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

[Pea-n-Me]

I made the move because I have always wanted one

Me too. But for over a decade I was too gun shy to get one.

I finally bougth a bridge camera thinking that might do it for me.

But instead, I was kind of kicking myself for not just jumping into a dSLR with that purchase. I learned a lot from it, but I regretted not getting a dSLR then, especially when I saw others using them. It wasn't envy, it was more like, "if they can do it, so can I".

This is what I was trying to convey to the OP.

 

[seashoreCM]

If/when you find that your point and shoot is incapable of giving you the picture quality (such as in low light photography) you want, then spring for the DSLR.

The limitation in point and shoots that people usually run up against first is lens aperture. (D)SLR's offer a much greater choice given that you can switch lenses.

Only rarely will people viewing the finished pictures (taken in lighting conditions suitable for point and shoots) will start commenting and conjecturing about the kind of camera that took the pictures.

IMHO the DSLR, when set to the same aperture, field of view, and other settings for a given subject as a point and shoot set itself to, will give the same depth of field when the final picture is enlarged to the same size (in inches) for side by side comparison.

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[bob100]

If/when you find that your point and shoot is incapable of giving you the picture quality (such as in low light photography) you want, then spring for the DSLR.
The limitation in point and shoots that people usually run up against first is lens aperture. (D)SLR's offer a much greater choice given that you can switch lenses.
Only rarely will people viewing the finished pictures (taken in lighting conditions suitable for point and shoots) will start commenting and conjecturing about the kind of camera that took the pictures.

IMHO the DSLR, when set to the same aperture, field of view, and other settings for a given subject as a point and shoot set itself to, will give the same depth of field when the final picture is enlarged to the same size (in inches) for side by side comparison.

I agree with this advice. The only unfavorable comparison with my Canon P&S and a dSLR is low light indoors or at night, especially with fast action type shots with low light. The dSLR can do better in most photo situations but you have to buy the extra lens (carrying around lens get inconvenient?) Also, every once in a while the P&S video comes in handy - like weddings where you see lots of wild dancing and you want those keepsake memories!

 

[thomas998]

The more I think about it the more I wonder... Maybe someone that has a point and shoot and isn't sure if a DSLR is the right move should consider getting a used film SLR first. You wouldn't have the instant gratification of getting your picture viewed right after you took it but the film SLRs are cheaper than dirt on the used market and you would be able to use any of those film SLR lenses on a DSLR if you decided to move in that direction.

And truth be told... I still use my film SLR when I think I'm going to be in a place with harsh lighting... sometimes film still works better than digital.

 

[proteus]

I use my DSLR for ebay a great deal. I used to have a point and shoot for that purpose. The main differences:

- Much easier to get a good picture the first time around
- Far less editing required later because the DSLR image quality and focusing ability is superior
- In the time it took me to shoot 25 pictures with a point and shoot, I could do 75 with the DSLR

I am kind of like you in that I don't use the advanced features and may never will. Still the DSLR works very well for me and you don't need camera envy as a justification. The only drawback of course is the bulk.

 

[webshark3]

The more I think about it the more I wonder... Maybe someone that has a point and shoot and isn't sure if a DSLR is the right move should consider getting a used film SLR first. You wouldn't have the instant gratification of getting your picture viewed right after you took it but the film SLRs are cheaper than dirt on the used market and you would be able to use any of those film SLR lenses on a DSLR if you decided to move in that direction.

And truth be told... I still use my film SLR when I think I'm going to be in a place with harsh lighting... sometimes film still works better than digital.

So let me get this straight. You want a P&S user who knows little about photography to go back to the non-instant gratification days (after getting it with their P&S), and trust their instinct without instant review?

I see where you're coming from, but I think learning on a DSLR is easier. You see your mistakes right away without burning through film. Great for learning. A used 300D on ebay is only $150.

 

[thomas998]

So let me get this straight. You want a P&S user who knows little about photography to go back to the non-instant gratification days (after getting it with their P&S), and trust their instinct without instant review?

I see where you're coming from, but I think learning on a DSLR is easier. You see your mistakes right away without burning through film. Great for learning. A used 300D on ebay is only $150.

I guess I just assumed she was probably just going to be using the camera on auto... and a slr using film on auto would probably give the average shooter pretty good results... and maybe show them the things they wouldn't be able to get with a p&s like a shallow depth of field and no shutter lag.

Not to mention the smell of fresh film being opened.

 

[loopner67]

Great thread. I've always wondered how other people like myself (novice photographers) end up with DSLR cameras.

I had it lucky.... the decision was made for me. My DH surprised me last Christmas with my E510. I was shocked (in a fantastic way) and have been trying to learn how to use it ever since. LOL. I also got *very* lucky because my DH bought a "bundle" and I got the 2nd lens with it (40-155mm).

I'll add a few things that I've noticed with having a camera like this...

~~ The Stabilization. I haven't taken one blurry picture since I got this camera. What a huge perk!

~~ The clarity of the pictures. I'm shocked at my own pictures.

~~ Being able to take fantastic action shots in sequence. I just start snapping, click click click and there's usually a good one in the bunch.

~~ The ease with which I could use this camera. With the auto setting, I was able to just start using it right away, then learn more as I went along.

~~ It *is* bulkier and heavier, which to me, is the only con so far. But it's worth it!