Is it REALLY worth buying an SLR digital camera?

I have a digital camera at the moment ( http://www.cameras.co.uk/reviews/fuji-finepix-s8000fd.cfm ), i’ve had it since christmas time. I’ve started to take photography much more seriously than I ever intended to, so i’m wondering is an SLR really worth export or should I just stick with what I have?

I don’t really use my camera for anything professional, just taking pictures of stuff and experimenting with angles, etc.

Answer by royer
well if your not wanting to go the extra mile then no its not worth export.

Answer by rusty778
yes, the quality is much much better, and DSLRs are competent of things that point and shoots cant. Like exposer time and shutter speed. Which are some of the main effects for photography.

Answer by Terisu
Once you start getting serious about photography, you might start to notice limitations in your camera. You could get frustrated that you can’t do certain things you want to. That’s when you know you need to go up to an slr. If you’re pleased with the results of your camera, then you’re okay staying with it for now.

By the way, there’s a common misconception that a better camera will automatically make your pictures better. It’s not necessarily so. If you do go up to an slr, then take the time to learn each feature of it. Go through the manual page by page and try out everything you read in it. It’s the learning process that will improve your photography.

Meanwhile, study the works of well-known photographers and see how they made images. Take classes, read books and magazines, and just keep taking pictures.

Answer by Mulan
Only if you’re willing to spend the time to learn how to use it to its fullest capabilities… otherwise it’s just a waste of money.

Read this article by Ken Rockwell… my favorite line: “Buy a more expensive camera if you want, but don’t come crying to me when you get the same results you’re getting from your current camera.”

http://www.kenrockwell.com/tech/camera_recommendations_2005.htm

Also see “Your Camera Doesn’t Matter” and “A $ 150 Versus a $ 5000 Camera” by Ken Rockwell.

http://www.kenrockwell.com/tech/notcamera.htm

http://www.kenrockwell.com/tech/150-vs-5000-dollar-camera.htm

Answer by Bokeh
If your serious about photography then yes, you should get an SLR. They have so many more features and options that let you control the photo that its a no contest with a point and shoot.

Bringing a point and shoot to serious photography is like bringing a water pistol to a gunfight.

Take a look at these digital SLR’s that are excellent for beginers

Canon Rebel XTi or XSi
Nikon D40 or D80
Pentax K100d or K200d

Hope this helps.

Know better? Leave your own answer in the comments!

Workspace


Image by Justin Dressel
Lately I have been all ears on research and have let my photography slide. Such a revelation saddens me. As such, I spent some time researching cameras this weekend to get for myself in the right mindset for a possible upgrade.

While pondering what has been holding me back with my current camera (the Canon Powershot S3 IS) and what makes me take fewer photos or toss out the ones I do take, I came to the conclusion that overwhelmingly it is the poor routine in low lighting.

Now don’t get me incorrect; for a non-SLR, this camera does fantastic work in Macro and reasonable mid-range work in bright lighting: enough so that I’ve gotten fantastic shots out of it. The small size and flip-LCD screen makes it relatively unobtrusive and simple to carry around to snag excellent shots. Other than being busy, I have no excuse lately for not grabbing many more solid shots.

Though, I have to admit that the camera just doesn’t perform in low lighting, as much as I have tried to make it work. Barring a few creative shot salvages, the noise overwhelms the signal in anything but stellar lighting situation. To remedy such a conundrum, I need better equipment.

So after putting a lot thought into what I really need/want, I have set for myself a few goals. First, I need to do more photography; it makes no sense to upgrade equipment if I’m not by the equipment I do have to do what it does well. Second, I will break down and buy a full-fledged dSLR when I get the budget to do so.

After very carefully weighing my options, I have chose that to really take up what I need and want out of a dSLR, the Canon EOS 50D is the best choice. It has fantastic low set alight routine, lens-limited resolution, professional-grade durability, and is well-poised for long-term use. I’m not particularly concerned about it not being full-frame, since my feeling is that the EF-S standard will be around for quite some time. While I could possibly be temporarily satisfied with the XSi (as it is an outstanding camera for comparatively cheap), I suspect that I would soon wish I had spent the few extra dollars up front instead as a longer term investment.

