DSLRs-enable me

[rach3975]

I'm using a point and shoot now and becoming increasingly unhappy with it. I'm trying to decide whether to start saving for a DSLR and if so, about how much I'll need to save up. Can you point me to some good basic cameras and lenses for my situation?

Stuff you might need to know:
*I mostly shoot my kids, and they rarely pose for me. I'm looking for something that can snap the photo quickly and clearly during the one moment that they look up from their activity or while they're in motion. (That isn't happening with my p&s, though it takes good photos under ideal conditions.)

*I'll be using it in full auto, though eventually I'll probably put in the time to learn to shoot in manual.

*I probably shoot an equal number of indoor and outdoor photos. Our lighting indoors varies from good to moderate. I wouldn't call it low, but in photography terms some of it might be. Outdoors I'm usually near the kids, but not so near that I shoot without a zoom.

Thanks!

[hollyxann]

Most DSLRs come with a standard kit lens which is 18-55mm.
I personally am a Nikon girl. I know a lot of people like Canon though because they are easy to navigate.

[jessica31876]

I bought a Canon 60D. I went to the store and checked them all out. Finally decided I wanted the Canon 60D and got a pretty good deal online. From the looks of things you can get an entry level SLR at Canon for 550:

http://usa.canon.com/cusa/consumer/p...as/slr_cameras

I cannot speak for Nikons personally because Ive never used one but I think my Canon is very easy to use. I figured most of it out from using my Canon S5iS for years. I gave that one to my daughter. I had it for like four years and it still worked really good.

[g8rbeckie]

Canon T2i!

I've steered several co-workers and friends to that camera and they never regret it. The body is small and compact (the exact OPPOSITE of my 7D, LOL) and the pictures are rockin'.

I konw there's a T3i out, but frankly, I don't know if there are enough improvements in the newer model to make it worth any price difference. So look for a good kit price for the T2i

http://gizmodo.com/5541310/canonebel...our-first-dslr

have fun!!!

[hollyxann]

The best advice I can give regardless of the camera you choose, is go to Best Buy or a camera store or where ever and test the cameras. Mainly pick them up and see which one feels the most comfortable in your hands. Some feel better then others.

Like I said I have a Nikon (Nikon d5000) and my best friend has a Canon and honestly I just didn't like the way it feels in my hands.

[heathergw]

go to a store and try them out... pick the one that feels best in your hand and is easy for you to use... I thought I was going to get a Canon and ended up with the Nikon because the Canon hurt my wrist in the little time I played with it.

Really... you can't go wrong with either of those brands, so pick the one that fits your budget and fits best in your hand and is easiest for you to use.

[nun69]

I agree with Heather {even though I am a Canon girl }...you definetely need to get a feel for them....decide which one you like and which one feels "better" for you...you can even rent them from rental places online for a week or so and try them out.....kit lenses are a great way to start......that are not very good for indoor shots unless you have a good flash {the pop up on camera flash is very very harsh}....but that is just my opinion

[CA Dreamer]

I agree with what people are saying here... you need to get a feel for the camera. I am a Canon person... got my first SLR in 1980(!!!--yes, I am OLD). A Canon, so when I went DSLR, all the controls made sense to me. The first DSLR was a 20 D and now I have a 40D. I love it but know that I will probably not go up in this line because of the weight. Add a telephoto lens and the thing is a brick!!!

Oh, and one thing. If you buy from a camera store--like B+H or Adorama, etc, you can buy the BODY ONLY package and skip the kit lens. I have a 50mm 1.4 and a 18-200mm. These 2 lenses pretty much cover all of the things that I need to shoot. Although, I would love to add a 30mm to my camera bag!

Also think about the video option. Some people love that capability. For me, again--the weight--. You hold the camera up for longer times while taking video, so really, the weight makes a difference. Therefore, for me, although it is a cool option, it is not a deal breaker for me as I probably would not use it.

How exciting for you! You will love having a DSLR!

