Do i go for a digital slr?

Andyf33

Hi folks

I have a canon powershot S3 IS digital camera that ive had for about 3 or 4 years now. Reasonable happy with the photos it takes but considering moving up to a digital slr. Im very much an amateur when it comes to cameras and mainly take photos of family holidays, birthdays, christmas, days out etc.

Never had an slr camera before and probably going to take a trip to jessops for advice on whether I will see any improvement over my current camera. Any views on whether I should go for the digital slr?

Thanks

custardy

well TBH you dont sound like an SLR would fit your purposes
I have my DSLR but dont always take it
eg i was at the zoo the other day and the pram,my 2 year old and associated gubbins makes the DSLR too bulky
i have my bridge camera for that type of day where im on my own (different if we go as a family)
however for family events,special days out of at home taking pics of my boy then its the DSLR every time
with the DSLR you will start looking at new lenses,tripods etc and the costs mount up
your right though,go and have a play and see how you go
to get the best out of a DSLR,you need to take the time to learn how to use it properly.though they have an auto setting to get you started
I love my DSLR

totalsolutions

A huge improvement over clarity and creative photography. A large learning curve ahead. Useful podcasts is DTOWNTV

A._Badger

Andyf33 wrote: »

Hi folks

I have a canon powershot S3 IS digital camera that ive had for about 3 or 4 years now. Reasonable happy with the photos it takes but considering moving up to a digital slr. Im very much an amateur when it comes to cameras and mainly take photos of family holidays, birthdays, christmas, days out etc.

Never had an slr camera before and probably going to take a trip to jessops for advice on whether I will see any improvement over my current camera. Any views on whether I should go for the digital slr?

Thanks

Unless you print your pictures to a large size, sell for publication, or are willing to do a lot of learning, I'd say don't do it (and I say that as a sometime pro and lifelong enthusiast).

One of the better modern compacts with a decent zoom will do just as good a job for all but those who are really serious. They'll also do it for less money and without the need to lug a bagful of lenses and accessories around.

The biggest downside to a compact (and, for me, it's a major one) is the almost certain absence of an optical viewfinder. How people can take photograhs in bright conditions when all they have is an LCD is beyond me.

If you can live without one, however, have a look at Panasonic's Lumix range, would be my advice.

lucylucky

"The biggest downside to a compact (and, for me, it's a major one) is the almost certain absence of an optical viewfinder. How people can take photograhs in bright conditions when all they have is an LCD is beyond me."

Agreed - what a pain. My first two compact digital cameras had viewfinders as well as an LCD screen, made life a hell of a lot easier

A._Badger

lucylucky wrote: »

"The biggest downside to a compact (and, for me, it's a major one) is the almost certain absence of an optical viewfinder. How people can take photograhs in bright conditions when all they have is an LCD is beyond me."

Agreed - what a pain. My first two compact digital cameras had viewfinders as well as an LCD screen, made life a hell of a lot easier

Yup. It's why I hang on to my Canoin A710 IS as a walkaround camera. It's not that good, actually (despite some excellent reviews when it came out) but at least I can take pictures with it when the sun is shining!

Georgiexxx

If you enjoy photography and are willing to put a bit of time into going beyond the auto mode, then go for it. otherwise choose a panasonic lumix. As already been said, budget is another factor as costs can mount up - lenses etc.

Google digital-photography-school.com and look for their beginners tips. This site will give you an idea of the wide range of issues that are involved with DSLR. I've taken some great photos with my entry level Canon EOS, but also painfully aware of what I can't do as I can't afford yet to go beyond the kit lens. I was on holiday last year with a friend who had a panasonic lumix. The zoom was great - boy was I envious and a little miffed considering what my camera cost me and how much I'd have to fork out for a telephoto.

Georgiexxx

Your question got me looking for lenses and I came across this short piece that may be useful

mikeindustries.com/blog/archive/2008/01/a-rookie-guide-to-digital-slr-cameras

[Deleted User]

Georgiexxx wrote: »

Your question got me looking for lenses and I came across this short piece that may be useful

mikeindustries.com/blog/archive/2008/01/a-rookie-guide-to-digital-slr-cameras

That article really makes me want to ditch my Panny SLR in favour of a Nikon, if anything just so i can have a 18-200mm lens

ah well, i shall have to forget it till i get some kind of payrise.. until then i shall save for this beauty : http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/560582-USA/Sigma_310_107_Normal_50mm_f_1_4_EX.html#reviews

Andyf33

thanks for the advice folks

moonrakerz

1. Get a Nikon or a Canon.
2. Don't believe ANY salesman who says "the more pixels the better" !
3. Use the money you save from (2) to buy a telephoto lens.
4. Don't go to Jessops.