Has anyone regretted getting a dlsr?

[NateNLogansDad]

(Joke's on me, she's a member on the Dis also)

Hi sweetheart

 

[Pea-n-Me]

Ha!

(Joke's on me, she's a member on the Dis also)

Hi sweetheart

And a very nice one at that! (I bet she'll be here any minute. )

 

[ssanders79]

... I really enjoy my 12x zoom and, believe it or not, my swivel screen. ...

If you are sold on Nikon look at the D5000. It is a new release with a nice swivel screen and live view.

As for your thread topic, I do not regret my dslr purchase. I still have a point and shoot around and it still gets used. Mostly, when I need a simple snapshot of something. It is really my wife's camera now.

I am glad I bought in at the entry level with the D40. It has allowed me to build up a collection of lenses and accessories with the mindset that I will upgrade the body in the future. I am still happy with the D40, but I miss some of the features of the mid levels. I knew the limitations when I made my purchase, but now that I've progressed my skill set I would really like a Bracketing feature, vs manual bracketing.

Just make sure you do all your homework before you make the purchase. That includes what brand you plan on buying into. Part of my decision was to pick between Sony, Canon and Nikon. I ultimately choose Nikon and have no regrets.

 

[CharacterFan]

my only regret is not getting one sooner. I love mine. I got it a month ago, and can't put it down. I carry it with me everyone and try to take pictures everyday.

 

[Thumper_ehhhhh]

No regrets. I love my Pentax.

 

[Spinning]

didn't read all of the replies but this is what I did or how I finally ended up with a DSLR.
First digital...3.2 mp. Nice to have fun to play with but oh so slow.....up graded to a little better point and shot. still slow but again fun. Then I bought one of the first bridge type camera. Fuji 5200. Really liked it. Used it like crazy....then killed the door for the batteries.Duct tape didn't even keep it shut...
I thenbought another fuji, S6000. This one had a great zoom. Lots of stuff to play with. I really like it and it was a good learning tool. Plus not a lot of money. I think I paid $350 several years ago. I just up graded to a DSLR. It is still overwhelming. I have so much to learn but it was the right time to make the move. My fuji is still in perfect condition. So it will still be my carry around camera. The one that goes to the beach, amusement parks etc. So I feel I have the best of both worlds now.

 

[fitzperry]

The trick is to make it boring to her, that way she won't be familiar with the equipment. The next time she says "is that a new....." you reply "huh? remember I used this at...."

Even better is for your spouse to have his or her own not inexpensive hobby so that s/he will look the other way at your purchases--i.e., "Is that a new lens?" . . . . "Yes, I bought it while you were on that ski/fishing/golf/whatever trip." Then there's also the fact that you're preserving your family's memories with those photography purchases, so you're one up on them there.

To answer the original question, no I've not regretted it a bit.

 

[H.E. Pennypacker]

Even better is for your spouse to have his or her own not inexpensive hobby so that s/he will look the other way at your purchases--i.e., "Is that a new lens?" . . . . "Yes, I bought it while you were on that ski/fishing/golf/whatever trip." Then there's also the fact that you're preserving your family's memories with those photography purchases, so you're one up on them there.

To answer the original question, no I've not regretted it a bit.

I like to employ the tactic of constantly talking about it ad nauseum. I ramble on and on about f stops and apertures and focal lengths and other technical jargon and the advantages of the new thing and why I can't do what I want to do with any of my existing old things. After about a week, DW finally says, "You know, I don't have any idea what you're talking about anyway. Will you just go buy the thing so I don't have to hear about it anymore?" Mission accomplished.

 

[Chikabowa]

I have said several times on threads that the problem with RAW is not RAW but those that think it can solve their inability to take a proper exposure.

+1. You are soooooo right.

My philosophy... shoot what works for you personally. For some people that is JPEG, for some it is RAW. It all depends on your post-processing workflow and what you want to do (and not do).

 

[GrillMouster]

Maybe it would help your "cold feet" if you considered your DSLR purchase to be an addition or supplement to your kit, rather than an upgrade or replacement of your S3. Each format, DSLR and PnS, has its strengths and weaknesses. The biggest strengths of the PnS for me are its portability, simplicity, stealth, and a few helpful features like a swivel screen. Also, some subjects are less intimidated by a PnS than a DSLR. I have several DSLRs and point-and-shoots, and I choose what gear I used based on what's most important to me at the moment: flexibility and performance (DSLR) or portability (PnS).