[rach3975]

Thanks for the suggestions and advice, everyone! (And keep them coming if you have more for me!) I can't wait to start checking these out. I've had Canon p&s cameras, but I'll definitely be test driving both the Canons and Nikons. I love the idea of renting first. I might have to look into that soon so I know exactly what I'm working toward. Good advice on the video, too. But I use my p&s's HD video often, so unless there's a big price difference I'll probably go with it. Of course, the hard part is that as soon as I start researching I'm going to want it NOW.

[Ginger_79]

As everyone said, a DSLR is a matter of personal taste. I LOVE my Canon, even though it is the smallest, 1000D (Rebel XS?). I hope to update next year to either the 550D or 60D.

But I would also like to point out another option to you. From what you told us, I gather a DSLR will be a BIG investment for you and you will likely want a decent zoom lens. Problem with those is: A bigger zoom range comes by the cost of lower light sensitivity. Unless you pay a LOT of money! So for someone shooting fast kids, indoors and who isn't used to the weight of a DSLR, you might want an image stabilised lens. These things are pricey. Then add a good bag (and with a zoom attached you can't go too small), extra batteries, memory cards, tripod ect. It's not a cheap hobby. Especially considering you plan to shoot in Auto for a good bit that might not be worth it.

So to me it sounds like you're a good candidate for what in Germany we call a "bridge camera". Those look like really small DSLRs, but you cannot change the lens. So it's in the middle between a p&s and a DSLR. They come with bigger sensors than a p&s, better/bigger lenses, a good zoom range, build in stabilisation and usually you can turn them to manual mode, too. They do not offer all the freedom of a DSLR system, but I think they will get you very decent photos for a cheaper price. And it might be a good option to take some steps into manual, without the guilt having spent tons of moneys on features you rarely use.

Don't get me wrong, a DSLR with a good lens will give you superior image quality in Auto, too. But if you don't spend a good bit of time learning manual I think the difference won't be as big as to justify the money, IMO. And a lot of people buy a DSLR and then don't want to drag the heavy thing around all the time. And a normal body with a bigger zoom IS heavy.

For example this is a Canon "bridge camera", the PowerShot SX20 IS.
http://www.amazon.de/Canon-PowerShot.../dp/B002LISH1I (sorry it's in German)

As you can see it has a lot of features a normal p&s hasn't, the same range of auto and manual settings as the DSLR and you can even attach an external flash. I believe there is a 30XS out now, but you'll get the picture.

[Ginger_79]

Oh, afterthought. Please don't think I see you unsuited for a DSLR! That's totally not what I mean. It's just my experience, that a lot of p&s users want better features and image quality, but not necessarily a system camera.

[Gemma]

I agree with the others about getting a feel, I'm Nikon through and through, I was going to change to Canon but didn't like the feel of it, so I upgraded to a Nikon D90 instead!

[littlekiwi]

Originally Posted by Ginger_79

So to me it sounds like you're a good candidate for what in Germany we call a "bridge camera". Those look like really small DSLRs, but you cannot change the lens. So it's in the middle between a p&s and a DSLR. They come with bigger sensors than a p&s, better/bigger lenses, a good zoom range, build in stabilisation and usually you can turn them to manual mode, too. They do not offer all the freedom of a DSLR system, but I think they will get you very decent photos for a cheaper price. And it might be a good option to take some steps into manual, without the guilt having spent tons of moneys on features you rarely use.

I agree - I have what Canon calls a Prosumer camera
This is the one I have but I'm sure there are others out there as well http://www.amazon.com/Canon-PowerSho...5878419&sr=8-1

[*Celeste*]

my first dslr was a canon xti - i went with canon because i had a canon point and shoot for years and the controls were similar. i upgraded to a 50d a fwe years ago - I love it but someday I will go full frame.

as for lens, i would buy body only and pick up another lens - I walk with my 50mm 1.4 on my camera. no zoom but i just love that lens. the kit lens has not been on my camera in years.

getting out of auto is easy - even if you just turn the dial to av or tv - you will have more control of the photo. i just took a class from katrina kennedy at get it scrapped - it was relatively inexpensive and i think it would be perfect to get you out of auto quickly!

