trying to take pics of babies or children with a P&S now--you rarely capture those smiling moments! With the DSLR, you press the button, it takes the picture in an instant. LOVE.

I was originally going to disagree with the idea of getting a DSLR if you weren't going to try and learn how to actually use it, but Heather makes a great point. Our DSLR (Canon Rebel T2i) turns on and takes pictures SO much quicker than any of our old point & shoots.

TaylorNShannon · October 2011

naylon511:
Even my DSLR on automatic (so, basically point and shoot) with the good lens I got takes exponentially better pictures than any point and shoot I ever had.

This exactly! I barely know how to do any of the manual modes, but the quality of the pictures on "auto" is amazing!!!

EmmaBrooke · October 2011

While I agree that the shutter & processing time are faster on a DSLR, I still contend that a nice P&S is a better option for someone not intending to use it in anything other than automatic mode. The pictures are nice & clear, as long as conditions are right, and the faster shutter time does exist in some of the better P&S cameras without the added bulk of a dSLR. I still use our old P&S fairly often when we're out & about simply because I can throw it in my purse or the diaper bag and not worry about it. It's hard to do that w/a SLR camera.

Ultimately, though, if you plan to take most of your pictures at home or where it's convenient to use a larger camera, and you think you might want to learn to use it in its more user-chosen functions, I definitely recommend a dSLR. They really are fun!

Loveofjoe11 · October 2011

Before we got Winston, I was using my dslr almost only for food photography. Now I pull it out to take pictures of winston, because like pp have said, it's faster, and i like the photos better.

I find myself hardly taking my dslr to functions though because it's bulky and others are intimidated. I'm trying to take it out more often.

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