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General discussion

If I move on to a dSLR camera, what am I getting myself into?

Jul 1, 2011 5:11AM PDT
Question: If I move on to a dSLR camera, what am I getting myself into?

My wife's friend recently went on a trip to Yellowstone National Park
in Wyoming and she shared her online photo album with us of her trip.
I was just blown away by the beautiful photos she took! Her
landscape photos, closeups of foliage and flowers, geysers, and rock
structures were just incredible--so full of life with such details and
vivid colors that it made me feel like I was physically there. Now I'm
no shutterbug and only have a point-and-shoot camera that is pretty
decent in taking photos, but seeing these photos of hers got me
seriously thinking of moving on to a bit more sophisticated dSLR
camera, which will allow me to take photos like hers. I know it takes
quite a bit of patience, practice, and a learning curve to take great
photos, but to start, I do need the tools first, right? What do you
recommend I start with? I'm green to dSLR, but I want to know what I
am getting myself into in terms of cost--from the camera to
miscellaneous equipment to get me going. Should I invest in something
basic or middle of the road or go all out? What would you recommend
for a newbie like me. Any tips or advice for someone like me who wants
to get into dSLRs will help out greatly on my decision. Thank you.

--Submitted by: Steven O.

Here are some member answers to get you started, but
please read all the advice and suggestions that our
members have contributed to this question.

It depends on you. --Submitted by: kekolohe
http://forums.cnet.com/7726-7593_102-5158598.html

It's all about the light --Submitted by: MightyDrakeC
http://forums.cnet.com/7726-7593_102-5158611.html

A new camera won't make you Ansel Adams. --Submitted by: dxjanis
http://forums.cnet.com/7726-7593_102-5158652.html

DSLR what am I getting in to? --Submitted by: markainsworth
http://forums.cnet.com/7726-7593_102-5159032.html

Tools aren't everything --Submitted by: liguorid
http://forums.cnet.com/7726-7593_102-5159522.html

Digital SLRs - It's about the lenses --Submitted by: drdoolittle2800
http://forums.cnet.com/7726-7593_102-5158589.html

Thanks to all who contributed!

If you have any additional buying advice, recommendations, or suggestions for Steven, please click on the reply link below and answer away. If you are referring to any specific camera model or camera equipment, it would be great to provide a link to the product specification or a link to a picture of the equipment would be helpful. Thanks!

Discussion is locked

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How do you get to Carnegie Hall?
Jul 1, 2011 11:00AM PDT

A tourist on the streets of New York asked a passer-by, "How do you get to Carnegie Hall?" The answer, "Practice, practice, practice."
Your friend was a photographer. Buying an $800 camera will not make you a photographer, or even a better photographer; perhaps a worse one. Buying a violin will not make you a musician, either.
That said, good equipment can't hurt, much. Still you need to look at the photographs that inspire you. The "resolution and sharpness" are likely the least of what attracted you - look at the composition, the framing, the use of light, the subject itself, the point-of-view, field of view, the time of day, distance, focus.
The ability to gather all of these aspects artistically into a shot is what makes a photographer, not the little metal box.
Much of this comes naturally to some people, much of it can be taught and learned.
Great and famous photos have been shot with pinhole cameras, Polaroids, and Brownies, and great photos can be taken today with point-and-shoots.
When you look at what may appear to be lacking in your point-and-shoot pics, and you can say, "Well, if I had been able to adjust this, and this, and this, it would have been a better shot," THEN go out and buy the bigger box.
In the meantime, practice, practice, practice.

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Doesn't really answer the question
Jul 23, 2011 2:56AM PDT

I'd swear that this reply was written by a politician. While it appeals to the emotions, is chock-full of good old American values, and is doubtlessly true, it doesn't really address the question.

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carnegie hall
Jul 23, 2011 5:13PM PDT

you gotta practice

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I ABSOLUTELY AGREE
Jul 23, 2011 6:10PM PDT

When I was a child I had a Kodak Brownie camera (you are all probably too young to know what that is ... it was the simplest black box that you loaded film into). I still have pictures taken with it and they are really good. Over the years, I advanced to Pentax and Sony DSLR's with lenses and the whole nine yards. Were the pictures good? Some were absolutely stunning and appear on my son's office walls and other places. Now that I am 72, carrying around all that equipment has become too much of a chore and I switched to a Canon SD800 a couple of years ago ... now a brand new OLYMPUS SZ-20 I am learning to use (the old dog is trying to learn ... not 'new tricks' ... just the basics and there are many ,,, this one has all those lenses built in with a fantastic zoom & 16mp) ... because I am going on a major trip to Poland & the Canon isn't always dependable.