[julia]

Originally Posted by Gemma

I agree with the others about getting a feel, I'm Nikon through and through, I was going to change to Canon but didn't like the feel of it, so I upgraded to a Nikon D90 instead!

Ditto! As for P&S's, I love Canon. When I was getting my DSLR I thought about Canon first, but fell more in love with Nikon. I have a Canon p&s that I really like, and my Nikon D80 DSLR that I love.

Good luck!

[MamaBee]

I can't really add anything that wasn't covered by the others. I remember someone posted many moons ago that unless you are a professional, go inexpensive on the body and invest money on the lens. So, I keep that in mind when I have camera envy... . I have Canon Rebal... why? Because that is the one that my hubby surprised me with...

But I'm totally checking out the Bridge/Prosumer cameras... I'm sick of P/S cameras I'm getting that are seeming like disposables in needing a new one every year... my last P/S, just not happy with it - granted it's been banged around a few times...

[sprauncey1]

Only other thing I'll add (all other good advise) is maybe instead of a 50mm lens for indoors you get a 35mm lens for indoors. On a lower end (crop) dSLR the 50mm is pretty tight for indoors for most people. I think several people here shoot with the Sigma version of it (which comes in both canon and nikon versions).

Then get a basic zoom type lens for outdoors catching the kiddos. I used my Tamron 18-300 lens for years before I upgraded and it works very well outdoors (good light). Plus I love that I can zoom in on my kiddos when they run away from me and my camera!

So yes, try them out, see how they feel. Don't buy the kit, buy the body only (unless you decide that you really do only want the lens that comes with the kit which is not good inside). Or go the bridge camera route.

[livelys]

Great thread!! I'm liking the sound of the 'bridge' cameras - I'm upgrading from a point & shoot too, but am definitely not into photography other than family snaps & photos of stuff I make, so maybe the DSLR's aren't what I need?

I guess I really want an all rounder that does most of the 'thinking' for me, ...and that won't break the bank too

I think I should go a-wandering into some stores, and have a play & chat as you all suggest.

[ColleenSwerb]

I think Ginger made some really awesome points. I would definitely look at some of the prosumer/bridge models that are out.

[MommaTrish]

I have a bridge camera!!! I have a Nikon P90 and I loooooove it. I'm thinking of upgrading, but just because I want to see if there's sooo much of a difference to make it worth it. (Which is why I'm begging my friends for someone to let me borrow one lol) You can set and customize so much on it, and it really does take good pictures. One of the things I love the most about it is that you can program in 2 different fully customizable picture setting groups. For example I have two programs, one for low light outdoors, and one for bright sunny day outdoors and I almost always use just those two settings. You can customize your focus, ISO, white balance, and um.... other stuff too. (lol can't get to it right now to look) The battery life is amazing. So is the zoom.
Downside, I paid a TON for it, and sometimes I wish I'd just paid a couple more 100 to just get a DSLR. But I honestly LOVE my camera to death.

[cardinalskate]

I'd never heard of these "bridge" cameras...they sound really interesting. I have DSLR envy, but I know it's not really what I need and I'd be overwhelmed. And not breaking the bank is a must...

[MommaTrish]

lol Well I always make fun of mine and call it a P&S on steriods.

[mariewilcox]

I have the Canon T2i also but I still have my "bridge" camera, which is an Olympus SP-500UZ. I've had it for over 6 years and it still takes great photos. I use the T2i for my daughter's sports events because it catches much better photos on low light/fast moving sports situations (think swim meets and basketball games). Otherwise, I still use my Olympus a LOT - it's smaller to carry around and even though it only has 6 MP (gasp) it has a 10x optical zoom and takes a beautiful picture indoors and out. I'm sure Olympus has a newer model that is even more MP and zoom than the one I have now.

