Why Buy a DSLR?

[Coach81]

I love to take pictures, I consider myself a closet photographer wanna-be I have always used a standard point-n-click digital camera (I use a Sony DSC-H7 8.1 MPX currently along with an Olympus Waterproof for all of our Disney trips, and the pictures mostly come out decent with a really good picture every now and then..

My question is.. what is the big deal about a DSLR? Why are they so expensive? Are they that much better than my P-N-S? I'm also concerned about all the "extras" that I may need (Lenses, tripods, etc)?

I have seen some really breathtaking pics all around these boards, and I'm wondering if I'm missing out on something (I really love to take pictures)?

So to get to the point...

Would I be a good candidate for a DSLR?

If so, what do you guys consider to be a good "introductory" one to buy?

What would be a "top of the line" one currently?

For me to take really good pics (fireworks, etc.) would I need to have a backpack with my just for all my different lenses and such???

Thanks in advance..

Also, if any of you have time, could you maybe post some of your fav pics along with which type of camera you used to take it?

 

[ssanders79]

I would say if you are aggravated with your P&S then upgrading is well worth it. I am not going to recommend any one camera or brand. I will tell you that you should consider how the camera feels in your hand.

The other key thing is that you will be buying/committing to (getting married to) a brand, not just a camera. You will build around the camera body so look at what each brand has to offer. Changing brands after a few years would be like an expensive divorce. Upgrading your camera body in the future is not adultery/cheating as you are married to the brand not the camera body.

If one of your goals is to take better firework shots you will need to get a tripod. You should do just fine with the kit lens (~18-55mm) while you are learning your new dslr. If you catch the sickness then you will want to get more gear then you will end up getting a backpack if you want to carry all your gear with you.

If you want to see shots from different camera check out http://www.flickr.com/cameras/ you can click to a specific model and see all images taken from that model. Keep in mind that it is the photographer not the camera that is taking the photos. A pro can use a can create a masterpiece out of a cheap cereal box toy camera and a complete novice will take a bad photo with the best camera in the world. Granted a dslr is a tool that will help you take better shots compared to a P&S.

 

[Coach81]

I would say if you are aggrivated with your P&S then upgrading is well worth it. I am not going to recomend any one camera or brand. I will tell you that you should consider how the camera feels in your hand.

The other key thing is that you will be buying/committing to (getting married to) a brand, not just a camera. You will build around the camera body so look at what each brand has to offer. Changing brands after a few years would be like an expensive divorce. Upgrading your camera body in the future is not adultry/cheating as you are married to the brand not the camera body.

If one of your goals is to take better firework shots you will need to get a tripod. You should do just fine with the kit lens (~18-55mm) while you are learning your new dslr. If you catch the sickness then you will want to get more gear then you will end up getting a backback if you want to carry all your gear with you.

Thanks.. so you recommend going to best buy or some other place and "text driving" in my hand?

I have a ton more questions..

Here is another quick one (forgive my ignorance).. Is it possible to still "point and click" with a DSLR or will I lose that ability with "manual focus" and such?

 

[Ashmanarion]

You can do pretty much everything with a DSLR that you can with a Point and Shoot including point and click. Like ssanders said, if you are getting aggravated with what your camera can do now and take a lot of pictures, then an entry level DSLR would be good for you. I was in the same boat as you last year and decided to get the Nikon D3000. You definitely should go around to Best Buy and camera shops if there are any in your area to try out how the cameras feel and to look at prices.

The upside to DSLRs is extending your ability to take wonderful pictures by using all the features that they have.

 

[Bete]

and I'll probably never go with a DSLR. I do have a good P & S, but I don't want to be so involved with a DSLR that I miss smelling the roses. I think there's quite a learning curve with it and it takes years to master using a DSLR. Setup can be awful, too. I enjoy picture taking and I probably take at least 500 pictures at Disney each time we go (over 2 dozen times, now) and more like a 1000 pictures if it's something new like an Alaskan cruise a few years back.

If I made money at it part time, I suppose I would opt to do DSLR. You have to consider others with you, too. There are times hubby doesn't even want to wait for me to take a picture with a P & S. Also, I think if you are not satisfied with the results of a P & S, then maybe you aren't ready for a DSLR.

You can become obsessed by this hobby, too. You keep throwing money at it which may or may not be put to better use.

