Non DSLR

Doddy1974

Doddy1974

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Cathy
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I cannot afford a D-SLR, and have recently purchased a Fujifilm S1500.

When reading magazines, reading forums etc, I feel very left out as I am not using a DSLR, but i do take many tips away with me and am able to use info learnt, just not fully.

I don't feel able to take part in many conversations because I do not have a DSLR.

I know I am going to be limited with certain things, like not being able to shoot in RAW, but am I going to face many other limitations, and am I kidding myself that I am going to be able to learn to take good pictures.

Also, I have an old 35mm camera body x 2 and numerous lenses...i know some of the lenses are Sigma, do people still buy these? Does anyone know of anywhere that buys second hand old cameras?? I am wondering if i might be able to sell all the kit i have (acquired it from my brother-in-law) and raise enough to buy a DLSR!!

Thanks for your time!
 
your fujifilm is a decent bridge camera, and ive tried them out. it would help you learn but it just seems harder, i never knew what an aperture was or how the magic trio worked on my samsung point and shoot but as soon as i got a DSLR it was so easy to learn.

what are the bodies and lenses you own as you could possibly sell them and even do a car boot or something to raise cash for a DSLR, thats what i had to do to get my DSLR. you could afford a sony a200 second hand with an 18-70mm and 55-200mm for around £400 or even less.
 
Welcome to the forum Doddy :thumbs:

you might be restricted a bit, depending on what you shoot, but no camera will ever be able to produce your eye for a shot.

If you're looking for inspriation, take a look at this thread I still think it's one of the best sets of pics we've had on here.
 
dod said:
Welcome to the forum Doddy :thumbs:

you might be restricted a bit, depending on what you shoot, but no camera will ever be able to produce your eye for a shot.

If you're looking for inspriation, take a look at this thread I still think it's one of the best sets of pics we've had on here.
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Those are fantastic! It's not about the equipment, but your eye for the photo. The photographic world would be all the better if we had all the same equipment, less gearheads and more images! (although it is rather hypocritical of me saying this as I've been through far too much gear!)
 
Just checked out the pics...they are amazing!! Gives me a bit of hope!

I will have to list what is in the box...there is far too much to remember off the top of my head!!

I guess I will just have to head off out and take some shots!

I am slowly learning about aperture..its' the shutter speeds that I am struggling with...all my photos seem to be over exposed if i play with the figures too much! Doesn't help that my camera doesn't say the traditional 1/100 etc...it just things like 2"..haven't got a clue what speed that would be!!! Any ideas anyone??!!
 
Even in the digital age its still the photographer that makes the photograph not the camera,you have a very cpable bit of kit so dont get brow beaten into buying a DSLR by some who look down their noses at the users of Compacts or Bridge cameras.You will learn a lot here and the vast majority will apply to your camera and your photography just as it does to us DSLR users
 
I wouldnt worry about it you can only ever work with what youve got. Some people have crazy expensive gear and studios and others manage fine without. For example my background I stand people infront of is a bed sheet pinned to my bedroom wall because I dont have the money to get a proper one at the moment, its all relative mate. Just get out and take some great pics and upgrade when your able ;)
 
Doddy1974 said:
1/100 etc...it just things like 2"..haven't got a clue what speed that would be!!! Any ideas anyone??!!
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2" means two seconds, so a very long exposure. Now if it was just showing 2 without the " it would be a 1/2 or half second exposure, if it says 250 it's a 1/250 of a second exposure.

EDIT: For lots of things I use the P (program mode), you can press the +/- and then use up and down to adjust how the shutter speed and the aperture trade off against each other. You can also use left and right to adjust the exposure compensation, (basically telling the camera to increase or decrease the exposure without worrying how it does it). It's not perfect but often it's much easier then using manual and gies you all the control you need.

I've had my s1500 over a month and I'm still finding new stuff.
 
Thankyou SO much...at last I seem to have found a forum that won't look down on me for not having a DSLR!!!

And thankyou for answering my 2" question!! That has solved that one!!!

I have been looking at the pictures in the "next one" thread....amazing photos!!!

I have learnt so much already, and i have not even been on here for an hour yet!!

thankyou!!!
 
CaptainPenguin said:
dont get brow beaten into buying a DSLR by some who look down their noses at the users of Compacts or Bridge cameras.
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I agree with this, it really annoys the knackers off me when people who own big expensive cameras think they're something :razz:

Unfortunately some communities that are centered around photography will look down on folks who don't own SLR cameras but b****r them I say, many people I know have taken fine pics using a compact camera and I have too. Just look on places like Flickr to see what can be done, even with iPhone cameras...


Doddy1974 said:
Thankyou SO much...at last I seem to have found a forum that won't look down on me for not having a DSLR!!!
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I own a DSLR but I might look down on you as I am quite tall :D
 
trencheel303 said:
I agree with this, it really annoys the knackers off me when people who own big expensive cameras think they're something :razz:

Unfortunately some communities that are centered around photography will look down on folks who don't own SLR cameras but b****r them I say, many people I know have taken fine pics using a compact camera and I have too. Just look on places like Flickr to see what can be done, even with iPhone cameras...




