replacing DSLR with a compact?

[fleaz]

My current setup: 1000D, 18-55, 50/1.8, 580EX, EOS 30

I've been using the DSLR for about 6 months. I realised with the DSLR, I'm shooting for the sake of shooting. I tend to "machine-gun" then thrash well over 95% of my shots.

The weight is also starting to bother me. For casual use, it's just too bothersome.

It's likely due to my lack of skill but I seem to get better shots using a PnS, comparing just out of cam. I'm not that demanding with how the photos turn out but if I have to PS each photo to make it look better than the one taken by a PnS, I might be better off getting a PnS.

I'm planning to replace the DSLR with a compact. I'm intending on keeping the flash so a camera with hotshoe would be good, looking at either G10 or SX 1. The EOS 30 is worth keeping, so I would still have a SLR. I'm more careful with the SLR (cannot afford to waste film) and having more fun with it.

My budget should be able to cover either the G10 or SX 1. I haven't found any really good reviews comparing both cameras. Any comments? Or recommendations?

Thanks.

 

[ricohflex]

No need to think so much. G10.

 

[fleaz]

any particular reason why G10 over the SX 1? Actually I quite like the flippable LCD of the SX 1

 

[fleaz]

I'm not deadset on Canon cameras. Any other brand recommendations also ok. Thanks.

 

[dev2k8]

Surprised that you actually had better results with ur PnS than with the 1000D! Not that bcos i'm with club 1000D but the fact that prior to that i was oso a PnS shooter and mostly on canon powershot series from A10 right up to S3i ( in between i had a cpl of lumixes ). I too had considered getting the SX1 prior ro my 1000d purchase. I had quite a bunch of pretty good shots on the powershot series and that is what gave me the confidence to upgrade to 1000D. Having said that, i must say that my experience with the 1000D has been fantastic and i do waste a good percentage of shots too but that's bcos i insist on shooting on M mode all the time. I believe that if you are going to shoot in P or AV mode, I'm pretty sure it will outshoot those PnS anytime! Of course no arguments on the weight and the inconvenience. i guess what i can sum up is the PnS cams gives me maybe 80% of valid shots but the 1000D has been giving me abt 70% of high quality shots! Just my 2 cents

 

[stunna88]

DSLR makes u look cool

 

[fleaz]

DSLR makes u look cool

so i must look really uncool when i was holding my vivitar UWS

 

[stunna88]

ooops din imply dat way
haha
juz saying dslr is cool!
anyway u still got ur EOS

 

[fleaz]

ok, any more comments other than the "cool-ness"?

 

[mimeow]

i use both the dslr and the P&S and have them both in the bag

 

[hotlouse]

I think that DSLR and a point and shoot have different purposes. I have both, and I use my PnS when I'm just taking random photos for fun, or if i'm going to a place that I wouldnt want by DSLR to scream TOURIST.

If you're into photography, i.e willing to work at making your photo look nice, then I think DSLR is good. But if you want to take nice photos, with minimal fuss, just stick to a compact cam.

Just my thoughts. Cant really help you in recommending a compact cam that's in the market currently though. sorry

 

[mimeow]

if you like small, those tiny casios or sony (eg. latest one is the skinny t90 has HD video) would be good.
More flexibility will be those with swivel screens.
Or go for the latest panasonic lumix (seemed to have received very good reviews).

 

[fleaz]

I didn't emphasize this earlier.
I'm not deadset on Canon cameras. Any other brand recommendations also ok. But hotshoe is a must. Thanks.

 

[fleaz]

I think that DSLR and a point and shoot have different purposes. I have both, and I use my PnS when I'm just taking random photos for fun, or if i'm going to a place that I wouldnt want by DSLR to scream TOURIST.

If you're into photography, i.e willing to work at making your photo look nice, then I think DSLR is good. But if you want to take nice photos, with minimal fuss, just stick to a compact cam.

Just my thoughts. Cant really help you in recommending a compact cam that's in the market currently though. sorry

I agree with you, that's why I still keep the SLR

 

[KBsnaps]

Hi:
Lumix LX3, a pretty decent compact that beats the other compacts with its larger CCD - so better performance in low light.
Or if picture quality is important,
consider the Olympus 420 + pancake lens option. Budget DSLR with decent SLR picture quality (that beats any compact PnS out there) minus the weight/ size issue usually associated with carrying an SLR.

 

[daniel0ng]

Maybe consider the m4/3 cameras that will be coming out soon?

Although it's not exactly a PnS, but the form factor will be comparable to it. Think Olympus is coming out with its pioneer model later this year!

 

[csgsl]

Hi:
Lumix LX3, a pretty decent compact that beats the other compacts with its larger CCD - so better performance in low light.
Or if picture quality is important,
consider the Olympus 420 + pancake lens option. Budget DSLR with decent SLR picture quality (that beats any compact PnS out there) minus the weight/ size issue usually associated with carrying an SLR.

Totally agree!!!!!

 

[calebk]

I think the biggest pity is that you're not able to fully fulfil the potential of the 1000D that you're holding, and I suggest not giving up so easily. Read up about the camera and read up about photography in general, then go out and practice with the right technique in mind, and I assure you, the tool will become less significant than the image creating process.

 

[napalmdog]

my wife takes spectacular pics from her old ixus 40

but when i got a dslr, she said she cant do the same as she aint too techy about cameras and she loses focus on taking good pictures and more into how to do it. so i really think getting a dslr is not for everybody

 

[calebk]

my wife takes spectacular pics from her old ixus 40

but when i got a dslr, she said she cant do the same as she aint too techy about cameras and she loses focus on taking good pictures and more into how to do it. so i really think getting a dslr is not for everybody

I think there comes a time when everyone first takes up SLR and is focused solely on the technical aspect and making things work, such as nailing the white balance or exposure or focus.

The trick to making a good image with a SLR is to get these basics under your belt and grounded into your head, so it becomes more natural to you. Then, you can more easily focus on the creative aspect. It's like how a race car driver, once familiar with his machine, can focus on the race, rather than the individual technical aspects of the car itself.