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06/25/2008 08:27:09 PM · #1 |
I've always thought that high-end cameras were like high-end musical instruments: just get as good of one as you need. I mean, I would hate to see a beginner go out and buy a Stradivarius violin -- it would be a complete and total waste, both of money and of violin. Same applies to cameras -- if you wouldn't make full use of a digital camera, don't buy it!
That being said, at the moment I don't have a high-end camera. I have an old Olympus Camedia C740-UZ and a Fujifilm Finepix A350 (which is unusable for general purposes -- it doesn't really turn on). Here is what I've done so far, mainly with the Olympus, altho with a few shots by a Fujifilm Finepix S1000fd which I later returned.
Do you think that having a dSLR would be worthwhile for me? Or should I wait a while and improve my photography before I buy a Rebel XT?
Thanks so much for your opinion! |
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06/25/2008 08:38:28 PM · #2 |
totallly totallllyyy worth it.
:] |
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06/25/2008 08:42:20 PM · #3 |
I have a nice Rebel XT for sale if you decide you are going to get one.
Here's the thread, if interested.
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06/25/2008 08:43:52 PM · #4 |
| "You do not have permission to access this thread." :) |
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06/25/2008 08:46:53 PM · #5 |
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! |
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06/25/2008 08:50:51 PM · #6 |
Originally posted by JesiLynR:
"You do not have permission to access this thread." :) |
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Wow - I didn't know that non-members didn't have access to the buy/sell thread.
Since you are the original poster, with you permission I can post here for you to see what I'm selling and if it looks like something you may want to think about.
SDW |
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06/25/2008 08:56:28 PM · #7 |
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! |
Thanks so much for your advice -- I really appreciate it! Yes, I definitely plan on working with the capturing moments bit as well as with the technical aspects...I have a long way to go, I think.
SDW -- why not email me instead? macilwen@gmail.com |
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06/25/2008 08:58:30 PM · #8 |
Originally posted by JesiLynR:
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! |
Thanks so much for your advice -- I really appreciate it! Yes, I definitely plan on working with the capturing moments bit as well as with the technical aspects...I have a long way to go, I think.
SDW -- why not email me instead? macilwen@gmail.com |
ok, its on its way. |
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06/25/2008 09:15:52 PM · #9 |
| If you are finding this is something you are really getting into, then a less expensive SLR is not excessive. In my case I upgraded to a Powershot S5 and then an Rebel XT once I was hooked. (And I still use the S5 a lot.) If money is tight, then you can still do good stuff once you learn basics of creating a pleasing shot, and how to work within or around the limits of your camera. |
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06/25/2008 09:22:03 PM · #10 |
Originally posted by yospiff:
If you are finding this is something you are really getting into, then a less expensive SLR is not excessive. In my case I upgraded to a Powershot S5 and then an Rebel XT once I was hooked. (And I still use the S5 a lot.) If money is tight, then you can still do good stuff once you learn basics of creating a pleasing shot, and how to work within or around the limits of your camera. |
I seriously considered the S5 when I was looking for cameras about a month ago...decided not to buy b/c if I did decide to get an XT (or D40) I'd have spent too much money on the S5. And yep, I'm currently learning how to work with the olympus I have! Thanks for the advice!
SDW -- haven't received any new mail in the past 20 minutes, are you sure you sent? |
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06/25/2008 09:27:50 PM · #11 |
What are your photographic wants and needs...almost any camera can take a great picture.
What type of pictures do you like to take?
SLRs will let you unleash your creativity.
Point and shoots force you to get creative.
Also consider how often you use your camera and how many pics you take when you use it. Is photography a hobby, a passion, or an addiction?
Only you can decide what you want to get out of photography. Better gear wont make better pictures it just gives you better options!!!
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06/25/2008 09:37:22 PM · #12 |
Originally posted by JesiLynR:
Originally posted by yospiff:
If you are finding this is something you are really getting into, then a less expensive SLR is not excessive. In my case I upgraded to a Powershot S5 and then an Rebel XT once I was hooked. (And I still use the S5 a lot.) If money is tight, then you can still do good stuff once you learn basics of creating a pleasing shot, and how to work within or around the limits of your camera. |
I seriously considered the S5 when I was looking for cameras about a month ago...decided not to buy b/c if I did decide to get an XT (or D40) I'd have spent too much money on the S5. And yep, I'm currently learning how to work with the olympus I have! Thanks for the advice!
