Which SLR Camera?

[DizFan101]

Anyway, I want to buy a SLR so i can get better pictures then a point and shoot and do that cool blur thing. but i don't want to spend $$$ on it.

is there a really good camera, but doesn't have an expensive price tag to go w/ it.

 

[10smark]

Well, with photography, you really do get what you pay for. I would suggest buying a used DSLR, maybe from craigslist or some of the numerous photography boards. You can probably find something like a Canon Rebel that is a few years old for about the same price as a better point and shoot. That would be a good way to learn and you can get great shots. Keep in mind that you will need to find something that will come with some lens, or look for other used lens while looking for the camera.

I got a great deal on a slighly used lens from craigslist, so there are deals out there. Good luck!!!

 

[zackiedawg]

What is the 'cool blur thing' you want to do - are you referring to slow shutter shots where movement will streak? You might honestly consider doing a little practice and experimentation with your current camera to see if you already have that ability - you can get started, boost your skill, and when you decide to move to a DSLR you'll already know what you're doing. Most cameras can do the 'cool blur' stuff - it just requires a long shutter speed. Even fully automatic P&S cameras can be forced to do it, but it's better if you have one that at least has a shutter priority, aperture priority, or manual mode of some form. Maybe give some idea of what you have now, and what you are trying to achieve - most people with P&S cameras who want to move to a DSLR because they think it will produce better photos can often get much better photos with the camera they already have - while a DSLR is a more capable machine, photographer skill goes a much longer way to helping get great photographs - and a great photographer with a P&S can many times outshoot an amateur with a DSLR in normal conditions, just because of their better understanding of exposure, composition, depth of field, highlight and shadow clipping, white and tonal balance, leading lines, rule of thirds, framing techniques, and more...not to mention a grasp of what settings are needed to land that perfect exposure.

Now, if you still want to go to a DSLR right away - no problem - I'm certainly not trying to discourage you from it - they're great and you'll have a ton to learn and plenty of room to grow your skill and passion. In the meantime though, you can probably get started with improving the skills and knowledge right away with your current camera.

 

[traylorc]

Well, with photography, you really do get what you pay for.

 

[BillyBuff]

When you mean that "Cool blur thing" did you mean the blurred background?

This can work with point & shoot cameras too if the lens on that camera has an aperture opening wider than f/2.8

This was shot with a DSLR and the lens used has an aperture of f/2.8

This is definitely lens related.

 

[Mickey1Fan]

Billy - is this your photo. It is gorgeous!

 

[BillyBuff]

Billy - is this your photo. It is gorgeous!

Thanks! Yes, I took that back in 2008 at WDW and it's presently my desktop wallpaper

 

[Mickey1Fan]

It may have to be my next wallpaper if it's OK with you.

I am currently thinking of joining a camera club and upgrading to a DSLR from my point and shoot, along with the OP I guess.

I need to learn to be creative along with a new camera so that will be the challenge, I know it's not the camera alone, it is the person behind the camera.

 

[BillyBuff]

It may have to be my next wallpaper if it's OK with you.

I am currently thinking of joining a camera club and upgrading to a DSLR from my point and shoot, along with the OP I guess.

I need to learn to be creative along with a new camera so that will be the challenge, I know it's not the camera alone, it is the person behind the camera.

I didn't see anything in the boards about sharing photos so feel free to snag a larger size here: http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2334/2194499152_a4733f63fc_o_d.jpg

Enjoy!

 

[Mickey1Fan]

Awesome. Thank you

Enjoy your weekend. Take more pretty photos

Lynda

 

[Gianna'sPapa]

Anyway, I want to buy a SLR so i can get better pictures then a point and shoot and do that cool blur thing. but i don't want to spend $$$ on it.

is there a really good camera, but doesn't have an expensive price tag to go w/ it.

