DSLR camera

[leslie826]

Let me start by saying I know NOTHING about cameras... except that I can't stand that every camera I've ever owned takes terrible pictures-other than still pics in daylight! (Right now I use a canon powershot 12mp). I'm thinking of upgrading to a DSLR. Is this a good idea? I'm afraid to spend so much $$ on something I don't know how to use. Would the auto function be sufficient? Or would it be not that much different from a p&s? Any advice? Thanks!

 

[wtpfan]

I am in the same situation...I always feel like I could have taken a better picture if I had a better camera. I was looking at Canon T2i DSLR or Nikon Coolpix P500 P&S. Anyone want to comment?

 

[Shelly F - Ohio]

a few months ago my husband got the Canon T3 rebel at BJs and he loves it. We took it to Disney in May and comparing those pictures to pictures taken the year before with our old camera what a difference. So sharp and crisp. We paid $699 at BJS . It came with an extra lens and a carring case.

 

[mybestieismickey]

We have the Cannon T1i and love it. DH and I started out just using the auto setting and he has started playing with it over the last couple years. It is amazing the difference just the auto setting pictures make from our old p&s. If you can afford it, I would say definitely get the DSLR.

Just a thought, I know our area has adult continuing ed classes and sometimes they have photography classes. I haven't taken one yet because the timing hasn't worked for me, but it's definitely on my list of things to do.

 

[Cin]

I loved my Nikon coolpix. I gave it to my son when he graduated to take on his senior graduation trip and bought a different brand but I still miss my Coolpix and I am seriously thinking of getting another. It was simple to operate, took great pictures, and was lightweight and easily portable, and only took 2 AA batteries to run. My only complaint is that there is too much lag time between time you press the button and shutter time. I had a middle of the road model, but I loved it and would get another Coolpix.

 

[Hardy]

There are some nice p&s cameras out there, but they just cannot do what a dslr camera can do. Yes, the auto function of the DSLR will still give you lovely pictures, but they are going to be heavier, bulkier, more expensive, and more delicate cameras. So that's pretty much all of the cons. Now, if you are willing to learn just a little bit about using an SLR camera, you can really find you can take AMAZING pics!

If honestly all you want is to capture random moments and want cameras that are easy to put in your pocket and tote around and all that, then go with a good p&s.

If you want to learn to take really quality photos, a DSLR will take you a lot farther. You do not need to spend thousands either on a camera. I have a Nikon d60 and I really like it, it does a lot more than I know how to do so lots left to learn, and I think I paid around 700 with the lens a couple years ago? I don't remember. But there are cheaper and more expensive ones out there.

Now for my son, we got the olympus stylus tough p&s, and I am actually pretty impressed with the pictures it is capable of taking, and that poor camera has been to h*ll and back. It's in the pool, in the ocean, in the lake, it's on rollercoasters, it's been through the dryer it's been dropped every which way, and it is still going strong. I love being able to just grab the p&s and take basic pics and keep it in a pocket, but it is no comparison to the pics my nikon can take.

 

[Golf4food]

You can use the Auto function on a dSLR and get decent photos, but if you want pictures that "pop" you owe it to yourself to learn a little bit about it. It isn't rocket science or as hard as you think. It seems a big mystery to most people, but it really isn't.

If you want light, smaller, and more affordable check out the entry level Pentax cameras such as the K-x and K-r. Great cameras, but much smaller and lighter than a lot of the other brands. And you can get them in fun colors instead of just black if that is your thing.

 

[surfgirl]

I use a DSLR and LOVE it!

However, I don't recommend one for you.

1) the quality of photos many times is the picture taker, not the camera. You can give the world's best photographer a pinhole camera and his pictures will still be amazing. I strive for that!

2) It is big and if you only use the "auto" feature, you have paid for a bunch of features that are worthless.

3) It is big and a pain to carry around. Especially if you are carrying diapers, and sippies, and a change of clothes for kids...

Having said all that... I love mine! Things I did right:

1) I took a continuing ed class through night school locally. This, however, only whetted my appetite.

2) I took a "for credit" class at my local community college. This was great! It was a commitment, however, but we also processed (this was back in the days of film), so I really learned how to manipulate images. We had assignments each week to accomplish and it was fun to see how different people's interpretations were - from action (some took slow exposures which had a "blurred" effect, while others used very fast lenses and stopped something in the middle of a motion) to fruit (closeups of cantalope looked like a spider web to symmetrical arrangements of strawberries).

