WHY should I get a dslr over a point and shoot?

[ElizK]

Now I'm not sure what to do. I thought I would upgrade finally to a dslr, specifically the Olympus E510. I've been talking to my dad, a photography hobbyist, too, and he's asking me why I would do that rather than get a really high-end point-and-shoot (Fujifilm FinePix S2000HD). He said I have camera envy.

As much as I love photography and would love to do it for a living, most likely it will remain a hobby for me. I will for sure continue shooting for my own pleasure, as well as stuff for friends when asked. I have never learned to use all the functions of my Fuji Finepix S5100, and I really like a lot of the pictures I've taken with it.

I'd like to see what I can do in this hobby, but is it really worth it to spend $600.00? What's the incentive to learn how to use all the different settings on a DSLR if I've never learned to use them on the camera I have?

So, I'm asking for some pros and cons to moving to a dslr? What motivated you to make the move, and what motivated you to learn how best to use your camera?

Thank you for your wisdom!

 

[boBQuincy]

Why?
If your current camera (or the one you might be thinking about getting) is not capable of getting the photos you want or the images you have envisioned. If your photos need a 10mm or a 500mm lens, f/1.4, low noise at high ISO or some of the other features only available with a SLR, then that is what you need.

My photo equipment has evolved as my photographic needs (or wants) have evolved. When I find my photo equipment is limiting my photography, I start looking for what will correct the situation. In order to get the photos I want I needed a SLR and an assortment of lenses, along with some accessories. If your needs are less you will save a lot of $$$!

 

[webshark3]

Reasons for:

- Cheap DSLR with a kit lens still better than high priced prosumers
- Cheap DSLRs now have beginners in mind. You can use it like a P&S, but still have room to grow (experience)
- Larger sensor (nuff said )
- many more reason if I think of them. LOL

Cons
- Not pocketable and less convienent than a small P&S
- Less Depth of Field than small sensors

Why not a E-420? Almost as small as a prosumer, and in the prosumer price range, yet superior....

 

[bob100]

Reasons for buying an "ultra zoom" camera (less than $300 )

Canon S5 or Panasonic FZ28 etc.

smaller than dSLR -
cost much less -
zoom telephoto to 20x-
super macro shots
added functions like intervalometer
quality video (30 fps) capabilities -

all in one camera !

 

[wenrob]

I'm still learning on my DSLR so I'm not a pro but I'll give you the 'mom' point of view. Lag time, there is none. Well, technically there is but it's barely noticeable. The expression you were going for is going to be the one you get not the one after it. No more yelling, "Wait, wait, it's not done, don't move!" I'm chasing two almost three year olds around and I get pretty darn good pics on 'kid' mode and the shots I'm going for. The pictures are far superior to any point and shoot. You have your choice of lenses to make the pics even better. In a nutshell, learning to use a DSLR you have the opportunity to get better and better pics, either through technique,added equipment and/or both. A point and shoot you're pretty limited in that area, once you learn all there is to learn that's it.
Cons, they can get heavy and are a pain to lug around at times. However, any time I've elected to leave my D40 at home in favor of a point and shoot, I've regretted it right away. It's sheer frustration after being able to snap away and I'm always whining about how the pics could have been better. (I don't leave her behind anymore)
Lens lust can cost you a fortune.

 

[saturndb]

Let me ask you ElizK, why are you considering a DSLR?

Have you made a list of what you like to do with the camera?
What type of picutres do you want to take?

After you think about what you want to photograph with your camera it might become clear which way you should go.

 

[Pea-n-Me]

I wanted to improve my photography skills and pictures.

Using an SLR was a personal challenge I wanted to see through.

I love taking pictures with it.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Here's a thought. Picture this: you go out and buy yourself the camera your Dad recommends. You go on your first trip to, say, WDW, and there you are with your sensible little camera. But you're looking around and it seems like everyone has a dSLR and is having a blast using it. You're thinking of all the pictures you could take for all the upcoming contests here. Damn, you can't get many of them, they're low light. You also have a conversation about cameras with someone you're sitting next to and you realize that you seem to know more about dSLRs than she does even though she has one hanging around her neck. Hmmm. Darn, WHY didn't I get one when I had the chance????

In other words, how will you feel if you don't get it?

What's the incentive to learn how to use all the different settings on a DSLR if I've never learned to use them on the camera I have?

Personally, I think you kind of have to learn how to use it. But that's part of the fun, and part of the challenge. If you don't think you want to learn how, then maybe it really might be easier to stick with a pns. But only you can answer that.

 

[ElizK]

Let me ask you ElizK, why are you considering a DSLR?