Now, if you are very young and you think you want a career in photography and you have the funds for a DSLR then maybe it's time to step up.

Also, the time I save not using a DSLR I use to take HD video which is my real passion. Even in this case I'm not going to buy a pro video camcorder, either.

 

[Gianna'sPapa]

From one who converted a couple of years ago, it has become a great hobby. As you, I was a picture taker and took whatever result came from the camera I happened to have in my hand. My DW was the photographer in the family, going way back with film SLR's. Her last was a Pentax LX, which she absolutely loves even today. When I was looking for a gift idea and since we had Pentax lenses, I purchased her a DSLR (K10d). That is the marriage a PP talked about. We did purchase what are referred to as kit lenses. These were purchased after the fact and are not the Pentax kit lenses of today. Then the mistake occurred , I picked up her camera! I found I really enjoyed the challenge of photography. I used the camera in the Automatic mode to begin with while I did a little studing, maybe a lot of studying. And then practiced and learned the camera. A short time later, I had the opportunity to purchase a second K10 body (new) at a really, really cheap price. The rest is history. I had some funds become available and was able to expand our arsenal of lenses which has allowed us to advance in the type of photography we do. I still have a lot to learn, but it is has been so much fun that I look for every opportunity to pick-up the camera to shoot. As an example, I volunteered to shoot special events for our church and again, I learned how that is different than shooting at WDW. When at WDW, I will go off on my own at different times to shoot, so I don't interfere with the family's fun. Yes, sometimes there are complaints, until, several months later when they start reviewing the images. Then they can't get enough!

My recommendation is if you have the inkling to improve your photography, then I would look at an entry level DSLR with a kit lens. Some of these are not that more expensive than a high end P&S. And trust me, you can get phenomenal images with the kit lenses. Good luck on your choice. If you need anything, this is the forum to ask!

 

[disneyboy2003]

Wow! You've got a lot of questions regarding dSLR cameras, and I believe that many of these answers you can probably find in an Intro to Digital Photography book. There are dozens of such books at your local bookstore, so browse through them to read what they say about dSLR cameras.

In the end, I'd agree with the above replies. If you're already satisfied with the photos you're getting with your point-and-shoot camera, then there's really no need to move on to a dSLR camera.

However, if you feel that your point-and-shoot camera is somehow limiting your photography, then maybe you might be ready for a dSLR camera.

Simply buying a dSLR camera won't automatically make your photos better. You can still *very easily* take really BAD photos with a dSLR. However, just like with any hobby, if you're willing to take some time to learn the basic principles of photography, then you can really make your photos shine.

That's really the key to getting better photos: knowing the basic principles of photography. It really doesn't matter what camera you have, whether it be a point-and-shoot camera, a super-zoom "bridge" camera, or a dSLR.

The first thing for your shopping cart (and probably the most important) is a book on photography. Understanding Exposure by Bryan Peterson (link to Amazon) is a book that is highly recommended on this message board. This book with walk you through the basics of exposure (ie. aperture, shutter speed, ISO), and when to change what settings in what situations.

Probably another good book to get is any Intro to Digital Photography book, as I mentioned above. Again, just go to your local bookstore, browse through some books, and see which one fits your reading & learning style.

I'll try to tackle a few of your questions.

My question is.. what is the big deal about a DSLR? Why are they so expensive? Are they that much better than my P-N-S? I'm also concerned about all the "extras" that I may need (Lenses, tripods, etc)?

DSLRs have several advantages that point-and-shoot cameras don't have:

• larger image sensors, which gives better image quality, better low-light photography, and less "noise" / grain in your photos
• faster shutter speed and minimal shutter delay - as soon as you press the shutter button, the dSLR camera almost instantaneously takes the photo...unlike the point-and-shoot cameras that have to take an extra second to think about what to do before taking the photo
• more frames-per-second (fps), compared to a point-and-shoot camera - this is especially important for sports photographers. Today's dSLR cameras can shoot from 3.5 fps to 10 fps!
• ability to change lenses is important! Different photo situations may require different, more specialized lenses. Are you taking a photo of a lion far far away? (telephoto lens) Are you taking a photo of a close-up flower? (macro lens) Are you taking a photo of your child in a theater play? (low-light lens) Are you just taking regular vacation photos? (standard "kit" lens)

...and the list can go on and on and on. But these are a few of the important things that folks look for when switching to a dSLR.

