Best Method to get better

[mschaning]

Hi all,

I've been slowing getting into photography for the past couple months using my Canon Powershot A600 point and shoot. All in all, it does pretty much everything I need and I haven't run into any of its limitations so far, aside from maybe not having the resolution of something nicer. So if I were to upgrade to a DSLR, would I really notice a difference? Or should I focus on pushing my point and shoot to the limits and learning more post-processing techniques before I drop the money on the DSLR?

[OsmosisStudios]

You'll see a difference in the images, but you'll have to learn things all over again

[SusanH1970]

+1. I also want to add - work on getting the images correct in-camera (lighting, exposure, compositon, etc.) before working on post processing. Post processing won't fix a bad image, it's meant to enhance a good image.

[LeeR]

Camera manufacturers would love for everyone to believe that getting a better camera will make us better photographers. To a point they have been successful as people approach me with the rather inane statement, "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."

Clearly, in the hands of a pro, a professional quality camera is a thing of beauty capable of making amazing images in all kinds of conditions. Great cameras allow photographers to do two things p&s cameras don't; 1) they allow us to see the exact image that the sensor will see (not an LCD representation) and 2) they give us some extra buttons to push that allow us extra flexibility in extreme situations (low light, fast moving, etc.) However, I would argue that much of the time a high quality point and shoot could have been used to get a pro quality shot.

Photography is a way of seeing and most people don't spend enough time working on that aspect of their image making abilities. Most people, men especially, are fascinated by the technical aspects of photography while allowing the actually process of mentally 'seeing' and image lay dormant. Time spent with a simple camera working our you ability to find and create great images will never be wasted.

[junglebear]

I've had a bridge camera for over a year now and although I'd love a DSLR, I certainly don't need it. Yes, image quality could be better, but if you've got full manual mode then you can make all the same (basic) adjustments as on a DSLR. There's no hurry to upgrade.
Also, I think that if you spend 6000 - 10000 shots learning the art on a P&S, when you get to your 10000+ shots with a DSLR you'll be a lot better and can make the most of the superior technology.
That's how I see it anyway

[SusanH1970]

Originally Posted by LeeR

Camera manufacturers would love for everyone to believe that getting a better camera will make us better photographers. To a point they have been successful as people approach me with the rather inane statement, "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."

[natek313]

Originally Posted by SusanH1970

You beat me to it!

[mschaning]

Thanks all for the advice! I think I will work on my photography skills before moving forward.

[RustyRiley]

Originally Posted by mschaning

Hi all,

I've been slowing getting into photography for the past couple months using my Canon Powershot A600 point and shoot. All in all, it does pretty much everything I need and I haven't run into any of its limitations so far, aside from maybe not having the resolution of something nicer. So if I were to upgrade to a DSLR, would I really notice a difference? Or should I focus on pushing my point and shoot to the limits and learning more post-processing techniques before I drop the money on the DSLR?

,

In some ways it's a pity you bought the SD600 (that's what it is in the US, isn't it?).
It came out circa 2006, with a 6Mp lens, and 3x optical range (35-105: normal-short tele), with no manual settings, but shutter settings and a few mode settings?

So, all in all, it's past its prime (or did you buy it second hand? -- you must have surely?I if the salesman allowed you to buy it new, take it back, and demand your money back. You CAN buy a DSLR for the "new" price of this camera.e.g., Amazon has the Nikon D3000 for only $445, and the even better Canon Rebel XS for $480, both approx.

But if you bought it second hand, you've got a very good quality (Canon make the "best" compacts) camera that'll certainly last you until you can save for a "proper" camera. Then again, there's a pro who's produced with only a low resolution camera phone so the "low" resolution isn't an issue, really. What you need to do is to learn to make the best of whatever you've got. The frustrating about digital is that it's inherently lower rez and dynamic range than film, so some sort of software is almost essential (and often totally free) for final sharpening of your images. As people have said, get good shots first, then refine 'em later!

So, to cut my long story short, yeah, I'd go for making the best of what you have, save until you can buy the "system" camera you really want (from one of the biggies -- it's the lenses that are the most important in the long run, and you need to think about that BEFORE you really get into starting a system, it's too expensive otherwise -- and use some basic photo-editing software in the interim to wring as much out of the jpegss as you can (the software, Gimp, is powerful, and free, and the manual is pleasantly "chatty" in tone unlike many other photo software manuals, with some of the best help around).

Happy photography!

RustyRiley
Dunedin, New Zealand

Gear: Canon Rebel XS (1000D), 18-55, 70-300, 50mm f/1.8 lenses
Fujifilm s2000hd
etc

[mschaning]

Thanks Rusty! I checked and was mistaken--it is actually a Canon PowerShot A700. I bought it new in 2006 though, not second hand. Either way, I think I'll work on taking better pics with what I've got. I've also been using Gimp for a while and I like it. Cheers.