I own a DSLR but I might look down on you as I am quite tall :D
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I can cope with that!!!
This is the first forum that has made me feel comfortable about not having an expensive bit of kit!!
My friend has taken some awesome photos and she uses an ordinary compact..so that gave me a little hope!!
 
KC Leblanc said:
2" means two seconds, so a very long exposure. Now if it was just showing 2 without the " it would be a 1/2 or half second exposure, if it says 250 it's a 1/250 of a second exposure.

EDIT: For lots of things I use the P (program mode), you can press the +/- and then use up and down to adjust how the shutter speed and the aperture trade off against each other. You can also use left and right to adjust the exposure compensation, (basically telling the camera to increase or decrease the exposure without worrying how it does it). It's not perfect but often it's much easier then using manual and gies you all the control you need.

I've had my s1500 over a month and I'm still finding new stuff.
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I got mine end of december, but have been ill a lot lately so haven't had a chance to do much with it of late :(
I not really played with the P mode...mostly playing with A and S.
I am going to a wedding in August, and I want to be competent by then!!!
 
Doddy1974 said:
I got mine end of december, but have been ill a lot lately so haven't had a chance to do much with it of late :(
I not really played with the P mode...mostly playing with A and S.
I am going to a wedding in August, and I want to be competent by then!!!
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I'm sure you will. The quickest way I learn is to keep it in manual mode all the time - then you are forced to tweak the settings so the shot comes out right. Then in turn you will understand what the different settings do.
 
I use a fuji bridge like you, and if anything i feel quite smug about it.

I haven't spent a fortune on a camera, and can still take decent shots. It is about understanding the limits of the technology available, and using a simpler camera, like a bridge is a great way to do it.

I would like a DSLR, but htink it would eat up time thinking about the next lens purchase, is my glass fast enough, have I got dust on my sensor.

the best thing to do is to take picture and ask for advice, and read the advice given to others.

You will also find ways of making good shots on a budget - welding glass filter for example which mean you can experiment with lots of techniques.

Have fun and don't be afraid to ask anything.
 
what brand are your 35mm cameras?
 
lawrie29 said:
I use a fuji bridge like you, and if anything i feel quite smug about it.

I haven't spent a fortune on a camera, and can still take decent shots. It is about understanding the limits of the technology available, and using a simpler camera, like a bridge is a great way to do it.

I would like a DSLR, but htink it would eat up time thinking about the next lens purchase, is my glass fast enough, have I got dust on my sensor.

the best thing to do is to take picture and ask for advice, and read the advice given to others.

You will also find ways of making good shots on a budget - welding glass filter for example which mean you can experiment with lots of techniques.

Have fun and don't be afraid to ask anything.
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Thankyou Lawrie.
I wanted to start taking pics with filters, to get great definition between skies and landscapes etc....so I am guessing i can still do this with a bridge.

Getting a DLSR is all very nice, but it's then affording the array of lenses.

People have been so friendly, i don't think I will be afraid to post my pics and ask for advice!!
 
Susane, your pics are lovely....you have shown me hope!!!

Lawrie...I will go look at 35mm cameras and let you know!
 
:wave: Welcome Doddy!

I had a Fuji bridge camera when I first joined this site, and it's nothing at all too feel uncomfortable about. Either that or I'm so thick skinned that any snobbery passed me by :lol: :lol: :lol:

In fact, I found that I learnt a lot because I had a bridge camera.
I know that sounds odd, but because of the limitations I found I needed to understand more in order to learn how to get round those limitations and get the shots that I wanted.
 
I used a fuji s7000 for ages, Nice little things they are. The principles are the same with then as with dslrs so you can learn just the same. As for filters, yes you can use them no problem*.
Don't fret about what you're using and just enjoy using it.


*if you've no filter thread you can use blue tack, but beware if the lens slides back inside when the camera turns off.
 
Doddy1974 said:
One is a Practika BCA and the other one is Carena msTL has a lens attached..not gonna take it off! : Carena Auto F=1.4 f=55mm no200268
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Nice wee camera that Practika, I used to have one. Light, access to a good range of decent lenses too :)
 
dod said:
Nice wee camera that Practika, I used to have one. Light, access to a good range of decent lenses too :)
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Really? DO they have any sale value these days? I am looking to sell both the bodies mentioned and i have a few lenses too!
 
Value is minimal :( I'd just use it and enjoy it :)

Don't want to rain on you parade but please remember you're not allowed to sell outwith the classifieds and you won't get access till you've been here a month and have 100 posts :)
 
dod said:
Value is minimal :( I'd just use it and enjoy it :)

Don't want to rain on you parade but please remember you're not allowed to sell outwith the classifieds and you won't get access till you've been here a month and have 100 posts :)
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Don't worry! I have read the rules, and I won't break them!!! Which is exactly why I didn't bother posting the list of lenses!!!! I will wait until I am legal!!!
 
outwith
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A word only heard north of Hadrians wall....:lol: took me ages to work that one out with my (now ex) colleagues in Edinburgh, Glasgow and Perth).

