Best Method to get better

[Gigantor]

Originally Posted by LeeR

, "That's a really good camera; it must take really good pictures." I want to tell them, "No, by itself this camera takes rather lousy pictures, but with my help it does much better.".

I agree with that, not that I am good enough to put myself on the same level as the big man but when I show people pictures they like I very often get the 'that’s a good picture it must be a good camera' comment, my stock answer now is 'that’s like saying Eric Clapton must have a good guitar' (can’t remember where I heard that but it’s not mine!) again not that I think I'm any good but there must something I am doing right for them to like the picture in the first place!

I have a friend who does marvellous things with a P&S but he is a very good photographer any way and I think that makes a difference but even he says that to get the majority of the artistic shots he visualises he needs his DSLR and kit.

In answer to the question though I think you would notice an immediate difference in the quality of the pictures but not necessarily in the quality of the pictures if that makes any sense. It will show a more detailed image but will not improve your composition.
You take a picture using a DSLR especially in auto modes it generally looks like a great improvement over the average P&S but it’s when you venture into the creative modes the adventure starts!

I spent months knocking myself as photos I took in the creative modes were never as clear, bright or properly focussed as in auto modes so I convinced myself I was doing it wrong however not being one to give up it forced me to learn how to use my camera properly (still learning) and learn the science behind the pictures, hopefully one day I will develop the creative side to go with it.

My point being if you can afford it by all means upgrade to a DSLR as it might just encourage you to go that bit further or learn that bit more.