Have you made a list of what you like to do with the camera?
What type of picutres do you want to take?

After you think about what you want to photograph with your camera it might become clear which way you should go.

Ok, well, part of it may actually be camera envy.

Really, I LOVE taking portraits. I want to do lots more of that. I want to start borrowing families or children to shoot! (My DD16 and DD13 have been known to get that "aw, mom!!" look.) I want to catch expressions beyond your normal Target photo package. I want to work with light and shadows and mood. I like macro-type stuff, close-ups of flowers, especially. I like architecture, too. I've just started NYIP's Complete Digital Photography course (a 40th bday gift from my DH!), so I should be pretty proficient with Photoshop some day in the foreseeable future.

The camera I'm normally use is no small camera. It's got the 10x optical zoom, so it's of decent size. I have a Canon PowerShot SD400, too, that I take if I want something that will fit in my purse.

 

[ElizK]

Here's a thought. Picture this: you go out and buy yourself the camera your Dad recommends. You go on your first trip to, say, WDW, and there you are with your sensible little camera. But you're looking around and it seems like everyone has a dSLR and is having a blast using it. You're thinking of all the pictures you could take for all the upcoming contests here. Damn, you can't get many of them, they're low light. You also have a conversation about cameras with someone you're sitting next to and you realize that you seem to know more about dSLRs than she does even though she has one hanging around her neck. Hmmm. Darn, WHY didn't I get one when I had the chance????

In other words, how will you feel if you don't get it?

You're suggesting PEER PRESSURE as a way to settle this matter???

If I remember correctly you recently bought that E510 that I have my eye one... Do you love it?

 

[saturndb]

Ok, well, part of it may actually be camera envy.

Really, I LOVE taking portraits. I want to do lots more of that. I want to start borrowing families or children to shoot! (My DD16 and DD13 have been known to get that "aw, mom!!" look.) I want to catch expressions beyond your normal Target photo package. I want to work with light and shadows and mood. I like macro-type stuff, close-ups of flowers, especially. I like architecture, too. I've just started NYIP's Complete Digital Photography course (a 40th bday gift from my DH!), so I should be pretty proficient with Photoshop some day in the foreseeable future.

The camera I'm normally use is no small camera. It's got the 10x optical zoom, so it's of decent size. I have a Canon PowerShot SD400, too, that I take if I want something that will fit in my purse.

I believe with NYIP they say you will get more out of the course if you have DSLR rather then a P&S. Also with a DSLR you can change lens and try new or more creative techniques. It sounds like a basic DSLR starter kit might be the way to go. This way as you go thru the NYIP course you might decide to buy a new lens, flash, inexpensive studio light kit or whatever.

One last thing to remeber. It's not the camera, it's the photographer. You can take great pictures with any camera, if you know how to use it.

 

[Groucho]

Now I'm not sure what to do. I thought I would upgrade finally to a dslr, specifically the Olympus E510. I've been talking to my dad, a photography hobbyist, too, and he's asking me why I would do that rather than get a really high-end point-and-shoot (Fujifilm FinePix S2000HD). He said I have camera envy.

As much as I love photography and would love to do it for a living, most likely it will remain a hobby for me. I will for sure continue shooting for my own pleasure, as well as stuff for friends when asked. I have never learned to use all the functions of my Fuji Finepix S5100, and I really like a lot of the pictures I've taken with it.

I'd like to see what I can do in this hobby, but is it really worth it to spend $600.00? What's the incentive to learn how to use all the different settings on a DSLR if I've never learned to use them on the camera I have?

The problem is that often, the cheapest and the most expensive point-n-shoots have the same sensor in them. Very few have anything bigger than a 1/2.5" sensor (the Fuji SuperCCD HR sensors are the primary exception, though there are a few others); in fact, Fuji is, last I checked, the only ones making a big-zoom camera with a larger sensor. Furthermore, the manufacturers keep wringing out more megapixels from the same size, which means worse low-light performance.

Even the biggest PnS sensor is tiny compared to a DSLR sensor. Here's a chart I made up with relative sizes. Most PnSs have a 1/2.5" sensor. Some have a 1/1.8" (some Fujis have up to a 1/1/6".) The 4/3rds sensor is what you'll find in an Olympus DSLR and the APS is what you'll find in all "affordable" (ie, less than $3,000) DSLRs. That's 15x the surface area!

The larger sensor means consisntely better sharpness and low-light capability.

You also gain things like a proper zoom ring (I don't know how people can like with the "zoom in/zoom out" buttons), faster responsiveness, better build quality, a proper viewfinder (no need to hold the camera out to stare as an LCD screen), depth of field, the ability to buy special-purpose lenses (like ones for low-light use), etc.

