Things to consider
1. All the prosumer digital rangefinder like units can capture good
images . Systems with at least 2.74 MP can produce great 8x10s for
the average consumer and acceptable 8x10s for most photophiles
except for the most picky (a la Nikon D1 & D1h DSLRs). These units,
however inexpensive, also have their limitations
a. Higher noise than DSLRs due to smaller CCD sensors
b. Takes longer than most Nikon DSLRs to turn on and get ready to
take a picture
c. Significant time lag between shutter release activitation and
actual image capture -- thus higher likelihood of missing the
spontaneous image as compared to Nikon DSLRs
d. Limited ability to narrow the depth of field to isolate your
subject
due to smaller aperatures
2. Any SLR system (filim or digital) will give you tremendous
flexibility
a. Opportunity to choose from a variety of lenses from consumer
grade all the way up to pro grade -- more importantly, you
have the ability to select lenses with better characteristics
than can be found in the rangefinder digital systems in terms
of zoom range and aperture
b. For the models that are shoot priority, you get instantaneous
on and readiness to capture images with minimal shutter release
time lag.
3. The upfront cost for digital is steep -- digital SLR, lenses,
accessories, computer, CD burner, CD media, image processing
software
4. With digital,
a. From a learning stand point, you will have more opportunity to
shoot
more images rapidly and experiment with bracketing, white balance
adjustment, and filters without worrying about wasting money on
film (a thought process which can hinder some from just going out
and taking pictures) -- the cost is actually shifted from the back end
of film to the front end of the initial investment
b. You will have instant access to the images for processing. You will
now have control over the processing instead of the lab having
control over your processing and final output. Your computer is
now your darkroom
When you invest in an SLR system, you are really investing in a
lens system. Nikon and Canon are both excellent, though they have
their lemons. The lenses will outlast your SLR body. Every couple
of years, new DSLRs and even film cameras come out.
I used to shoot film for years using two Minolta X700s. I'm now
100% digital using Nikon DSLRs with excellent results far better
than what I achieved with film -- better Nikon lenses than what I
had before also help. With the lenses, I always have the
opportunity to go back to film SLRs, but just can't see myself
doing that since digital is so good for what I like to shoot and do.
Do a search on this forum and even the Canon and Fuji forums.
You'll find many pro's and serious amateurs who have made the
switch to digital doing weddings, nature, and many other things.
The question to ask yourself is ... how have you liked the images
from the G1. How critical a photographer are you? Then decide for
yourself which direction you want to go -- take the plunge in to
digital SLR and invest in a good lens system or stick with film SLR
and invest in a good lens system while forever waiting for the
perfect digital system or stick with typical rangefinder like DSLRs
which can limit the expandability of your imaging system and
perhaps limit your ability to do creative things.
One thing you can try is to rent a digital system or try one out at
your local camera shop to see how you like the systems. Take a CF
with you to a store, take some pictures around the store comparing
the different systems (DSLR and lenses vs your G1 or other
rangefinder like digital)
Cheers
Hi
I'm in a bit of a dilemma about where to go next with my
photography, and I'm hoping some folks with more experience could
offer me some of their advice.
I purchased a Canon G1 over a year ago. Over the past year, I have
"re-discoverd" photography and am really ejoying it again (used to
be keen as a teenager, still got an old Minolta SLR). I must admit
I love the instant gratification aspect of digital pgotohgraphy,
but I'm ready now to get more serious, maybe with a view to
becoming semi-pro.
I would like to get a better camera (e.g. a G3/CP 5700). But I know
what I'm like...eventually I'll want a D100!
Can/will a D100 genuinely replace a film SLR like D80 (F80 here in
Australia)? I'm talking purely in terms of picture quality here. If
so, I'll probably skip an "interim" camera like a G3/CP5700 and
save up for a dSLR.
If not, perhaps I'm better off buying a good film SLR (like D80)
for serious photos and keep the G1 as more of a "fun" camera?
Any advice would be appreciated.
Cheers,
Simon
