Go DSLR or just get a better P&S?

[BKCowGod]

I have two main cameras - the ubiquitous Canon Rebel DSLR with kit and big zoom lenses and a little Fuji Finepix.

I consider myself an amateur with aspirations. I have technical knowledge, though I don't use it for every shot. What I have found over and over is that the bulky Canon tends to stay in its case, while the cheap and easy to pocket Fuji gets the most use. If you want to focus on photography and have the space and willingness to carry an SLR, it will give you more flexibility. But small P&S cameras undoubtedly have an important place for the less-planned photography sessions.

They also don't scream to the world that you are a PHOTOGRAPHER like an SLR might, so many people are more comfortable around a P&S.

 

[DiploStrat]

"I can get my P&S Canon G9 to produce some very fine images; but it is much more tedious work than using my DSLR. This can be frustrating to a beginner, or someone new to digital photography."

Congrats to Brian for spelling out something that is little understood - "easy" automatic cameras can be hard to adjust when you don't want to use the full auto settings; you can do it, but it often requires menus instead of buttons, etc. (Brian - how about a link to more of your pictures?)

Modern DSLR's, even the "pro" models, have full auto features and the "prosumer" models usually have "sports," "landscape," etc. settings. (If you haven't learned how to make those settings yourself.) This can be important when speed is an issue. I tried several times to get the picture linked below with my Sony T10 as it was smaller, less obtrusive, etc. Finally gave up and used the F707.

As Brian noted, light is everything. In this case, the light was nasty fluorescent, but those eyes ...

Finally, I can sometimes take a decent picture of something that is interesting, if I get lucky. A real photographer can see and capture extraordinary images in the most ordinary places. That is the real talent, the art, if you will. We all all learn to adjust a camera.

 

[Photog]

..... (Brian - how about a link to more of your pictures?)......

http://www.expeditionportal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=20375



Here is the link to Trevor's excellent thread, that I refered to earlier.
Some of the image links have been broken. Maybe Trevor can update the links.
http://www.expeditionportal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=21389

Bobby,
Don't worry about getting the wrong equipment, we can help you with that.
You currently have a Canon Rebel film camera. What other gear do you have for that camera (lenses, flash, cable, etc.)?

 

[DiploStrat]

Nice Stuff!

Great trip, great results.

 

[Zorro]

Go SLR, entry level like a Rebel or something with the basic 18-55

It doesn't mean your pictures will be better at first, but you will have room for improvement, far more than any P&S will give you.

You can start using it in full auto, and as you get more familiar with shooting end up knowing what you are doing and eventually upgrading to get the shots you want. At some point you will see what you can't do because of the camera's limitations (lower aperture for DoF or lower light shooting, wider angle for more "alive" landscape pics, more zoom to "squish" the subject closer ... etc etc). Eventually you'll be upset about slow AF, CA, poor weathersealing ... etc etc. An SLR allows you to improve more than a P&S.

Besides, as has been mentioned, the camera is only a fraction of what makes a good picture. Good framing and light will do more than just having a big camera in your hands.

 

[Purple People Eater]

Shameless bump for an update!

Went out with F'n today to "take pictures of cactus and ****". In the 3 hours we were snapping pictures, I was educated, even if vaguely, about aperture and shutter speed to the point mild understanding. Hey, those numbers actually mean something!

Here's a little sumpthin' sumpthin'...

-->CLICKY ON THE LINKY<--

Great success!

:victory:

 

[flyingwil]

Shameless bump for an update!

Went out with F'n today to "take pictures of cactus and ****". In the 3 hours we were snapping pictures, I was educated, even if vaguely, about aperture and shutter speed to the point mild understanding. Hey, those numbers actually mean something!

Here's a little sumpthin' sumpthin'...

-->CLICKY ON THE LINKY<--

Great success!

:victory:

Cool, wish I could have made it.

 

[nwoods]

Shameless bump for an update!

Went out with F'n today to "take pictures of cactus and ****". In the 3 hours we were snapping pictures, I was educated, even if vaguely, about aperture and shutter speed to the point mild understanding. Hey, those numbers actually mean something!

Nice use of depth of field (lower aperture numbers

 

[articulate]

Went out with F'n today to "take pictures of cactus and ****".

Nice work bro! Great shots. I hope something sticks in that thick skull of yours. :sombrero:

The studious pupil at work: