Bridge versus DSLR cameras - advice needed

[Voyager]

i said

it helps to have a camera that allows full manual control so you control how the image will be recorded and be able to use a suitable lens to achieve the effects you want

Did I question that?

No.

I suggest you read before you post.

and

"if you want to take something more than a snap find out how a camera works and how you can influence the camera into taking a more creative image, find out about composition , find out about light".

Which, when still unedited, I questioned. I can see you have removed your rubbish about 'look at some of the excellent images posted on here and start taking photos........not snaps.' from the end of your appallingly constructed and over-long sentence - perhaps in order to make yourself look a little less of an appallingly limited individual.

I'd like remind readers that you do not need to carry about whatever pieces of overpriced and overweight equipment that the patronising Dogfish_magnet imagines you need to take 'photos........not snaps' and that there are compacts that allow 'creative' control and will allow you to compose perfectly good photographs.

I suggest Dogfish_magnet is the one that needs to think before they post.

 

[Dogfish_magnet]

Did I question that?

No.

I suggest you read before you post.

Which, when still unedited, I questioned. I can see you have removed your rubbish about 'look at some of the excellent images posted on here and start taking photos........not snaps.' from the end of your appallingly constructed and over-long sentence - perhaps in order to make yourself look a little less of an appallingly limited individual.

I'd like remind readers that you do not need to carry about whatever pieces of overpriced and overweight equipment that the patronising Dogfish_magnet imagines you need to take 'photos........not snaps' and that there are compacts that allow 'creative' control and will allow you to compose perfectly good photographs.

I suggest Dogfish_magnet is the one that needs to think before they post.

firstly ....this is a photography forum - I make NO excuses for my English or grammar - i am dyslexic so i find posting difficult at the best of times without muppets like you.

look at some of the excellent images posted on here and start taking photos........not snaps

Show me where i state DSLR in that quote

I don't know what your problem is but all i've tried to point out is that you need to understand the science of taking a image and use that with your creativity to produce a photo, when you understand that you will also understand the limitations of the sensor used in most PS & Bridge cameras that will potentially stop you from creating the image you seek.

If i could produce the photos i like taking by without using

' overpriced and overweight equipment that the patronising Dogfish_magnet imagines you need to take '

i would love you to show it to me as i wouldn't have to carry all my kit around with me in a rucksack, i wouldn't have to work loads of overtime to pay for the kit (and that would get the wife of my back) and life would be rosy.


It doesn't matter what kit you use if you don't know how to use it you will not get the shots you strive - as i keep trying to point out -

 

[Voyager]

Show me where i state DSLR in that quote

You don't - but are you now back peddling furiously and hoping that is not what you were suggesting?

I don't know what your problem is but all i've tried to point out is that you need to understand the science of taking a image and use that with your creativity to produce a photo, when you understand that you will also understand the limitations of the sensor used in most PS & Bridge cameras that will potentially stop you from creating the image you seek.

My 'problem' is that is most certainly not what you wrote.

If i could produce the photos i like taking by without using

' overpriced and overweight equipment that the patronising Dogfish_magnet imagines you need to take '

i would love you to show it to me as i wouldn't have to carry all my kit around with me in a rucksack, i wouldn't have to work loads of overtime to pay for the kit (and that would get the wife of my back) and life would be rosy.

You might take different pictures and be as happy?

It doesn't matter what kit you use if you don't know how to use it you will not get the shots you strive - as i keep trying to point out -

Which is exactly what I posted earlier.

 

[DizMatt]

well this has degenerated...
perhaps a quote with.."I disagree" next time might be handy and leaving it civil.

on topic...
I upgraded over the years from 2mp no zoom point and shoot.
to a compact with more manual bits on it (can't find them easily anymore! )..loved that minolta
then I bought a lumix FZ20 iirc...lovely camera
upgraded to a 350D with some lenses and now the 40D.
no regrets. at each step I have learned more and get more out of the pics.
what you will do with each type of camera is limit yourself less.