Are photos from my dSLR camera better than my point-and-shoot camera? At least for me, once I saw the photos my dSLR camera could take, I vowed to go back to each of my previous vacation spots and re-take vacation photos with my dSLR.

Would I be a good candidate for a DSLR?

If so, what do you guys consider to be a good "introductory" one to buy?

Only you can answer whether you're a good candidate for a dSLR or not. A good introductory dSLR would be the Canon Rebel T1i. However, Canon just announced the next model for this Rebel series: the Canon Rebel T2i, and this camera should be available in stores very shortly. This means that if you wait a few weeks / months, you can go with the newest model (the T2i) or watch the price of the T1i come down.

There are other entry-level dSLR cameras from Nikon, Sony, Pentax, and Olympus that you should look at, as well. I only shoot Canon cameras, so I'm most familiar with Canon's line of cameras.

Which brand has the "best" camera is really a matter of personal preference. It's like asking whether Coke or Pepsi is better. The differences among the different camera brands are very subtle and probably not significant to a beginning photographer.

However, I do agree that you should go to your local Best Buy (or better yet, go to your local camera store) and hold each of these cameras yourself to see which one "feels" best to you.

What would be a "top of the line" one currently?

Well, for Canon, the "top of the line" dSLR camera would be the Canon 1D Mark IV ($4,999). This is the one that professional photographers use to cover sports, news, the war, fashion, etc.

For Nikon, the "top of the line" dSLR would be the Nikon D3s ($5,200) or the Nikon D3x ($7,500).

However, as tempting as it may be to buy the "top of the line" dSLR, I'd still recommend that you first invest $15-20 in a good Intro to Digital Photography book. Before you buy a sports car, you should first learn how to drive.

For me to take really good pics (fireworks, etc.) would I need to have a backpack with my just for all my different lenses and such???

Good fireworks photos requires a tripod, regardless of whether you're using a dSLR or a point-and-shoot camera. MarkBarbieri, one of the members of this message board, started a thread specifically on how to shoot fireworks: How To Shoot: Fireworks

I, personally, will carry a medium-sized camera bag around with me at Disney World. However, I try to keep my lenses to a minimum as best I can. Disney World is no fun if I feel like a mule, hauling 50 pounds worth of camera equipment.

Here is another quick one (forgive my ignorance).. Is it possible to still "point and click" with a DSLR or will I lose that ability with "manual focus" and such?

Camera manufacturers have put a LOT of effort into selling dSLR cameras to the general public, and making it EASY for regular folks to take photos with entry-level dSLRs. They're marketing their dSLR cameras to folks who want to buy a dSLR but don't know much about photography. So, this means that entry-level dSLR cameras all have the infamous "Auto" mode.

You can certainly start in "Auto" mode, and your dSLR camera essentially becomes a high-priced point-and-shoot camera. While "Auto" mode is good for general, every-day, day-time photography, "Auto" mode doesn't do so well in less-than-ideal photographic conditions. You may have seen examples of this in your own point-and-shoot camera.

Take the time to learn the basic principles of photography. Venture out of "Auto" mode to make your photos really shine.

Regarding your concerns about "manual focus", I guess I'm not sure what you mean. All dSLR cameras and lenses are autofocus. I think autofocus has actually been around for decades.

You certainly have the option to use manual focus for your photography, and in very very specialized situations, it might be worthwhile to use manual focus (ex. macro photography, very very low-light photography, etc). But for 99.999% of your photography, I'd recommend going with autofocus.

Hope that helps. Sorry for the long, wordy post.

 

[Coach81]

Thank you all for all your info.. I will be doing research on this for the next several days!!!
Any more info would be appreciated!

 

[Pea-n-Me]

I like the way you worded your query.

Everyone has their own reasons for getting a dSLR. It's wise to question whether it's right for you.

I got one because it was a long time goal I had to learn to use one. I always wanted to (even in film days), but didn't know the first thing about them and was very intimidated. I also didn't know anyone who used one who could teach me. Life got busy so I stuck with my automatics and then point and shoots and that was fine.