3) I think about when to take it and when I take it, I use it.

4) I invested in a good quality lens that does what I want it to - I have a 28 - 270mm zoom. It is a great all-purpose lens, because I hate swapping lenses on the fly.

I don't know much about the mid-range of cameras, but they might be perfect for you. Not quite all the capability of a DSLR, but at a significant savings and much smaller/more compact so easier to carry around.

good luck!

 

[MommaSnowwhite]

My DH started with the Canon Xsi (I think) - he purchased that model because it had a "Dummies" book that he purchased with it. He went page by page and really learned the camera and all functions. He has since upgraded the camera body and lens. He can now take AMAZING photos, but the camera and lens are heavy.

 

[Muushka]

Think of a beautiful photograph like a yummy dish that someone prepared.
You don't ask the cook what kind of pan he used, right?

Learn the photography basics. If your camera has manual settings, give them a try. Force yourself to understand the principals.

Good luck!

 

[lelei]

Last year I upgraded from an Olympus Stylus Tough 8010 to a Canon 7D, and it’s been a mixed bag for me. When I get the settings right, the pictures are absolutely amazing. They are clear, crisp and beautiful. But, that is only when the settings are right, and often automatic really doesn’t do the shot justice. Often, I can get pictures very similar to auto shots on my Canon with the Stylus- they are not the same, but they are both “decent.” I have tons and tons of shots that I completely ruined by using the wrong settings, and automatic mode does not seem to do the optimal job of compensating for light or motion- my Olympus has automatic settings that are tailored for those situations whereas the Canon doesn’t, if you want to stray from the general purpose auto you have to know how to change the settings yourself.

I will also say the Canon is extremely heavy and bulky, and unless you learn to shoot via the eyehole instead of the LCD screen, it takes a while to shoot the photos as well. There are A LOT of features and the camera can be completely overwhelming at times.

Also, it’s a bigger investment and I always worry more about it getting lost or stolen than I do the Olympus. The batteries alone are extremely expensive, and then you have to factor in lenses, memory cards and a camera bag. I also swapped out my camera strap right away so people would not know what model camera it was just by glancing at the strap. With the Olympus, we could just slide it in our pockets or even loop it on our lanyards without worry.

However, if you learn some of the photography basics you will be amazed at the pictures the DLSR can take. After I stopped using the LCD, I was shocked at how fast it takes pictures- to the point where I get annoyed and frustrated at how slow my Olympus is now! Also, I have found the DLSR can be pretty forgiving with the manual settings, it seems like there’s an ok margin for error with the settings when trying to pull off a “decent” shot. When it comes to catching people moving or low light without a flash, there is simply nothing that compares to the Canon.

Overall, we still take both cameras with us everywhere. The Olympus is waterproof and less delicate, so it can have more fun with us. The Canon can create those breathtaking shots that everyone admires, but it takes a lot of patience and some understanding of what various settings are doing. Additionally, looking back at old shots, it was not impossible to get breathtaking shots with just the Olympus either.

Personally, I think that if you can afford a DLSR and can afford some time to learn the basics, it is well worth the investment!

 

[rock_doctor]

Stick with your point and shoot. 12mp is plenty for a nice size picture. This is why i say this, I have a Canon T2i and love it but remember it is a big camera and you have to haul it around plus you need a good case for it, a long distance lens, memory cards and extra battery packs (i.e. plan spending another $400 on accessories) and if all you are going to do is auto setting pictures you might as well stay with your P&S. I am not saying the Canon will not take great pictures on auto and I *am sure* that is how most use them but why spend the extra money for what is essentially being used as a big P&S. I carry a Kodak C123 (water proof P&S) and my Canon around WDW. The Kodak is the size of a cell phone so I just drop it in my pocket and use it for quick on the spot pictures. The Canon is my toy. I use it for my funky pictures where I push the settings. So (and here is the real advice) if you want the Canon get it. No reason to justify it, if you can afford it, get it. I love my T2i, got a aluminum case (for long term storage and transport) from Harbor Freight for $29 and a Lowe Pro drop in case (from ebay $15). It is a great camera but you have got to take a couple pictures playing with the settings. You might find out that you have a hidden talent. That is the thing that is weird...you walk around the MK and pay attention to the cameras that people are carrying and they are carrying around some serious cash. Some of them own high level professional gear and you can tell they are not professional photographers. So do what you want. If stuck on how to do something, just ask somebody. Nearly every other dSLR that you see will be a Canon... Not exactly a budget answer but sometimes you have to do things outside the budget...

