Sorry I’ve been scarce for a few days; the end of my time here in Hong Kong is fast approaching and I have so much to do…
Anyway, as I prep for my departure there has been one thing niggling at the edge of my consciousness: should I buy a DSLR camera?
Any of you who read this blog know that I love photos. I recently upgraded my point-and-shoot and got a Lumix LX5, which is a high-end compact camera and a step down from a DSLR.
The photo quality is fantastic (as evidenced by my Bali photos) but I still have major envy when I frequent websites that feature photos taken by a DSLR. The night/low-light shots aren’t anything to sniff at either…
But I still lust over DSLR cams. And I have the money to get one and have been doing the research. I’m thinking that if I were to buy one I would get something from the Canon Rebel/Xsi line.
Here’s the catch, though: I’m not a fan of the weight/size of a DSLR cam and really can’t be pressed to figure out the features (then again, maybe if I were to make that sort of investment in a camera I would). I also have no real interest in post-processing or photo-shopping my photos once I’ve taken them. I’ll spend the time to take them, but am too lazy to edit. What you see is what you get!
I think that I would like to make photography a hobby. I think of my upcoming trips (Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia this weekend, the Pacific Northwest in the U.S., Guatemala later on this summer) and think it would be fabulous to capture my surroundings with a premium camera.
Then again, the camera I just got is pretty good. It has a bunch of features on it that, in skilled hands, could probably produce spectacular photos.
So, with all that being said… I still dunno. And here’s where you come in. What do you guys think? What type of cameras do you have? For those of you with hefty DSLR cameras, how do you deal with the bulk/weight, especially when you are travelling? I kind of worry about camera theft/ being a target with that monstrosity hanging around my neck. How much post-processing do you do to get those drool-worthy photos?
Is anybody out there experiencing the same dilemma?
54 Comments
okay – i apologize in advance for writing a novel 🙂
you know i have the same camera as you (the LX5) and LOVE it. it's a great camera, the low light is pretty darn good and the macro is incredible. it shoots manual and has a crazy wide aperture (2.0) which is insane on a camera that isn't a dslr. it also has a wide lens at 24mm which – again, is pretty insane. it's a fabulous advanced point & shoot geared to those who want much more than a basic but aren't quite ready for a dslr OR those with a dslr who want something more in their "everyday" camera.
with all that said it's, obviously, not a dslr. the internal just can't be the same in a camera that small hence the bigger size of the dslrs. HOWEVER, if you're interested in dslrs but don't like the size – have you checked out the micro four thirds cameras? they are fairly new on the market but quite a few companies make them now (before getting my lumix i was looking at the panasonic GF1 but think there's now the GF2). They are basically like dslr's but in a smaller body. Meaning you can buy different lenses, full manual controls, etc…They also are priced more like dslrs. BUT if you are going to go with the Canon line can I make a suggestion? I've heard great things about the XTI line but if you are going to get serious, and can afford it, consider going right to full frame…if you can get your hands on a used 5D in good condition – that's a classic and a great camera…though lacking some of the newer features like video and stuff…..
As for photoshop and amazing pictures…a LOT of it has to do with just knowing how to take a good picture. Yes, having a great camera (and a variety of lenses) helps but knowing about composition, light, depth of field goes a LONG way. I think photoshop should be used to enhance a picture – or to make it look more like you envisioned it; not to radically alter it. Do you follow any photographers? There are a few I follow who use pro gear but I love looking at their pictures to see how they composed the shot, how they used shadows and light…it's really a great way to teach myself (and even when the post pics they took with their i-phone I'm still blown away!) Knowing the basics allows you to shoot with anything and still take a great pic 🙂
Hey, I know next to nothing about cameras, mine is a Sony…and ..that's all I know, Lol!
However I would say if photography is one of your passions and I see it is, then go for the best you can afford to achieve the results you want. Having said that all your previous pictures are pretty great IMO..
Not much help am I?:-)
I say since photography is your passion go for it especially since you have the money to invest in it. I upgraded my cam when I was gonna go to India and was so happy I did. I need to learn more about my cam but it's so much better than the smaller point and shoot variety form before, though it is heavy. To prevent theft when I travel I keep it inside my large shoulder bag, use when I need to and put it back when I am done and so on and so forth . Oh by the way the cam I have is the Canon PowerShot SX10 IS
I will answer, emphatically, YES!!!
I love my Nikon D3000. Worth every penny.
I had this dilemma last summer.
I too don't want the bulk of the DSLR cameras, would never take it out of the house after my intial love affair, wore off..
So.. After a lot research I decided on the Canon S90.. It is considered the camera that professional photographers take with them daily.. when they don't want to lug the DSLR around.
It has all the features of a DSLR except you cannot change the lens.
The settings are numerous and wonderful…AND.. you can turn off all features and manipulate the camera manually.
It shoots RAW, and stitches inside the camera , so need for stiching software.
It is not particularly pretty looking just plain black, like most canon camera's are..
But I couldn't love an in inanimate object more…:):)!!!!
The night shots are great.. The colors are clear,rich,sharp,on the warmer side rather than the cooler side.
Actually, true to what the subject that I have shot.
Take it EVERYWHERE!!!!
BTW, I am an artist, a fashion illustrator that uses PhotoShop daily. After Thousands of pics taken in the year that I have owned this camera.. I have NEVER HAD TO edit a photo because it needed it, ONLY because I wanted to.
The media geek in me says absolutely (have you seen the video quality they can produce?! Oo, with a bit of post: http://vimeo.com/16339841), but the small sensible part is saying no. If your content with the shots you get from higher-end consumer cam, stick with it. Use the money for something else.
