I have been so uninspired lately. Partially because of all the people around me with wonderful, DSLRs. But they're my friends and they don't discourage me too much.
But who else only has a P&S? I would like to follow all of you and maybe learn some new tricks and gather some ideas for my project as well.
friend me if you like - - i just have a small point n shoot - - i never use anything else. I might if I had the money for good equipment, but.....I like to think it makes me a better photographer - - to not be able to rely on fancy equipment. good luck to you!
point and shoot cameras are the only ones i can handle and i can't even figure out their settings. i use a canon powershot 130 IS and a nikon coolpix S3100. i also have a fuji "bridge" camera which i could never figure out how to use i'm almost going to throw it in the lake. and that is why i know i cannot do DSLR - that would be too expensive to throw in the lake!
but most of my friends here use only p&s cameras and their photos are all exquisite and fabulous!
I just have a P&S... just started my second year. I was a bit discouraged for a while too but found that you can take some great and fun shots just the same.
@lovebrittany hey don't get down because you're "stuck" with just a P&S. One of my most popular photos was shot with my P&S, and quite possibly more successfully than I would have been able to do had I used my SLR (mainly since I don't have a true macro).
I use both my P&S and my SLR for my 365, having a P&S that you can adjust settings on is great, I used to have one that allowed me full manual control but the one I got for stuffmas last year has limited user control. Still, if you know what you're doing you can have some control over your work.
Check out Carolyn White on here. She did just get a DSLR a few weeks ago , but you should check out her p and s insect and other pics from summer and early fall. I use both p and s and my new DSLR I got recently. The great thing about a p and s is you can always have it with you. So you get shots you'd never get wtih a DSLR.
" The great thing about a p and s is you can always have it with you. So you get shots you'd never get wtih a DSLR."
exactly what @espyetta said. The best camera is the one you always have with you. There are times when it really isn't practical, safe, or legal to carry an SLR...so there are plenty of times when having and knowing how to use a P&S will give you good results.
I follow Missy @mariboo and she takes EXCELLENT photos with her point and shoot. She gets great photos in nature and also of her kids. She freezes the moment perfectly, even with moving targets.
It's not always the equipment. Until I really learned my DSLR my photos were the same wether I used a DSLR or p&s. Now my photos are better, but it took KNOWING the photography behind it.
There are also some great phone camera users on this site too.
While not a strict P&S shooter @jasonbarnette is doing some P&S time now that he (unfortunately) lost two DSLR cameras in one day. He is very informative and helpful.
I have a Canon p&s, and the best thing about it is the mobility. Stick it in your purse and go. You're ready for anything that comes along. Yes, macro and telephoto lens are great with the DSLR's, but these p&s cameras are great learning tools. Even if I get another camera, this will always be with me wherever I go.
Check out Lord Shadow - @jasonbarnette - a professional photographer who is thrust into point and shot world (go back a few day in his shots for the details). I've only been following him for a short time, but have learned a lot already. Almost every day he explains how he gets amazing shots.
Don't give up. Point and Shoots can do amazing things, if you let them ;). I have a Lumix TZ8 and a big DSLR as well but I usually use my little one because I can always bring it along and because it does the most wicked macro shots. Like these:
I feel your pain lady! I only have a P&S and often get camera envy...
But despite my frustration I still love this project, and yes, we've all had our uninspired days... you can usually tell because I end up taking a picture of my dinner or an ornament in my bedroom haha.
But P&S rocks really. I would never take a DSLR anywhere as I'd be terrified of breaking it! I carry my P&S EVERYWHERE so I never miss a photo opp.
But I actually find that most of my joy comes from processing my pictures afterwards... I use picnik and iphoto (both free) and love turning a drab sooc shot into something I'm proud of. I feel like I've developed my own personal style this way, and It's become the thing I do to wind down after a long hard day. So maybe set yourself a goal that you can work towards, or try following the themes (either here or posted elsewhere).
All of my 365 photos have been taken on my P&S .. I love how portable it is - I just slip it in my coat pocket. Its small size comes in handy for taking some photos, too - you try fitting an SLR under a dandelion!! lol
and it takes good macro shots, without needing to swap lenses around:
I am thinking of buying a second-hand DSLR, but still don't imagine I'll be carrying it around with me all day everyday, so will carry on taking plenty of photos with my faithful little P&S :o)
@bkbinthecity Thank you for the inspiring words. I've always known that to be true. But sometimes, it would be nice to have a nicer camera. Though I do love my p&s. Not complaining at all.
@lovebrittany im using point and shoot camera since june 2011.. thats the only camera i have..im using Fujifilm HS10 it is a bridge camera 30xzoom with 2x digitalzoom.. you can have great photo even you dont have aDLSR camera.. you need is just the basic fundamentals and the passion in Photography..and now im in the process of learning.. heres my sample pic.. if you have facebook you can check my account just search my name..^_^
30xzoom with the Moon
example of macro.. HS10 + DIY macro lens (magnifying glass)
I used to have P&S & had alotz of fun.Its not about the fancy cam its about how you think, your mind, you can come up with really good ideas even if you have P&s cam.I would say do conceptual photography, learn about it, see other famous photographers, blend it in your brain & im sure you'll comeup with something good.
