Is a DSLR worth it for me? (on "higher end" digital cameras)?

Question

I like photography and I'm familiar with camera functions, but I don't shoot too often so I've no intentions on spending additional on lenses. Plus, I don't really like having an external flash and the bulky size.

I'm currently using a compact and am onsidering getting the canon400D. Given the high price of a DSLR, I was wondering if there's some sort of in-between camera that is more suitable? (aka compact but allows more control)

Btw, is a DSLR better even if used as a point-and-click?

Answer 1

Have you considered the Canon G9?

Since a DSLR has a larger sensor you will get somewhat better results. However, IMO it would be a waste of money to have all that capability and never use it. Of course, only you can make that decision.

Answer 2

I have both DSLR and a point and shoot. When size is an issue, the DSLR stays at home. Otherwise...

The DSLR allows you to take a better photograph. Most of the kits offerred by Nikon and Canon simply eclipse even the finest of the point and shoot lines.

The DSLR has a full sized optical view finder with comprehensive metering found displayed along side of the image (which is right through the lens, BTW). No problems in bright places, and most of the viewfinders have some compensation for us who need reading glasses to see up close - no such thing for LCD screens.

The DSLR doesn't have shutter lag - (the delay between when you push the button and when the picture is actually take). This means that taking fotos of babies, pets, sports, parties and other fast moving things is much easier to get good results - even in a totally auto mode on the DSLR.

Most point and shoot cameras do not have, IMHO, a wide enough angle lenses - (a few do, but it really retricts your choices; most of the cool point and shoots, like the G9 only have a 35mm lens at their widest). If you take mostly people indoors, you will miss having a 28mm lens so that you don't have to back away from the table at the restaurant....

Although many DSLRs have a built in flash, the DSLR gives you additional noise headroom to shoot more shots without the flash - at higher ISO settings, using faster lenses. I think that this results in an easier way to get great looking pictures...

The real beauty of having the DSLR is that you might actually enjoy taking good photgraphs - which in case the investment in the DSLR body allows for incremental upgrading (a new lens, of maybe a flash).

Answer 3

Unless the circumstances absolutely don't allow it, I'll take my DSLR along everytime. Do they make a difference? Definitely - yes!

All the point above about DSLR's are correct. To me, the flexibility of a DSLR to suit any lighting situation and to capture it immediately is worth the extra bulk.

The shutter-lag problem can't be overlooked. If you search this area of Yahoo! Answers, you'll find many users who are bemoaning the delay between the click and the snap. Capture a running child? Darn, just missed her.
Great kick on the soccer field? Hmm, caught the picture after the ball is gone.
Blowing out birthday candles? Captures the smoking unlit candles and the dark room.

Think of a friend who answers every question with , "Huh?" and then slowly responds. Think of it EVERYTIME.

Then think of a friend who responds immediately when you call. Ask-answered-done.

So what's the camera for you? Is it the "huh" camera or the now-camera?

Want an easy, economical camera? Consider the Nikon D40. Currently it available for under $500 for body with 18-55mm lens.
http://www.kenrockwell.com/nikon/d40.htm

Here's what some ordinary snapshooters did when give a D40.
http://www.stunningnikon.com/picturetown

It's compact, fully automatic, has multiple picture modes, and easy to use. When you use it, you won't be missing the memories you wanted to capture.

I hope this is helpful

Answer 4

I have a 350D and I love it. It's my 5th Canon camera, and they've all been beautiful. It was a great decision for me to move to the DSLR world. The beauty of it is that you can buy a 4GB memory card, take 1000 pictures on a battery, and get home and do it again. You have no limits.

I have learned more about digital photography in the last year since I got my camera than I have my whole life. If you have any interest at all in taking your photography to the next level - do it. You really won't regret it.

Answer 5

Let me just join in with my friends here and recommend the Nikon D40. They've already given you all of my standard reference links and logic, so I'm just adding one more vote.

As far as DSLR vs. Point & Shoot in auto mode - they are like night and day. Here's a comparison. Okay, this is for a 10 MP DSLR and 10 MP P&S, but if you went back-to-back with a 6 MP DLSR vs. 6-8 MP P&S, the results would be similar.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/samfeinstein/476181751/

Be sure to view that full size. Click on "All sizes" and then "Original."