however, creativity and general appeal are down the to photographer, not the kit of course.
i loved my bridge lumix because of it's versitility...some examples of what I mean

old sony 2mp no zoom

manual options on a compact!! nothing larger chaps, sorry, old folder from years ago

this photo old chap in a graveyard was taken with a bridge as was this one no pun intended. this shot even had a lens adaptor bolted on the front to make it wider
the shot would be higher quality with a decent SLR but not appreciably better for me printed at 7x5

however, other stuff requires better kit. the fight shots like these I couldn't have done without fast glass, high shutter FPS, decent flash for some of them and some good ISO performance. which is DLSR territory]
this shot of the seagull would be very tricky too without an SLR

personally I'd go for the bridge camera to start with unless you don't mind spending money and getting into it.
To get the best out of a DSLR and looking at lumix lens versitility means getting 2-3 lenses at f2.8 and a decent long range IS glass for long shots...which isn't cheap

I love my DSLR but sometimes want good quality without having to carry around all the kit. for that I'd go Lumix LX3 but for a starter kit everyone wants ZOOOOOOM which is why the bulkier bridge cameras are better. a friend of mine and I shoot during Airsoft games. My DSLR against his Fuji 9600 brige. I think my shots are cleaner, sharper, stabilised, more FPS to get the action, much faster focusing etc...but his camera cost about as much as my lens, his kit is smaller and he doesn't have to change lenses to get group shots. it's swings and roundabouts

 

[Dogfish_magnet]

You don't - but are you now back peddling furiously and hoping that is not what you were suggesting?

My 'problem' is that is most certainly not what you wrote.


You might take different pictures and be as happy?

Which is exactly what I posted earlier.

Voyager - I was stating

'but the idea is to use your creative talents to turn a snap into something special and to do that it helps to have a camera that allows full manual control so you control how the image will be recorded and be able to use a suitable lens to achieve the effects you want'

key words are helps to have a camera not type specific


i then stated

'if you want to use a single lens and shoot fully automatic all the time then get a PS or a bridge camera or even a camera phone'


which is advice - if yore only going to use the kit lens and shoot automatic why use a DSLR ? as some posts on this site have previously shown as users have gone from a DSLR to a PS or bridge camera as they don't user the functionality of a DSLK

followed by

if you want to take something more than a snap find out how a camera works and how you can influence the camera into taking a more creative image, find out about composition , find out about light, look at some of the excellent images posted on here and start taking photos........not snaps

again not kit specific just general advice

"You might take different pictures and be as happy?
"

Probably not - i have taken photos for the last 30yrs but its only the last 2 yrs where its become a hobby that i devote a lot of my time to (even though my pictures don't always show that ) and its my passion that has lead to a large investment in my current kit.

 

[candlestick]

Neyekon fanboys might wish to point out to the OP that the D40 does not have autofocus built into the body, so his/her future lens choices may be more limited and expensive in comparison to the A200/300 which will also take Minolta lenses if I remember rightly!

Anyway, get a Canon instead!!

 

[Matt]

whats with all the arguing? leave the personal insults out of it, and take your argument to PM! thread clean shortly..

 

[Villegas]

All the different suggestions are being taken on board, guys. I have to say the more I think about it the more I'm leaning towards the DSLR as I think I have one of those personalities that might well get hooked on photography once I understand more about it etc. I don't really want to be having to upgrade from a bridge to a DSLR again in another 12-18 months or so if I can help it.

I must have researched the Sony A200 and Nikon D40/60 for 3-4 bloody hours last night! I think the Sony looks like a decent enough entry level DSLR, but what do I know?! I wonder if it was made by Canon or Nikon if it would be another £100-£200?

 

[dcash29]

Edited photos in posting on page one.

DOGFISH my point was refered to...

Am I comparing apples with pears here or is there a vast amount of difference. Initially I just want to be able to take quality, crystal clear photographs both at home, out and about and on holiday.

 

[Sparkles33]

Go to a shop and try some - see what you like

 

[Daysleeper40]

All the different suggestions are being taken on board, guys. I have to say the more I think about it the more I'm leaning towards the DSLR as I think I have one of those personalities that might well get hooked on photography once I understand more about it etc. I don't really want to be having to upgrade from a bridge to a DSLR again in another 12-18 months or so if I can help it.