@lovebrittany I have a very basic camera. I would consider it point and shoot. I'd love to follow others who are amateurs/using "starter" equipment like me so I can continue to develop my skills.
Hi, I only have a P&S and a camera on my phone. I'm hoping that by using them every day, i'll learn how to get the best out of them - as I'm definitely not at the moment.
@lovebrittany im using HS10 30x + digital zoom x2 (720mm x 2) + i think 5-10 % crop..i just set to Amode or Manual setting f5.6 1/100 to 1/200 spot metering and presto just crop a little bit.. that my favorite subject using my bridgecam..
here other sample link..
morning shot no crop no edit..
Point & Shoot user here. I have a Nikon Coolpix L100. Doesn't do everything I'd like, but it gets me everything I need (as long as it's sunny or super bright and I get it done before night time!) You don't necessarily need a DSLR to do great photos, but they definitely help, especially indoors. There's so much more you can do with a DSLR, but once you practice with a P&S and you test your limits, you can discover great things with one. :D
@toxicalice92 i agree with you some people buy SLR for accessories or bling bling.. but they do not know how to use it properly..using Point and Shoot you can produce such a great image you need basic skill in photography to control good exposure.. good composition...and effort to experiment settings even in indoors...
@regiehiguit Yeah. The only downside, and the very reason I'd like a DSLR, is because I know the limits of my P&S and it's not very good indoors at all, like I said. There is absolutely no ISO or exposure control available to me, and I'm very limited on the range of macro I can do, and macro is something I'd like to experiment with. When I eventually get a DSLR, that's going to be the second thing I focus on learning, right after figuring out how to control lighting and exposure indoors since my P&S currently does not allow me to adjust anything to help it. =/ I'm more than happy with my P&S, though, I've gotten amazing images with it, and despite the fact it doesn't do well in doors, I could always just take a piece of white cardboard and make a "light box" for an object or macro shot. And they turn out wonderfully! Plus - Experimenting and working around the limits of a P&S? Talk about something being fun to learn!
@toxicalice92/ashley.. ahh ok.. my P&S cam have similar setting from DSLr PSAM (manual setting) mode.. with 30xzoom (60x digital zoom)..my friend told me if i reach the maximum capabilities and limit of your camera that the time i need to upgrade..and when you upgrade to DSLR you dont need to learn the basic.. you need to learn how to use your DSLR...because you have the fundamental skill and knowledge... happy shooting....
I prefer using a DSLR but I recently bought a P&S camera (Canon IXUS 220) and I'm happy with the pictures I've taken with it. I took my P&S camera with me on a business trip to Sudan because I didn't want to walk around Khartoum with the DSLR.
@regiehiguit I know, I plan on doing a LOT of toying with the settings and pretty much not putting it down for probably about a week straight to make sure I invest as much time as possible into learning it before taking it out to do something BIG. ._.
I had my camera stolen in November and haven't replaced it yet so I have been using my iPhone and all the shots I have uploaded for this project are taken with a phone. It's been quite liberating really, knowing I can't do anything except point and click! You can still get some great results - this is one of my favourites taken with my phone.
@lovebrittany, I use only a p&s (Canon SX200 iS) and have gotten some great results. Sometimes I think I want a DSLR, but as others above have pointed out, I don't think I could bring it along everywhere like I do with my current camera, and the best photos are the ones you *actually take*!
I still consider myself a novice even though I've been doing this for a hobby for about 8 years. There is still so much to learn! I don't think I've outgrown p&s cameras yet, and I don't know how much a DSLR would improve my technique, so I'm going to stick with the status quo, until I *know* I'm ready to move up.
A good quality pocket camera with as many manual settings as possible will do wonders. The size of the sensor is also very important, more important than a high number of megapixels. If you are in the market for a new camera, I recommend reading some reviews here: http://www.photographyblog.com, they do very comprehensive reviews of just about every digital camera on the market. Most p&s cameras these days are very high quality and will last you several years if you take good care of them and keep the lenses and body nice & clean.
Also, as others have pointed out, it's the person behind the camera that makes the shot. When someone says, "Your camera takes great pictures!", stand up proud and say, "*I* take great pictures!" A chipmunk could probably press a shutter on the fanciest camera, but it doesn't mean the pictures will be any good -- it's the imagination and the vision of the photographer that makes the best photos! :)
I also strongly encourage you to learn to use Photoshop Elements or a similar photo-editing program (there is some good freeware out there too) to tweak your pictures. Very ordinary-looking snapshots can become stunning art with a minimum of straightening, cropping, exposure/colour correction, etc. Of course there are a ton of very creative touches such programs can add to your photos too.
The main thing is to keep shooting and learning and have fun doing it! A great image is a great image no matter what kind of camera you use! Good luck! :)
Aw hells it aint the camera that makes the picture it's you! I used to use a P&S all the time and I think half the pictures in my portfolio that got me a photographers job were taking with a P&S. If you've a good eye and some talent it'll show regardless of what you're using.
I definitely agree with Hamish! It's you who makes the picture not the camera! I have a sony cyber-shot dsc-w530. Though I am a bit limited with my camera it doesn't mean my photos can't be amazing. I also use a free photo editor called GIMP and that can also help with your photos =]
@hamish your definitely right.. we make the picture..not the camera... just make sure you have the basic understanding of photography like concept composition rules etc.. you need also to appreciate the beauty of all things... but the very important is the passion to photography.. willingness .. just enjoy it..
I also have a point n shoot, very basic. I like what it does on many shots, I just don't have a good zoom capability or some of the setting options & lenses. My camera does do macro's well and I have been pleased with the result on them
@myhrhelper wow nice macro.. before i own A480 camera too... but the lens became noisy so i gave it to my mother-in-law.. i love your snow shot.. i can't do this with my camera.. lol because we dont have snow here..hahahaha
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but most of my friends here use only p&s cameras and their photos are all exquisite and fabulous!
I use both my P&S and my SLR for my 365, having a P&S that you can adjust settings on is great, I used to have one that allowed me full manual control but the one I got for stuffmas last year has limited user control. Still, if you know what you're doing you can have some control over your work.
exactly what @espyetta said. The best camera is the one you always have with you. There are times when it really isn't practical, safe, or legal to carry an SLR...so there are plenty of times when having and knowing how to use a P&S will give you good results.
I follow Missy @mariboo and she takes EXCELLENT photos with her point and shoot. She gets great photos in nature and also of her kids. She freezes the moment perfectly, even with moving targets.
It's not always the equipment. Until I really learned my DSLR my photos were the same wether I used a DSLR or p&s. Now my photos are better, but it took KNOWING the photography behind it.
There are also some great phone camera users on this site too.
But despite my frustration I still love this project, and yes, we've all had our uninspired days... you can usually tell because I end up taking a picture of my dinner or an ornament in my bedroom haha.
But P&S rocks really. I would never take a DSLR anywhere as I'd be terrified of breaking it! I carry my P&S EVERYWHERE so I never miss a photo opp.
But I actually find that most of my joy comes from processing my pictures afterwards... I use picnik and iphoto (both free) and love turning a drab sooc shot into something I'm proud of. I feel like I've developed my own personal style this way, and It's become the thing I do to wind down after a long hard day. So maybe set yourself a goal that you can work towards, or try following the themes (either here or posted elsewhere).
You now have another new follower anyway :)
and it takes good macro shots, without needing to swap lenses around:
I am thinking of buying a second-hand DSLR, but still don't imagine I'll be carrying it around with me all day everyday, so will carry on taking plenty of photos with my faithful little P&S :o)
30xzoom with the Moon
example of macro.. HS10 + DIY macro lens (magnifying glass)
here other sample link..
morning shot no crop no edit..
http://regiemendozahiguit.lens.ph/files/DSCF8540.jpg
cloudy night (Handheld)
http://regiemendozahiguit.lens.ph/files/DSCF4764.jpg
other moonshot..
I still consider myself a novice even though I've been doing this for a hobby for about 8 years. There is still so much to learn! I don't think I've outgrown p&s cameras yet, and I don't know how much a DSLR would improve my technique, so I'm going to stick with the status quo, until I *know* I'm ready to move up.
A good quality pocket camera with as many manual settings as possible will do wonders. The size of the sensor is also very important, more important than a high number of megapixels. If you are in the market for a new camera, I recommend reading some reviews here: http://www.photographyblog.com, they do very comprehensive reviews of just about every digital camera on the market. Most p&s cameras these days are very high quality and will last you several years if you take good care of them and keep the lenses and body nice & clean.
Also, as others have pointed out, it's the person behind the camera that makes the shot. When someone says, "Your camera takes great pictures!", stand up proud and say, "*I* take great pictures!" A chipmunk could probably press a shutter on the fanciest camera, but it doesn't mean the pictures will be any good -- it's the imagination and the vision of the photographer that makes the best photos! :)
I also strongly encourage you to learn to use Photoshop Elements or a similar photo-editing program (there is some good freeware out there too) to tweak your pictures. Very ordinary-looking snapshots can become stunning art with a minimum of straightening, cropping, exposure/colour correction, etc. Of course there are a ton of very creative touches such programs can add to your photos too.
The main thing is to keep shooting and learning and have fun doing it! A great image is a great image no matter what kind of camera you use! Good luck! :)
Another macro shot with my point n shoot