Who here has NO interest in "DSLR experience"?

In any discussion asking about DSLRs vs bridge cameras, the discussion ultimately ends with the DSLR winning, or at least both in a tie; with benefits given to both. I've been in on those discussions, and currently have both "systems". But I'd like to hear from those folks that are perfectly content NOT experiencing DSLRs and with NO driving urge to go there either.

1) Are you truely content with your bridge camera system as your one and only photographic tool? (Well, maybe you have a smaller pocket camera as well. But leave that discussion for now.)

2) Have you felt limited not having a DSLR system? Are there shots you'd like to take, but know that there are limitations to you digicam?

3) How serious of a photographer are you? Who do you shoot for? Yourself, friends, contests?
4) What specific camera are you currently using?
Feel free to comment further if you feel so moved.
Thanks

I should add that I've come to this site to pose this question because the Panasonic cameras are reputed to be the be the best bridge(most popular) cameras. Well, maybe there's a Fuji or two, as well.

I have an FZ18 as my only camera. I like the camera as a "take everywhere" tool to take photos. Thus I am put off the bulkier DSLR's with various lenses etc. I should say that IQ is important to me and at this stage in my photographic life, the bridge option offered a big step up from my old Oly P & S of the same 8MP. I am not ruling out dSLR but at this stage the FZ18 is a great option for me to learn & progress and get decent images as well.

NIAlan

BobT said:

In any discussion asking about DSLRs vs bridge cameras, the
discussion ultimately ends with the DSLR winning, or at least both in
a tie; with benefits given to both. I've been in on those
discussions, and currently have both "systems". But I'd like to hear
from those folks that are perfectly content NOT experiencing DSLRs
and with NO driving urge to go there either.
1) Are you truely content with your bridge camera system as your one
and only photographic tool? (Well, maybe you have a smaller pocket
camera as well. But leave that discussion for now.)

Click to expand...

Each has it's place. There is a time when a DSLR is best and I use it and then there are times when the LX3 or TZ5 are perfect for the occasion.

BobT said:

2) Have you felt limited not having a DSLR system? Are there shots
you'd like to take, but know that there are limitations to you
digicam?

Click to expand...

Limited, yes. When I just had a DSLR, I found myself limited as I would ask myself, "Do I want to lug this huge bag of gear with me all day" After getting a quality P&S I found myself saying NO more and more. If you do not carry a s camera, you can take no images.

BobT said:

3) How serious of a photographer are you? Who do you shoot for?
Yourself, friends, contests?

Click to expand...

Myself, family, friends and most of all work!

BobT said:

4) What specific camera are you currently using?

Click to expand...

Nikon D3, Leica M8, Panny LX3 and Panny TZ5

BobT said:

Feel free to comment further if you feel so moved.
Thanks

Click to expand...

--
Greg Gebhardt in
Jacksonville, Florida

1) Are you truely content with your bridge camera system as your one and only photographic tool? (Well, maybe you have a smaller pocket camera as well. But leave that discussion for now.)

If money were not an issue, I would not be so content, but considering the costs and what I get from a bridge camera I am content.

2) Have you felt limited not having a DSLR system? Are there shots you'd like to take, but know that there are limitations to you digicam?

The limitations from not being able to take some low light wildlife shots are definitely there, as well as some action shots that require faster focus speeds or higher ISO. However, these are limitations I can live with.

3) How serious of a photographer are you? Who do you shoot for? Yourself, friends, contests?

Not very serious, other than I seriously enjoy seeing other people's nice photos. I just take photos for myself.

4) What specific camera are you currently using?

Pansonic FZ20, also have a Nikon CP8700.

I just sold my Canon 40D and I am selling all my lenses and then the 30D and will stay with my FZ30 or maybe buy the FZ28. After all these years I've had enough of SLR and DSLR stuff. I'm happy doing what my signature says.

BobT said:

I should add that I've come to this site to pose this question
because the Panasonic cameras are reputed to be the be the best
bridge(most popular) cameras. Well, maybe there's a Fuji or two, as
well.

Click to expand...

--
--- Ron_M
--- After 55 years of photography I shoot for memories not perfection.

I just must interject and say that I'm truely a "happy camper" that you responders are staying with the subject of----just in case my intent wasn't all that clear---promoting the bridge camera as your one-and-only photographic tool over the DSLR.

Keep up the good work....and please continue contributing to this particular question.

I think cea hit it on the head with the money concern. I use an FZ-50 and really enjoy the form factor with the rings for focus and zoom. I has a lot of the characteristics and feel of a small dSLR without the need to spend tons of money on extra lenses to cover the range.

I am also perfectly happy with the quality of picture that can come from the FZ-50. Even if it isn't me that is taking the pictures that I am impressed with, I see where this camera can go and I know that I am not there yet. I have a long way to go before this isn't enough camera for me and, honestly, I probably will never get to that point.

