ugly duckling cameras

[issa]

I have been poking around on photography boards. Even downloaded my camera's manual
( I did order from B&H photo..Thank you for recommending them- I got a A630, my daughter is keeping our Olympus C-50 zoom, she likes it and it’s still a very good camera she can grow with)


I guess I walk away from the other boards thinking “my god, ..am I the only fool out there who doesnt want a DSLR?”
I am not ready for the learning curve or the financial commitment yet but reading other boards its almost like sacrilege to post on something OTHER than a DSLR. The pictures without a doubt are GORGEOUS! and the skill behind the camera is definitely there...but I guess I just never thought of them as a first step into trying.

Thinking about it, I guess it could be wise to set up for the best to avoid upgrading later. I just cheesed balled it and wanted a simpler to learn/ use camera to start this photography adventure. I am in awe of some of the Rebel pics posted here but... I still dont even know what ISO actually does ( books are on the way too ! )


I think I will stay with the happy friendly disboard and my ugly duckling
A630 LOL

Please don’t laugh at our pictures when we start....it will make our cameras feel insecure and cry.

 

[ukcatfan]

That is one of the best things about this board. We have a broad mix of types, brands, and skill levels but we keep the bickering to a minimum and do not tolerate hateful posters. Also, I bet that almost every DSLR owner out there keeps a p&s around for times that they do not want something so bulky. The p&s cameras still take great pictures. They are just more limited in tricky situations and offer less ability to fix after the fact. The photographer is more important than the camera.

Kevin

 

[DisneyGirl4188]

There was a thread not too long ago about non DSLR cameras (kind of a support thread). I don't think anyone here looks down on those without DSLRs.

I just got a DSLR in Jan. I owed several P&S and decided it was time to upgrade. It is a big investment (mine was $500 for camera and lens. Plus, I have bought several other lenses and I still want more). My new camera is much bigger than my Canon A310. (There is something to be said for a camera you can put in your pocket).

Please post pictures; I promise not to laugh.

 

[Anewman]

...
I guess I walk away from the other boards thinking “my god, ..am I the only fool out there who doesnt want a DSLR?”...

There have actually been threads here where some of the regulars try to talk others out of purchasing a DSLR.

They are not for everyone, WELCOME.

 

[mabas9395]

“..am I the only fool out there who doesnt want a DSLR?” I am not ready for the learning curve or the financial commitment

Actually, I think that half of the people who get dSLR's are the fools because they assume that a more expensive camera will make them better photographers and so they totally ignore the learning curve and financial commitment as you wisely pointed out. Then they complain that their dSLR doesn't take as good of pictures as their old P&S before they've even read the manual.

 

[handicap18]

you are more than welcome to post any kind of picture from any kind of camera on this board. WE LOVE PICTURES! There have been some amazing pictures posted on this board that were taken with with PnS camera's. So long as you are happy with your camera and enjoy taking pictures with it, then what else is there.

As others have said, SLR's are not for everyone and PnS camera's are not for everyone. Anyway its the person behind the camera that makes more of a difference. Post your pictures taken with your PnS and be proud!!

 

[jann1033]

Actually, I think that half of the people who get dSLR's are the fools because they assume that a more expensive camera will make them better photographers and so they totally ignore the learning curve and financial commitment as you wisely pointed out. Then they complain that their dSLR doesn't take as good of pictures as their old P&S before they've even read the manual.

huh i was thinking a larger statistical average to the "fools" part, not necessarily dependent on if they figure out how to use the camera or not... but who am i to say ( present companies excluded naturally)

anyway, your camera looks good from the reviews i read so enjoy and post when you feel comfy doing so

 

[tinksdad]

We LOVE pictures!!

Some great points by all the group so far!! I heartily agree with what been said. A lot of folks think just by spending money on a new expensive camera that that will automatically give them better pictures. With better metering, exposure controls and other features that "could" be true, but the investment of time and effort to understand and (hopefully) master the technique would be a better expenditure.

Since technology is making quantum leaps in the quality of the digital cameras and features the average person can do very well with some less expensive and less complicated cameras today and it will only get better as things improve.

Stick with your camera as long as it does what you want. When it comes time for you to make a change THEN it will be time. On your time frame, not peer pressure.

 

[Groucho]

I wish some camera manufacturer would come up with a point and shoot and isn't trying to cram more megapixels into a tiny sensor, and instead puts a bigger sensor and no more than 6mp in a small, easy-to-use PnS camera. Then we could really recommend PnSs more often.

But I'm one of the ones who often recommends against it. Not everyone needs or should buy a DSLR. However, to avoid disappointment, you have to be a knowledgeable buyer and understand the limitations of your camera. As long as you don't expect to take lovely bright non-blurry close-up photos of Fantasmic, Spectromagic, or on-ride photos from Haunted Mansion, you'll be OK.

 

[Lachesis00]

I still love my Sony 717 and she is an ugly camera!! But it takes THE best photos. I am learning my DSLR but I take by far better photos with my fugly 717.

 

[kathykip]

I have a Kodak Z740 point and shoot and a Nikon D200, I get great photos from them both. My daughter, who's 8, takes great shots with her Sony too! In fact after the Rose Parade, Daughter went with my Sister to see the floats. Daughter got the best shots of the bunch and 2 of the women with her had DSLRs.

 

[tigger795]

Hi Issa,

The most important thing about having a camera is actually getting out and using it. If you purchase a camera that you are uncomfortable with it is more likely that you will miss some wonderful photo opportunities by not carrying it with you. The A630 is a wonderful camera and you should consider it a personal goal to learn how to use all of its features and learn new framing, lighting, and composition techniques to obtain the photographs you never thought you could with it. Once you begin to come up against the camera's limitations then you might consider upgrading to a DSLR.

Another thing to consider is comfort. While DSLRs might create better photographs when they are used correctly, sometimes it is better to just carry a P&S. I have a couple of DSLRs and several P&S's and on our last trip to WDW I got tired of playing the photographer, lugging around several pounds of equipment in a shoulder bag so I just carried my P&S around. It was actually one of the more enjoyable trips to WDW I have had in a while. I was more comfortable and didn't have to worry about a sheltering my bag from a sudden downpour.

So don't feel pressured into anything you aren't ready for. I think you made a wise decision.

Kindest regards:

 

[issa]

How great that your daughter got some great shots kathykip !!

 

[issa]

thanks tigger

I am sooo excited. I have always just point and shot before. But am ready to really take the time and learn and have this great hobby!! I think the foundation of the excitment is being able to learn with my family - we're ALL excited and planning, reading manuals and my girl was out in the back yard yesterday trying to set up a shot with diffrent focus points!

Just great to see her read a lesson and get soo excited to go out and try it!

She's begging for printing the pictures now. We go shopping at costco every 2 weeks...so she can upload the photos there..and we will pick them up every grocery trip ( I want to keep it reasonable..or i will be down there every other day lol)


I in no way want to knock DSLR camera..they are fabulous tools by the picture evidence..but i belive that is just SOOOO much the person behind them....and I am just not that person yet I was just so shocked by the amount of people like me....wanting to get them

I'll give myself a few years of learning.. and then see if its somthing that I would even consider ( I am not one for carrying heavy bags around lol)

I am glad you had a wonderful trip and I am sure you got some great shots on Both your cameras part of the trip to satisfy the camera person..part just to relax and go with the flow

Enjoy life