 

[klmall]

Every few months I have this great discussion about buying a dslr. I go over the pros and cons in infinitesimal detail in this conversation, with myself!

What usually keeps me from taking the leap is knowing that I am not the type of person who wants to carry multiple lenses or likes to stop and change lenses or plan out shots in detail. I also know that at this point in my life (semi-retirement) my budget does not allow for additional expenses for G.A.S. (love that term!).

I photograph while on hikes, rafting, camping, etc. so carrying very little and using compact equipment is an issue. My Canon G5 and then G9 have functioned perfectly for what I need and whatever doesn't come out well I work with in post-processing. And I do shoot in raw the majority of the time now.

Yes, I know that dslrs can shoot faster and can take better shots in P mode and offer some advantages that my current bridge camera (Canon G9) cannot give me but a dslr is not the right camera for me at this time.

The proper answer to the question posed in this thread is "You will regret any camera purchase if you don't know yourself and your photography needs."

 

[ajwomic]

klmall, I think you are right in thinking as an addition as opposed to a replacement. I can see several places I would not want to either carry the dlsr or be afraid of damage. (ie, Beach) So I like the idea of an addition to my current. I am sorta leaning toward a d40 simply for the price and because it will do what I need, but there are rumors of a d4000 in the works and I am curious as to what it will be before taking the plunge. I realized the main reason for wanting the d90 was pride...it looks "fancier" with the top lcd. This has been an interesting discussion!
Alicia - op

 

[Pea-n-Me]

I am sorta leaning toward a d40... realized the main reason for wanting the d90 was pride...it looks "fancier" with the top lcd.

Some people think that investing in better glass makes more sense than better body, especially when starting out.

Also, a really fancy dSLR that is *super far* beyond one's capabilities is likely not going to be put to very good use, at least initially. Find one that's manageable for you now and plan on mastering it - that in and of itself will keep you busy for a good long while.

 

[wenrob]

Even better is for your spouse to have his or her own not inexpensive hobby so that s/he will look the other way at your purchases--i.e., "Is that a new lens?" . . . . "Yes, I bought it while you were on that ski/fishing/golf/whatever trip." Then there's also the fact that you're preserving your family's memories with those photography purchases, so you're one up on them there.

To answer the original question, no I've not regretted it a bit.

Hehe, DH's hobby is audio, he has an internet radio show. Soooo, when he has to have that $$$ firewire or $$$$$$ soundboard it works out great because I have to have this lens or that flash, tripod etc. It's a beautiful arrangement!

On RAW, can't see myself ever going back to jpeg. I'm currently in the market for a PnS to keep in my bag but what stops me is most of them don't shoot RAW.

And to answer the original question, nope don't regret it one bit. There are times where I wish I could be like everyone else and just snap the dam* pic and be done but the efforts are worth it in the end. I'm always, always learning something, it's a hobby I don't see getting bored with. I've owned the D40 and upgraded to the D90. Have absolutely adored both. I don't think I'd be as proficient with the D90 had I not learned on the D40 first.

 

[juligrl]

Honestly 90% of the "learning curve" people associate with DSLR's exists on bridge cameras as well. For some reason people feel that when they get a DSLR they HAVE to learn manual controls whereas with a bridge camera auto is ok. On the contrary, a DSLR can be used in auto all the time with little to no learning curve or a bridge camera can be used in manual control all the time with a high learning curve. So just because you don't have a DSLR now doesn't mean you can't prepare for it.

I don't own a DSLR yet but I've used a number of cameras, the most recent being the Canon S3 and I find the only learning curve I have when I pick up a DSLR is finding which wheel controls what. I already know what I want to change...just got to find out where it is. This generally takes me a few minutes and I'm good to go.

So don't feel that you have impending doom coming. Go out and learn the controls on your bridge camera and you should be 90% there with a DSLR.

Also I wanted to disagree with a PP that said you will miss the 12+X zoom. At first, I thought zoom was so rediculously important. True, it can be when your only way to capture your subject is by zooming(think sports). However, for almost everything else I have been finding that zooming "flattens" the depth too much and creates a boring image. As I've explored being more creative I find I use the wide-mid range of my camera more. In addition, I am very excited at some day getting a very wide angle lens for a DSLR.

Well said!

