What’s Your Preference?

Essy · #1 (**permalink**) 11-01-2010, 12:55 AM

I'm a mom who loves to take pictures...not a serious photographer at all. But I am hooked and want to give it my all so that I can keep improving. Right now I just own a point and shoot ( Kodak EasyShare Z1485 IS), and it has served me well. I like that I can take it with me everywhere since the type of photography that I love the best are landscapes/ cityscapes and candid shots of people, especially my kids. I like that I can use it on both auto and on manual. What I don't like is that it takes forever between shots. I'd also like to get sharper images.

So, I think it is time to trade up and maybe move to a DSLR camera but since money is kind of tight at the moment I don't want to jump the gun. I'm wondering if anyone here is willing to look through my pictures over at my flickr account and tell me if it seems that a DSLR could help me improve and would be the obvious next step for me...or if what I need for now is to keep practicing with my current camera. Also, any suggestions on what next step cameras would be ideal for my type of photography would be appreciate.

Thanks in advance.

autofocus · #2 (**permalink**) 11-01-2010, 01:14 AM

I looked at several pages of your photos and have to say that you have a pretty good eye, and have done a real good job with that P&S of yours. Remember, it's not the camera, but the one taking the photo that makes the difference. The trouble with your kind of camera is that they can suffer from a problem with shutter lag making non posed action shots difficult. A DSLR will improve on that with a faster shutter response time. What exactly is your budget? I'd have to assume that even an entry level SLR kit has to cost in the area of $600-$700 dollars. But nice job on your photos, and I would have to say if money someday becomes less of a problem for you, you would do well with a nice new DSLR

nickbedford · #3 (**permalink**) 11-01-2010, 01:16 AM

You've got a good eye and you're definitely pushing the boundaries of your point and shoot. I think the jump to a DSLR would lift the weight off your shoulders, so to speak. There's only so much a point and shoot sized camera can achieve (whilst they're quite impressive these days, there is a ceiling). Sensor size, shooting speed and processing speed, the ability to shoot RAW, lens choice.

Luckily, you can grab the Canon 1000D with a basic lens for no more than about $500 AUD (not sure of the US price) or a similar level Nikon. Even this, whilst being a entry level DSLR would be bounds ahead of a point and shoot. Most notably shoot processing speed and image clarity.

sk66 · #4 (**permalink**) 11-01-2010, 03:16 AM

Honestly, since budget is an issue and looking at your images...
I'd suggest something like a Canon S95, G12, or a superzoom camera...
The step from a P&S to DSLR adds a lot of complexity. I'd suggest the smaller step into full control and raw editing..

Jonbar18 · #5 (**permalink**) 11-01-2010, 03:22 AM

The G12 is only about $100 less than a entry-level DSLR. I would suggest finding an out of production camera like the N60.

nickbedford · #6 (**permalink**) 11-01-2010, 03:56 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sk66

Honestly, since budget is an issue and looking at your images...
I'd suggest something like a Canon S95, G12, or a superzoom camera...
The step from a P&S to DSLR adds a lot of complexity. I'd suggest the smaller step into full control and raw editing..

There's no better way to learn to shoot DSLR than to get a DSLR. I'm sure the OP has the mind to learn.

It'd be a waste of money getting another point and shoot to be honest when entry level DSLRs are only a bit more expensive.

Digidave · #7 (**permalink**) 11-01-2010, 06:27 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sk66

Honestly, since budget is an issue and looking at your images...
I'd suggest something like a Canon S95, G12, or a superzoom camera...
The step from a P&S to DSLR adds a lot of complexity. I'd suggest the smaller step into full control and raw editing..

I was thinking the same way. I'll even go a step farther & say not only does it add complexity but it also adds another bag to carry.

Once you step into the DSLR arena you will need lenses. If you are a "busy mom" that has to run here & there for your children I think you will find that a good P&S camera will be better for you. You are more likely to keep it with you wherever you go.

I looked at several of your shots on Flickr & will agree that you do have a good eye for photography so I don't want to discourage you but at the same time you have to be practical.

nickbedford · #8 (**permalink**) 11-01-2010, 07:39 AM

I guess my point is that she already has a point and shoot and a capable one at that. What's the point of wasting money on another one?

Athas_orm · #9 (**permalink**) 11-01-2010, 08:55 AM

I wish I had your eye. I'd certainly recommend going with a DSLR. I think your photostream is great.

If money is an issue I'd look at getting an entry level one like the 1000D which was mentioned before. You should get a lot of use of the kit lens that comes with it before you need to buy any more.

If you go with the 1000D try to make sure the kit lens is the image stabilisation lens as it really does seem to be a better lens. Nikon entry level lenses I don't know.