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06/26/2008 12:30:32 AM · #26 |
I would definitely recommend buying an SLR. I know without buying one 9 months I wouldn't get into photography. My DSLR definitely pushed me to learn more about photography. A DSLR will allow give you more control over your shots and better understanding of photography. Some techniques are not possible with a simple P/S camera. So once again I would recommend getting if you a) can afford one and b) are serious about photography.
The nice thing about camera equipment is that it keeps its value fairly well - especially lenses. So if you feel that you're not getting much out of your DSLR you can always sell it and get at least a pretty good chunk of money back. |
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06/26/2008 12:30:54 AM · #27 |
Please allow me to caution one or two things. while learning to use the DSLR if you have never had one do not get discouraged by the things that you feel are poor shots and bad visions. It takes time to transition from a P&S to an SLR. especially if you have only used a P&S in the past. Take time to research and understand what it is to do a DOF shot or why you would want a certain lens set to a certain shutter speed or why you are getting burry pictures verses tack sharp pictures.
Esperience is the best teacher. If you go for an SLR please use the Manual and shutter and aperature settings to learn how they work. This is something that no one ever told me and it took me a while to gain my confidence in my skill. |
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06/26/2008 12:42:47 AM · #28 |
Originally posted by NewGuy:
This is something that no one ever told me and it took me a while to gain my confidence in my skill. |
???Did you ever ask??? just kidding!
But to add to what NewGuy was saying
SLRs also do not produce a finished photo like a P&S. P&S apply auto tone, auto sharpen, auto everything in camera. Most SLRs will let you setup in camera processing...BUT! You will find that editing out of the camera will produce MUCH better results (with lots of practice) This is something that no one ever told me and it took me a while to develop my skills.
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06/26/2008 12:49:45 AM · #29 |
| if you need a dslr to create great shots, someone should tell this guy and his 20+ ribbons..... |
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06/26/2008 01:15:06 AM · #30 |
Originally posted by smardaz:
if you need a dslr to create great shots, someone should tell this guy and his 20+ ribbons..... |
Wow, thanks for the link...I definitely have some work to do!
newguy -- I've been using the aperture and shutter and manual modes on my P&S cameras -- well, on the cameras that have them anyways. Rest assured that I'll continue to use them on dSLR!
DarkRider -- that wasn't something I'd thought about. Thanks for the tip! Time to find myself a copy of photoshop... |
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06/26/2008 07:44:31 AM · #31 |
Originally posted by LVicari:
There will be some people that will say that you need good equipment to create a pleasing photo.Photography is not about the equipment you have. What is in the photo is what matters. It must speak to the viewer. You can create photos that move people with lower end cameras.If one works on composition, lighting and capturing moments, then it doesn't matter what equipment you are working with. Work with your heart!
If you want to create great quality prints, then yes you need better equipment.
You can have the best camera and be a photoshop expert,but still produce boring pics. Find inspiration and go from there.
All cameras do is just capture what you put in front of them! |
smardaz
Canon EOS-300D Rebel 06/26/2008 12:49:45 AM
if you need a dslr to create great shots, someone should tell this guy and his 20+ ribbons.....
MY point exactly! He has produced some amazing shots!.
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06/26/2008 07:57:36 AM · #32 |
Originally posted by LVicari:
Originally posted by LVicari:
There will be some people that will say that you need good equipment to create a pleasing photo.Photography is not about the equipment you have. What is in the photo is what matters. It must speak to the viewer. You can create photos that move people with lower end cameras.If one works on composition, lighting and capturing moments, then it doesn't matter what equipment you are working with. Work with your heart!
If you want to create great quality prints, then yes you need better equipment.
You can have the best camera and be a photoshop expert,but still produce boring pics. Find inspiration and go from there.
All cameras do is just capture what you put in front of them! |
smardaz
Canon EOS-300D Rebel 06/26/2008 12:49:45 AM
if you need a dslr to create great shots, someone should tell this guy and his 20+ ribbons.....
MY point exactly! He has produced some amazing shots!. |
I'm not sure if this proves anything or what, but only one of JJ's ribbons came after 2004, as far as a quick glance tells me; and that one was in 2005. What does this mean? Damned if I know, but...
R.
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06/26/2008 08:25:23 AM · #33 |
Originally posted by Bear_Music:
Originally posted by LVicari:
Originally posted by LVicari:
There will be some people that will say that you need good equipment to create a pleasing photo.Photography is not about the equipment you have. What is in the photo is what matters. It must speak to the viewer. You can create photos that move people with lower end cameras.If one works on composition, lighting and capturing moments, then it doesn't matter what equipment you are working with. Work with your heart!
If you want to create great quality prints, then yes you need better equipment.
You can have the best camera and be a photoshop expert,but still produce boring pics. Find inspiration and go from there.
All cameras do is just capture what you put in front of them! |
smardaz
Canon EOS-300D Rebel 06/26/2008 12:49:45 AM
if you need a dslr to create great shots, someone should tell this guy and his 20+ ribbons.....
