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Question of the Day: How do you normally pay for purchases in stores?
From cellphone cameras to single lens reflex
- Thread starter rpm
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Rouxenator
Dank meme lord
Far to many people are buying DSLR and using only one lens on it (typically Sigma because it is so easy). They would be a lot better off with a bridge/SLR-like camera that has a lens capable of anything from super macro to 20x telephoto. It is also a lot cheaper.
The main reason why more average people are buying SLR is the same as with the SUV bubble a few years back, they are perceived to be bigger and better yet their abilities are seldom used. Because SLR is more expensive it is believed that they are much better.
I for one will never buy SLR because I like the challenge of taking good pictures with either a camera phone or a cheap bridge camera. I also require a camera that is light weight, does not make a lot of noise and can take HD videos - and I want all this for less than R4000.
The main reason why more average people are buying SLR is the same as with the SUV bubble a few years back, they are perceived to be bigger and better yet their abilities are seldom used. Because SLR is more expensive it is believed that they are much better.
I for one will never buy SLR because I like the challenge of taking good pictures with either a camera phone or a cheap bridge camera. I also require a camera that is light weight, does not make a lot of noise and can take HD videos - and I want all this for less than R4000.
ldmelsa
Executive Member
Rouxenator:
DSLR has great flash exposure, faster recycle times, better low-light and much less shutter lag. It's the obvious choice for something like a wedding.
"Far to many people are buying DSLR and using only one lens on it."
That's what I do. What's wrong with the kit lens?
Compacts are just as good for landscape, and the size is great.
Horses for courses. You can't deny that DSLR has a use ATM.
BTW, the exposure meter in the D90 is the best I have ever seen. That was my main reason for getting it.
DSLR has great flash exposure, faster recycle times, better low-light and much less shutter lag. It's the obvious choice for something like a wedding.
"Far to many people are buying DSLR and using only one lens on it."
That's what I do. What's wrong with the kit lens?
Compacts are just as good for landscape, and the size is great.
Horses for courses. You can't deny that DSLR has a use ATM.
BTW, the exposure meter in the D90 is the best I have ever seen. That was my main reason for getting it.
Rouxenator
Dank meme lord
Of course, just like serious off road drivers you do get serious photographers that will only be able to do their job with the right equipment. This is where a quality DSLR is all that will do.
I am fully aware of the advantages SLR has - and I am not saying that nobody needs them. What I am saying is that a lot of new SLR buyers don't have to spend that much on something they are not going to utilize to perhaps even 50% of its ability.
I am fully aware of the advantages SLR has - and I am not saying that nobody needs them. What I am saying is that a lot of new SLR buyers don't have to spend that much on something they are not going to utilize to perhaps even 50% of its ability.
ldmelsa
Executive Member
Yeah, I agree. They don't know how to take photos, but they want a DSLR. I can guarantee you that there is nobody on this forum that, for non-professional use, can master a Nikon D40 to its fullest.
Rouxenator
Dank meme lord
Well, luckily there are guys around like you and Bwana and Koffiejunkie that have lots of experience with SLR and the photos produced are noteworthy.
I have pretty much reached the limits of my bridge camera as well as my phone so now I just try to use them to their fullest in what ever situations I can.
I have pretty much reached the limits of my bridge camera as well as my phone so now I just try to use them to their fullest in what ever situations I can.
Netguy
Senior Member
Everyone has a choice: Eat at your favorite quick-food place, or go have a decent meal at a decent restaurant. Ever seen a sports photographer running around with some or other cellphone camera?
So yes, it's pretty much horses for courses - some people prefer a decent meal, or a decent DSLR camera.
So yes, it's pretty much horses for courses - some people prefer a decent meal, or a decent DSLR camera.
ToxicBunny
Oi! Leave me out of this...
Ahhh the wonderful Ken Rockwell.....
Should be good for a giggle or two I think...
Should be good for a giggle or two I think...
Rouxenator
Dank meme lord
I have to agree with this Rockwell dude - I have seen SLR shots that look as boring as someone phonecam pictures.
ldmelsa
Executive Member
Rockwell is talking about landscape. SLR is better for things that move. SLR is also better at lowlight.
bradel
Well-Known Member
Where do the top-of-the-range digital non-SLR fit into this equation. I had a Canon S5 and what a camera. Well priced, huge built in zoom, flash etc etc. I think those are the best options for most non-pro's. I also once bought an EL-Cheapo digital and it pics were better than any phone/camera i have had to date.