SDW -- haven't received any new mail in the past 20 minutes, are you sure you sent? |
Let me check and see if I have a confirmation that it was sent. |
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06/25/2008 10:03:42 PM · #13 |
Originally posted by DarkRider:
SLRs will let you unleash your creativity.
Point and shoots force you to get creative.
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Oooo, I like that! Thanks for pointing that out.
SDW -- lol I'm replying to you at the end of every post. I got it...just a bit too impatient. |
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06/25/2008 10:06:19 PM · #14 |
You might also consider that a good camera can make it much easier to learn various aspects of photography. For instance, it would be quite difficult to learn shallow DOF technique with a P&S camera.
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06/25/2008 10:07:03 PM · #15 |
Originally posted by Mick:
You might also consider that a good camera can make it much easier to learn various aspects of photography. For instance, it would be quite difficult to learn shallow DOF technique with a P&S camera. |
I hadn't thought of that...hmm, definitely something to consider. |
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06/25/2008 10:41:25 PM · #16 |
DSLR's are a lot more exciting to shoot action shots with because you can time your shutter release exactly when you want the shot.
Another exciting thing is that a DSLR will include enough shooting options to allow you several hundred new ways to "oops" every shot.
Go for the DSLR, and never look back. If you are afraid to take the leap, see about renting one for a few days first.
If you have a growing passion for photography, it only makes sense to equip yourself to get the once in a lifetime shots captured with the best that you can afford.
If you just want to shoot once in a while, and let the camera sit at home, then it would be better to stick with the P&S variety. I have used the A360, and now have an A820. The 820 shoots images that are difficult to pick out when mixed with the shots from my Fuji S3 Pro cams. Low light and night shooting is where the more expensive DSLR's will kick butt over the P&S cameras.
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06/25/2008 10:50:39 PM · #17 |
| After trying a DSLR I don't think I could ever go back to using a P&S for more than snapshots of my cat. They are really just so amazingly wonderful. |
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06/25/2008 10:58:43 PM · #18 |
My biggest piece of advice is to not spend too much on your first DSLR because you will learn a lot about what you like and don't like and will probably want to upgrade pretty quickly - but will then have a better understanding of what works for you. DSLRs and lenses are not cheap, so you want to figure out the type of shooting you do and buy accordingly.
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. I went from a Sony 717, to a Canon 10d to a Canon 40d in about 5 years. I fully expected the 10d to be a "stepping stone" and not have it for too long (had it for about a year adn a half) and it worked out just as I had planned. I really liked the Sony 717 and many of my best shots were taken with it. I highly recommend it as an advanced p&s, even though it is an older model.
If you feel that your current camera is stopping you from progressing, then upgrade. |
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06/25/2008 10:59:50 PM · #19 |
DSLRs can grow with you (different types of lenses--fixed, zoom, macro), external flash, etc. And you, in general, will have much more exposure control and options available with one, as well. Having said that, I also love my Canon G9: a nice in-between camera. It is a bit more than a point and shoot, and a bit less than a DSLR. I can tote the G9 more readily for spontaneous shooting, but when I am feeling very deliberate about going out just to shoot, the DSLR seems to feel better to me. I am really happy (and lucky) to have both. I like them both so well, actually, that I often have difficulty deciding which to bring (so I tote both sometimes!)
Since you have a p/s already, a DSLR seems like a good bet--the advice to rent one is worth considering, too.
A fancy camera does not ensure that you will take better pictures, but a camera that opens new options for you, suits you, sparks your interest, etc., can get you out taking more pictures, crank up your enthusiasm, and enhance your fun--those things can help you take better pictures :-)
Let us know what you decide (and show us the results here!)
have fun!
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06/25/2008 11:35:14 PM · #20 |
Thanks for the kind advice, people! The idea of renting one is excellent -- how would one go about doing that?
MelonMusketeer -- I had actually just discovered that for myself, while trying to take some long-exposure night shots for the rural landscape challenge...definitely didn't work. Lots of black. |
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06/25/2008 11:39:57 PM · #21 |
Originally posted by JesiLynR:
I've always thought that high-end cameras were like high-end musical instruments: just get as good of one as you need. I mean, I would hate to see a beginner go out and buy a Stradivarius violin -- it would be a complete and total waste, both of money and of violin. Same applies to cameras -- if you wouldn't make full use of a digital camera, don't buy it!
