Would you like to upgrade to a DSLR or other system camera?

[Ian]

I'm interested to hear from you about the prospect of moving from a compact or bridge camera to a system camera with interchangeable lenses? I know one or two of our regulars are very happy not to move to a system camera. How about you? Did you recently make the move and are you pleased with your choice?

Ian

[al_kaholik]

Re: Would you like to upgrade to a DSLR or other system camera?

My dad was an SLR user for a long time, then moved to a Canon 35mm. When this gave up the ghost they bought a Canon Powershot (I remember this being just before we had a family holiday/wedding abroad in 2009. That again died and he's moved onto a bridge, partly because my mum isn't too savy with technology and it has a screen, but also because he wanted good quality images. A dSLR was seen as being a little too expensive and the convenience of not having interchangable lenses appealed.

He is yet to get his hands on my e-410 and I suppose it could rekindle some love for interchangable lenses.

[Ian]

Re: Would you like to upgrade to a DSLR or other system camera?

The better bridge cameras are remarkable for telephoto photography as most have very effective image stabilisation. Even with small sensors in most bridge cameras, you can also eke-out some effective background blur with a bit of work. So I can definitely see the attraction of bridge cameras.

Ian

[patmoore]

Re: Would you like to upgrade to a DSLR or other system camera?

I went from an Argus 3C rangefinder to a Canon AE-1 SLR in the mid seventies. I bought my first digital camera (Olympus 640x480) about a dozen years ago and stuck with Olympus point and shoots until I bought my current Digital Rebel (EOS XSi). With some nice lenses, it's my camera of choice. My oldest daughter recently bought one of the Lumix line and I was astonished to see the clarity of a full zoom shot taken with it.

My wife uses a nifty little Canon Digital Elph Powershot SD1400 IS. I borrow it for shots where a larger camera is impractical like when biking. It does a decent job. Here are a few examples taken with it.

[Ian]

Re: Would you like to upgrade to a DSLR or other system camera?

I like those middle two shots

Try taking an EOS-1DX to shoot shots like that

Ian

[Pops]

Re: Would you like to upgrade to a DSLR or other system camera?

I went the opposite way. Because I was finding it very difficult to handle my Canon 550 along with the long lenses I hunted around for a smaller/lighter model that would still allow me to photograph wildlife.
Settled for the Canon SX40 HS with 12mp and 24-840mm. It is turning out to be a very versatile piece of kit. The biggest drawback is that the pics are jpg only.

[Steve40]

Re: Would you like to upgrade to a DSLR or other system camera?

I've thought about a DSLR, but I bought a Canon G12 last time out. Guess I will stay with that untill I wear it out, or I wear out one.

Here is test shot I made, trying out a Cokin 2 stop GND filter. Couldn't ask for a lot better, the image is quite a bit sharper before being transferred over the internet. Seems PhotoBucket is loosing its edge.

[jrtrent]

Re: Would you like to upgrade to a DSLR or other system camera?

I went the opposite way.

I've had five different DSLR's over the past several years, but didn't find any of them to be as satisfying to use as a manual focus film SLR. I miss the easy to see and adjust settings for aperture, shutter speed, sensitivity, and focus distance; the lack of distance and depth of field scales on the lenses is the biggest headache.

I've given up trying to get the same joy out of DSLR shooting that I had with SLR shooting, and have acclimated to just using a point and shoot compact. At present, I'm enjoying a Ricoh CX3. I miss what I had with my film SLR's--being able to glance down at the top of the camera and immediately see, and adjust, every relevant control setting for an anticipated shot--but somehow the limitations in control are less grating with a point and shoot than with a DSLR.

I don't find any lack of image quality for my output needs, which are just enjoying the pictures on a computer monitor or plasma television. With the CX3 set to always power up at a 50mm equivalent focal length and with easy access to spot metering, exposure compensation, and the choice of using spot auto-focus or a remembered manual-focus setting (such as the hyperfocal distance), I don't feel completely out to sea, but I'd love a manual-focus DSLR with a traditional control layout.

[Making Photographs]

Re: Would you like to upgrade to a DSLR or other system camera?

Hi to All
I am wondering if anyone is using the new Sony Cybershot RX100? I could not manage my Nikon D7000 for Street Photography and needed to keep one in my pocket. I would like to compare notes if anyone has one. So far, it is quite good and extremely pocketable. Quality not too bad, 20.2 effective megapixels with a Zeiss lens. Manual and auto, Raw and JPG. Large sensor.

BUT, the one I am waiting for is the soon to be released RX1. Supposedly a compact with the first full frame sensor with 35mmf2 lens. Would like a Leica but beyond me and I can't justify it yet. Not worried about lack of interchageable lens system. It will be about a third of the price of a Leica. Reviews are OK.

Does anyone have any thoughts? I would appreciate input.

Cheers, Julie Byrnes