I shoot for fun. This is a new-found hobby for me that I am really enjoying.

Just my two cents.

Joe

For the photos I take, (less than 1000 per year) the "bridge" camera (FZ50) does
what I need. I don't have to lug around a bag full of stuff, just a small bag to

carry the camera, flash & a few filters. 99% of the time, I get the shots I want.

Would I like a DSLR? Probably, all things being equal, but, for the hobbyist that
I am, and the fact that I can take a pretty good shot, clean it up in photoshop,
then a "bridge" does what I need. Maybe in a few years, if/when the price of
a DSLR, comes down to what an SLR film camera was a few years ago, i might
change my mind. I know a friend of mine has a DSLR and he's always fiddling

with this lens, that flash, or something else to get a shot. I love just composing
the picture, snap a few with a couple different settings and see what comes up.
I'm always amazed at the shots I get with the FZ50
--
Coming to you from the beautiful Ozark Mountain Country
where if you're too busy to go fishin', then you're too busy!

p51d007 wrote:
if you're too busy to go fishin', then you're too busy!

That's beautiful, man. If only I could fit it on a license plate! I have a new motto.

Thanks!

Joe

I have a fz5 that i have absolutely thrashed. i dont even have a bag for it, i just sling it over my shoulder or stuff it in a backpack when i run. i'm pretty happy with the bulk of the photos, and love a few.

A dslr would be great for some low light situations but i've learnt a few tricks and if i'm careful i can get some reasonable shots.

i've taken photos at a friends wedding (not the official photographer) whichwas inside and some of mine were better than the professionals (not many tho!)

i take photos everywhere i can and i love it! i've had my money's worth many times over for this camera. to upgrade probably a fz18 or 28.
--
it ain't easy being fat and greasy.....
Panny FZ5
samoan 'go anywhere shoes'

I personally have no interest in the "dSLR Experience". None, period.

Greg Gebhardt wrote, in part:

cea said:

When I just had a DSLR, I found myself limited as I would ask myself, "Do I want to lug this huge bag of gear with me all day" After getting a quality P&S I found myself saying NO more and more. If you do not carry a camera, you can take no images.

Click to expand...

I went through this process back in the 1980's when film P&S cameras were a far cry from the amazing cameras we have, now.

Having started with various larger film formats & gone through Leica RF's, and finally film SLR's, I ended up with an Olympus OM2s & a fair battery of lenses. I'd lug that junk around and found that it ruined the travel experience, so I quit using it and bought an Olympus XA.

BTW - the sharpest 35mm camera - bar none - I ever used was a German built Kodak Retina IIa from the 1930's that I got in a pawn shop for $25.

Recently at a wedding, I watched a guy struggling with 2 HUGE Nikon dSLR's - at least twice as big as my old SLR's - rediculous, IMHO.

I used to shoot weddings professionally with a 4x5 speed graphic & except for all the danged flashbulbs, I had less kit than this guy. Sheesh!

On the very rare occasion that I really feel the need for something larger than my FZ 18, I use 4x5 film. "The need" for larger isn't usually my idea: I recently had some record shots of an old building accepted by the National Archives. They require 4x5 or larger. For my personal shots of the building, I used my FZ 18.

That being said, I consider the FZ-18 to be too big. I prefer my TZ's - a TZ-1 & a TZ-3. I like the TZ-1 better, and wish I could be sure that I shouldn't get a TZ-5, although I'm actually waiting to see the next TZ in the series - or the next after that: when they give us an EVF, I'll definitely buy.

To quote Greg, again:

cea said:

....If you do not carry a camera, you can take no images.

Click to expand...

I make it a point never to be out of reach of a camera.

cea said:

cea said:

cea said:

3) How serious of a photographer are you? Who do you shoot for?
Yourself, friends, contests?

Click to expand...

Click to expand...

Click to expand...

Myself, family & friends. I'm retired, I don't DO work!

Haven't entered a contest since 1960 (Won 1st & resting on my laurels. 35mm slide - it'd get laughed off this forum.)

cea said:

cea said:

cea said:

4) What specific camera are you currently using?

Click to expand...

Click to expand...

Click to expand...

Panasonic TZ-1 or 3, FZ-18.

-Erik
--



http://www.flickr.com/ohlsonmh/ 'ohlsonmh'+yahoo gets me

My answers:

BobT said:

1) Are you truely content with your bridge camera system as your one
and only photographic tool? (Well, maybe you have a smaller pocket
camera as well. But leave that discussion for now.)

Click to expand...

Almost! My FZ7 is my only photographic tool at the moment. The ONLY thing I don't like is that I feel compelled to just about always shoot at ISO 80. I have used higher ISOs, and sometimes it's completely worth it, but in general I stick to ISO 80. How I'd love to be able to go to ISO 200 or even ISO 400 without worries! BUT ... see answer to next question:

BobT said:

2) Have you felt limited not having a DSLR system? Are there shots
you'd like to take, but know that there are limitations to you
digicam?