Back on topic.......

Use what you have, play with it and try new things - I am sure you will have "the green box" on the dial, which means the camera is in charge......... play with Av, Tv, Sv, and then M, if you have them and read the instruction book..........take shedloads of pics, the same thing on different settings.. then look at the ad see what the different settings produce........
 
wikipedia, schmickipedia :p

edit: actually, the rest of the guys take the **** out of me for using that as well :lol:
 
you can do all the composition on a bridge :thumbs:

you only need better kit for doing different things eg sports or getting into lighting

buckets of kit can overcomplicate life sometimes (says the man looking for a roller to put it all in :D)
 
Having expensive kit might make the image-making process easier, but they won't won't take the photo for you - it's your vision and imagination that does that.

We all started somewhere - I always say to people that my first camera was a Pentax Spotmatic - well not quite - that was my first 'real' camera. The first camera I owned was a crummy Polaroid B&W Land camera - 8 shots in a pack of film that cost a fortune...
Imagine the fun I had tring to realise my artistic vision (at 11 years old) with that...lol
Thank God someone took pity on me and gifted me my Grandad's old cameras a couple of years later...
 
I spent a very happy year using my Panasonic FZ8 bridge camera and didn't feel like anyone here was looking down on me. If anything people are more impressed if you post something they like and then they find out it was taken with a bridge camera :thumbs:

You will still have loads to learn with your new camera which will stand you in good stead if yo ever do decide to get a DSLR.
 
You guys are great :clap:

Thankyou for making me feel so welcome, and at home, and not afraid to post pics...if i ever get out of this flippin house and take some!!!!
 
You might be feeling a bit left out because almost every thread on here makes some reference to DSLR cameras and lenses you cannot easily relate to. That will always be the case I'm afraid and there's only one way around that ;)

That doesn't mean you can't take great pictures with a compact, or learn a lot, and I bet most folks here have got a compact as well as a DSLR anyway.

You can get a used DSLR with a kit lens that can do a heck of a lot for £200. Keep an eye on the For Sale forum - you can buy in there now, just can't sell.
 
There is a complete Canon 300D kit with lens and battery pack for £200 in the AVForums. £200 can buy you a complete kit from either manufacturer now (Nikon D40 + Lens is also around that money). So if you do decide to switch, it won't cost a fortune to switch!
 
Maybe when hubby finds a job, I might treat myself!! I didn't realise you could get a DLSR kit for around £200. What worries me though is the lenses. THey seem to cost a fortune. The ones that come with the kit...are they like the standard lens on a compact/bridge?
If i can learn the techniques that will enable me to make full use of a DSLR, then I could probably justify spending out when we have the money available!!!

I do feel a little left out..but still I feel welcome, so i can cope with that! It's more the technique and settings i am wanting to learn about...how to get DoF right, take those "quirky"shots etc!
 
Doddy1974 said:
I do feel a little left out..
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Well, that is going to happen on a photography forum. I too feel left out as I only have a 450D and can't afford L lenses - when there are folks here who talk about having two or more professional camera bodies and L lenses coming out of their ears, but that will happen anywhere. Go to a car forum and you'll feel left out for having a 1 litre Corsa (example), go to a computer forum and you'll feel left out for not having 5 jiggawatts of processor power... etc. The important thing is not to let it get to you, and see the bright side. I had a bridge camera that actually let me do things my SLR/lenses will not (unless I spend a shedload of cash) because it had great zoom capability and opened up to f/2.8.

The glass isn't half full, or half empty - it's just the wrong size! :thumbs:
 
trencheel303 said:
Well, that is going to happen on a photography forum. I too feel left out as I only have a 450D and can't afford L lenses - when there are folks here who talk about having two or more professional camera bodies and L lenses coming out of their ears, but that will happen anywhere. Go to a car forum and you'll feel left out for having a 1 litre Corsa (example), go to a computer forum and you'll feel left out for not having 5 jiggawatts of processor power... etc. The important thing is not to let it get to you, and see the bright side. I had a bridge camera that actually let me do things my SLR/lenses will not (unless I spend a shedload of cash) because it had great zoom capability and opened up to f/2.8.

The glass isn't half full, or half empty - it's just the wrong size! :thumbs:
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Very true!!
I am very happy with the equipment i do have, and will learn to use it as best i can!
If i can eventually sell the manual stuff i do have, then i might be able to venture into the DSLR's!!!

Am I wrong to not agree with "playing" with pictures on programs like photoshop?? I just feel that by adjusting levels etc on programs, it does not give a true representation of the picture taken.
Is this something I am going to have to expect, and am I wrong to not totally agree with it??
 
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