MY point exactly! He has produced some amazing shots!. |
I'm not sure if this proves anything or what, but only one of JJ's ribbons came after 2004, as far as a quick glance tells me; and that one was in 2005. What does this mean? Damned if I know, but...
R. |
He has shown that with "lesser" cameras you can still produce some good images.You don't need hi-tech equipment to become a better photographer.
Haven't some of the most memorable images of our time been taken with "lesser" cameras.
//en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Phan_Th%E1%BB%8B_Kim_Ph%C3%BAc
Sorry for the crude link.It was a quick search.
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06/26/2008 08:35:53 AM · #34 |
Originally posted by jpochard:
That being said...my criteria for upgrading has always been when I reach the point with my current camera that I CANNOT do something I'd really like to do. |
Excellent advice there, and it's also how I decide when to upgrade my computer! |
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06/26/2008 08:41:25 AM · #35 |
Originally posted by smardaz:
if you need a dslr to create great shots, someone should tell this guy and his 20+ ribbons..... |
How have I not noticed him before this!? Just so may people here that even a ribbon winner can get lost in the crowd, I suppose. Wow! An excellent example of someone who knows an engaging shot. I'll be looking over his portfolio in more detail when I have time.
Message edited by author 2008-06-26 08:42:29. |
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06/26/2008 10:57:52 AM · #36 |
If you have the budget to do it, then do it. It's where you're going to want to end up anyway so skip the middle camera and go for the top. The Canon Rebels will likely do everything you'll want in the future so you can push more money towards getting better lenses and lighting equipment, believe me this is where the expense really is. But I guess my point is that if your eventual goal is to have an SLR and you have the money to do it now, then go for it. There's no such thing as "too much camera". You could hand a total beginner a 1Dsmk3 and he/she would still be able to take a picture with it. However, his/her improvement rate would be much higher than that of someone starting with a bottom line P&S camera simply because you can get the results you desire faster. Having the SLR will help you improve your abilities and as you grow, you can upgrade to the better SLRs and better lenses.
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06/26/2008 05:33:02 PM · #37 |
Like I've said before, when I had my G2 P&S I often blamed my camera for mistakes, and at least half the time I was right, from limited aperture range to distortion to noise to being too slow, etc.
Now that I have an SLR, I blame myself. I know my camera is no longer a limiting factor and all I need to do is learn how to take great photos. It feels incredibly liberating and free.
If I would have known the bliss that is SLR I never would have got my G2, I would have waited a year and got a body + lens. |
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06/26/2008 10:17:28 PM · #38 |
| After an extremely frustrating experience with my fuji, involving the perfect landscape for the rural landscape challenge, I've decided that unless I really want to kill myself, I should definitely go ahead and get the dSLR. Thanks for all the help and advice, everyone! |
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06/26/2008 10:32:25 PM · #39 |
Originally posted by JesiLynR:
I should definitely go ahead and get the dSLR.
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Now the fun of choosing one! I say Nikon D60 you can get a kit with two VR lens' 18-55 and 55-200 for about $1000
view D60 here
//chsvimg.nikon.com/products/imaging/lineup/digitalcamera/slr/d60/pdf/D60_16p.pdf
Edit to add
Nikon D40 SLR Digital Camera Kit with 18-55mm & 55-200 VR Lenses $609.95
here //www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/532253-REG/Nikon__D40_SLR_Digital_Camera.html
Message edited by author 2008-06-26 22:44:59. |
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06/26/2008 10:40:27 PM · #40 |
Heh. Problem: if I spent a penny more than $350, tops, I'd have no money for books for college. I'm looking at a couple of options...I have a Canon EF-S 18-55mm lens so will probably end up getting a used Xt body.
Altho that D40 deal looks pretty good...
I saw an XTi body for $319 on one website and got really excited, but on further research discovered them to be a scam...super disappointment. Oh well!
Message edited by author 2008-06-27 01:38:35. |
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06/27/2008 10:09:55 AM · #41 |
Don't forget used. When my Canon 10D took a swim, I bought a used 20D off ebay.
The best time is when Canon comes out with a new version (seems to be every 6 months). Just wait and everyone will be unloading their old versions for cheap. |
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06/27/2008 11:17:32 AM · #42 |
Might want to check Fred Miranda. You'll usually find some great deals.
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06/28/2008 07:55:45 AM · #43 |
I have a rule for buying musical instruments - Buy the best you can afford. Related to my general rule of shopping - Don't buy something you don't want just because it's cheaper than the one you do want.
I've bought plenty of musical instruments. The expensive ones are a joy to play every time. They inspired me to learn, and they are the ones I still play after many years. The cheap ones were a frustration at every point, and have become the dead-ends of my musical explorations. I generally sold them a year or so after buying them. Yes, to an untrained ear, a great musician can play fine music on a poor instrument, but they would not enjoy it, and most would not persevere to learn on a poor instrument that does not reward their learning progress with a great sound.
That's my little piece of wisdom. I'll let you interpret this into your situation.
For what it's worth, I've recently got two of my best scores with my wife's little $200 P&S. Doesn't mean I think it's a better camera than my SLR. But what I've learned on the SLR certainly applies to the other camera as well. :)
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