Later, I came to a time in my life when I had some extra time on my hands and was sort of reevaluting things after having a bout with cancer. I decided that I really wanted to do it once and for all and the time had come to make the leap, even though I still had little idea about SLRs and still really nobody IRL who could show me the ropes (but I did have people here, which was a big help). It hasn't been easy but it's been a labor of love.

Personally, although you *can* use a dSLR as a point and shoot, I'm not sure who would really want to. There are too many downsides (size, weight, lenses, bags, expense, operation, post processing, etc, to name a few). Something like one of the micro 4/3 cameras, IMO, would probably serve you better in that case.

But if you think it's a hobby you might enjoy, have the resources to buy equipment and such, and are willing to put the time and effort into learning to use it to its fullest, then it might be a good step for you. If you enjoy photography with a pns, then you have the potential to really improve your imaging capability via both knowledge and equipment.

 

[SrisonS]

If you have a love for photography, and you really wanna learn about the prinicples, I think it's time for a dslr. And trust me, your love will only continue to grow.

I'm gonna disagree with an earlier statment of if you're unhappy with your p-n-s, then you'll be happy unhappy with a dslr. In fact, it's that unhappiness that makes people consider a change. I have yet to hear someone say they shouldn't have made the jump, and will only stick with their p-n-s.

But the rest of the advice is pretty spot-on!!! Good luck in your search!!!

Btw, I have a T1i, with sample pics on Flickr.

 

[YesDear]

Go to your local camera store, not Best Buy and ask to see all the entry level DSLRs. Play with them and see which one makes sense to you. Once you have found one that you like then you can begin to piece together what you want. You will find people on this board that will support their brand of camera and tell you why they selected it. There reasons may not be yours. The two major brands are Nikon and Canon, after that you have Sony, Pentax and some others.

Buy a kit if you can afford it. For a beginner, the kits will give you the most bang for your buck. Once you get some experience you will want to upgrade your glass then your camera.

You asked about top end models. I would not suggest them to begin with unless money is no object. A Nikon D3X at $8000 for the body is overkill as far as I am concerned.

Get a basic book like suggested and play! For many of us here it is great fun. If all you want are snapshots, then there are some really good P&S.

Most do not think of it but a mid range p&s camera today has better specs than a professional DSLR of 10 yrs ago.

 

[klmall]

My question is.. what is the big deal about a DSLR? .... Are they that much better than my P-N-S?

As someone who made the big move to a dSLR last summer from a top end P-n-S that I really loved (Canon G9) I can tell you some of the reasons why I moved to a dSLR when my G9 died.

1 - So often I would try to take shots in quick succession and my P-n-S just couldn't keep up. DSLRs are amazing in their ability to respond quickly - no warm-up time after turning on and shoot! Shoot! Shoot!
2 - While I was able to get great shots in daylight situations and loved the G9's zoom capability I wasn't able to get shots in poor light which was so frustrating!
3 - And I felt that if I was going to spend $400+ or so for a good P-n-S then I might as well spend that same money on the next step up!

I'm still climbing the big learning curve but I totally enjoy my Canon XSi! You can view my Mount Rainier and other Washington state pictures in my signature below to see what I shot with my dSLR less than a month after I got it! (The Disney pictures were taken with my Canon G5.)

And my big piece of advice to you if you decide to stay with a P-n-S is buy a camera that takes pictures in RAW (not just jpeg) so that you can process your shots and get more of them to your liking.

Good luck with your decision!

 

[NLD]

My question is.. what is the big deal about a DSLR? Why are they so expensive? Are they that much better than my P-N-S? I'm also concerned about all the "extras" that I may need (Lenses, tripods, etc)?

My short answer is that a DSLR will allow you to take photos in conditions that a point-and-shoot wouldn't be able to handle; a DSLR will allow you get more shots.

So on a nice sunny day, outside, if you're using a large depth of field...you may NOT see a huge difference between a p-n-s and a DSLR.

But in low light? A DSLR will be able to take pics a p-n-s couldn't.

And if you want shallow depth-of-field? A DSLR will be able to achieve a shallower depth-of-field than a p-n-s.

And snapping away at fast-moving kids? A DSLR will fire off the shot faster, giving you a better chance of actually capturing the moment you were trying to record... while a p-n-s might still be preparing to take the shot.