 

[heartsy77]

You can use the Auto function on a dSLR and get decent photos, but if you want pictures that "pop" you owe it to yourself to learn a little bit about it. It isn't rocket science or as hard as you think. It seems a big mystery to most people, but it really isn't.

If you want light, smaller, and more affordable check out the entry level Pentax cameras such as the K-x and K-r. Great cameras, but much smaller and lighter than a lot of the other brands. And you can get them in fun colors instead of just black if that is your thing.

Last Aug we went on Magical Grand Gathering w/ are freinds who have a Pentax K-x we had our expensive, but not SLR, Cannon.

After we looked at our pictures, compared ours to theirs, I went and bought the Pentax!
I am clueless when it comes to cameras, only use the Auto setting, and this camera does an amazing job!
I have never regretted it and can't wait till next year when I can take to WDW!

 

[budafam]

I upgraded about 1 1/2 years ago to a Nikon D5000 and I absolutely LOVE it. I have tried to understand camera lingo but I just don't take the time to really study it. I usually stay on the "auto" feature and my pictures look fantastic. I get bright colors, crisp lines and the blurry effect in the background that I have adored on so many other pictures before my beloved DSLR. I wouldn't be without this camera. I bought it for $700 and I'm sure the price has dropped since. I haven't had to buy anything else with it (although someday I would love another lens). It is a lot of money but you won't regret it.

 

[3boymthr]

Slightly hijacking the thread but can anyone recommend an older model of DSLR that would be good for a teenager? Oldest DS just took a photography course at summer camp and wants to use more than my P&S but I don't have a lot of money to invest in a newer model camera. I'm looking for a starter DSLR camera that I could buy refurbished somewhere with a starter lens for him for Christmas.

 

[magchavez]

I just went through the same debate, buy a DLSR or not? I wanted a camera that would take better pictures in low light situations (ie the kids classroom, daughters gymnastics, etc.). But I didn't want the bulk (or the price) of a DLSR. I ended up getting a Nikon P300. It takes amazing pictures. I hardly ever use the flash. The pictures are very clear and crisp. There are so many settings and features on this camera - I still need to spend some time and figure them all out but, so far, the auto setting seems to work for me! I absolutely love this camera and would definitely recommend it!

Good luck with your decision. There are so many choices out there, it's very overwhelming!

 

[DawnM]

One thing I will strongly recommend......get lenses that have the Image Stabilization. Some cameras have it in the camera, but Canon and Nikon have it in the lenses.

here is more info on it:

http://www.digital-slr-guide.com/digital-slr-anti-shake.html

Dawn

 

[Crystal824]

I got a Nikon 5000 about three weeks ago and love it. I am not expert at how it works but I am reading what I can about photography on the web and plan to take a basic photography course. It is so much faster than my old kodak p&s.

 

[summerrluvv]

I bought a Canon Rebel T1i at Target on Clearance several months ago. Love it! But...I only love it because I have a "nifty fifty" lens for it. If you go DSLR, get the 50mm 1.8 lens, it's around $100-$120. It's a fixed lens (meaning it doesn't zoom) and takes AWESOME shots, even in low light. Great for portraits.

 

[tonums]

I bought a Canon Rebel T1i at Target on Clearance several months ago. Love it! But...I only love it because I have a "nifty fifty" lens for it. If you go DSLR, get the 50mm 1.8 lens, it's around $100-$120. It's a fixed lens (meaning it doesn't zoom) and takes AWESOME shots, even in low light. Great for portraits.

Agreed. I LOVE my fifty. My friend thought I was nuts to get a prime lens, she has a huge zoom lens, and it weighs a TON!

I have a canon xt, outdated model. Its awesome. But I did take the time to learn it, and got it cheap enough and long ago enough that I feel okay taking it to disney. For the average user a DSLR main advantage is speed. I have a pocket p&s and its sooooo slow to take pics, that I tend to miss alot, esp with two small kids.

If you decide to go that route, use it in auto if you take it to Disney, otherwise, you will spend more time messing with it, unless you are very comfortable with it. You will, in fact, get better pictures in auto then with a p&s. But, you will not get great photos unless you learn it well.


FWIW, my 2 cents is, its worth it for the speed of picture taking alone. I never use my p&s anymore just for this reason.