[adrianka]

Let me share my story - I have a Nikon D70 DSLR, a wonderful camera that I was very happy with. I used it for about 4 years, but as time went by I realised that since it was too heavy to carry around every day, it made me miss a lot of spontaneous shots. I am the kind of person who loves to keep a camera in her bag just in case there's something interesting around.

This led me to a decision to buy a top-level P&S (maybe it can be viewed as a bridge camera) named Canon Powershot G9. I thought I'd carry this one around and use the DSLR for planned shots. Guess what happened. I never came back to the DSLR. The G9 (and later G10, and hopefully G12 very soon once I manage to sell my G10) has everything that a DSLR has - manual mode, shooting in RAW, possibility to add an external flash etc. And it's relatively small and light AND pretty (it looks like a camera, not like a toy).

Here be what G12 looks like:



It's not a cheap one, but it's a one-time investment, unlike with DSLRs where you need to buy expensive lenses and whatnot.

Plus there is one thing that is rarely mentioned - when switching from P&S to DSLF your shot won't get great. At first your shots will most probably be WORSE until you learn to use it properly. Since you write you plan to use the auto mode, I think it's a waste of money to invest into such a device. Of course, DSLR shots do tend to be better once you handle the camera, so it might be worthwhile anyway, but it's good to know there are also other possibilities to achieve better photos.

ETA: On second thought, the G series only has 5x optical zoom, so ignore my suggestion and maybe look at the cameras the others suggested in the top-level non-DSR segment. ;-)

[Ginger_79]

Originally Posted by MommaTrish

lol Well I always make fun of mine and call it a P&S on steriods.

LOL. That's the beauty, it can be a p&s on steroids in auto mode and a mini DSLR in manual mode. No lying, obviously you will not achieve the same quality as with a real DSRL. These "bridge cameras" are allounders. They do everything ok, but nothing excellent. Only most people don't need excellence.

I am very happy with my DSRL. And when I was facing the same decision, I got the Canon 1000D kit which was a good offer at that time and about what a good bridge would have cost me. But I bought it with the intention to get into photography and then slowly build up. With digital making photography way more affordable, a lot of people view a DSLR as the "good" camera compared to the p&s. But it's not that easy, a DSLR system is meant to be exactely that, a system. The idea is, that you have a good body, that covers all your basic needs and can be updated every once in a while. Then you buy lenses and extras to always customize your equipment for the task at hand. That's what really makes a DSLR superior. BUT, that needs money. AND practise.

To make a DSLR worth the money and bigger weight (my small body with a 18-250mm zoom, which is comparable to a bridge range, weighs more than 1 kilo) you need to put more thought behind your images and your equipment choices. And as Adrianka said, you need the will to bring around a DSLR and really use it.

Photography can be a fabulous hobby, I love it and never want to go back! But if you don't see it as a hobby you want to spend time and money on, then a DSRL in constant Auto is a very pricey thing. As I said, especially when you directly want a zoom lens.

I can only estimate the German costs, I believe the US market is somewhat cheaper. So I guess you guys pay in Dollars what I pay in Euros. For a good body with a decent zoom lens and maybe one additional lens for indoors plus things like a good bag (trust me, you don't carry around 1.2 kilos in a bad one) I would estimate about 1000 Euros. A decent bridge camera is 300-500 Euros here.

[kim21673]

I have the Nikon D90 and LOVE it!! I have had it for a few years now. It's very easy to use and felt right in my hands. I suggest going to the store and "trying" them out...see what fits your hands.

I wish now I would have spent the extra $$ and bought the bigger D300 but I couldn't justify spending well over 2K for a camera a few years ago....now I could! I am hoping to upgrade again next year....I started off with the D40x and upgraded a year later to the D90......and just keep the D90 as a backup.