I have probably learned more shooting in the manual mode and changing my settings around and just experimenting with my Canon S3 than my friend who has the DSLR and never takes it out of auto.

 

[boBQuincy]

I realized the main reason for wanting the d90 was pride...it looks "fancier" with the top lcd. This has been an interesting discussion!
Alicia - op

Last year I went from a Canon 30D to a Rebel Xsi with no top LCD. I don't miss it and have found the Xsi will do just about everything I need it to do. Now if we are talking about "posing", a high end SLR (with a grip) is all that will do in that case! Just don't hang a 50mm f/1.8 on the end of it!

 

[luvthemouse71]

Some people think that investing in better glass makes more sense than better body, especially when starting out.

Also, a really fancy dSLR that is *super far* beyond one's capabilities is likely not going to be put to very good use, at least initially. Find one that's manageable for you now and plan on mastering it - that in and of itself will keep you busy for a good long while.

This is the direction I decided to go..I wanted a good entry level DSLR..ended up with the Canon Rebel XS. Didn't have to break the bank either-$499 at Target. I figured I could take the money I saved and get some kick-*** lenses.

 

[Gianna'sPapa]

I have no regrets. My DW was always the "photographer" of the family and I just took pictures. At the start of the digital revolution, she purchased several P & S' while still using her high end film SLR. I decided to be the great DH and bought her the Pentax K10D DSLR (her SLR was a Pentax so she had lenses). Shortly thereafter, while on several vacations, I started using it, primarily as a large P & S. I was hooked. The problem was camera sharing! Then I came across a deal to good to be true, but was. As Pentax announced the upcoming release of the K7, I just happened to be in a chain camera store that was divesting itself of its Pentax equipment. I picked up a K10D body and accessories for a ridiculous price. Well several thousand dollars later, we each have separate and complete (if there is such a thing, remember GAS) DSLR kits. The cool thing is that when I do a shoot for my DGD's school, I have a backup DSLR already to go. I shoot both RAW and JPEG, depending on the situation. I have never been disappointed in the JPEGs, because I knew that the P & S was not going to produce a much better image in the conditions I was shooting. What I was disappointed in was seeing phenomenal photos in forums such as this and didn't know how to do it. With the help of many people here, other forums and studying, I now feel comfortable in most situations that I can obtain a usable image. I'm still working on my flash photography, PP and some other things. The fun part is there is always something new to learn. Some new technique or subject. It has been a totally enjoyable ride learning this disease we call digital photography. Regrets? Not a one!!

 

[SelfEmployedDebtFree]

My sister bought a DSLR (Sony Alpha?). She dont understand ANY of the technical data, has no idea about exposure, ISO, etc. She uses all automatic functions only, and everyone calls her the photographer of the family. She takes wedding, graduation, and party photos, and they all look amazing. She has a separate 200 mm lens, but seldom uses it. She takes the card to Walmart, has them process to film, and buys fancy photo frames. Everyone has gotten photos for any occasion for the past 3 years.

I on the other hand am exact opposite. I CRAVE a challenge!!! I bought the bright red Pentax K-X DSLR, and I'm all over the net buying photography DVDs, watching youtube tutorials, learning about all the speeds and manual modes, and I want to become a photographer some day professionally. I'm obsessed with it. I want to create unusual and creative photos; the kind you see and stare at and say "How did they do that???" Like the reflective picture on the reflections thread of the castle where the picture is actually of the water, not the castle. I love that kind of stuff.
Both of us love our DSLR, and we use them totally different.
I have several P&S cameras and bridge cameras as well, and they are all welcomed and used. They all have advantages and disadvantages. The only camera I do NOT like, is the one on my cellphone. Its supposed to be a good camera, but I hate cellphone cameras. We're all different.

 

[Bstanley]

Some people think that investing in better glass makes more sense than better body

Having recently bought (and used my first 'L' lens - wow - this is so true. I'm a believer - save your money until you can afford the 'better' lens. I'm not yet convinced you need the 'best' lens - but the 'better' lens - yes indeed. Visible improvement in even the '4x6' kind of snapshots that I take.

I do not regret buying an SLR - or the lens that cost more than the orignal body, kit lens and accessories package put together cost. However owning better gear hasn't made me a better photographer - I still take 'snapshots'. The gear just gives me the tools to take clearer snapshots in a much wider variety of conditions.