I volunteer frequently (we live in Naples, FL) to take family shots on the beach at Sunset [can be tricky because you can wind up with only shadows and dark images] and can tell you the WOWS I get using THEIR camera ... "Hallmark Moments" ... "this will be our Christmas Card!" ... because it ISN'T the camera so much as the PERSON who is looking through the lens. I have no formal training but have been told I have an 'artist's eye' ... give 6 people the same camera and ask them to take the same photo and you will get 6 different results ... ONE will probably be incredibly different because that person took the time to see something others didn't.

I'm sure this is not the most helpful answer you will receive but the perspective it affirms is of utmost importance. You could take a course but what would be even more helpful is to get together with someone whose photos you think are great and ask THEM to help you improve your framing, zooming, lighting, etc. With digital cameras this is a breeze because you can instantly see your results ... then have your friend take the same picture and compare what he/she did that you didn't. HAVE FUN ... it's addictive and something you can pursue your whole life ... I am living proof! Good luck ~ Grin

grammyAnnie

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So true!...
Jul 24, 2011 1:56PM PDT

And I am so happy you posted! I will probably spend the rest of my life trying to scan and digitize all the pictures my Grandmother took with a Brownie! She was an adventurous soul and had many interesting photos for our family album. I am so glad you posted here, because you really lent a good perspective to the art of photography, and also the fact that we need to take care in that we are preserving history for future generations. At least that is how I take it - there is no more precious belongings than our photos of our loved ones. IF my house is threatened by fire, flood, or tornado, I will only take the box of photos, and the rest be darned! Silly

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How do you get to Carnegie Hall?
Jul 24, 2011 8:16AM PDT

Very well said indeed Bofahs! Thanks!

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Great answer
Jul 25, 2011 8:52AM PDT

I'm an amateur photographer and I couldn't agree more with your answer, especially the last advice.
It's exactly what happened to me: after a few years of squeezing all the features of my point-and-shoots, from a very basic 4MP to a loaded midsized 10MP, I became aware of the limitations that kept me below my expectations. Then I took the next step, to a midrange dSLR.

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Very well said
Jul 26, 2011 12:24PM PDT

Most pro-sumer cameras are capable of delivering the results your friend got, but it is your friends eye that made the difference, and her understanding of how to transfer her vision to an image with emotional impact.

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DSLR Vs Point an Shoot
Jul 1, 2011 11:25AM PDT

Just did a quick scan of the first few posts and a lot of good advice.
I thought I might make it more simple.
DSLR allows interchangeable lenses. Dosn't matter film or digital. Film will evetually go away but I like it better.
Lens to choose: 120 to 400 zoom, 35mm, 50mm and probabally a 25mm for supper close.
DSLR lenses also allows for filters. Start with a poloriod. Learn more about photography before buying colored ones.
I just bought my wife a Nikon 6100 14 pixel point and shoot digital and the pictures it takes are as good or better as my Pentax SLR with 600 film.
If you go DSLR take a photo class. Most JR Colleges have them.
Dwight

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DSLR
Jul 1, 2011 12:18PM PDT

Oh yes,it is tempting to splurge out and buy all the "must have" lenses, flash units (yes,there such a beast!) but
sit down with yourself (o r partner) and just figure out wherether you are going to use it - at least least more than once a year.Remember these camera's are really made for professional or advanced amataur .I have a variety of camera's,including a DSLR but I don't use it very much;firstly I am now retired and second or thisI got a Fujica 3D
camera and I've had more fun with that than I ever had!!never forget that if you want to go and photograph the
wild outdoors or some child's birthday party once again you have that gear to lug.....and if for some reason doesn't work well...loose friends and gain enemies all at once.If your are bound and detemined to go for this
there is an author,Scot Kelby,has written some very good books - ones that you don't need a dictionary to read.

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Go for the DSLR . . . but carefully
Jul 1, 2011 11:43AM PDT
Nearly 30 years ago I moved up from a point and shoot (film) camera to an SLR. It took great pictures and I learned a lot about photography. But film was a real nuisance (and expensive) considering that only one in 10-20 shots resulted in a good picture.

