Should i go DSLR?

[Denniswong]

I'm currently using a Panasonic TZ7 PnS. I like it very much. Does most of the stuff - in good lighting, of course.

I've read the sticky on which cam to buy, but my real question is :

Should I upgrade to a DSLR?

I've got big hands, so the D90 and other mid-sized cams fit nicely.

But my apprehensions are:
1) would I put it aside after few months? It's big and therefore may become cumbersome. Few of my friends downgraded cos of this.

2) is it safe to travel with it? It's so big, I'm afraid to be jacked.

**3) and the most important question : would I open a Pandora's box in terms of money spent on the cam - lens, accessories, bags, dry cabinet, etc.

Would appreciate your help and advise.

Thanks. )
Dennis

 

[Atarandas]

I'm currently using a Panasonic TZ7 PnS. I like it very much. Does most of the stuff - in good lighting, of course.

I've read the sticky on which cam to buy, but my real question is :

Should I upgrade to a DSLR?

I've got big hands, so the D90 and other mid-sized cams fit nicely.

But my apprehensions are:
1) would I put it aside after few months? It's big and therefore may become cumbersome. Few of my friends downgraded cos of this.

2) is it safe to travel with it? It's so big, I'm afraid to be jacked.

**3) and the most important question : would I open a Pandora's box in terms of money spent on the cam - lens, accessories, bags, dry cabinet, etc.

Would appreciate your help and advise.

Thanks. )
Dennis

1) know what you want . I dunno whether u will chuck Itaside after one week. Only u can answer the question. Are u planning to do photography walk- about after getting the dslr ? Or u are using it for holidays. These are questions to ask urself. Weight and size is relative. Dslr provides better grip and handling . Mirror less re lighter but handling will suffer. Understand the trade offs.

2.) depends on where u are . Dslr are very common nowadays . Unless you are going to crime rate bad places , no one will bother much about your camera. Otherwise it's very safe to bring along dslr

3) again depends on where you want to go . Are you a gear head that need to have the latest product ? You can stop at kit lens and buy a dry box and a cheap tripod. Or you can buy the top lens and continuously upgrade your body and spend all your money . You are in control of your spending after all . Cheers

 

[SkyStrike]

I'm currently using a Panasonic TZ7 PnS. I like it very much. Does most of the stuff - in good lighting, of course.

I've read the sticky on which cam to buy, but my real question is :

Should I upgrade to a DSLR?

I've got big hands, so the D90 and other mid-sized cams fit nicely.

But my apprehensions are:
1) would I put it aside after few months? It's big and therefore may become cumbersome. Few of my friends downgraded cos of this.

2) is it safe to travel with it? It's so big, I'm afraid to be jacked.

**3) and the most important question : would I open a Pandora's box in terms of money spent on the cam - lens, accessories, bags, dry cabinet, etc.

Would appreciate your help and advise.

Thanks. )
Dennis

1) probably, depends on you on how you keep the interest going..

2) can't ans this, but my personal experience is depending on which country you go to and the number of pple you are with. E.g. going with a big gang of 12-16, no problems, but if travelling in pairs or 4s, I would be more fearful..

3) many will tell you yes, but I've seen pple happy with 18-200 all the way.

But before looking further and researching, I suppose you should also ans "what do you expect the D90 (or other cameras) to do where your current P&S fails?"




I tot you should have created one thread for both your similar queries: http://www.clubsnap.com/forums/newbies-corner/998435-cam-should-i-get.html

 

[Denniswong]

I tot you should have created one thread for both your similar queries

Yup, I know. I thought I've deleted that thread already.

 

[Edwin Francis]

1) would I put it aside after few months? It's big and therefore may become cumbersome. Few of my friends downgraded cos of this.
Obviously, know one will know the answer to this better than you. Either bite the bullet and take the plunge, or wait till the urge grows stronger -- which choice suits you better right now? If you're not sure and don't want to burn too much cash, buy a used cam and lens -- something about 2-4 yrs old is considerably cheaper than new. If you buy wisely, you won't lose too much when you sell.

2) is it safe to travel with it? It's so big, I'm afraid to be jacked.
Have you done much travelling? Millions of travellers carry DSLRs all over the world every day. Most common tourism destinations are reasonably safe, provided you take the obvious precautions (don't leave it unattended in a public place, etc). If you're travelling to the most dangerous hotspots, worry about your personal safety more than your DSLR.

**3) and the most important question : would I open a Pandora's box in terms of money spent on the cam - lens, accessories, bags, dry cabinet, etc.

Very likely. If you're married, your wife will be a natural deterrent to buying more gear.

 

[SkyStrike]

Very likely. If you're married, your wife will be a natural deterrent to buying more gear.

OT abit: Not unless you buy something of equivalent or higher value than the lens/accessories for her ;p

 

[unknown123]

if you not sure. you should not. ;p

 

[kklee]

Perhaps it is easier to consider from the optics POV.
The Panasonic TZ7 offers 25-300mm with macro at 3cm.
It will be a hard match for a basic DSLR kit e.g. Nikon D90 with 18-105mm. You'll probably need one or two more lenses.
Of course if the normally use range is within the DSLR kit, that will be alright.

