n3eg wrote:
I decided to start a new topic here rather than be snarky in the other two posts from absolute newbies here.
Why is the first thing new camera purchasers ALWAYS refer to a SLR? Have they considered if they really need the OVF, or the size, or the shorter DOF? Do they even stop to think about something like M4/3 Olympus and Panasonic, Fuji X series, Nikon mirrorless, and so on? Have they even heard of smaller formats?
Hopefully if they read this post, they will now.
I read this thread earlier today and wanted to come back and add my 2 cents worth. Really, what's wrong with enjoying ownership of a good SLR if it makes you happy? Some people own fast sports cars capable of doing 160+ mph and probably never get anywhere near that speed. Those cars sit in a garage most of the time but the owners still enjoy them even though a Yugo would get them from point A to point B.
I don't know much about "bridge" cameras etc. Perhaps they would be lighter, cheaper, and just as sharp as my D7100, but at this point in my life, it isn't JUST about picture quality. My point is that we are all motivated by different things. To the "photographers photographer", the final image is the all important aspect. To some hobbyists, there is room to also enjoy using a fine piece of equipment and that's ok too. To a newbie, they should be aware of all the options, (which is what you're saying). I just don't think we should throw the SLR out with the bath water as an option for them, even if they do shoot on auto. IMO.