Any other beginners get a DSLR and regret it?

[Rottie]

Ya, the SX50's LCD is great, makes shooting videos easier. I don't even bother using the tilt-LCD on my Sony. Truth is, I can live without it and if I were to get a new camera, I'd prefer a fixed LCD.

Vari-angle LCD helps me with my vLog for YouTube.

 

[GoodEnough]

Micro 4/3, FTW !

 

[bradly1101]

Micro 4/3, FTW !

They seem to be the best compromise. My brother (large format film photographer) got one and really likes it.

 

[Renob]

Nope. It was awesome. I saw it was big and weird and I bought it anyway.

This, I'm about 3 months in to my 70D and love it have not learned as much as I would like but that OK no rush have two lens and a nice lowepro side access back pack that I Love woot.

 

[Beer4Me]

Have a D3300, but debating about adding either a Sony S5100 or A6000 to the group. D3300 with lenses gets to be a bit much at times.

 

[CuriousMike]

When jumping onto the A5100/A6000 freight train, be sure to look at what lenses you would have for it.

Compare body + lens to body + lens.
The Sony lenses are no smaller than the Nikon counterparts... but the body is smaller.

m43 lenses are smaller.

 

[Beer4Me]

When jumping onto the A5100/A6000 freight train, be sure to look at what lenses you would have for it.

Compare body + lens to body + lens.
The Sony lenses are no smaller than the Nikon counterparts... but the body is smaller.

m43 lenses are smaller.

Costco has a deal for the A6000 w/ 18-55mm and 55-200mm kit lenses, 16 GB memory card, and bag for $800.
They have the same package with the A5100 for $600.

 

[Red Squirrel]

I bought a Nikon D7000 with tripod and other accessories from a coworker who does photography on the side, was about a grand I think, and it was a decent deal for all the stuff I got with it. Basically I had everything needed to start shooting, even SD card and tripod. At first I slightly wondered if it was a good move, just because it's a large expense for something "nice to have" but the more I used it and played with it the more I was glad I got it. Sometimes I debate on bringing it somewhere because I don't want to be stuck lugging it around but all the times I chose not to I regretted it. Like when I went to Ottawa for a very fast trip I figured we would not have any time to go do anything except for what we were there for so did not bother to bring it. We ended up going to parliament and the SCC and my phone camera just did not cut it for indoor pics.

 

[CuriousMike]

Sometimes I debate on bringing it somewhere because I don't want to be stuck lugging it around

My contention is anything larger than a pocketable camera (i.e., RX100) is "lugging"... I don't care if it's the A6000, m43 or a DSLR. Once you get above pocketable, you have to contend with some sort of carrying mechanism ( bag, strap, whatever.)

 

[cfenton]

I went from a Canon DSLR to a Sony mirrorless (APS-C) earlier this year. I'm not even a hobbyist, but on vacations I like to have more than my phone (Xperia Z3). I find the size with the kit lens is fine to carry around in one hand for a few hours. I take it out when I go walking without a bag or strap. My old DSLR was just to heavy to hold comfortably in one hand for too long.

I didn't think any compact point-and-shoots offered much image quality improvement over my phone, but I knew I didn't want the bulk of my old DSLR because it led to me rarely using it. A mid-range mirrorless camera was the perfect compromise for me.

I'd advise people starting out to really think about what they want to use the camera for. DSLRs are great for people who need the absolute best image quality at a reasonable price, but not great for people who just want a camera around to take pictures of their dog when they are at the park.

 

[CuriousMike]

DSLRs are great for people who need the absolute best image quality at a reasonable price, but not great for people whojust want a camera around to take pictures of their dog when they are at the park.

LOL, not the best example...

I'd advise people starting out to really think about what they want to use the camera for.

This is the pertinent bit.

 

[Fardringle]

When shopping for a camera a while back I chose to get a superzoom instead, and I regret NOT getting an SLR. Does that count?

I don't hate my camera and it is convenient to not have to carry lenses, but there are many times I wish I had the faster focus, better ISO performance, and faster shots per second and shorter recovery time that an SLR provide.

 

[zCypher]

Not at all, not even a little bit. I've had my D5200 for over two years now and I love it. I started with just the camera and the 18-55 kit lens, and recently added the Tokina 11-16mm ATX Pro DX II ultrawide. The kit lens allowed me to take much better pictures than I'd ever taken with any cell phone or point and shoot camera, while still offering enough versatility to help me determine what direction I wanted to go.