 

[Chrissp]

1) know what you want . I dunno whether u will chuck Itaside after one week. Only u can answer the question. Are u planning to do photography walk- about after getting the dslr ? Or u are using it for holidays. These are questions to ask urself. Weight and size is relative. Dslr provides better grip and handling . Mirror less re lighter but handling will suffer. Understand the trade offs.

2.) depends on where u are . Dslr are very common nowadays . Unless you are going to crime rate bad places , no one will bother much about your camera. Otherwise it's very safe to bring along dslr

3) again depends on where you want to go . Are you a gear head that need to have the latest product ? You can stop at kit lens and buy a dry box and a cheap tripod. Or you can buy the top lens and continuously upgrade your body and spend all your money . You are in control of your spending after all . Cheers

+1 to what Atarandas wrote. TS, for your question 1 and 3, ultimately it's you who must decide. Rationalize your needs (and wants) and I'm sure you will know if you need to spend.

 

[Denniswong]

Wow... thanks for all the great advise.

Yes, kklee, the TZ7 is serving me very well... under good light. However, I feel limited when I try to take product shots, or shots indoors, such as restaurants or at home, or at night. It's really frustrating.

I've been looking at the EP3. Nice looking cam... I like the different art filters of the cam. But probably something for my wife, not me.

Anyway, I've read the sticky on "What cam..", and I've still got a question.

Is it true that the pics from Nikon cams need more photoshop than Canon?
And are the colours from Canon more "real", compared to the Nikon, in terms of hue/saturation, red?
I'm not into photo-editing at all. I take my pics and that's it. Everything that I take is in that moment of "click", not after.

Yes, I know there's many more brands out there, but I need to narrow my choices, so I can start focusing...

... With that budget of S$1000 - S$1500, and with my big budgie hands, the mid-sized cams would be:
1) Canon 60D
2) Nikon D7000
3) Nikon D90

Hmm....

 

[Rashkae]

Yes, kklee, the TZ7 is serving me very well... under good light. However, I feel limited when I try to take product shots, or shots indoors, such as restaurants or at home, or at night. It's really frustrating.

ISO, shutterspeed, aperture, all these come into play on a dslr too.



Is it true that the pics from Nikon cams need more photoshop than Canon?
And are the colours from Canon more "real", compared to the Nikon, in terms of hue/saturation, red?


Nope, where did you hear that nonsense? FYI, generally, DSLR cameras are designed to require/facilitate processing. They don't "auto tune" images the way compacts do.

Yes, I know there's many more brands out there, but I need to narrow my choices, so I can start focusing...

... With that budget of S$1000 - S$1500, and with my big budgie hands, the mid-sized cams would be:
1) Canon 60D
2) Nikon D7000
3) Nikon D90

Hmm....

With that budget, are you sure you want to limit yourself to those brands? After all, there's more bang for the buck elsewhere. But if you are limited to those, read the pros and cons. Remember, the D7000 is the upgrade to the D90.

 

[Denniswong]

Nope, where did you hear that nonsense? FYI, generally, DSLR cameras are designed to require/facilitate processing. They don't "auto tune" images the way compacts do.

Is it true?
So does this mean that I've gotta Photoshop my pics that I take with DSLR before showing them off or printing or publishing them?

 

[SkyStrike]

Nope, where did you hear that nonsense? FYI, generally, DSLR cameras are designed to require/facilitate processing. They don't "auto tune" images the way compacts do.

Is it true?
So does this mean that I've gotta Photoshop my pics that I take with DSLR before showing them off or printing or publishing them?

DSLR and some newer P&S offers RAW and JPEG photos. It's the RAW that requires you to cook them (photoshop + whatever PP tools). JPEG is already cooked, so you can show them off right away.

*at least where Canon is concerned, not sure about other brands* RAW tends to be abit (or VERY) dull in colors + no sharpening etc if you are not using the software that comes with Canon (DPP - Digital Photo Professional).

Meaning, for Canon RAW, if you use DPP, you are able to get the colors as you seen on the LCD screen, but it also allows you to choose other picture styles then export to JPEG

But if you open the RAW in tools like Photoshop, Lightroom, GIMP etc, your colors will be relatively dull and you have to play with the tones/curves/sharpening etc to get the photo effect you want.

What's the benefit of shooting raw then? It will allow you to have full control of the picture outcome (in terms of color, exposure etc) where the SOOC (straight out of camera) JPEGs are unable to offer alot in this aspect as much of the details are lost when the camera compressed them from RAW to JPEG.

 

[jlim76]

Or perhaps you may try PNS with external flash capability like Canon G12 or Micro4/3 Olympus EP you mentioned. Solves your low light problem without having to use a DSLR.

 

[slmka]

1) You would need to know what is your main interest of shooting are. If you are those shooting with friends during gatherings. Then a PnS may be still suites you better. For Canon models I usually recommend my friends either the SX40IS for its powerful zoom or G12 for compact and quality.