As the digital cameras started to become popular a decade ago I got interested again in photography and enjoyed it a lot more since the cost per click was essentially zero and the PC photo tweaking programs upped the odds of respectable pictures.


But the point and shoot cameras were aggravating because of the lag between click and picture exposure. So about five years ago I purchased a DSLR and now photography is fun!



I purchased a mid-level (Pentax K10d) camera. Pentax because my lenses from the film SLR fit the Pentax. Canon, & Nikon are great too.


Expect to spend roughly $1000-$1500 to start . . . and then another $1000 or so during the next year. Go slowly. Take a beginners course or two.


To have a lot of fun all you need is the camera body, an 18-250mm lens and a good tweaking program (Photoshop Elements is my favorite). The camera body and lens are each in the $500-750 range or a bit less if you find some really well cared for used equipment.


Jblair
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dslr
Jul 1, 2011 11:43AM PDT

Over the years with anything electronic I have found it to be the case just buy the best that you can afford and you will be fine for the next couple of years.

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similar question
Jul 1, 2011 11:44AM PDT

What about the dSLR 'similar' in a smaller body, ranging from Pansonic to Sony nex5 for example. Lots out there:...I'm not particulary interested in HD video which is a retail grabber.

I've researched this for 2 years (in theory from cnet / digital review / and handled in camera stores with various opinions).

Personally like the feel of the smaller models (someone has mentioned this already: if comfortable with handling, then go that way). So many options and price range : panasonic, olympus, samsung, which are better price. I like the feel of the sony nex5, but $$ is the drawback. And what about open box choices. Do you recommend them?

Currently have a point and shoot, fujifilm A500 (optical zoom 3 / 5.6 mp): I want to upgrade because frustrated with iso limitations / noise / and slow. I've taken some great phots with this, but now am a serious amateur photographer.

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DSLR Camera
Jul 1, 2011 12:00PM PDT

As a semi-pro photographer, I would start with an entry level to a mid level DSLR, you can buy most kit DSLR's for $599 and up which would buy you most likely at least a 16mp camera and lens. I taught myself photography by reading a lot of articles and trial and error but believe me you won't be disappointed in the results. Start off shooting in Program mode and then go from there and one good thing with digital, if you don't like what you shoot, you can erase it and shoot it again. I started off with a 35mm SLR and now I am on my 3rd DSLR, as you can tell, I like to upgrade and as they say practice makes perfect, so good luck and happy shooting.

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A new camera won't make you Ansel Adams.
Jul 1, 2011 12:13PM PDT

I liked he post from the person who said buying a violin won't make you a musician.

First things, first!

Learn to compose and expose a photograph. In other words, see the picture in your mind first and then let the light through the lens.

It sounds to me that you were impressed with your friends pictures because your friend is a photographer and you are a point and shooter. Your friend creates photographs, you take pictures. There's a world of difference there.

Learn to be a photographer, first. Save a lot of money, use the camera you currently own. See if you can master the art of photography. Believe me, the same photos your friend showed you could have been made with a decent point and shoot camera.

Attend a photography class at a local college or art school. Sign-up with something like the Nikon photo school. Read books about photographic composition. Study exposure theory and the use of different focal length lenses.

Ansel Adams wrote books on the subject that are still pretty good information, even in the digital age.

JMHO.

By the way, I own three point and shoot cameras and a DSLR Canon as well as a 35mm SLR. I used to expose three or more rolls of Kodachrome per week. Did that for years. Made some pretty good photographs, too. Still do. Today, I use all of my cameras as I feel moved to do so. Or which one has a charged battery. I'd defy anyone to tell which photograph is from which camera.

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I totally agree
Jul 22, 2011 10:27PM PDT

Yes I totally agree.
I am quite an old guy and since my memory is not the same any more, I might be misquoting the following.
I think it was Lord Snowdon one of the world's photo genius who said:
"You can teach people how to use a camera, but you can not teach them how to see".
How true!

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The lens
Jul 22, 2011 11:13PM PDT

I do see a difference between my P&S and dSLR when I blow the pictures up. I believe it has to do with the lenses. More glass seems to be better.

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Great information
Jul 23, 2011 12:10AM PDT

dxjanis is totaly correct. It is the composition by the photographer that makes the difference, not the camera!