Rouxenator
Dank meme lord
bradel, what you are talking about is known as a bridge or SLR-like camera. They still have the same small sensors that you would find in a compact camera but are equipped with an advanced lens that allows anything from super macro and wide angles to 20x telephoto.
They also allow for longer exposure and more manual overrides than normal point and shoot cameras. I am a big fan of these cameras because they are cheap, flexible and pretty much all that your average Joe needs.
They also allow for longer exposure and more manual overrides than normal point and shoot cameras. I am a big fan of these cameras because they are cheap, flexible and pretty much all that your average Joe needs.
Ken Rockwell. . . the Godwin of photography discussions.
When I was studying photography we learnt using a SLR, not a Brownie so why should people have to know how to take photos before they have the right equipment?
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Rouxenator
Dank meme lord
Some people study photography, others just do photography.
Yes, and some people do both but I fail to see your point.
Anyhow - if the bug has bit then the jump from a cellphone to a dSLR makes perfect sense. Why go from one over pixelated tiny sensor sitting behind run of the mill glass to another if you dont have to. So what if you're going to set it on auto everything and spend your days shooting jpgs - it doesnt mean you shouldn't have it.
Rouxenator
Dank meme lord
I agree with you - just keep in mind that it costs a lot of money and there are trade offs for that big sensor you are after.
Another reason why I still use my phone camera is purely because of the challenge it poses. Anyone can take great pictures with a SLR provided they have a good eye for a picture and knows some of the basics. It takes a lot more to capture the same picture with a phone and ending up with it looking just as good (or a reasonable facsimile) of what it would look like with a camera 5 times more expensive.
Another reason why I still use my phone camera is purely because of the challenge it poses. Anyone can take great pictures with a SLR provided they have a good eye for a picture and knows some of the basics. It takes a lot more to capture the same picture with a phone and ending up with it looking just as good (or a reasonable facsimile) of what it would look like with a camera 5 times more expensive.
SubliminalThought
Senior Member
I started off with your run of the mill digitals, then moved to the prosumer (bridge) and then to SLR. I wish I went to SLR sooner. Not because of the capabilities, but because of learning. More and more now I'm shooting on manual, which on prosumers was always a chore (the newer camera interfaces are easier) and my photography has improved because now I make conscious choices about aperture and shutter.
I've always had an interest in photography beyond the happy snaps and I think that if you do, then going the SLR route is great. But if you just want better happy snaps then a prosumer is the way to go. Most of my friends I have recommended cameras like the S5 and SX10.
The only time I've used my cellphone camera is when it comes out of the box just to check if the camera actually works.
After using an SLR I don't want to use a camera that has long shutter lag, doesn't have a viewfinder and cant zoom extremely quickly. But each to his own. Seen some really good pics (like those from Rouxenator and others) coming from cellphone and bridge. So there is no reason to knock them on image quality (unless you're a pixel peeper).
I've always had an interest in photography beyond the happy snaps and I think that if you do, then going the SLR route is great. But if you just want better happy snaps then a prosumer is the way to go. Most of my friends I have recommended cameras like the S5 and SX10.
The only time I've used my cellphone camera is when it comes out of the box just to check if the camera actually works.
After using an SLR I don't want to use a camera that has long shutter lag, doesn't have a viewfinder and cant zoom extremely quickly. But each to his own. Seen some really good pics (like those from Rouxenator and others) coming from cellphone and bridge. So there is no reason to knock them on image quality (unless you're a pixel peeper).
Rouxenator
Dank meme lord
Thanks for the compliment SubliminalThought 
The pictures you have shown here requires extremely well timed shutter work so I can understand why you prefer SLR. At least you are using an SLR for what it is intended for
The pictures you have shown here requires extremely well timed shutter work so I can understand why you prefer SLR. At least you are using an SLR for what it is intended for
Sure, not when they're working but I think you'll find most pro's (and dedicated hobbyists) have a good p&s to carry around because something is always better than nothing.