Advice needed

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mellodragon

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Gemma
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Hi all.:help: Just a quick question from me. Is it possible to learn the basics of photography using a point and shoot or should i think about buying a dslr. i have no knowledge at all about photography other than just taking a pic! But i am really keen to learn so i can improve my pics. I have no interest in doing it for a living, just want to take some half decent pics.:shrug:
Thanks in advance
Gemma :)
 
Hi Gemma, Welcome to TP. I would say that if you want to learn about photography, then you will need to invest in a DSLR. A P&S camera does all the work for you and you have little control over it. A DSLR will allow you to learn about Aperture, shutter speed and ISO, as well as allowing you to use different lenses. Rob
 
You can learn omposition and aesthetics with a p&s, and these are the Art behind photography. You can go a long way with a p&s.

More manual control of the camera is needed to learn the technical aspects.. but if you still enjoy your p&s and you feel you are still learning/improving then there's no rush to leap to a slr.
 
Thanks guys, I think i will stick with what i have got for the moment as i do have some semi manual controls on the camera i have got and whilst i continue my learning on this i will save for a dslr
Gemma :)
 
You can get great pictures with a compact, a decent one obviously, but if you want to move away from snapshot kind of subjects you'll find them frustrating.

Two things they can't really do. The first is that you cannot control depth of field, because the tiny sensor needs a very short focal length lens that makes everything sharp pretty much permanently. And secondly, there is always some delay between pressing the button and taking the picture, because of the way their dual function sensor-switching shutters have to work. This makes them tricky with anything that moves when timing is critical.

On top of that, they're not usually designed with manual setting in mind so there's often a bit of faffing around to get at the controls. I personally think that an eye-level viewfinder is also important.

Basically, if you want to learn about photography and control your images creatively, you need a DSLR. Entry level models like the Canon 1000D start at around £350 with kit lens, or you could get started with a used model for maybe £200 - check the for sale section here. All DSLRs have fully auto modes so they are just as easy to use as a compact while you get the hang of it.
 
Or you could go to a bridge camera. It is a balance between the Dslr and a compact. many have full manual controls, a lens which will soom and also do macro work, although not the the same standard as a dedicated long lens or macro lens would on a dslr, but will set you back a fraction of the price.

The Fuji HS10 is a good option.
 
lawrie29 said:
Or you could go to a bridge camera. It is a balance between the Dslr and a compact. many have full manual controls, a lens which will soom and also do macro work, although not the the same standard as a dedicated long lens or macro lens would on a dslr, but will set you back a fraction of the price.

The Fuji HS10 is a good option.
Click to expand...

Bridge cameras are compacts with big lenses on them. They suffer from all the drawbacks inherant to the type, as I mentioned above.
 
Which compact have you got Gemma (make & model), knowing what controls it has would enable us to give you more specific advice tailored to the camera you have.
 
Instead of getting a DSLR too early.. get a copy of The Photographer's Eye by Michael Freeman from the library (check the author, there's a couple of different books with the same name). This is a good guide to composing your shots. In my opinion the vast majority of poor photographs aren't let down by the technical ability of the camera or the photographer, they're a result of taking an uninteresting picture that has nothing to say or see.

Focus on the art. You'll know when you reach the technical limits of the camera when you find specific techniques or shots you just can't quite get with the camera you already have.
 
Hi Gemma - I'm a complete beginner and definitely no expert. I also take photo's only for pleasure and can't afford a DSLR (well, not yet!). I used to use a film SLR (a very long time ago) so had the basics and was getting frustrated with my "idiot proof" compact. I bought a bridge instead and I love it. It may be a stepping stone to the "real thing" but not for a good while yet. My aim is to learn how to take the very best photo's I can with it - once I can do that I figure I can justify the additional expense of a DSLR and subsequent lenses and accessories - but I'm not there yet that's for sure!

Good luck and enjoy!

Gai
 
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