These 2 models you are also given DSLR like feel with their manual settings, with some add on optional accessories like flash, lens adaptors to feel do you wish to move to DSLR.

2) A bit hard to answer...but as long as your keep your camera within reach and view should be good enough.

3) Yes and No, some people are fully satisfied even with their kit lens. You can't own every single lens, and every kind of accessories. But for DSLR starters, I usually will say set aside an additional budget around $500 for things like tripod / flash / bags (of course if all orginal products it will cost more)

I'm currently using a Panasonic TZ7 PnS. I like it very much. Does most of the stuff - in good lighting, of course.

I've read the sticky on which cam to buy, but my real question is :

Should I upgrade to a DSLR?

I've got big hands, so the D90 and other mid-sized cams fit nicely.

But my apprehensions are:
1) would I put it aside after few months? It's big and therefore may become cumbersome. Few of my friends downgraded cos of this.

2) is it safe to travel with it? It's so big, I'm afraid to be jacked.

**3) and the most important question : would I open a Pandora's box in terms of money spent on the cam - lens, accessories, bags, dry cabinet, etc.

Would appreciate your help and advise.

Thanks. )
Dennis

 

[watzzup]

I'm a classic example of DSLR downgrader.

My main reason is underused, that's y i changed system from D5100 to olympus ep-3. I'm interested to explore photography but i don't have the time right now.

I believe if your going to explore the world of photography, all sorts, landscape, portrait , macro, dslr is a good investment, provided your really into it.

You can try to rent first, have a go. at it.

Ultimately you have to decide.

Just my 2 cents.

 

[yrh0413]

I own some good gears (as per my signature), and I bought my fiance a Canon Powershot G11 2 years back. She loves its small size, bright lens and good IQ. I wanted to get her a 600D for Xmas but she strongly disagree. In such a small package she has wide-angle to mid-tele covered plus decent macro mode.

Maybe you should ask yourself what will you gain if you upgrade to DSLR. IQ? There are compact cams that gives decent IQ (Fuji X100, X10 as example), you need not go for a DSLR just to get good IQ unless you die die need good IQ at high ISOs.

Not to mention getting a DSLR means you are investing in an entire system, which includes its supporting accessories as well.. dry cab $200, sturdier tripod $100, camera bag $100, filters, remotes, memory cards etc. Of course going DSLR is more versatile but do ask yourself if you are fine lugging all the stuff behind your back whenever you go shooting...

 

[daredevil123]

Instead of buying a DSLR, why don't you buy a couple of LED lights and light up what you are trying to shoot?

 

[shelomoh]

But my apprehensions are:
1) would I put it aside after few months? It's big and therefore may become cumbersome. Few of my friends downgraded cos of this.

2) is it safe to travel with it? It's so big, I'm afraid to be jacked.

**3) and the most important question : would I open a Pandora's box in terms of money spent on the cam - lens, accessories, bags, dry cabinet, etc.

Would appreciate your help and advise.

Thanks. )
Dennis

Hi Dennis,

The answer to your real question, only you yourself can truthfully answer it.
As for your apprehensions:
1) It depends. Taking photos with DSLR can be frustrating if you do not know how to. First, is photo taking your hobby in the 1st place? Do you enjoy taking photos and creating images that not everyone can?

2) It depends. What thing do you do in life everyday that doesn't carry any risks? When you sit on a chair, who is to say the chair will not give way and you will fall and hurt yourself? When you eat your favorite bak chor mee, who is to say that it may not have some bacteria that will give you diarrhea? Yes, carrying DSLR overseas has risks but so is that opportunities too. Like you are able to capture images overseas that your PnS will not give you the option to. Like how those images are precious because you may not have the chance to go back there, and relive those moments again.

3) It depends. When I first buy my DSLR, I got a D300 and I opt for a 18-200 and a dry cabinet, thinking that that will be the end of my investment. I was wrong. After more than 12 lens and 3 bodies, and 4 speedlights and many, many more accessories, including bagssssssssssss.... Well the truth is I don't have or need to buy so many things but I did anyway. So it's up to you.

Or you can don't buy DSLR and you can license to use my images. Tell me what you want, I give you a quote. =)

 

[Majest1c]

But my apprehensions are:
1) would I put it aside after few months? It's big and therefore may become cumbersome. Few of my friends downgraded cos of this.

2) is it safe to travel with it? It's so big, I'm afraid to be jacked.

**3) and the most important question : would I open a Pandora's box in terms of money spent on the cam - lens, accessories, bags, dry cabinet, etc.

Dennis

1) if i can tell you that i might as well go predict TOTO numbers :bsmilie:

2) its heavier than your PNS. you can use it to throw at robbers and it will deal a bigger dmg :bsmilie:again your question cannot be answered becos it depends on where you go, how u show off and how unlucky you are. you are drunk in some dark corners in spore with your DSLR, no one can see you wont be jacked too.

3) up to you question. if you need them you buy them. going for long term you may spend more... if u quit what you stated in 1) den no ... you wont buy items listed in 3) :bsmilie: