I tried to look back and find a similar thread but couldn't, so as a newbie I thought I'd take the plunge and start my own thread.
As I find myself getting more into my project I'd like more creative control over my photo's, but I also am a little scared by the thought of going down the full DSLR route just now as I feel I can't commit enough time to making the most out of the camera. I just wondered what people's thoughts were on which system they think is best when you want to take photography a step further. I think I have made my mind up to purchase the Sony NEX-5 compact, but would like to hear others thoughts and recommendations.
If the only thing holding you back from getting a DSLR is the "fear",then my advice is get the DSRL.
It has AUTO mode and all the simple modes that a compact camera has,that you can simply set it to,untill you have time and patiente to take the steps to learning more.The only downside is the size difference,but that`s no biggie,in my oppinion.
Oh,and welcome to "365" ! ...I hope you enjoy it as much as I do,along with most people here.
@charli321 The line between the two types is really blurring. I use both a full frame DSLR and also an interchangeable lens (ILC) camera - the first when I am really focused on taking pictures, the second is what I carry in my bag. If you look through some of my images' EXIF info you can see which camera body I used. I agree with your overall premise - the more control you have, i.e. the more manual settings you can change, the happier you will be as you gain experience. All of the major manufacturers have all-in-one compacts that work really well; several have really worked the ILC route in the past two years, and of course big glass associated with the DSLRs are your "big guns" for lots of light management. Good luck!
@spaceman Thanks Martin, I am also a little put off by the size which is why I'm veering towards compact over DSLR, but I totally get what your saying, maybe actually holding a few in the shop will help, see if I 'connect' with anything!
@emsabh Thank you, it a big wide world out there and I feel I'm taking my first exciting steps of a journey that is well overdue! (corny but true)!
if i were you, i'd go for the canon s95 or panasonic lx5 as it has full auto but is the size of a compact, and can be used as a point and shoot if need be initially. it'll be cheaper, and if you get the photography bug then you can save the money and go for a d-slr down the road.
@charli321 I have what i think is called a "travel zoom"? More features than a point and shoot but smaller than a full dslr and the zoom is pretty nice on it...thats the one I keep with me all the time. I find my full dslr camera is too heavy to lug with me everywhere. My first 2 pics are taken one with each cam if you want to see the difference
oh and if you go feeling up some camera, ask to see different lenses with it because a basic lens is A LOT lighter than other lenses and you could decide its not too bad then put a diff lens on it and find it too heavy like I did!
I, recently have been sitting on the fence, regarding which camera to buy.... I finally allowed my "life" to chose for me. I bought a higher end point and shoot camera (A Sony Cyber-Shot 20X digital zoom) I knew I'd miss more candid shots while digging for a lens, or cursing because I only brought one lens and etc. I'm still able to chase the children, photograph the school play or concert and when I feel artsy, I can zoom in on a rain drop or shoot in low lighting.
Regardless of what camera you ultimately buy...to point is to KNOW your camera. Learn what you can do and can't do. What all the gizmo's mean and manipulate them to your best advantage. Become the best photographer you can be with the camera you DO have.
I'm a DSLR shooter, but I wouldn't always suggest a DSLR to everyone. My wife shoots a compact and she makes great photos. There's a lot to consider, primarily price though. A compact might cost you $500 or so, whereas you're looking at probably a minimum of $800 for a DSLR kit, and believe me that's just the start. There's a camera type referred to as a Bridge, that's an EVF (non-DSLR) but with a larger lens, generally they have a lens that goes from wide or super-wide to telephoto (24-180mm give-take). These typically have the ability to go full manual.
If you're going to go to DSLR, the single most important thing to consider is the system (read: glass). Once you buy into a system (Nikon, Canon, Sony, etc), you're generally stuck with that company. Sure, there's third party lenses, and they're generally more affordable, but it's easy to become a gear snob (like myself).
@celticmystyc Just saw your pic of your camera, it was a lot bigger than I anticipated. Off for a browse now at the local shop, thanks for the advice have a few days off to get stuck into the learning curve!
@bobtimmons I like the idea of being a gear snob, it would mean I knew what I was talking about, LOL!
In case you were wondering I bought the Sony Nex-5D, I was really tempted to buy an SLR, but the one I wanted has had some delivery issues and the one in the shop was just a few too many £££ than I was willing to spend. I have been fiddling already and seriously love it! http://365project.org/charli321/365/2011-01-02
@charli - what??? you went with what??? joking :) - there are always going to be arguments between people on what camera to get and use - a friend of mine and i are quite often screaming back and forth on the canon vs nikon debate. half the time (well most really) it is simply to have fun and yell insults at each other. from what i read on the specs, it allows manual exposure. that is great! you can get a lot of practice, and have plenty of time to decide if you want to step up again to the DSLR area (cough *nikon* cough). the most important thing is to have fun with shooting.
@cchambers LOL the guy in the shop was a Canon man but tried to sell the Sony alpha a33 to me based on it's translucent mirror technology (and he had it in stock), but I wanted the Nikon D3100, if he'd have had it in stock I may well have bought it. Apparently Nikon weren't prepared for the demand for it and have been unable to fulfil orders for nearly 2 months now, sounds like a rouse to me (anyone remember how difficult it was to get a Nintendo Wii a few years ago)?!! So I went with what my heart had been telling me from the start, a best of both worlds introduction to photography NEX5 (No, I don't work for Sony!!).
Thanks for all the advise guys!
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It has AUTO mode and all the simple modes that a compact camera has,that you can simply set it to,untill you have time and patiente to take the steps to learning more.The only downside is the size difference,but that`s no biggie,in my oppinion.
Oh,and welcome to "365" ! ...I hope you enjoy it as much as I do,along with most people here.
@emsabh Thank you, it a big wide world out there and I feel I'm taking my first exciting steps of a journey that is well overdue! (corny but true)!
Regardless of what camera you ultimately buy...to point is to KNOW your camera. Learn what you can do and can't do. What all the gizmo's mean and manipulate them to your best advantage. Become the best photographer you can be with the camera you DO have.
@vikdaddy and @celticmystyc Thank you, I'd not realised there were such good compacts on the market so def something to consider!
Thanks everyone for taking the time to reply, I really appreciate it!
If you're going to go to DSLR, the single most important thing to consider is the system (read: glass). Once you buy into a system (Nikon, Canon, Sony, etc), you're generally stuck with that company. Sure, there's third party lenses, and they're generally more affordable, but it's easy to become a gear snob (like myself).
@bobtimmons I like the idea of being a gear snob, it would mean I knew what I was talking about, LOL!
http://365project.org/charli321/365/2011-01-02
Thanks for all the advise guys!