You also certainly don't need to spend $600. If you're just starting out and aren't sure if you'll need all the latest features, consider a used DSLR. They generally age very well, and an older DSLR will still give you superior image quality. If you outgrow it, you can probably resell it for what you paid for it, and any extra lenses you buy will continue to work on the new one (assuming you stay with the same manufacturer.) I've often seen used DSLRs go for as low as $250 including a lens. A good friend just returned from WDW with my first DSLR (a little over two years old now) and took around 900 photos and had a great time with it, and got it for less than you'd pay for many new PnS cameras.

 

[Pea-n-Me]

You're suggesting PEER PRESSURE as a way to settle this matter???

Heck no! Peer pressure is people telling you what to do.

I'm suggesting you think of how you'll feel if you don't buy one. You know you're going to wish you did, especially given the course you're taking and what you want to be able to do with your camera.

If I remember correctly you recently bought that E510 that I have my eye one... Do you love it?

Yes.

 

[thomas998]

Now I'm not sure what to do. I thought I would upgrade finally to a dslr, specifically the Olympus E510. I've been talking to my dad, a photography hobbyist, too, and he's asking me why I would do that rather than get a really high-end point-and-shoot (Fujifilm FinePix S2000HD). He said I have camera envy.

As much as I love photography and would love to do it for a living, most likely it will remain a hobby for me. I will for sure continue shooting for my own pleasure, as well as stuff for friends when asked. I have never learned to use all the functions of my Fuji Finepix S5100, and I really like a lot of the pictures I've taken with it.

I'd like to see what I can do in this hobby, but is it really worth it to spend $600.00? What's the incentive to learn how to use all the different settings on a DSLR if I've never learned to use them on the camera I have?

So, I'm asking for some pros and cons to moving to a dslr? What motivated you to make the move, and what motivated you to learn how best to use your camera?

Thank you for your wisdom!

Well... Its possible that you dont actually need one... while I can't imagine not having one... I can also see that there are lots of people that get them for the reason your dad suggested camera envy, and those people don't actually use them.

If you are satisfied with the pictures you get from your current point and shoot then by all means don't bother with a DSLR it would be like a grand ma buying a Ferrari so she could drive 20mph to and from church each Sunday... If on the other hand you aren't satisfied with the performance of your point and shoot then maybe a DSLR will help you get the pictures you want. A list of pros and cons on a dslr vs a point and shoot is really pointless since those pros and cons will never apply 100% to any given photographer. Even a DSLR owner will almost always own at lease 1 point and shoot that they use for certain things.

The biggest question that needs to be asked is of you and its what don't you like about the current point and shoot you have.... we might be able to tell you if the solution will be found in a dslr or the fuji point and shoot your talking about getting.

 

[WillCAD]

In my best Big Lebowski voices:

Dude: Well, uh, hey, man, like... a DSLR is just, like... uh, it's just like COOL man, uh, ya know?

Walter: I wish I could have had a DSLR with me in Nam, but NO, I had nothing by my trusy M-16, my bare hands, and my own guts to get me through that hell!

Dude: Walter, man... what... what the heck has NAM got to do with SLR photography? I mean, uh, come on, man... why does everything have to be about Vietnam with you? We're just talking about camera selection here, man!

Donny: Don't DSLRs take better pictures, too, Dude?

Dude & Walter: Shut the heck up, Donny!

-----------------------------------------------------------

Truthfully, I agree with everything that Groucho said. If you want to get into photography as a serious hobby, and not just something you do casually do document vacations and family events, a DSLR is the way to go. With an SLR camera, you have the opportunity to really learn about the science, and the art, of photography.

If you just want to improve the pics you're already taking of vacations and family events, sometimes you can get away with a higher-quality P&S camera.

 

[dr_zero]

Ok, well, part of it may actually be camera envy.

I want to work with light and shadows and mood. I like macro-type stuff, close-ups of flowers, especially. I like architecture, too.

I like architecture and one thing I have really enjoyed about the switch to digital is having the option to see what a shot looks like before leaving. Another is the freedom of not having to pay for film and developing!

You also certainly don't need to spend $600. If you're just starting out and aren't sure if you'll need all the latest features, consider a used DSLR. They generally age very well, and an older DSLR will still give you superior image quality. If you outgrow it, you can probably resell it for what you paid for it, and any extra lenses you buy will continue to work on the new one (assuming you stay with the same manufacturer.) I've often seen used DSLRs go for as low as $250 including a lens. A good friend just returned from WDW with my first DSLR (a little over two years old now) and took around 900 photos and had a great time with it, and got it for less than you'd pay for many new PnS cameras.