Plus, if you already dislike the bulk, you'll despise it even more when your collection grows with lens and lighting kits, and tri-pods. It will also take up a good chunk of your carry-on.
Still, if you go for it, I agree with the 5D being an excellent choice.
Thanks for stopping by, I really appreciate it. I say if you know how to take a great photo you can take a great photo with any camera. However I'll be purchasing a DSLR for a photography class I'll be taking this fall. It does make a difference, especially if you want more freedom to manipulate the settings to get the best photo. Its a worthy investment if you're going to pursue photography. I would say that you should continue to explore the setting of your current camera, I'm still having fun with my little point and shoot!
I have a crappy point and shoot that I absolutely HATE. But I'd never get a DSLR because they are just too big. I would never carry it with me and then I'd never take photos at all.
I love the pics you took with the Lumix. I have been looking to upgrade from my standard point and shoot, but I don't really want to be bothered to learn the features of a DSLR OR edit them either. But I want good pics! So I may need to further investigate the Lumix…seems like a happy medium for me.
I upgraded last year to a Nikon D5000 and while I just did a big print out of photos and was impressed again and again by the obviously higher quality of my photos, there are several negative points that still make me question the decision:
1. the files are SO BIG that it took hours and hours of work to sort out things on my computer- and forget about storing them on a netbook. I had to buy an external hard drive, then I had to transfer the photos, then I had to relabel them so I could find what I wanted for printing, etc…
2. Big files are harder to upload and transfer to people which has been a pain
3. The camera is so heavy that I don't just carry it around for fun like I did with my old camera which means that I take a lot less photos
4. When taking photos, I spend a lot of time fussing with the settings to get a good shot. I feel like the automatic option on the camera is not awesome (or maybe I'm just noticing the bad shots more when I see them next to the very good shots that I can get with this camera?)
5. I'm scared of breaking my expensive camera with its expensive lenses so that takes some of the fun out of an event when I have my enormous camera hanging around my neck. I'm scared to just set it down or handle it roughly so instead of enjoying myself and grabbing a few snaps, I am obsessed with the camera. Boring.
I guess I think that these cameras are for when you are Taking Photos, which is fun sometimes but not great to have to do every time you go out with a camera. Hang on to your Lumix, is what I'm saying.
I LOVE my DSLR, and it's way huger than a Rebel. That being said, it is weighty to carry around, and there are definitely times that I wish I had a small point and shoot.
There's actually a point and shoot that I'm eventually going to get, but right now I can't justify the price. It's called the Fuji X100 and runs about 1k, but to sum it up, it's basically the size of a point and shoot with the quality photos of a DSLR. You might want to look into that!
Also, I've found that when it comes to DSLR's and theft, you have to use the same common sense you use anyways with traveling. I actually think that because my camera is so valuable, I'm probably way more careful and therefor less likely to lose it or have it robbed than I would be if I had a small camera.
If you have any questions, email me. I'm happy to help!
I could never go back to a point and shoot. Yes, my dslr is weighty but you get used to it like anything else. If you love photography you'll take your camera around with you no matter what but if you're worried about weight, don't get an dslr. Your camera will end up on a shelf in your house and those babies aren't cheap. I use my came for professional as well as personal use and will upgrade to the Rolls Royce of my line when they come out with the new one soon. I use a Canon. When I upgrade I'd also like to purchase the small but powerful Canon GTI, now that's a lovely point and shoot but with the controls of a dslr. Love it! Good Luck!
Felicia,
http://www.nearandfar.wordpress.com
This is SOOOOO me right now. It's been nice reading all of these responses. I am thinking about a DSLR for my birthday or Christmas later this year. I am thinking about the same exact issues.
wow all your readers came out to comment on this post ehh?
Anyways all your pics have been amazing that why i constantly ask you want camera you use.
If you have time please check out my post on moving, i think you could help me.
If you want to make photography your hobby you should def invest. I first bought a very good point-and-shoot, then moved on to a small DSLR (Canon 1000D) and then finally got my new baby Canon 7D, which is even bigger, but oooooooh so good! It is not full-frame, but has the latest Canon technology and is simply wonderful!! The important thing are the lenses, I bought a really expensive one, but it worth every penny.
And no worries, you get used to the additional weight you carry around. Maybe you start with a smaller one of the Canon series and see how it goes! And really, it is not so hard to take nice pictures with a DSLR 🙂
Go for it!!
Here is the deal. I bought my DSLR camera used. It is one of the older ones (Nikon D50) but it works amazingly for me. As far as learning all the settings, I have not taken a class ( I am in college right now, and that is stressful, maybe after I graduate) so I borrow books from the library and I also frequent the Pioneer Woman's blog because she has a photography section that explains a lot of the stuff in laymen's terms.
As far as taking it on vacation, my husband and I just got back from NYC, where I took my camera. It really wasn't all that bad in all honesty. I don't have a normal case for it, I use a small bag for it that has handles and I carry that around. I only have one lens, so that saves me some trouble as well. Sometimes I had it around my neck, and that didn't bother me, but people hawking stuff in Times Square would peg you immediately for a tourist and start bothering you, So I kept it in its case unless I needed it. As far as post processing. I am just learning Photoshop. I am incredibly lucky to go to a university that gives it to the students for free as well as giving you online workshops you can do on your own. So I don't do a lot of processing.
@Leslie: Wow, Leslie, thanks for all the detailed info! I think that I'm leaning more and more toward getting the Canon Rebel… We'll see! Thanks once again for your input- I'll definitely take it into consideration!
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