I have many cameras myself, started with a Kodak bellows camera to a SLR and now prefer the DSLR with both a pocket Canon and an Olympus E3 (which is a top end professional camera). With the Canon I have taken equally great pictures outside but my Olympus is better for inside photos where lighting is difficult at times and like the interchangeable lenses for long range photos or close up pictures. Photoshop is great for making changes to composition or exposure problems...When in doubt with your point-and-shoot camera, shoot with the highest resolution possible so when editing you have flexibility and loose little detail.

Keep your Point-and-shoot camera and until you learn how to use a good photoshop type of computer program to enhance your pictures.

Enjoy!!

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While I agree that a new camera won't make you Ansel Adams,
Jul 23, 2011 2:32AM PDT

... the simple truth is that you will shoot more frames and develop skills faster using a camera that excites you and motivates you to take more photos and to learn more.

Get a dSLR and ALSO develop your skills at the same time.

Go for it, and have fun with it!

PS- began SLR shooting and developing my own pics in 1978. Dang- where did all the time go?

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Before you invest in a dSLR, take a photography course.
Jul 1, 2011 12:28PM PDT

I've been taking photos for more than 40 years, own a tiny Sony digital point and shoot with a 5x zoom, a larger and older Panasonic Lumix with at 12x zoom, and a Nikon dSLR with a bunch of lenses (I also own an old school Nikon SLR, so my lenses can be swapped). However, when people see my photos, there is not one person who can tell which camera I've used to take them. It's not the dSLR which takes the photos, it's the person behind the camera. And, a lot goes into taking wonderful photos.

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DSLR or not? Have you considered..
Jul 1, 2011 12:34PM PDT

There are a lot of great suggestions here, I've read over a few of them. Unless I missed it, I'd suggest getting a bridge camera, before buying a DSLR.
A bridge camera is like it sounds, right between pocket & SLR. I picked one up years ago (a Konica-Minolta) & love it. I can add lenses, filters, slaves & things like that. It's small enough to tote around, but big enough to take some great shots.
Now mine is by no means awesome, but it allows me to do quite a bit. There are pocket size cameras that allow you to change lenses & all of that. So it depends on how convenient you want your camera to be, versus what it, & you can do.
Lag is an issue till you get to the DSLR cameras (I hear). I don't take too many shots where that is much of an issue, as most landscapes don't move that fast. But if you're set on getting a DSLR, do some homework, mostly on how it feels in your hands. I have a heck of a time with my back up pocket shooter in my hands, I like the feel of the larger one.
Just my thoughts.

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Check out the camera forums before buying
Jul 1, 2011 12:35PM PDT

The two companies that make the best lens's are Nikon and Canon. Each makes an awesome camera so it comes down to the lens's and their price and availability to you. Can't go wrong with either product. You can spend as much or as little as you need to to get the results you want but you have to know what results you're looking for. Tele-photo or close-up. Beauty or nature. Check out a couple of links; http://photography-on-the.net/forum/index.php and http://www.fredmiranda.com/forum/. Lots of good info in the forums, samples of pictures from different lens's and cameras and also a good place to buy good quality used equipment at a good price. This is also a good place to ask that "Stupid" question and get some good answers. Have fun..

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SLR cameras
Jul 1, 2011 1:00PM PDT
Buy yourself an 18-300mm zoom lens and set of three extension tubes, and get used to them before going further. Get the zoom lens instead of the one(s) advertised, only check the prices first as the it may be cheaper to take an offered deal and buy the 18-300 separately. Don't buy second-hand lenses till you know what to look for. Good luck. Robin M
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DSLR recommendation
Jul 1, 2011 4:04PM PDT

Hi Steven,

Buying a DSLR camera can be really confusing because all the major brands like Nikon, Canon, Sony, Olympus, etc. are competing neck and neck and are all feature packed. You must buy a good 'prosumer' camera after extensive research and be assured that you won't be needing another for another five years at least. Nikon and Canon are the most popular ones and after you buy you must learn the basics first. That would be:
1) The meaning of 'aperture' and what difference does high and low aperture makes.
2) The meaning of 'Shutter Speed' and what difference would high and low shutter speed would make.
3) The use of ISO settings.
4) Terms like 'depth of field', 'f-number' etc.
5) How to buy a good lense and the use of various filters.

