Should I upgrade my camera.

Sharp

Sharp

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Paul
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This year im planning on making a start towards improving my photography and hope to make a possible career from it in the future. Im pretty much your average point and shoot amateur photographer with a very basic understanding of using the camera in manual. I currently don't own a DSLR and my question is should I get one ASAP or should i stick with my FujiFilm s9600 and cannon powershot sx110is until i can use them to their full potential. Having never used an SLR before i was thinking is probably helpful to have one while learning as i would assume alot of courses and books will be based on the use of SLRs. :bonk:
 
I used to use an S9600, and it handles VERY like an entry level DSLR.

In terms of manual control and accessibility of features it seemed very close to the nikon D60 I've borrowed.

Where DSLR's are better is for ISO performance, interchangeable lenses (lots of specialised high quality lenses for each application are available), DoF control (the larger sensor means that depth of field is smaller than on compact sized sensors, which gives you far more leeway for using DoF creatively) and outright image quality.

For learning the ropes of manual control, the likes of the S9600 is very good. Plus you get a large focal length range in a very compact package so it can do most types of photography.
 
You should definitely get a DSLR, even a bog standard entry level kit will be a lot better than any point and shoot and I'd imagine most bridge cameras. Even if you don't feel comfortable with using the manual controls of the camera all the consumer and even prosumer DSLR's have an auto mode. Another excellent reason to take the step is because the easiest way to learn how to use the camera is with hands-on tinkering. I must have taken hundereds of photos on my bedroom wall just to see what difference the various settings made to the shot. I'd probably advise doing somethings more interesting given the time again! haha
 
I'd say if your current camera has manual settings for shutter speed, aperture and ISO, then it will probably serve you quite well to get to grips with the technical aspects while concentrating on the important bit - getting better images..

A DSLR is probably the most flexible camera system ever devised, taking everything from huge telephotos to extreme wide angle lenses and a host of accessories for virtually any photographic application you care to think of. Therein lies the rub though - it doesn't end with buying a DSLR - you've just started. Yes - there'd be a benefit in IQ with any reasonable DSLR , but to really exploit the potential, you'll probably want a couple of other lenses, and a flashgun at least.
 
It is a little difficult to judge without your real aspirations and current abilities as a photographer. I believe your cameras are very limiting in what they can do or how they behave. EVF is hardly a good place to start composing images - ideally you would want a large optical viefinder, and something with reasonable high ISO performance. That way the gear will not limit you the way it does now. Next step is good RAW software - get Lightroom 3 now. Then get some good books about photography (not the idiots guide to digital photography). Reading and practice will be really important, and you don't want your kit to severely hold you back. The best light is usually low light and PS will normally fail to deliver under these conditions.
 
Before you decide on anything best you go down an try before you buy & see what feels comfy to you & poss the ease of use with the controls - all camers look good in an ad on a website, esp with a price tag to match...

Have a look at all camera's not just Canon - there are other manufacturers inc Nikon, Sony, Pentax etc
 
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Personally if considering buying a s/h camera I would consider buying it on here.

I have bought a lot of s/h gear on here and have always been pleased with them and saved a lot of money into the bargain.

And I always think that buying them from other photographers does mean they will have been looked after whereas on Ebay I'd never be sure of their treatment.

.
 
My advice would be to get a budget (or second hand) DSLR with kit lens, if you feel your current kit is restricting you, if you are happy with your images, keep using it! That way you can work out post processing etc.

My reason for suggesting just getting 1 lens is so that you can get used to the system and find out where you are being restricted by the kit lens and prioritise what you need, rather than jumping straight in and buying lenses.
 
petersmart said:
Personally if considering buying a s/h camera I would consider buying it on here...
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Tis a good point but you'll have to take into account that the OP'r has a post count of just 2 at the moment..... So has a bit of a way to go with out spamming the threads :suspect:
 
Trig's said:
Before you decide on anything best you go down an try before you buy & see what feels comfy to you & poss the ease of use with the controls - all camers look good in an ad on a website, esp with a price tag to match...

Have a look at all camera's not just Canon - there are other manufacturers inc Nikon, Sony, Pentax etc
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Yeah, i plan on trying a few out before parting with cash, the 2 cannons were just examples to back up my question on spending £600 on a camera with 2 lenses or £600 on a better camera with just one lens.
 
I went through a similar process a few years ago having originally started out with a Konica Minolta A200 "prosumer", very much like the Fuji.

I initially bought a body + standard kit lens and to be quite honest was completely underwhelmed by the results - reason being that many DSLR kit lenses are not as capable as the "all in one" lenses fitted to cameras like the Fuji. I quickly upgraded to a better lens and the results were far better. Purely based on this experience my advice would be to buy a 2nd hand body but avoid the kit lens and spend a little more on a better lens.

Just my thoughts

Simon
 
Sharp said:
spending £600 on a camera with 2 lenses or £600 on a better camera with just one lens.
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Or... a better lens with just one camera would be the way i'd go
 
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