Am I ready for a D-SLR?

Question

I'm very interested in photography. Last summer, I borrowed my dad's old 35mm SLR and experimented with it (I wish I could've developed my own film, but alas, I didn't have access to those resources). Now, I'm going to be starting college, and I know I want to have (digital) photography as a hobby, but I'm just not sure if it's worth it to splurge on a D-SLR. Mainly, I'm torn between a Nikon D40, and a model like a Canon Powershot S3 IS (or something similar). I'm concerned that the Canon doesn't provide as good of a picture as the Nikon (thanks to the smaller image sensor), but the Nikon is obviously more expensive.

Any suggestions?

Answer 1

I've been shooting with an SLR since before high school, so I can I can really appreciate the difference. Do I use a point & shoot? ONLY if my DSLR can't be brought along.

From what I read, you have the interest and the curiousity that calls for a DSLR. If your budget allows for it, get (as suggested wisely above) a used D50 or D70. I just picked up a used D50 myself and like the fact that it will take older lenses, like my D70.

Just remember what an SLR or DSLR is designed for, the photographer who wants the possibilities realized from his/her imagination. A point & shoot will serve you well to 'record the moment'. But an SLR or DSLR will "record the vision".

A Canon Powershot S3 IS is a great camera. But when you open up the camera bag - that's all it can ever be. Would a painter only buy one size brush?

Hope this helps.

Answer 2

You know you want to have digital photography as a hobby, and you've clearly done some homework if you know that a point and shoot sensor is physically smaller than an SLR sensor.

So:
1) you have the interest and desire
2) you're willing to do the research
3) you are concerned about image quality

All these things tell me that, yes, you are ready to get a digital SLR. Why? Because if you get anything else, you and I both know that you will always believe your images could be better if you had better equipment and lenses. Thus, you will never be satisfied with less than an SLR and decent lenses.

I was in high school in 1979 when I got my first SLR, a Pentax ME. There's no substitute for an eye level viewfinder looking through the same lens taking the picture, nor the satisfying thunk of the shutter. It's obvious to me that you are where I was in May 1979, studying camera magazines and looking at cameras in stores.

If cost is an issue, you can always buy a used D50 or D70 Nikon and save a hundred dollars which you could then apply towards better lenses.

In any case, the only way to satisfy your desires is to get an SLR. Trust me, I know.

Have fun!

Answer 3

I think you should first find out what type of camera that photography class requires. If you're going to pick up photography as a hobby and if you're serious about taking good care of your camera, then go buy a DSLR. Yes, the canon takes lesser quality pictures than the Nikon because of lens and sensor. Most of the time the picture quality is good, but in high contrast situations, there would be noticeable purple fringing. The D40 is a good camera for beginners as many pros on yahoo answers stated. I think you should buy the D40 if you're serious. It can last you for many years (so don't worry so much about the initiate cost), but like I said, make sure you know what your school's requirements are. You don't want to buy a D-SLR yet if they only teach with 35mm cameras or something.

Answer 4

I also have a love for photography, and have used my 35mm pentax K1000 for the past 20 yrs. I recently spent a lot of time researching digital cameras on the web. A d-slr in my opinion would still mean lugging around to much equipment, you will want to be getting extra lenses,etc. I purchased the S3is you speak of 2 weeks ago and absolutely love it! It gives you the ability to shoot manually, so it is a great learning tool. Yes, it does have a small sensor,but check out the link I've left to see the amazing photo's this camera is capable of taking! The Nikon d-40 is nice, but then you might have wished you went with the d-80 ? The s3is is about $300 right now and is an excellent choice before the jump into a d-slr and alot easier to carry around! Enjoy your new camera whatever it may be.
http://www.flickr.com/groups/canonpowershots3is/discuss

Answer 5

I typically by a used digital camera from ebay, use it for a few months or a year, then sell it again. I usually get more or less what I paid for it, since used cameras hold their value. Over the years, I've owned 8 cameras, including Nikon, Canon, Sony, and Olympus.

My point is that digital cameras change, they're complex, and it takes a while before you figure out what you want.

www.steves-digicams.com is a great place to compare sample photos from all digital cameras.

Answer 6

rsimon5 brought up a good point. Add a nice size lens and good luck with the live lcd. If live lcd is a must, you may want to look at point and shoot cameras, not dslr. Live lcd would be great for a landscape/portrait shot with a tripod. Not to mention the ease of erasing photos with digital, live LCD is over hyped(IMO). The XTi would be a good choice for you. I will start off with the XTi, and want a portrait lens, So i will pick up the EF 50mm f/1.8 II Camera Lens for $75. For live action the Sigma 70-300 f/4-5.6 DG APO Macro Telephoto Zoom Lens is my choice. None have IS but I am somewhat of a beginner so I will start off slow and grow on my lenses. Soon enough I will get some "L" Lenses and upgrade my camera. Amazon has the lenses and you can look at pictures taken with the lenses.

Answer 7

It might be a good idea to start with a digicam and see if you still feel the same about photography in 6 to 12 months. If you do then you can take the big plunge into a DSLR and keep your "starter" camera to carry around. Plus, who knows what technology will be like in a year - or even six months?

Ultimately its your choice.

Answer 8

I really believe buying a camera is an individual choice.
The person needs to read alot of reviews on cameras and learn as much as they can from the internet.
Go to the store and hold them and try them to see what they feel like and how they take pictures.
I can only give a suggestion of what to look for in a new digital camera.
Good Luck

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

Answer 9

buy this 1 - is very good
http://www.amazon.com/Canon-PowerShot-Digital-Camera-Optical/dp/B000MFA1NE/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1/102-0738498-6834522?ie=UTF8&s=photo&qid=1188292060&sr=1-1