A big +1 with the new models coming out many are going to dumping perfectly good cameras just cause they are not the latest and greatest but are still great cameras!!

Heck no! Peer pressure is people telling you what to do.

I'm suggesting you think of how you'll feel if you don't buy one. You know you're going to wish you did, especially given the course you're taking and what you want to be able to do with your camera.


Yes.

Oh oh twist her arm why dont you LOL

 

[ElizK]

Ya'll are killing me!


The biggest problem with buying used is that they're only about $100.00 less than buying new! At least that's what I'm finding on Craigslist for my area. For $100.00 I'd rather not risk buying someone else's problem, know what I mean?

Ya'll have offered me some great advice, and I really appreciate it. I'm FAIRLY sure that I'll make the jump (but not because I'll feel bad that I don't have one when everyone else does ). My goal is to pay cash, as opposed to putting it on the credit card. I'll have enough within a month or two! .

Now I just have to avoid talking to my dad.

 

[handicap18]

Ok, well, part of it may actually be camera envy.

Really, I LOVE taking portraits. I want to do lots more of that. I want to start borrowing families or children to shoot! (My DD16 and DD13 have been known to get that "aw, mom!!" look.) I want to catch expressions beyond your normal Target photo package. I want to work with light and shadows and mood. I like macro-type stuff, close-ups of flowers, especially. I like architecture, too. I've just started NYIP's Complete Digital Photography course (a 40th bday gift from my DH!), so I should be pretty proficient with Photoshop some day in the foreseeable future.

The camera I'm normally use is no small camera. It's got the 10x optical zoom, so it's of decent size. I have a Canon PowerShot SD400, too, that I take if I want something that will fit in my purse.

Based on what your saying here, then you probably will do well with a dSLR. However, keep in mind there is more to it than the body and kit lens. Look into the system/company you like. What do they have for low light/fast aperture lenses (aka: 30mm f/1.4, 50mm f/1.4 or f/1.8, flashes, remote shutters, etc...).

For my portrait set-ups I use my dSLR body with 50mm f/1.4 lens, speedlight flash with diffuser on a tripod and 2 additional clamp lights clamped to a tripod with a 75watt soft white light bulb. I also use a wireless remote shutter release so I can concentrate on my subject and catch their eye better as they look towards the camera.

This is my setup, others may vary. Your lens collection may also grow. I currently have 6 lenses and I'll probably pick up 2 more by the end of next year. There are also a lot of other lenses that I'll always have my eyes on, even if I'll never be able to afford them.

Good luck with your search. Happy shopping.

 

[Groucho]

I'm not suggested a used version of a current model, I'm saying buy one (or maybe even two) generations back from the current ones. Older DSLRs still have great image quality, the new ones generally have a little faster autofocus, more megapixels, and sometimes (but not always!) better low-light ability - but image quality on an older one can still be spectacular.

You can probably find a good 2006-early 2007 vintage DSLR for $300 or less, about half what you think you have to spend for one.

 

[Wingman]

So, I'm asking for some pros and cons to moving to a dslr? What motivated you to make the move, and what motivated you to learn how best to use your camera?

Thank you for your wisdom!

I made the move because I have always wanted one; I guess it is the same reason why you are thinking about it. What I have learned in the 5 months since I have had my DSLR is amazing. Does that mean that my shots are all great, nope far from it. I understand now why they did not come out as expected; I also understand why the ones I took on my old P&S did not come out well too.

If you are interested in getting very sharp pictures without a care of the depth of field or how to impact it and the reach of your P&S meets your needs, stick with it. Try out shooting in AV or TV or M on your point and shoot. I wasted many years shooting in Auto or Sports when now I know what I should have been trying.

If you are still unsure keep your point and shoot and use the other options, see how they impact your shots. See if you have any interest in controlling the entire shot. If you decide that you like what you are seeing and doing, then make the plung. If you plan to just shoot in auto and don't have any interest in anything, put the money towards a really nice point and shoot.

That is just my two cents from someone that was just like you 6 months ago. My only regret is not having a never ending cash flow to buy all the lenses that I now must have!!!!!!!

 

[DesertBell]

Thank you so much for this thread! I have been trying to explain to DH why I want a DSLR, but he thinks it's just camera envy. Even though I am constantly whining about my Nikon s210 not being fast enough, or missing the shot, or the picture not being clear/ bright enough, or motion pics being blurry, or . . . So thank you