Should I buy a DSLR or a good rangefinder camera?

Question

I have one main question and one secondary question.

I don't like SLR's because they're too big, have shutter vibration, make loud sounds (that distract people, even animals for nature photos). I'm looking into a higher end rangefinder $700 range. Can anyone give me a reason why I should think otherwise (I'm not all that impressed that when you aim an SLR you see the exact parameters of your shot.

Second question is do you think the large size of an SLR makes people automatically think the camera must be better and take better photos than a smaller format camera?

Answer 1

I'm assuming by rangefinder you are talking about digital point and shoot (P&S) like the Canon G7. It has a classic rangefinder look and feel.

If I had a choice between the G7 or the XTi for my main camera I would have to go with the G7. I think it goes without saying that the G7 is smaller and less obtrusive and will be more friendly to carry around and get less noticed than the DSLR. Therefore I can use it in lots of situations.

People do act differently around the larger cameras. I think people feel more self concious when they have a big telephoto zoom lens pointed right at them than say a small P&S camera. It's psychological and it is somewhat conditioned in people that they expect a photographer who uses a DSLR will shoot a picture of them in a more critical way than if the photographer used a P&S which is viewed as fun and informal.

You would use a DSLR when you want the best image quality and a versatile camera for all lighting conditions. For professionals they must have the best equipment for their work so they almost always use DSLRs and not P&S.

Answer 2

Well if you don't like the look and feel of an SLR then you shouldn't buy one. They're not made for everybody allthough (at larger size especially) there is a big quality difference.

I suggest the "superzoom" cameras that have the lenses that go out to like 10x but that are still relatively small but produces good pictures. Keep in mind that they won't be as good as an SLR pic, but most people won't realize that unless it is blown up.

What do you mean that when you aim an SLR you only see the exact parameteres of your shot? When you zoom on an SLR you zoom in the viewfinder as well and Olympus has a new SLR that has live view just like a P&S.

Answer 3

Well I wanted an SLR so it would be more verstil with the lens not because of the imagine quality though it is a lot better than all the point and shoots ive touched and used.

Range finders haves its ups and downs to. I think it has a limit on telephoto lenses if I am not mistaken... like it cant go over 150mm. So range finders arent good if your doing sports photography.

2) I think it more has to do with you see a lot of celebrity magazines using them.

Though I do disagree with the SLR doesnt always take better pictures than smaller format cameras. SLRs do take better pictures than small format cameras. No point and shoot will compare to a camera that has a sensor thats 5x-10xs bigger tahn it is.

Answer 4

Digital rangefinders are, as you have discovered, not at all cheap. There's a fuji x100 about to be released that offers part of the advantages of the true rangefinder for a relatively low price of around $1000.

Answer 5

my suggestion
go to yahoo shopping
digital cameras
digital camera GUIDE
be sure to check titles on the left side
the guide should answer your questions