DSLR Canon or Nikon or ????

Pthree

OK, well I was only confused about which brand before now I am wondering if I need a DSLR!

I am currently a "go out for the day to take photos / its a special occasion take your camera" sort of photographer, and in my mind was to get a DSLR to do the same thing. I also use it sometimes for work (property interiors) but find the quality pretty ropey hence me using my bosses all singing and dancing Canon if I have the option.

But.... if I am honest I dont really think I know half of what my camera can do, I have done a couple of courses but most of these are geared towards DSLR's.

I don't carry my camera around with me day to day, which I know I should, as has been said they can be quite a faff to lug around and perhaps getting something a bit more handbag friendly could be the way to go so I actually take more photos (and the amount of times I have wished I had my camera with me )

With regards to the Micro 3/4's I have spent a few hours looking at these this morning, can I ask which you have, and as have only really seen pictures are they that handbag friendly? (They do seem to come in about half the weight of my bridge but I am wondering about bulk)

Thanks for all the comments, not sure it's any clearer but has given me something to think about!

P3

tberry6686

If you wish to buy your camera equipment on the basis of "rumour forums" ............please carry on.......

Sorry thats not why I bought my current DSLR. I actually bought it because it can do a couple of things that are very useful to me that neither Canon nor Nikon can do at present.

I would agree that a few of the innovations coming out are gimmicks but nowhere near all of them.

The camera I currently use has the fixed mirror - offers a few drawbacks but, from my viewpoint, several advantages from high speed shooting, electronic viewfinder, focusing while shooting etc.

It is unlikely that when I purchase my next DSLR it will be a Sony due to the fact that they are moving to make the camera bodies smaller and with big hands smaller means fiddely and awkward to use - for most people though smaller will suit better.

Pinkypants

All these shoot with an iPhone.

http://jerryghionisblog.com/2012/05/the-wedding-of-josh-amber-select-shots-taken-with-the-iphone.html

Funky_Bold_Ribena

Pthree wrote: »

With regards to the Micro 3/4's I have spent a few hours looking at these this morning, can I ask which you have, and as have only really seen pictures are they that handbag friendly? (They do seem to come in about half the weight of my bridge but I am wondering about bulk)

I have an Olympus EP-1 with a Panasonic Pancake lens, making the width considerably shorter. It fits into an inside jacket pocket. And a handbag, if I had one.

However I agree with pinkypants that actually, it's the photographer that takes the pic; the camera just processes the information. If you know how to use light, and how to frame a picture, and what makes a good pic - then any camera will do.

A._Badger

Funky_Bold_Ribena wrote: »

I have an Olympus EP-1 with a Panasonic Pancake lens, making the width considerably shorter. It fits into an inside jacket pocket. And a handbag, if I had one.

However I agree with pinkypants that actually, it's the photographer that takes the pic; the camera just processes the information. If you know how to use light, and how to frame a picture, and what makes a good pic - then any camera will do.

Only up to a point. A really gifted photographer will occasionally take a superb picture with a poor quality camera. But look at which camera he will use when given a choice, Most of us aren't gifted and need all the help we can get.

Anyone seriously suggesting a mobile phone instead of a decent quality camera is, frankly, nuts.

The OP may not need an SLR (the prime advantages of which are the availability of superb interchangeable lenses and complete flexibility of control). If huge enlargements (or heavy image cropping) aren't called for then a mirrorless Micro Four Thirds might fit the bill. You lose a decent viewfinder, fast tracking of moving objects for autofocus (unlikely to be a problem unless she films a lot of sports or other fast moving subjects) and ultimate image quality (again, unlikley to be a problem for an amateur) but the size/weight gains can be considerable.

If the OP's current bridge camera is no longer satisfying, but portability is still a key point, I'd be looking at one of the best Mcro Four Thirds - probably a Panasonic or an Olympus.

And yes, I did exclude Sony. Recent experience suggests the company is in a bit of a mess.

spacey2012

Canon have been using the same sensor for 3 years, Nikon have moved well ahead in sensor quality and canon are rushing out stop gaps.
If picture quality is King, the new Nikons are well ahead.

ukcarper

Funky_Bold_Ribena wrote: »

I have an Olympus EP-1 with a Panasonic Pancake lens, making the width considerably shorter. It fits into an inside jacket pocket. And a handbag, if I had one.

However I agree with pinkypants that actually, it's the photographer that takes the pic; the camera just processes the information. If you know how to use light, and how to frame a picture, and what makes a good pic - then any camera will do.

I'm afraid that is not true

Funky_Bold_Ribena

ukcarper wrote: »

I'm afraid that is not true

Which bit isn't true?

I do have that camera
I do have that lens
I do put it in my inside jacket pocket
I do agree with pinkypants
Good photographers can take good photos with any camera

Which bit are you saying is untrue exactly? And if you are going to say it - would you like to actually expand on your point?

ukcarper

Funky_Bold_Ribena wrote: »

Which bit isn't true?

I do have that camera
I do have that lens
I do put it in my inside jacket pocket
I do agree with pinkypants
Good photographers can take good photos with any camera

Which bit are you saying is untrue exactly? And if you are going to say it - would you like to actually expand on your point?

The last sentence.

If you know how to use light, and how to frame a picture, and what makes a good pic - then any camera will do.

Funky_Bold_Ribena

A._Badger wrote: »

Only up to a point. A really gifted photographer will occasionally take a superb picture with a poor quality camera. But look at which camera he will use when given a choice, Most of us aren't gifted and need all the help we can get.

He or she...will use whatever camera they can afford I imagine.

The amount of people who spend thousands on D/SLRs and lenses and don't understand light, f-stops, exposures, shutter speeds and ISO/film speeds and take the same photo that they would have done with a £50 compact camera is astonishing. You see them all the time; on every facebook photo group etc. They'd have been better off spending the money on a photography course to be honest.