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08/17/2006 06:40:11 AM · #26 |
As a retired professional photographer, I'm used to high end equipment. When I got into digital photography, I did it with the 3.2 Mp Fuji 4900Z, then moved up to the 5 Mp Nikon Coolpix 5500. I didn't feel especially limited by these cameras from a creative perspective, I was pretty happy with them.
I eventually moved on to the 20D for a few very specific reasons:
1. I missed having easy manual focus, especially for macro work.
2. I wanted less image noise.
3. I wanted to be able to do extreme wide angle. I wanted that very much.
4. Shutter lag was driving me crazy, as was the long start-up time.
I'm happy I made the switch, but sometimes I miss the sheer simplicity of the smaller camera, the ease of carrying it around, and I especially miss the Nikon's dandy little swivel LCD screen, which made it very easy to shoot from odd angles.
There's utterly NO reason you can't learn photography very thoroughly with one of these high-end, SLR-like smaller cameras. When you start feeling the limitations, that's when you contemplate moving up. As a learner, the main thing you want is to take a LOT of pictures, and to do that you want your camera with you all the time. The smaller cameras are ideal for that.
Robt.
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08/17/2006 07:27:33 AM · #27 |
Let me first say, I learned the basics of a photography on a film camera (OM 10). In my opinion if you are serious about photography you eventually need a DSLR. I had a Kodak point and shoot that I loved (and still do). However, the learning curve for me increased when I got a DSLR (about 3 years ago). I realized that I was missing:
1) Depth of field (very hard at the time to do that with a P/S)
2) Instant controls for aperture and exposure. (Also very hard to do that quickly at the time.)
3) Instant exposures: as in, press the shutter and instantly take the photo
That was basically it for me. Everyone has to make their own decisions. I know a lot of people do a lot of great things with a P/S. In my opinion, the DSLR is the next step in your photographic evolution. I think my opinions are forged in the fact that I learned on a film camera.
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08/17/2006 12:30:33 PM · #28 |
| I don't think I thought about about buying my house this much. I have narrowed it down to the fz30 or the Pentax ist. The fz is 599.00 which seems alot when I can get the pentax for 499.00 at best buy. And I already have a 28-200mm lens for the pentax (came from my father in laws 35mm)I guess it will work? I just hope the slr isn't to sophisticated (probably misspelled that?) for me. I guess I will find out though. |
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08/17/2006 01:04:07 PM · #29 |
Sony DSC-R1
APS-C sized 10mp sensor, kickass fixed lens (so no dust). The advantages of a dSLR and P&S in one camera.
Highly recommended by dpreview: //www.dpreview.com/reviews/sonydscr1/page27.asp
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08/17/2006 01:05:40 PM · #30 |
AFAIK, the Sony R1 has been discontinued :-P
It still might be stocked at some retailers though. |
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08/17/2006 01:29:09 PM · #31 |
Originally posted by ladymonarda:
I think that the dslr empowers one so much better. You feel more like a photographer than with a point and shoot. |
Yes. But you look more like a terrorist with one. |
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08/17/2006 03:04:00 PM · #32 |
Originally posted by kirbic:
AFAIK, the Sony R1 has been discontinued :-P
It still might be stocked at some retailers though. |
Sony NL still lists it and Dutch shops have it in stock. Pretty inexpensive too, maybe I'll get one. Nice travelmate, espc with all the bagage probs at the airports now.
If they discontinued it: can hardly believe it. But the demand might be pretty low. Most f717/f828 users have already moved to dSLR's.
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08/17/2006 03:35:30 PM · #33 |
Looking at your profile, you have some fantastic photographs considering you used a Point and Shoot.
Honestly, I'd say do whatever works for you. A great craftsman/woman can create a masterpiece using only the most basic of tools.
I will say though, that same person using advanced and high quality tools could probably create something much much more, but only if they care to learn the advanced tools.
If you want to take the time to learn how to use a DSLR like a pro, I know your photos would look even better. But, seeing some of your scores with a point and shoot, I don't see any reason for change unless you really feel like it.
-Hideo
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08/18/2006 12:21:06 AM · #34 |
I'd recommend the *ist over the FZ-30. The FZ-30 has a pretty slow lens comparitive to what you can get for fairly reasonable prices for some of your range and will still limit you with the range of the lens (not all that wide)...
If you wanted to go that route, I would reiterate that the FZ-20 has a significantly better lens, is significantly cheaper on the second hand market and has roughly the same noise characteristics.
Light gathering is a major part of shooting IMHO.
The *ist with a 10-17mm fisheye (and a decent defish tool) or a Tokina 12-24mm f/4 with a Tamron 17-50 f/2.8 would be fantastic.
THe K100 would be even better with the same lenses as it will also include anti-shake for probably little added cost that would be applied to all lenses... Probably only 2 stops worth, but in my experience, that's enough to work with. It might be worth it to wait. Read on www.dpreview.com for the preview of the K100 by Pentax. I wouldn't expect it to be much higher in the price range than the *ist series.
You will probably find that the Pentax isn't too difficult to use if you pay attention and read up for the first little while. Explore and learn early and it will pay off with comfort in use quickly.
THe 28-200 will probably work, and it will probably give you similar quality to the FZ-30 (which has a fair bit of sharpening in-camera), but if you want better quality, look up for additional lens suggestions.
If it works out to cheaper to by a DSLR, I would say that would be a pretty easy decision. |
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08/19/2006 10:24:40 PM · #35 |
Well, I went with the Pentax istDL, I like the camera overall so far. It came with an 18-55, seeing as my smallest apeture is 3.5, and hardly ever can I get to that. I had a hard time tonight trying to shoot a portrait of my dog. Any suggestions are welcome??
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08/20/2006 12:16:41 AM · #36 |
Shooting animals I always get down on the floor with them and shoot at their level. Its also generally easier to shoot them outside IMO. And i just ordered a D50, can't wait until it gets here.
Message edited by author 2006-08-20 00:17:58. |
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