I agree with Zackiedawg (Justin) that you should learn more about photography utilizing your existing camera. You can easily get into an entry level DSLR for $500 or less. You state that you "don't want to spend $$$ on it". That $500 can be just the beginning. Photography "can" be a very slippery slope! The camera is just the start. There are lenses (more expensive pro level), bags, memory cards, batteries, tripods, filters, etc. to buy. A short story example: Four and half years ago, I gave my DW a DSLR to enhance her abilities. She had been using a pro model SLR and p & s cameras. Our older lenses were compatible with the new body, so I thought I was getting off cheap. I was always a little impatient with film, so I didn't enjoy it as much as she. Then I made the mistake of picking up the DSLR!! Financially, BIG MISTAKE!! As we speak, I'm getting ready to leave to shoot an event at the speedway where I work part-time (Chicagoland Speedway/Route 66 Raceway) and I'm looking at nearly $10,000 worth of camera equipment waiting to be loaded into the car! Never in my wildest imagination did I ever think this would happen!

As Justin stated, we're not here to discourage you, but to point out that it is the photographer not the camera that produces the great images that are posted on this and other forums. I think everyone of us has been told "your camera takes great pictures." For myself (and I'm not the greatest photographer in the world!), I say thank you, but inside it just grates because of all the time spent practicing, reading, attending classes and practicing more to achieve a good image. Good luck with your photography and keep asking questions.

 

[zackiedawg]

Billy - thanks for the additional possibility - I hadn't thought that the OP's 'cool blur thing' could have been about shallow depth of field, but that too is a possibility. And you're right, it can still be done with a P&S camera...it's still all about learning more about photography!

Thanks GP for the additional backup. I finally went to DSLRs after a lot of years of learning nearly everything about photography I know now - all with P&S cameras. When I finally moved to DSLRs, I knew I had to, and fortunately already had an idea what I was doing and how to control it. But I also didn't expect the addiction - I told myself "one or two lenses should suffice - maybe a 3rd for specialty stuff"...4 years into DSLRs, I've now got 2 bodies and 20 lenses with no signs of abating!

 

[DizFan101]

i have a nikon coolpix s6000...
for $300 i thought it should be able to do the cool blur thing

 

[ukcatfan]

i have a nikon coolpix s6000...
for $300 i thought it should be able to do the cool blur thing

It is not a feature that price can buy. It is all physics. The physics associated with the smaller sensor on a p&s camera makes the depth of field very large even at wide open apertures. There is nothing that can be done to change that. To try to get the most that you can, use the longest focal length that you can and still get the shot because the DOF at longer focal lengths is smaller. On the bright side, it means that doing macro work is actually easier on a p&s because it allows a wider aperture to get the needed DOF and that allows a faster shutter speed.

 

[zackiedawg]

If you want the unfocused background with a P&S camera like your S6000, the keys would be:

Set the camera to the 'portrait' or 'macro' scene mode - Usually something like a flower or silhouette of a person.

Stand farther back from your subject then zoom all the way in until you've got them framed how you want. Watch the aperture - you want the smallest F number the camera can attain (F5.6 at full zoom)...if it's higher than that, make sure the ISO is set manually to the lowest setting. Keep as much distance between your subject and the background as possible.

It can be done - it just takes more work and thought. These were done with a tiny sensor P&S zoom camera:

It's possible - it just takes a little more work, and a little help with distances.

 

[mom2rtk]

If you want the unfocused background with a P&S camera like your S6000, the keys would be:

Set the camera to the 'portrait' or 'macro' scene mode - Usually something like a flower or silhouette of a person.

Stand farther back from your subject then zoom all the way in until you've got them framed how you want. Watch the aperture - you want the smallest F number the camera can attain (F5.6 at full zoom)...if it's higher than that, make sure the ISO is set manually to the lowest setting. Keep as much distance between your subject and the background as possible.

It can be done - it just takes more work and thought. These were done with a tiny sensor P&S zoom camera:

It's possible - it just takes a little more work, and a little help with distances.

Showoff.........

Those are great shots!

 

[zackiedawg]

Thank you. Those are from a 1/2.5" sensor P&S zoom camera from years ago. It takes a little extra work, using the zoom and trying to get a little distance between subject and background, but it can indeed be done. DSLRs with large sensors and fast lenses will make it easier - but on the flipside, many newbies struggle with the depth of field being TOO shallow on DSLRs and need to figure out how to get more IN focus!