For me it is a hobby too, I really enjoy it and I love the reaction I get from some people when I show them a great pic. But I go out specifically with the intent of taking pictures, so bringing the camera with me isn't a drag. I have a comfortable sling bag, makes it easy to bring all my stuff whether walking or biking, without any discomfort. I don't really get tired of having it on me at all. It obviously is bigger than a phone or a compact, but it doesn't seem too bulky to me.

If you're looking for something that you can have on you all the time without feeling like you're lugging around a camera, then a DSLR might not be for you. There are some great compacts like the RX100 that might better suit your needs.

Or maybe you just haven't found the bag that makes you forget you're carrying anything. They are not point and shoot cameras though, so you may be better off with one if that is the type of user experience you're looking for.

 

[PC_]

being a DSLR owner, and previously owning mirrorless cameras, I would avoid DSLR for beginners. DSLR days are numbered.

if your investing in a new system, avoid Canon and Nikon, go for Olympus, Fuji, Sony mirrorless.

 

[Hugo Drax]

I bought a D3300 with a 35mm F/1.8 lens.
The kit is amazing and works brilliantly, quality is outstanding.

One problem, the damn thing is huge so barely use it unless my main purpose is to go take photos, I'm wishing I sprung for a smaller compact.

While it maybe an image quality sacrifice the size and ergo of these smaller cameras. I can leave it in my bag til in ready.

Anyone got any insight on a similar jump?

I shoot the majority of casual stuff with my ipad or phone. But I do have a 6D with primes (some Ls and some IS primes) which I take around when I primarily want to take pictures.

If you don't enjoy making trips just to do photography then yes it would be a bad purchase. A good compact is good enough for day to day, phones are good enough as well and always available.

So unless your hobby includes photography than a DSLR makes no sense. I enjoy it though so I have my DSLR when I want to partake in the hobby. otherwise I just use my phone or ipad camera.

 

[Hugo Drax]

Started with pocketable with very small sensor, lots of noise. Jumped to full frame, difference has been so huge I hate going back. I do most of my shooting at home though. The logistics of carrying a $2000 camera around are a huge problem, I have to admit.

I have taken mines in many places around the world, some not so safe areas as well. Never had a problem. Pointless to have a nice camera and not use it to take pictures.

 

[jhansman]

I bought my first DSLR, a Nikon D60, with the notion that it represented (for me) a commitment to learning and mastering correct manual exposure and good composition. Three bodies later, my D7000 has all the features I want and I use them all, as often as I can. Sure, my phone has a 16MP camera that takes great shots, but my DSLR is for images that make their way on to my walls. No regrets, only more to learn.

 

[slackerinabox]

I kinda regret giving away my s95 when I got a dslr. A big chip compact's a great compromise, but since I don't have one I never use my dslr and always use my phone (s6 edge, crappy phone GREAT camera)

 

[Hugo Drax]

The thing is, DSLR is still the ultimate tool. Camera phones cant get pictures like this.
https://twitter.com/hugodrax/status/653054045515567104

 

[MrSquished]

It's taken me awhile ( and a sore neck ) to back away from bringing the D610 with me on hikes.

I have an RX100, but ... I hate the controls. The quality is OK but I don't feel wow'ed by it.

The Olympus OM-D is seriously tickling my fancy - much lighter than the D610, and (IMO) much better image quality and headroom than the RX100.

There are other m43 bodies even smaller than the OM-D that you could suggest if this topic ever comes up again.

let it tickle your fancy until you buy one. switching from my Canon 40D setup to OMD's (I have two - the EM1 and EM5 Mark II) was the best thing I did.

 

[CuriousMike]

let it tickle your fancy until you buy one. switching from my Canon 40D setup to OMD's (I have two - the EM1 and EM5 Mark II) was the best thing I did.

It may not have been clear, but I own an OMD-EM10.

It won't replace my D610 for astro or my D5200 for birding, but it has its niche and I've gotten some great photos with loads of highlight recovery headroom.

 

[MrSquished]

It may not have been clear, but I own an OMD-EM10.

It won't replace my D610 for astro or my D5200 for birding, but it has its niche and I've gotten some great photos with loads of highlight recovery headroom.

nice shot.

yes for birding the OMD is definitely not cut out for that. basically it's great for anything but fast action stuff from sports to fast moving wildlife.