I must have researched the Sony A200 and Nikon D40/60 for 3-4 bloody hours last night! I think the Sony looks like a decent enough entry level DSLR, but what do I know?! I wonder if it was made by Canon or Nikon if it would be another £100-£200?

I'm no expert but the A200 seems to get good reviews - the only reason I have ruled it out of my shortlist is that I have tiny hands and it just felt too bulky. I really think your best option is to make a shortlist of camera's in your budget (don't forget bag / memory etc) and then get to a shop to try them all out. Doing this I managed to get it down to the Canon 450D or Nikon D60. I've read all manner of reviews on both and still couldn't tell you catagorically which is the better buy. I've finally decided on the Nikon basically on gut feeling and the fact I like the look of it more!

Seriously - you could um and ah for YEARS reading all the reviews. If you are drawn to the A200 try it out - then just buy it if you still like it

 

[Suvv]

All the different suggestions are being taken on board, guys. I have to say the more I think about it the more I'm leaning towards the DSLR as I think I have one of those personalities that might well get hooked on photography once I understand more about it etc. I don't really want to be having to upgrade from a bridge to a DSLR again in another 12-18 months or so if I can help it.

I must have researched the Sony A200 and Nikon D40/60 for 3-4 bloody hours last night! I think the Sony looks like a decent enough entry level DSLR, but what do I know?! I wonder if it was made by Canon or Nikon if it would be another £100-£200?

I sympathise, and when you realise that the sensor in the D40, which is the same as the one in the D50 & D70 but with different algorithms, was made by Sony, it gets more confusing.:shrug:

 

[Villegas]

I sympathise, and when you realise that the sensor in the D40, which is the same as the one in the D50 & D70 but with different algorithms, was made by Sony, it gets more confusing.:shrug:

Oh no! :bang:

My mind is almost made up. I'm going to go to a proper camera shop on Saturday and take a look at the A200 first.

Also...apologies for posting this question in the wrong forum. I should have posted in the Talk Equipment forum I guess. I've just read the great thread started by Tiny Spark entitled " Nikon D40 VS. Sony A200... Best For Beginner Like Me?" in that forum and I can't believe how helpful everyone is. I'll keep you posted with what I opt to buy....and then pester you with more inane questions!!

 

[dapprman]

Can I throw a curve ball here, one with a slight risk ?

On Saturday hit your local camera shops and have a play with low end Nikon, Sony and Canon cameras, see which felt the most comfortable to use, then have a browse on here for a few weeks or so looking for a nearly new higher spec camera on here (such as a Sony A300 or Nikon D80).

 

[Villegas]

Can I throw a curve ball here, one with a slight risk ?

On Saturday hit your local camera shops and have a play with low end Nikon, Sony and Canon cameras, see which felt the most comfortable to use, then have a browse on here for a few weeks or so looking for a nearly new higher spec camera on here (such as a Sony A300 or Nikon D80).

It's a good idea and one I've considered. I've just seen a Sony A300 (including 18-70mm 3.5-5.6f DT lens) on Ebay with a starting bid of £200 which looks really cheap. It's 6 months old and comes with a receipt, looks in great nick. Still 4 days to run though so I'll keep an eye on it.

It's difficult to resist that "brand new out of the box" feeling though isn't it?!

 

[NorthernNikon]

Just to add to the above, there are plenty beginners' DLSR around for £250-£300 so get along to a number of shops and try them out. Be aware that if any sales person tells you one brand is better than another they're talking out of their Aris' - one model certainly may be, but as far as thebrands go, they all will fulfill your requirements.

It's a shame that your budget will only stretch to £300 though. The new Olympus EP-1 sounds ideal for you. Compact enough to be taking anywhere. Interchangable lenses with a standard MFT mount and adapters which opens up almost all Olympus lenses. You'd have to double your budget though and wait a month or two for prices to come down though.

 

[Sparkles33]

good luck Villegas, - I hope that you get the best camera for you x

 

[nilagin]

I like my Panasonic Bridge cameras, maybe not as versatile as a DSLR but alot easier to carry around than extra lenses.
Panasonic FZ8

Panasonic FZ18