Do I need an SLR camera?

dani_girl08

I have a decent point & shoot digital camera.  Back in December (when our old digital camera crapped out), I considered getting an SLR, but talked myself out of it.  Last weekend, I was taking pictures of my 7 month old nephew, and every time I took a picture of him, the image ended up completely different than the expression, etc. that he had at the time that I hit the button.  Kids just move so stinking fast, it was impossible to get pictures fast enough to capture his faces & movements.  So, now I'm feeling like I need an SLR again.  Carollyn's post on Sunday didn't help.   My question is, will the SLR help that much with speed of picture taking?  How much of a difference in quality am I going to have with an SLR?  I'd be happy to hear of anyone's experience with an SLR vs point & shoot. 

ETA: I found the Cannon Rebel for $424 online.  DH has already told me to order it.  I just have to talk myself into spending the money. 

Ashleysred

Do you need one? No.  But you will be much happier with one.  I am still learning all the cool stuff mine can do.  But the lack of delay alone was worth the cash. 

Although, I still take my point and shoot while we are out and about.

BlondeBeachBride08

Get it. You'll be happy you did!

AshNicole331

BlondeBeachBride08:

Get it. You'll be happy you did!

Ditto. No more waiting on the camera to hurry up and take the picture!

natalee215

Thanks, Dani!  (Insert sarcasm here.)  Now you're making me think that I "need" one, too.

lindeenwedding

We've had our cannon Rebel for 4-5 years now and love it, but if I can offer one piece of advice if you are thinking of getting it before baby comes - make sure that whoever will be using it to take pictures when the baby comes knows how to use it. Its obviously not just point and shoot, and you want to make sure those first moments are captured and you are not busy trying to give someone a crash course.

trevess

I personally think it is one of the best investments you can make.  I say "investments" because your return on it will be precious irreplaceable photos of Baby G! 

I VOTE YES!!!

dani_girl08

lindeenwedding:

We've had our cannon Rebel for 4-5 years now and love it, but if I can offer one piece of advice if you are thinking of getting it before baby comes - make sure that whoever will be using it to take pictures when the baby comes knows how to use it. Its obviously not just point and shoot, and you want to make sure those first moments are captured and you are not busy trying to give someone a crash course.

Very good advice, thank you!  I think I'm going to go ahead & order the camera tonight. That way DH & I can have almost 5 weeks to get familiar with it (theoretically).  Thanks for the encouragement, ladies.  You have helped me convince myself that this is a necessity.

BlondeBeachBride08

Whoo hoo! Which model?

Mrs.G_09

I bought myself a SLR a year and a half ago because after looking at so many photographer blogs and wedding pictures my point n shoot pictures didn't cut it anymore. I wanted to take it with us to Florida and our honeymoon and I'm so glad I got it. I have yet to learn all the functions. I'm guilty of using the auto setting too much, but it still takes beautiful photos. I have a Nikon D40.

dani_girl08

BlondeBeachBride08:

Whoo hoo! Which model?

I was looking at the Cannon Rebel XS.  Is that the one you said you would recommend?

sstubben

dani_girl08:

BlondeBeachBride08:

Whoo hoo! Which model?

I was looking at the Cannon Rebel XS.  Is that the one you said you would recommend?

I'm interested in which Canon Rebel is good too.  My birthday is Thursday and I told DH a few weeks ago that I wanted a nice camera.  We see what he gets me...probably a disposable camera...lol.

BlondeBeachBride08

sstubben:

dani_girl08:

BlondeBeachBride08:

Whoo hoo! Which model?

I was looking at the Cannon Rebel XS.  Is that the one you said you would recommend?

I'm interested in which Canon Rebel is good too.  My birthday is Thursday and I told DH a few weeks ago that I wanted a nice camera.  We see what he gets me...probably a disposable camera...lol.

The Rebel XS, XTi and XSi are going to be the best bang for your buck. They are slightly older models (by a few years) but still do everything you could want and are going to cost less than the newer models. The t1i and t2i are the newest versions and will be more expensive but have updated technology.

You can take great pictures with any model, it just depends on what you're looking to spend.

I recommend the book Understanding Exposure by Bryan Peterson to anyone looking to learn more about how to use her camera to its full potential.