Snip...
Thanks so much for your opinion! |
This is the wrong thinking even for a musical instrument... When I learned guitar many moons ago the guy I was studying under put it too me quite simple. I could go to kmart and buy a cheap teisco guitar and work 4x as hard to learn and get the same sound as someone using a really good Fender or Les Paul.
Good quality instruments (and cameras) will almost play themselves... all you have to do is provide the composition... and sometimes you will never get the same sound from the cheaper instrument.
You can achieve similar results with any camera but the amount of work you put in to get the final product will vary. If you frustrate yourself from the getgo, it sure makes it harder to continue the hobby.
Besides if you don't like it; the resale value of a good instrument/camera is a whole lot better than a budget brand.
Message edited by author 2008-06-25 23:41:07. |
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06/25/2008 11:51:41 PM · #22 |
Originally posted by JesiLynR:
Thanks for the kind advice, people! The idea of renting one is excellent -- how would one go about doing that?
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//www.doddpro.com/DoddProrental/Home_.html is from a google search in your general area: they will even rent it by mail, can't say if they are good or not, or what their prices are like, etc. but you can likely find other places in a similar way. Might be worth checking with a store nearby, try a few in the store to get an idea of what you want to rent/try more seriously.
If you have friend with one, maybe you can get some advice. If there is a community college photo course, sometimes you can network to some good used gear from someone who is upgrading, and/or get a student discount somewhere.
When I lived in Phoenix, I loved this place: Photomark Photomark has a large rental department (lots of pros rent shoot-specific gear rather than buy everything) and will do everything mail order, too.
The main trick, for me, would likely be to know WHAT I wanted to rent! Probably easier if you find a local place you can walk in, talk to them, and handle it a bit in the store :-)
Message edited by author 2008-06-25 23:53:02. |
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06/25/2008 11:57:17 PM · #23 |
If you live in or close to a city, most camera stores have camera and lens rentals for people who want to shoot a special event, or vacation, and don't have a DSLR or a particular lens. They also rent to pros who need an extra camera for some event or to cover while their camera is being repaired.
If you go to a well stocked store, while you are there, you may want to hold and feel how different models and brands fit your hands too. The Fuji that I use most of the time feels very big, solid, and heavy to most people, but it feels right to me because I have big hands.
If you have a photog friend nearby who owns a DSLR, you may want to talk to them about going on a day or afternoon of shooting for the fun of it, and have them give you some pointers, and maybe get to shoot some with their camera to see if it feels right for you.
If your Fuji 350 has a fireworks scene mode, you may want to try that for a night shot. Most P&S cams from a few years ago don't do much at night.
If you do go with buying a DSLR, be thinking about if you will be able to upgrade bodies and keep some or all the lenses that you may buy for your first one, if you want to sell the first one when you step up.
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06/26/2008 12:02:42 AM · #24 |
wow, is there an echo in here!?! :-)))))))))
great minds think alike--and so do I! |
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06/26/2008 12:05:39 AM · #25 |
Originally posted by awpollard:
Originally posted by JesiLynR:
I've always thought that high-end cameras were like high-end musical instruments: just get as good of one as you need. I mean, I would hate to see a beginner go out and buy a Stradivarius violin -- it would be a complete and total waste, both of money and of violin. Same applies to cameras -- if you wouldn't make full use of a digital camera, don't buy it!
Snip...
Thanks so much for your opinion! |
This is the wrong thinking even for a musical instrument... When I learned guitar many moons ago the guy I was studying under put it too me quite simple. I could go to kmart and buy a cheap teisco guitar and work 4x as hard to learn and get the same sound as someone using a really good Fender or Les Paul.
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I said it wrong. I have a $500 China-made violin (inexpensive end of things, believe me! I also looked at getting a $3000 one or a $1500 one...) and I will probably never be able to get it to produce as good of a sound as it could. Hence, buying a better one would be costly and pointless.
chromeydome and MelonMusketeer -- thanks, I will definitely go around to some of the camera stores in town. The student discount idea is a good one...hmm, shall look into that.
MelonMusketeer -- No, nothing like that...I managed to squeeze a 2-second exposure out of it but I think that's about as good as I'll get. |
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