Click to expand...

NO! Although clearly there are shots I'd like to take that a bridge camera is not best for, the solution for that does not require a mirror and a pentaprism! Nor do I think it requires a collection of thousand dollar lenses with gold bands around them that I wouldn't want to carry! Having one (x12, in my case) zoom is SO convenient. I bought it because that's what I wanted to have, and I haven't changed my mind.

BobT said:

3) How serious of a photographer are you? Who do you shoot for?
Yourself, friends, contests?

Click to expand...

I am an "advanced amateur". That means, I really know how the camera works and I'm more comfortable in A, S or even M mode than in a scene mode. I want control. I try to capture beautiful scenery where ever I am. Since I've been reading this forum, I've tried to take pictures of birds - I'm not any good at that yet. Sometimes I go out somewhere with the camera, just looking for pictures. But mostly, I serve as the "family photographer" - even though both my daughters have p&s cameras, if I'm there it's just expected that I'll be taking the pictures, and I'm happy to. I especially love "golden light" but I can only catch it near sunset because I'm not serious enough to get up before dawn unless there's some REALLY special reason to do that!

BobT said:

4) What specific camera are you currently using?

Click to expand...

Panasonic DMC-FZ7

BobT said:

Feel free to comment further if you feel so moved.

Click to expand...

I CAN BARELY CONTAIN MYSELF, WAITING FOR SEPT 12! If micro four thirds is small and light, if there's a reasonable m43 zoom available, I WANT IT NOW! That's exactly what I want: no mirror, no pentaprism, smaller lenses, but 4/3 sensor so we already know what ISO 400 looks like, it's MUCH better!

BobT said:

Thanks

Click to expand...

4) FZ30 and Fuji f45fd (aka f40fd)

3) Serious picture taker for self and friends

2) Low light is the most serious limitation

1) From the beginning, I didn't want a dSLR. But I wanted a camera that had the controls of an SLR (focus and zoom rings). I knew there would be compromises as in everything that requires a choice. So I am content with my choice. But as with everything, I could be more content.

--
Vickie

ducks from the upcoming slam

I love my FZ50 (gave the FZ7 to the kids and they are using the heck out of it). It was actually because I started taking better photos with the FZ50 that I decided to make the move to a DSLR. I went with a Canon 40D, as my husband already has a lens collection - so the financial issue was not too bad.

I ONLY went to a DSLR because I wanted to get seriously into photography as a hobby for my upcoming retirement. Main desires were 1) Low Light opportunities, 2) Shallow DOF experiments, and 3) action shots like BIF and sports, and 4) more advanced Macro.

I made the switch in May - it has been time consuming, and I might even say a struggle. I have learned heaps about using the camera, and am starting to get some results.

Is it worth it for the casual photographer - I don't think so. My FZ50 was much easier to use, and the convenience of the 10x optical zoom is truly a Godsend. Focusing is much more "certain" with the FZ50. I still find myself using the FZ50, and imagine I will continue to do so. But, I am also enjoying learning to use the DSLR. After almost 4 months into my trials, I must also admit there are very few keeper photographs I've taken with the 40D that I could not have taken with my FZ50 (BIF perhaps the exception, at least for me). Probably speaks also to my learning curve in the world of photography.

I will also say that the Panasonic section here at dpreview is definitely one of the best. I don't post often, but read regularly.
--
Shazza
http://shazza53.smugmug.com/

Bob T,

I agree what most people have said so far. For just a few low-light action photos it isn't worth it for me to spend so much and lug around a big heavy bag of equipment. There are times when you don't have much time to take a photo and a good P&S sure is handy! And for those almost impossible shots there's always post processing help. And then there's the advantage of taking movies with a P&S. How versatile and convenient is that? I consider myself as a casual photographer using a FZ18 and looking forward to a FZ28 unless a better P&S comes out in the next month?? There could be one more question you might include ....

How paranoid are you lugging around a DSLR & the bag of equipment and fear that you may get robbed? That big bag and fancy camera is like a billboard attracting thieves.

5. Cleaning sensors.

BobT said:

In any discussion asking about DSLRs vs bridge cameras, the
discussion ultimately ends with the DSLR winning, or at least both in
a tie; with benefits given to both. I've been in on those
discussions, and currently have both "systems". But I'd like to hear
from those folks that are perfectly content NOT experiencing DSLRs
and with NO driving urge to go there either.
1) Are you truely content with your bridge camera system as your one
and only photographic tool? (Well, maybe you have a smaller pocket
camera as well. But leave that discussion for now.)
2) Have you felt limited not having a DSLR system? Are there shots
you'd like to take, but know that there are limitations to you
digicam?
3) How serious of a photographer are you? Who do you shoot for?
Yourself, friends, contests?
4) What specific camera are you currently using?
Feel free to comment further if you feel so moved.
Thanks

Click to expand...