And in sports? A p-n-s will take a long time to ready itself between shots, while a DSLR will be able to fire away much faster, enabling you to get more shots off.

And so it goes....

Of course, as others have mentioned, you have to put the time in to learn HOW to make your DSLR work in low-light, HOW to get shallow depth of field, and HOW to get your DSLR to track focus while shooting a fast-moving subject.

And yes, depending on what it is you want to shoot.... you'll eventually find yourself wanting to upgrade and get the appropriate equipment. You'll figure out that to get those low-light shots without flash you're craving (for example), you need a lens with a wide aperture... Or that to capture fireworks trails, you'll need your camera's shutter to stay open a long time (a few seconds) and that you'll need a tripod to keep the camera steady while the shutter is open.

So, yes, if you really learn photography and start to get really "into it," the purchases can add up.

All that said... you spend as much as you want. Really. If you decide the equipment needed to shoot a fast-paced basketball game under terrible lighting is more than you want to spend, then you can choose not to pursue those kinds of shots.

__________________________

Here are some examples....

These were all taken with an entry-level DSLR (Nikon D60).

This is a shot that was taken with the DSLR, but could have been achieved no problem with a point-and-shoot: posed shot, no fast motion, plenty of depth of field, plenty of light:

Here's an example where the DSLR was helpful in achieving a smaller depth-of-field ("blurring" the background):

And here's an example where a point-and-shoot simply would have failed. This shot required a DSLR (with a "fast" lens) because no p-n-s would be able to handle the low light:

 

[Coach81]

Thanks for all the info.. here is where I am currently..

Considering a "kit" of a Nikon D5000 with telephoto lens, battery, tripod etc.. I have some other questions that I will add with another post..

Thanks again for all your replies... keep the info coming...

 

[Coach81]

I may be in trouble.. coming into work this morning I saw the sunrise.. the sky looked beautiful.. I thought to myself, man if I only had my new camera! Good sign, or bad??

 

[Gianna'sPapa]

That is one of the first symptoms of the disease!

 

[Coach81]

That is one of the first symptoms of the disease!

oh no

 

[Coach81]

Next question.. how difficult is the upkeep on the DSLR cameras? I've read something about dust messing up the sensors? How often and how difficult is it to keep these cameras at their best?

 

[WVDisGeek]

As a fairly new convert, I don't know that I can add too much that hasn't already been said, but here goes....

The feel of the camera is SO important and so much personal preference. I like a heavier camera as it helps me to steady it when shooting handheld. I keep my battery grip on all the time for this reason.

My wife and I had been using a p-n-s for years with adequate to good results. Actually, Disney is what pushed me over the edge to a DSLR. I could not get the low light shots I wanted of things like the night time parades, fireworks and ride shots with the p-n-s. Just couldn't make it happen. Once I got the DSLR and began to explore its capabilities, those shots became "makeable".

I would do it again in a heartbeat, but I can tell you, the "sickness" comes on quick and there is no known cure. You will be spending multiples of what you spent on your initial "kit" for things like a GOOD tripod, other lenses for specific situations, bag(s) to carry all of your new gear, flashes, battery grips, extra batteries, more flash cards, post processing software, etc. The list is long, but if you truly want to make photography something that is more than just taking the occasional snapshot, you likely won't regret buying a DSLR.

As for brands, obvioulsy Nikon and Canon are the two big dogs and I have friends that shoot both. I personally shoot a Pentax K200D and love it. You should also look at Sony (they are putting out some VERY nice entry level and mid-level cameras right now) and some of the other less well known brands. Most DSLRs out there now are very competent and can do virtually the same things. Each system has its pluses and minuses. Try as many as you can get your hands on, look at the pictures from the different cameras on here (but remember it is the eye behind the camera more often than not!) and keep asking questions. The folks on these boards are a very welcoming bunch and are all willing to share their knowledge. Take advantage of that!

Good luck with your decision.

 

[Pea-n-Me]

Next question.. how difficult is the upkeep on the DSLR cameras? I've read something about dust messing up the sensors? How often and how difficult is it to keep these cameras at their best?

One of the reasons I went with Olympus is it has a built in dust reduction system which has been shown to be very effective in shaking dust particles off the sensor every time the camera's turned on. I'm still careful when I change lenses, but other than that, I don't have to worry much about it.