mamarazzi help! is a DSLR right for me??

emmyloustu · December 2011

Dh & I are considering investing in a new camera and are feeling unsure about what to purchase. Should we invest in a DSLR or just a nicer/fast point and shoot.

We have an old crusty Kodak easyshare that we desperately need to upgrade. I recently did some printing and wow - they were awful!!

I also have a never opened Nikon CoolPix S52 from the family I used to tutor for. It is a couple years old, but brand new -Zoom Nikor 6.3-18.9mm 1:3.3-4.2 VR (i have no clue what this means), 9megapixel, iso 3200 according to the box. Is this a good point and shoot or am I going to be just as disappointed as I am with the easy share?

We are considering trading in both, plus a few other electronics towards a new camera.

Neither one of us as any working photography knowledge and would likely shoot in auto at all times until we took the time to read a book or something. I am not sure I want photography to become a hobby, but, I do want to get some great shots of my girls in action. I feel intimidated by the DSLR's I have handled in the store. I seriously have NO clue.

So invest in a DSLR and be prepared to learn, study and research? Stick with the Nikon? Upgrade to another newer/faster p&s?

ETA: I wanted to add that I know the camera has little do with the recipe for great photos & is all about knowledge, skill, eye & talent. That is why I am feeling like a dslr might be wasted in my hands.

CBL · December 2011

If you have a brand new point and shoot, open it up and play around. If you're happy keep it! If not, then consider your options

krissyh21 · December 2011

I have a cannon powershot SX and IMO it is really all you need. It takes great pictures and is sort of my DSLR on training wheels - I can learn how to over ride the auto button with it, but not shell out over $500 for the camera. I forget which model I got but it was half the cost of the Cannon DSLR.

schmoodle · December 2011

I would do the DSLR. I have no time or energy to really learn the nuts and bolts of mine but with AV mode, a few PDFs I read online and one additional lens (the "nifty fifty") I can get some pretty great pictures, with enough of a difference that I hardly EVER use my (fairly new, high quality) point and shoot. Plus the undelayed photo taking of a DSLR is SOOO necessary for good pics of little ones.

ETA: Since we're FB friends if you look at my pics I think it's really obvious which pics are SLR vs. not and keep in mind that all were taken with very little background learning on my part.

emmyloustu · December 2011

krissyh21:
I have a cannon powershot SX and IMO it is really all you need. It takes great pictures and is sort of my DSLR on training wheels - I can learn how to over ride the auto button with it, but not shell out over $500 for the camera. I forget which model I got but it was half the cost of the Cannon DSLR.

Thanks! This is one we are considering, target has one for $100 right now, marked down from $229.

emmyloustu · December 2011

schmoodle:
I would do the DSLR. I have no time or energy to really learn the nuts and bolts of mine but with AV mode, a few PDFs I read online and one additional lens (the "nifty fifty") I can get some pretty great pictures, with enough of a difference that I hardly EVER use my (fairly new, high quality) point and shoot. Plus the undelayed photo taking of a DSLR is SOOO necessary for good pics of little ones.

ETA: Since we're FB friends if you look at my pics I think it's really obvious which pics are SLR vs. not and keep in mind that all were taken with very little background learning on my part.

Thanks! I was hoping you would chime in as I thought I remembered you debating getting one & feeling a bit overwhelmed.

Your FB pics are always great! I feel like I can usually tell who is shooting with dslr. Thanks again!

emmyloustu · December 2011

schmoodle:
I would do the DSLR. I have no time or energy to really learn the nuts and bolts of mine but with AV mode, a few PDFs I read online and one additional lens (the "nifty fifty") I can get some pretty great pictures, with enough of a difference that I hardly EVER use my (fairly new, high quality) point and shoot. Plus the undelayed photo taking of a DSLR is SOOO necessary for good pics of little ones.

ETA: Since we're FB friends if you look at my pics I think it's really obvious which pics are SLR vs. not and keep in mind that all were taken with very little background learning on my part.

Thanks! I was hoping you would chime in as I thought I remembered you debating getting one & feeling a bit overwhelmed.

Your FB pics are always great! I feel like I can usually tell who is shooting with dslr. Thanks again!

futrkingsley · December 2011

I have a 4 year old DSLR and a few lenses and it has made a big difference in my satisfaction in my photos. But I studied photography decades ago as did my DH and we both had film SLRs forever before that. If you really do just point and shoot and won't use the other settings, I would stick with something meant for that purpose. Try out the Nikon you have and see how you like it. We previously used a Nikon P&S and got some great shots of our nieces and nephews. When outside or in bright indoor light (bright kitchen or living room), try the sports setting (usually a figure of a guy running) and see what you get. You might be surprised.

June0609 · December 2011

I would do the DSLR if you and/or your DH are willing to learn. I love my DSLR and won't ever go back to P&S. I find that especially with kids and dogs DSLR produces a much better results. Instead of getting a newborn photographer when DS was born I decided to use the money to buy a good lens and take the photos myself. I'm by no means an expert, I'm still learning about my camera and lenses everyday.

dana316 · December 2011

I love my DSLR. I rarely shoot out of auto, since I really haven't had time to play with it much since Parker arrived...but I can tell a difference for sure.

I love the continous shooting feature...I catch every expression.

I can't deal with my point and shoot anymore...everything looks so fuzzy by comparison.

vandelay · December 2011

No advice, but just wanted to chime in and say that I just took the plunge and bought a DSLR for Christmas for DH today, and I'm clueless too. I was intimidated in the camera store as well -- the guy kept asking, "Don't you want to play around with it some more?" but I didn't know enough to be able to play around. I figure we can read up on it, though, and figure out how to use it well enough to make it worth it.

leslie&brian · December 2011

I love my DSLR. I too only shot in auto right now, but I really do truly want to learn how to shot in manual. Hopefully after the holidays, I will give it a shot. I love how I can take continuous shots with my DSLR; there is no real delay like with my P+S.

JenCW · December 2011

I would get it for all of the benefits that you and pps have noted. But, by far, the biggest benefit is NO MORE DELAY when shooting. I can not stand mishing a great shot because I'm waiting for the delay of a digital point and shoot. I've had my DSLR for five years now, and I will NEVER go back.

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