suggestions? (Page 2): How much of a quality difference am I going to notice between a really good point and shoot, and a entry level DLSR? Also, how hard is it to learn how to control...

gopostal2

How much of a quality difference am I going to notice between a really good point and shoot, and a entry level DLSR? Also, how hard is it to learn how to control a DLSR? Am I going to be able to work it if I haven't taken any classes etc? I'm a fast learner, but I don't want to spend that kind of money on something I'm not going to be able to figure out fairly quickly...lol

tsamori

my p & s is a kodak Z570. It has manual mode that is close to a DSLR, at least it makes you think about what are going to do, and also has the preset and auto mode.

Leopold Lysloff

Do give that Leica D-LUX 3 POINT AND SHOOT a look and you may find that you will be steps ahead and possibly not have to move into a DSLR's so fast. Why spend that extra money later when this little camera has more than a lot of DSLR have as far as convenience, size, QUALITY build, and most of all GREAT IMAGES.
If getting a great picture is your main goal (in your decided budget ) then you will try to find that special camera that will do it.
Remember what the heart or source of best pictures is always the optics (the lens) and Leica is world famous for that.

evandr Loc: Tooele, Utah

Leopold Lysloff wrote:

Do give that Leica D-LUX 3 POINT AND SHOOT a look... (show quote)

Leica is the Cadallac of cameras, the D-Lux is what Bryan Peterson carries around when he does not want to carry his big guns but money is an issue here and a Leica D-lux will cost as much and probably more (unless it is used) than a good entry level DSLR. I just checked at Adorama and their Leica package is nearly $900 -

Leopold Lysloff

I would check ebay or another source over Adorama. I have seen them for 400. to 500. (used of course) The hunt for this and other better cameras need patience and often being at the right place when shopping.
It is a wonderful and compact camera that I also use very often and don't even compare to some of the point and shoots out there (new ones) There is also a Panasonic that sports the same (or nearly) Leica lens. Somehow I think the Leica has better firmware and maybe better lens)

lindysuewho

Can you define what you mean by serious? Hobby? Career? Save a little longer and get a Canon Rebel. It's about $650 at Sam's Club.

lindysuewho

Can you define what you mean by serious? Hobby? Career? Save a little longer and get a Canon Rebel. It's about $650 at Sam's Club.

Leopold Lysloff

That Rebel sounds like a good buy.
To define serious is a nitpicking, taking too long to compose a shot, always calculating and often missing the whole shot. Hobby is enjoying the whole thing with some degree of passion. Strong passion will collect cameras and lenses to whatever end the passion takes him. Shooting with older cameras and celebrating the fun while doing it, plus admiring the results (or flubs). Career is making a living from taking pictures. So the photographer is schooled or well versed in methods and techniques in order to advance himself and make a decent living.
Sometimes all three come into the mix and that can be very interesting.

arphot Loc: Massachusetts

gopostal2 wrote:

How much of a quality difference am I going to notice between a really good point and shoot, and a entry level DLSR? Also, how hard is it to learn how to control a DLSR? Am I going to be able to work it if I haven't taken any classes etc? I'm a fast learner, but I don't want to spend that kind of money on something I'm not going to be able to figure out fairly quickly...lol

I guess my question is based on your statement of getting serious. DSLR is where serious begins because its where you begin to control the camera and not the other way around. Now, if you mean a serious hobbyist, then sure, a higher priced p&s will bring you years of satisfaction. If you're looking to "figure out fairly quickly", I'd think about how serious you want to get and how quickly. The DSLR systems open a whole new world because of interchangeable lenses your own unique way of photography (once you've figured that out too!). Good luck whichever way you go :)

evandr Loc: Tooele, Utah

gopostal2 wrote:

Hello, my name is Jodi and I am just beginning to get serious about photography. I am looking to upgrade the digital camera I currently have and am requesting suggestions. I am looking to spend around $400. What cameras should I look at in that price range? Thanks!

Whatever you decide to do Jodi as far as a DSLR goes make sure you pick the brand you want to stick with as a dedicated hobbiest, lenses between brands are not interchangable (without special adapters which I detest on several levels) and switching from one brand to another means selling your camera and all your lenses and starting over and that is just a pain. I love my Nikon equipment but putting all passions for a particular brand aside both Canon and Nikon have great comparable cameras in the same price range and skill level. My only real recommondation is that you buy a entry level camera that comes with a lense as a kit and then, as you can afford it, get the necessary peripherals starting with a good sturdy tripod and then perhaps a cable release.
Evan

quagmire Loc: Greenwood,South Carolina

I bought a Sony HX100V a few months ago for $400+tax. It is a p&s but has a lot of settings,that make it almost like a SLR. close as you can get +30x zoom lens.

richard Loc: Mamaroneck, NY

Jodi, I spoke to my friend about the Canon xTi with the 18-55mm lens & 55-250mm IS telephoto. He said you could purchase the camera with the 18-55mm used from him for $350.00 plus shipping from NY if your interested.
I think he needs the money.

tsamori

keep in mind it is not the camera that makes a powerful picture, it is the person who see's the shot before the camera comes into play and then takes it. that eye for image is the real challenge, not what camera to use to take the picture. (although cameras and lens are fun to play with)