Of course you would be able to learn all of this if you read a good book on it. Then there are many photography magazines with reviews of various latest models also. Believe me it won't take very long for you to learn and these days it's easier to learn that the days of films because you won't need the patience to get the films developed as you will know the results immediately.

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DSLR
Jul 1, 2011 4:54PM PDT

About 3 years ago I bought a DSLR; then gradually added several additional lenses. The pictures are definitely much better than compact cameras. However, now I'm 70 - and I got really annoyed and pained with all that weight round my neck. So I'm back to compact, but I do miss the extra quality of the pictures.
regards
Tony

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DSLR
Jul 1, 2011 5:49PM PDT

Sorry, but it's not the camera, it's the man behind it that matters. My father was a prominent member of his local camera club in the 50s and 60s. They had an annual competition to take a shot on a box Brownie (Google it!). His results were superb photographs despite being black and white and poor definition. So, get yourself a reasonable camera with a reasonable zoom and learn to take good photographs in your local club.

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A DSLR can be a great boost
Jul 1, 2011 6:53PM PDT

I was an early adopter of digital photography, and I bought my first digital compact camera in 1999, soon to be followed by an upgrade model in 2002 (a Sony F707), which I used up to 2006 with some pretty good results. Somehow I was still not satisfied but worried about the size and cost of a DSLR and at that time there was also a lot of talk about dust problem on sensors. So I was then looking at the new Sony R1, but since it was just as big and expensive as a DSLR I decided to get the real thing. I got a used Fujifilm S2 Pro in 2007 and I haven't looked back ever since. Getting a DSLR was the best move I ever did in photography, it greatly boosted my interest and within a couple of years I had my first exhibition.

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move on to a dSLR camera
Jul 2, 2011 12:04AM PDT

To start with, I normally do not write, but read this column. but I will respond and explain:
This is not the right forum to get a correct answer to your question. though cameras today are much more computers than film cameras, they are still an evolution of the photographer base community. I've been learning of late much of cameras through DPS (Digital Photograph School Blog) online. Its a great forum to learn how to use, understand the elements, and reviews of cameras. The forum is by photographers, for photographers, and of every level of experience. I recommend you look into it before deciding things.
Do not take the fact that your little P&S camera is not capable of very, very good pictures. First off, the best camera in the world will not make you a photographer. Learn well what you have. Then go to a store that deals in cameras and ask a qualified sales person of heir opinion and to use the camera, inside and outside. Then read up on the camera. Amazon.com has many reviews as well as Photojournal and many others.
These cameras today are very easy to use, lots of auto settings make them more P&S (even the most expensive DSLR). But you do not need a Ferrari to go 70 MPH. Go by your budget and see if you will have fun first. And as much as cameras cost, lenses fr them will add up much more as well as post production software. Study what you will get into first. (I have a Olympus E-PL2 and though I'm happy with it, knowing what I know now, I would had gotten something better. But as I advance and move up into a better camera for my needs, this will be my back-up unit. Understand?). Good luck and have fun. JMD

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Use your cameras resources
Jul 2, 2011 2:39AM PDT

Exactly, to use auto settings with a DSLR is hardly worth the trouble. You must get very familiar with the variables like aperture and shutter speed and also film (ISO) sensitivity and exposure compensation. With these variables under control, you can make images exactly like you want them. Yes, add white balance to that list too and also contrast settings/Active D-lighting. Then of course how the lens affects the image and how you can use a certain focal length to your advantage. It takes a while, but if you have photographed before you probably know a lot of that already, otherwise read a good basic book on photography.

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Consider higher-end compact cameras
Jul 2, 2011 3:15AM PDT

Many higher end digital compact cameras, such as the Canon Powershot line, can come close to DSLRs. http://www.usa.canon.com/cusa/consumer/products/cameras/digital_cameras
And then you don't have to buy extra lenses etc. And if you want to use the camera on hiking trips like your friend, you will have a camera that is easier to carry because it's not so heavy and bulky as the DSLR. I bought my Canon SX200IS partly on the strength of a review that compared it to DSLRs in terms of image quality and there was barely a difference. The SX200IS has most of the standard features of a DSLR, like full manual mode, accepts tripods, 12x optical zoom, large screen, and all sorts of controls for image size, quality, etc. The current model, SX210IS, is similar to the one I have, and Canon sells it for $300.