To complement such a high-quality body, I will need a top-quality general function lens. The sad certainty is that the kit lenses would render the 50D a waste of money due to poor(er) quality: I would be better off getting the XSi if I got a kit lens. For my requirements (excellent low-set alight routine, wide-angle for at home, moderate telephoto for likeness and outdoor work, image stabilization, tack-sharp), it seems the ideal (non-prime) lens is the Canon EF-S 17-55mm f-2.8 IS USM, though it is a bit pricey. I have scoped out 3 more follow-up lenses, but the 17-55mm should be adequate for most of my walk-around use, and is worthy of the camera. In anticipation of I have budget to pick up a excellent macro lens, my macros will continue to be done on the S3.

Choosing the higher-quality 50D with matching higher-quality lens (plus necessary accessories), will place me out about 00. This cost compares to the 2 I could spend getting an XSi with a (honestly low quality) kit lens. Is the hike in price worth it? I reckon it will be for the long term.

Now it’s just a matter of saving up for it.

1. I tried browsing few reviews and lessened on 2 models – Canon rebel xsi and Nikon D 3000 . The reviews in different sites are confusing , Can i get some advise on the which is most credible and simple camera review site to help me conclude my choice

2. The online price is 10 – 15 % cheaper and im thinking of export it online , Which is the best site to buy .

3. Which is the best store around jersey city , NJ everywhere i can walk in and get a excellent demo and product experience .

Thanks folks , its incredible how Y answers can help

Answer by tobethin
i have a nikiond40 and like it the 3000 are excellent to, rite now target has a small discount on them i would look there first

Answer by William
Canon rebel xsi has the best picturs to this day in the price range.

Answer by selina
CANON ! CANON ! CANON ! CANON !

Answer by Fishmeister
I reckon you spoke too soon about YA answers helping, those first three answers were just pathetic.

They are both nice cameras, both have a range of accessories and lenses so large that you will be spoiled for choice, both are competent of incredible images (as long as you know what you are doing) and both will certainly do all you need for some time to come..

The question is which is better for you…

I’m a Canon user but I also like Nikon. I also like Pentax, and Olympus etc, etc.. The certainty is that all brands are excellent. The reason I chose Canon was simple.. I went into a store and handled all of the bodies in my price range. I checked the weight (too heavy?, too set alight?), the size (too huge?, too small?, I prefer a larger DSLR), do you like the button layout? (I preferred the non cluttered shutter of the Canon DSLRs, I was not keen on Nikons placement of dozens of buttons too close to the shutter, others may prefer that!), do you like menu system?, simple to steer etc…..

The list goes on…

At the end of the day you can not rely on biased opinions of people on a site like this, it will get you nowhere. Go into a store and try then for yourself. You wouldn’t buy a car based on somebodys opinion, you would want to test drive it first.

I personally wouldn’t buy online groundbreaking new. I’d rather pay the 10% extra in a bricks and mortar store and be safe in the knowledge that should a conundrum rise I can go straight there and speak to somebody face to face, but that’s my personal opinion.

.

Answer by Edwin
You can find camera stores in Jersey City in your Yellow Pages or by going on-line and doing a simple search for ‘camera stores in jersey city’.

If you buy on-line and then walk into a local camera store and question them to show you how to use your camera they just might question you to leave. After all, you place no money in their pockets so why should they help you? I strongly suggest export your camera locally since many stores now offer a couple of hours of instruction with your buy.

Once you’re in the store you can handle both cameras and choose which one feels best in your hands. The salesperson will point out the advantages and disadvantages of both cameras. Since most salespeople are paid on commission delight don’t hijack the salesperson’s time and then order on-line. That’s as incorrect as getting fantastic service in a restaurant and then not leaving a tip. Reckon about how you’d feel if you were that ma?tre d'h?tel – or that salesperson.

I like the reviews found at http://www.dpreview.com You can also find excellent reviews at http://www.shutterbug.com Just type the make and model in the Search box.

So buy locally and you’ll always have someone to answer your questions and help you. Buy on-line and you’re on your own.

Add your own answer in the comments!

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