[rach3975]

Thanks for mentioning the bridge cameras. I've always thought a DSLR would be too much camera for me, but I didn't know where else to go but there. My current camera is the Canon Powershot SX200 IS. I see that Canon lists it's successor (the SX210 IS) in its category for advanced point and shoots, but clearly it doesn't do as much as the higher end cameras in that category. If I can find enough info to convince me that a prosumer camera would be enough of an speed improvement over my SX200 IS to satisfy me, then I'd be inclined to go in that direction. I wonder if I can find someplace that rents cameras like the Powershot G12 or Nikon's equivalent.

I've been playing around with shooting in aperature priority mode for a week or so to see if I'd get better results with my current camera if I learn to use it in manual, but I haven't had the time yet to do some reading and try to improve. Hopefully by tomorrow I'll be finished sorting and editing the photos for this class photobook I got elected to put together and then I'll have time to play with my camera.

[Ginger_79]

Originally Posted by rach3975

Thanks for mentioning the bridge cameras. I've always thought a DSLR would be too much camera for me, but I didn't know where else to go but there.

Yep, that's what most people are facing. I think the bridge ones are not advertised much by the shops, because the have the least follow up money coming in. People by a p&s more often and buy DSLR equipment, but not a new bridge camera every three years.

As for the Canon series, the SX series works with digits just like the EOS DSLR series. The more digits, the less "professional" the camera is. Which - I know - is a weird system. So for example the EOS-550D (Rebel for US market) belongs to the hobby segment, the 50D is middle class and the 5D is from the pro segment. So the SX200 is the compact camera series, the SX20 is the bridge class.

From what I know the G-cameras like the G12 work a bit different. They go with technical features comparable to the bridge class, but keep the compact look to fit into a purse easy enough. This that correct Adrianka? Also I believe at least the older SX models don't allow to shoot in RAW. Not sure about the last one. The SX30 goes the route of an extreme zoom and an ok sensor, while the G12 has a relatively big sensor for the size of the camera leaning more towards image quality than zoom. Depends on what you need.

I'm not sure places rent those out, but in a lot of cases they have one ready to shoot in the shop, so you can test them there. See how fast they are, especially depending on the modus you shoot in.

[jessica31876]

I had the S5IS which was a pro-sumer type camera (not sure if it would be considered a bridge camera or not). Not quite an SLR but it had the ability to add external flash and lenses with an adapter. I never bought any of that though. I used mine for a long time and gave it to my daughter who is still using it as far as I know. I know they do not make the one I had but if you look it up on amazon it will tell you what the replacement was

[jessica31876]

this might be good for you:

http://www.usa.canon.com/cusa/consum...30_is#Overview

[rach3975]

Originally Posted by Ginger_79

As for the Canon series, the SX series works with digits just like the EOS DSLR series. The more digits, the less "professional" the camera is. Which - I know - is a weird system. So for example the EOS-550D (Rebel for US market) belongs to the hobby segment, the 50D is middle class and the 5D is from the pro segment. So the SX200 is the compact camera series, the SX20 is the bridge class.

That's good to know-thanks! I'll definitely have to move up a level. My current camera has a 12x optical zoom and can't shoot raw, but I'd be happy with a lesser zoom if the image quality was better.

Originally Posted by jessica31876

I had the S5IS which was a pro-sumer type camera (not sure if it would be considered a bridge camera or not). Not quite an SLR but it had the ability to add external flash and lenses with an adapter. I never bought any of that though. I used mine for a long time and gave it to my daughter who is still using it as far as I know. I know they do not make the one I had but if you look it up on amazon it will tell you what the replacement was

I like the idea of being able to add an external lens and flash, too. I'd probably never use the lens capability, but I might add an external flash. Thanks!

[adrianka]

Originally Posted by Ginger_79

From what I know the G-cameras like the G12 work a bit different. They go with technical features comparable to the bridge class, but keep the compact look to fit into a purse easy enough. This that correct Adrianka? Also I believe at least the older SX models don't allow to shoot in RAW. Not sure about the last one. The SX30 goes the route of an extreme zoom and an ok sensor, while the G12 has a relatively big sensor for the size of the camera leaning more towards image quality than zoom. Depends on what you need.

