DSLR or compact

[zannella1108]

Hi there,

I am currently using a Canon point and shoot and want to upgrade. I wasn't sure I wanted to upgrade to a pro DSLR but saw a few compact systems.. I was just wondering what anyone's thoughts are on the compact. I read a few reviews that said it is better than the point and shoot but smaller and less bulky than the DSLR.

The one main reason I don't want a large DSLR is because I don't think I'll carry it around with me.. I need something more convenient....

Thoughts??

Thanks!!
Kristen

[LoriS]

You think you won't carry your DSLR with you, but you WILL!!!!!!!! I started with a Canon EOS XS Rebel. Once you see the difference in your photos, you'll find a way to carry it! (waiting for my Epiphanie bag to arrive any day now!!!!) It will feel big and awkward at first, but you get used to it! I SO WISH I would have gotten a DSLR sooner... I got mine in July 2009 and the difference in my photos is so clear. Now I just need to get better and get off auto, but that's another topic. Anytime we are out at a park, or the zoo, a parade or an apple orchard or anything, I either see ppl with a larger DSLR or just snapping with their DROID or Iphone... I hardly ever see anyone with a point and shoot anymore.
Good Luck deciding!!!!

[Jen D]

Another vote for the DSLR. If you are already not happy with point and shoot pictures you may want to continue to upgrade and you just wasted money by not going all the way.

I take my DSLR everywhere. Like Lori said you get used to the size. Heck, mine even has a battery grip on it so it is HUGE and I just treat it like another kid

[tylertooo]

I agree DSLR. I have both a Point & shoot and a DSLR. I actually bought the P&S after my DSLR thinking I would always have it with me. Instead I found myself buying a great ladies camera bag and I have my DSLR with me all the times. Every morning, I ask myself if I want to be carrying all that weight, but I never leave it home. Haven't gone with the battery grip like Jen, but I have thought about it.

[DonnaNJ]

There are some smaller lighweight DSLRs they serve as an interim step between the p&s and the full size DSLR.. a number of the manufacturers make them.. if possible try them out at a local camera store or electronic's store and then you'll be better able to judge

[MIDA78466]

I was one of those who went from a point and shoot to not quite the DSLR. I wasted my money. Within 6 months I bought a DSLR and I carry it all of the time. I too thought I wouldn't carry it with me because it was "so big" compared to the point and shoot. Shoot--(no pun intended) I don't even carry the point and shoot anymore--it's always the DSLR.

[zannella1108]

Ok.. so I just read all of your responses to my husband! Guess we will be looking at the DSLR! I really love Canon so I think i will start there.. and I have seen Katrina's (get off of auto class) which now I will have to take!

Thanks!
kristen

[kb7496]

Originally Posted by zannella1108

Ok.. so I just read all of your responses to my husband! Guess we will be looking at the DSLR! I really love Canon so I think i will start there.. and I have seen Katrina's (get off of auto class) which now I will have to take!

Thanks!
kristen

I was the same way, but now I carry my DSLR everywhere. I love it. I love the pictures I capture and memories they give!

[JulieSade]

LOL, I guess I go against the grain here! When I travelled, I carried my Canon AE-1 with me, along with rolls of film. This was on a six month trip in the mid90s. True, the photos are really nice, BUT these days, I prefer not to get neck muscle cramps! I do have a Canon SX20 that's almost the size of DSLR. And I just bought a smaller larger-pocket sized Canon 14x zoom p&s camera to carry around with me in my purse. I feel naked without a smaller camera with me when I go out.

I guess the main thing is, what do you actually prefer to take photos of, in what settings, and are you willing to haul the weight around. (many folks are willing, I guess) I miss having the depth of field control I had with the AE-1, but I can add that (heh heh heh) in photoshop if I want. Anyway, have fun looking for your new baby.

[zannella1108]

you know it all depends on how many American Express points I have! haha!

[blhdvm]

OK - this thread has TOTALLY made me want a DSLR!!! ;D

[georgeinci]

I bought a 'bridging' camera (Panasonic Lumix) and loved it so much that within 6 months I really felt I needed to up-grade to a proper DSLR - fortunately I sold it to a friend and was able to 'trade -up' to a Canon 500D (UK). I have had my beloved baby for over 18 months now and love and adore it. My only regret is - I wish I had bought one sooner!
Good luck with your hunt! xx

[ValerieP]

If we are going anywhere except to work and back I take my dslr-as a matter of fact, I thought the other day about my point and shoot and I don't even know where it is!

[sal4gal]

Well I am the only one here to prefer my P&S. We have bought 2 nice Canon DSLR's and ended up giving them to my hubby, the last one was just a couple of months ago for Christmas. He has also given me some nice lenses in the past. I am just crazy about my Canon G11. Hubby uses the heavy ones and gets great photos, but I get gorgeous photos with raw on my G11.

Sallie who follows the beat of my own drum

[zannella1108]

Okay, so now that we know I am going to buy a DSLR - any suggestions on which one?!? LOL! I have a Canon now and I really like it, so I'd like to try to stick to Canon, unless you think there is a better (or easier one) to use.. My price range is from $600-$900 for camera alone.. most cameras come with at least one lens right?? I might even subscribe to Consumer Reports but thought I'd check with you ladies first

Thanks again!
Kristen