--
--- Ron_M
--- After 55 years of photography I shoot for memories not perfection.

BobT said:

In any discussion asking about DSLRs vs bridge cameras, the
discussion ultimately ends with the DSLR winning, or at least both in
a tie; with benefits given to both. I've been in on those
discussions, and currently have both "systems". But I'd like to hear
from those folks that are perfectly content NOT experiencing DSLRs
and with NO driving urge to go there either.
1) Are you truely content with your bridge camera system as your one
and only photographic tool? (Well, maybe you have a smaller pocket
camera as well. But leave that discussion for now.)

Click to expand...

Yes and no:

I'm using a FZ50 and a FZ18 and both are great versatile tools where you get a lot for your money and it's really fun to use them.

On the other hand I'm interested in taking photos of wildlife, birds etc. and not in camera brands or classes like 'super zoom', 'bridge camera' etc.

From my point of view it would be better to separate the discussion groups by themes (portrait, landscape, wildlife, closeup, sports etc.) and not by brands.

The only thing I'm interested in is getting better photos with my budget and therefore I'm also interested what I'm getting for my money with a DSLR and what are the advantages and disadvantages shooting wildlife.

And I would be glad if users of FZs and DSLR would report this on this forum.

But I'm not interested in comparisons of the type "me with my FZxxx and my friend with a DSLR' or 'what's better: FZxx or DSLR ?'.

BobT said:

2) Have you felt limited not having a DSLR system? Are there shots
you'd like to take, but know that there are limitations to you
digicam?

Click to expand...

a) I did not know that until I really tried a DSLR with a comparable tele lens.

b) Yes, I wanted a better image quality, better low light capabilities and faster focussing and shooting.

But who can tell me what I'm getting in practice if not a person who knows boths worlds ?

Unfortunately there are not much of this type of reports at DPREVIEW because nobody knows where to place it. I would like to see postings of FZ and DSLR users here at the Panasonic forum.

BobT said:

3) How serious of a photographer are you? Who do you shoot for?
Yourself, friends, contests?

Click to expand...

Simply for fun and to have a change to my job.

BobT said:

4) What specific camera are you currently using?
Feel free to comment further if you feel so moved.
Thanks

Click to expand...

FZ50, FZ18, Fujifilm F30 (mostly for family shots) and Nikon D60 with Nikkor 70-300 (to find answers on question no. 2).

Olaf

BobT said:

1) Are you truely content with your bridge camera system as your one
and only photographic tool? (Well, maybe you have a smaller pocket
camera as well. But leave that discussion for now.)

Click to expand...

Nope - (does that put me outside the discussion parameters?). I still own and use a number of film cameras, including SLRs. But, hand on heart, I have no interest in owning a dSLR (today, but maybe not tomorrow, who can truly say).

True to say though, in the digital world, I am perfectly happy to use a bridge camera as my top end camera. And, since some lowlife has made off with my LX1 I guess I'll have to get me one of them new LX3s now. (oops, that's outside the parameters of the post too. Sorry)

BobT said:

2) Have you felt limited not having a DSLR system? Are there shots
you'd like to take, but know that there are limitations to you
digicam?

Click to expand...

Yes. Anything needing good high ISO performance or high speed, to be realistic, is beyond these cameras.

BobT said:

3) How serious of a photographer are you? Who do you shoot for?
Yourself, friends, contests?

Click to expand...

Hack amateur. Photography is a hobby I use to document the life and times of my family, rather than an end in itself. (As an aside, I am surprised how photos of the mundane today, can become so interesting a couple of decades down the track)

BobT said:

4) What specific camera are you currently using?

Click to expand...

FZ5 and FZ30

BobT said:

Feel free to comment further if you feel so moved.

Click to expand...

1 - Bridge cams can do movies. Not so good as a video cam, of course, but well enough to be quite a useful feature. Some of my best video footage was shot with a digicam.

2 - There's an interesting article floating around the web somewhere comparing the FZ50 (or 30, can't remember which) with a dSLR in various scenarios. The FZ fares rather well in comparison, until the author tries it at an airshow, at which point the wheels fall off a bit.

No one could suggest that the FZ30 is THE camera of choice for that work, but if it's what you have, then why not use it. You can certainly get acceptable results even here;

still life



slowest



slow



quickish



just subsonic (bloody quick!)



(Just lovin' those mighty FZs)
--
william olive

http://bolive.fotki.com/ (gear in profile)

pana fzed5, fzed30 & ellex1

Thanks for a good chuckle. Yup, that's really a big draw for SLRs, look forward to cleaning those sensors ... oh boy.