Precisely. The G-series cameras are easy to put in a lady bag while having all the features of a top-class camera, which is what a was going for. They skipped the high zoom for this series, but I'm not a zoom photographer anyway, so I don't care - and yes, you get a compact camera thanks to that.

I'm really happy with my G10, I'm playing with the idea of buying a G12, but only because it is supposed to have a much lower noise at higher ISO, which is the only thing that bugs me about my current one. They also lowered the number of pixels and made the sensor better, which is a very sensible approach.

Let me tell you that you have some impressive knowledge as far as cameras go! :-)

[Andrea Gourley]

I had a top end Canon point and shoot - it took excellent photographs but I lusted after a dslr (big girls camera) for zooming in on the animals I saw at the zoo, birds in my garden etc. So took the plunge, spent an arm and a leg buying a big girls camera and because I am only ever going to shoot on auto my pictures weren't as good as on my point and shoot (apart from when I use the zoom lense) It is heavy as well, and gets in the way, it doesn't fit in my bag and to be honest the only time it comes out is when I go on a proper summer holiday. Also it is terrible for taking perfectly focussed shots of my cards and papercrafts.

Then of course I dropped my little Canon and it just wasn't the same so I had a dilemma. After lots (and lots and lots) of looking and reading reviews and asking people I bought a Panasonic Lumix point and shoot which I use on the intelligent setting and it is fab! Even when I zoom in I get decent shots of my little doggie, great crafty shots and I just love it - if it broke today I would be straight out to buy another one.

Now I know that a dslr isn't for me

[adrianka]

Originally Posted by Geordie Girl

I had a top end Canon point and shoot - it took excellent photographs but I lusted after a dslr (big girls camera) for zooming in on the animals I saw at the zoo, birds in my garden etc. So took the plunge, spent an arm and a leg buying a big girls camera and because I am only ever going to shoot on auto my pictures weren't as good as on my point and shoot (apart from when I use the zoom lense) It is heavy as well, and gets in the way, it doesn't fit in my bag and to be honest the only time it comes out is when I go on a proper summer holiday. Also it is terrible for taking perfectly focussed shots of my cards and papercrafts.

Then of course I dropped my little Canon and it just wasn't the same so I had a dilemma. After lots (and lots and lots) of looking and reading reviews and asking people I bought a Panasonic Lumix point and shoot which I use on the intelligent setting and it is fab! Even when I zoom in I get decent shots of my little doggie, great crafty shots and I just love it - if it broke today I would be straight out to buy another one.

Now I know that a dslr isn't for me

Hehe. I can see what you mean. This is what isn't talked about much - when changing from P&S to DSRL the pictures are worse in the very beginning. Once you figure out the camera, they are, of course, better.

I used to have a little Nikon and after getting my job with the European Commission I knew I wanted a DSRL, so I went for it. After the transitional period I really loved it - I'm not the technical kind of photographer, never read manuals etc., so I was learning by the hit-and-miss method and it works for me. However, after 4 years I really was tired of how heavy it was and wanted a small one for daily photos...

I chose the G-series model because I didn't want to drop too low, quality-wise. Same transitional period was required - at first I was frustrated with having to use a screen instead of the viewfinder, and some things just worked differently, but that passed and I'm happy. Never touched the DSRL again - not that I didn't love it, but I'm definitely a carry-your-camera-around person.

[Ginger_79]

Originally Posted by adrianka

Let me tell you that you have some impressive knowledge as far as cameras go! :-)

LOL, only from reading. Didn't try too many of them out myself. It's been only 2.5 years ago that I was facing the question what camera to get. So I looked a lot into what is on the market and what not. The choices were overwhelming, but I'm a scientist. We do love an analytical approach...

Also, I love reading photography magazines. And as their main customers are men, they are always packed full with all the new technical developements and cameras of all sizes.

[CA Dreamer]

I am looking at the Canon G6 or the S95 as my purse camera and have played with them in Best Buy. They are still have a shutter lag--not a bad one, but they do not shoot like a DSLR. Not sure if that matters to you.