I love taking photos and I love looking at other people’s photos and I’ve decided that to advance my own photographic skills, I need to equip myself with a proper ‘grown ups’ camera of the digital SLR variety – I think!
I used to own a Kodak automatic point and shoot. Remember the ones? We had to wind the film on and wind it back to the beginning when it was full. We either popped it into a plastic pouch and sent if off (remember the jokey song “One day my prints will come”) or we’d take the film to the chemist to be developed – the chemist! Why was that? When the photos finally arrived I’d be full of disappointment; there was either the strap or a finger in the way of the main subject or view so I’d end up throwing half of them in the bin– ah! the memories!
Over the years I’ve used digital point and shoots of various makes and in recent years have taken some fairly okay shots with my Samsung Galaxy Note S4.
Photography is hugely popular and more people are taking photographs in a single day around the world than ever before. It seems we can’t go anyway these days without photographing our food, our drink, ourselves and posting it online – yes, guilty. It’s a bit of a worry that the next generation is growing up thinking this is the norm and that they must do this too. If they don’t then surely something is wrong with them? – crazy times!
Anyway, I’m going off on one there….I didn’t just pop to the nearest camera shop and purchase the first camera that looked half decent. I’ve been researching for the last few weeks and am now slowly digesting my findings. I came across an excellent site – Creative Live and some really informative, impartial advice from John Greengo . I’ve learned so much BEFORE even making that purchase. There’s the size of the sensor, the quality of photos and the fit for purpose, the functionality of the camera’s manual controls, the availability of lenses and customer care. But really it all boils down to the size of the camera bag you’re prepared to lug around with you and your budget. And now in the mix – a bridge camera – the inbetweener; I’m totally overwhelmed. So, I know there are a few of you out there who shoot with digital SLR’s and perhaps a few of you who shoot bridge cameras – I’d love to hear your views on both.
Waking the Wombat 
4 replies on “Say Cheese!”
For me it has to be light and easy to carry because if it isn’t then you’re not going to take it with you and use it. Good luck in the purchase.
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Yes. It’s all about the weight and bag size! Thanks for your input.
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Hi Lucy. DSLR’s are a lot of fun and I think you will enjoy the move from both camera phone and point and shoot.
I like the solid feel of a good DSLR. I much prefer using the optical viewfinder and never use the rear LCD for composing photos. However, a good size LCD is invaluable for checking your photos as you shoot. I love the level of control these cameras give you, the flexibility of interchangeable lenses and the quality of the end result.
You are on the right track reading up and learning before buying. A quite like Ken Rockwell’s ( http://www.kenrockwell.com/tech/recommended-cameras.htm ) down to earth approach to things. Here is a link to his camera recommendations page. Dpreview ( https://www.dpreview.com ) is another great resource with detailed camera reviews.
I use a Nikon D7000 (replaced now by D7200), with a few different lenses. I generally shoot in RAW format and use Lightroom CC on my iMac to manage and edit the photos I take.
Whilst I love using my DSLR there are times that the extra weight and bulk are not practical. I still use a point and shoot when I want to travel light or for outdoorsy stuff like mountain biking or hiking ( a robust waterproof/shockproof dust proof Panasonic). When I want light and compact, I want light and compact so a bridge camera does not have a place in my kit.
Goodluck.
Paul
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Wow! Fantastic feedback. Thanks Paul. Will check out the links and let you know what I end up with.
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