Moving from Prosumer Digital to DSLR

[CameraDan]

So I've had the Cannon Powershot S2 for the last year and love the camera. It has an excellent mix of automatic and manual features, I love the fold out and rotatable screen and for the most part I love the quailty of the pictures.

Before this camera I had a film SLR with a manual focus zoom lens, and a point and shoot digital. I used the digital for just simple general purpose shots (b-day parties, holidays, family gatherings) and the film camera for more artistic shots. One thing I really wish I had on the PS S2 is the type of zoom manual lens I have on my film camera. Cannon actually makes an attachable zoom lens for the PS S2, but I know nothing about it.

I'm curious if anyone has used such a lens with a prosumer camera, or if its worth simply moving up to a DSLR to get the flexibility I want.

[NaturesPixel]

im not sure if this is the same thing or not but i have a minolta Z5 with an attached 2xtele photos are all rubbish when i use the 2xtele...

which is why i made the switch to my D50 Nikon :)

[Nicole]

I'm curious if anyone has used such a lens with a prosumer camera, or if its worth simply moving up to a DSLR to get the flexibility I want.

I'm probably biased in saying this, but I think it is worth moving up to a dSLR to get the flexibility that you want, if only because it will let your skills grow even more. With getting the zoom that attaches to your current camera, you may satisfy the need for the zoom. But as you grow as a photographer, what happens when you want to try more techniques that require different lens attachments? Do you try to find a way to do fisheye or really wide angles? It depends a lot though on whether or not you want to spend heaps now to get a dSLR or if you want to put off getting one until you feel that you've outgrown the usefulness of your other camera and the attachable zoom.

[Englishteacher]

In a way I agree with Nicole. Move to a DSLR and you will wonder why you waited so long. On the other hand, why can't you be creative with the PS? I will be teaching a photography course to highschool students next semester and will encourage them to use whatever they have. Creativity has nothing to do with the expense of the camera ... it has everything to do with the mind and eye of the user. I have known college professors who taught photography with pinhole cameras! Still, I vote for using the DSLR. I have a Nikon D70 w/2 Sigma lenses and love it.

[Nicole]

Creativity has nothing to do with the expense of the camera ... it has everything to do with the mind and eye of the user.

I just wanted to say that I agree with this statement 100%. I have seen fantastic shots taken with extraordinarily simple cameras, and creativity is due to the user. Really well said Englishteacher :)

[testmonkey]

Creativity has nothing to do with the expense of the camera ... it has everything to do with the mind and eye of the user.

If that's true, how on earth am I going to convince my wife to let me step up to a new dSLR (the Pentax K100D)? OK, no one tell my wife -agreed?

[wulf]

If that's true, how on earth am I going to convince my wife to let me step up to a new dSLR (the Pentax K100D)? OK, no one tell my wife -agreed?
What else is there to say to that but :D

Actually, I think you probably can justify moving up to a more complex camera but that means lots of experimenting so that you can take extensive (and worthwhile) shots that are impossible with your current unit.

Wulf

[Nicole]

If that's true, how on earth am I going to convince my wife to let me step up to a new dSLR (the Pentax K100D)?

Well, just because you can come up with the creative ideas doesn't mean you'll be able to implement them without some fancy new gear does it? ;)

[Englishteacher]

Sorry I burst your bubble! The answer is really easy ... you really CAN do so much more with a DSLR! I love taking people pix ... and I want them natural. A long lense on my Nikon D70 allows me to take close up shots across the room, and no one is the wiser until they see the shot!

Another advantage is TTL framing. Try doing a great closeup with a rangefinder -- or even a digital screen on a bright day.

Happy convincing.

[Learner]

I also wanted to go toward SLR for flexibilty, but I knew I wanted high quality lenses and they add up in cost!!! So I went with the Sony H5. Then after my purchase was pleasantly surprised to find out that there are 3 converter lenses for this camera, all of excellent quality. And the whole package, camera, batteries, memory card/s, case tripod, any and all accessories for this little honey of a camera will probably total $1,000USD. So I think there is an alternative to SLR without breaking the bank.

[RainPacket]

Here's my take on it.

A point-and-shoot, you can do some great pictures with, especially the 'point-and-shoots' which allow you to override the camera and do manual setting of aperture, shutter length, and so on.

But if you're finding you want to do new things, experiment with new types of lenses, getting the DSLR makes sense. But instead of buying a super high-end DSLR, figure out which brand you want to be with, and buy one of the slightly older, lower-end cameras.

Reason is, generally the lenses work across the different bodies within a given brand. The lenses I've bought for my Canon EOS Digital Rebel XTi, I can continue to use when, down the road, I get the hypothetical Canon EOS 7D or whatever. The camera body is something replaceable; the lenses are an investment.

So if you want to start out with DSLR, pick up a cheaper body and one reasonable lens, then begin to expand your lens collection. If you find the DSLR is right for you, then you can upgrade the body later and carry the lenses along to your newer setup.