Reading mode: Light Dark

DSLR/SLT for casuals?

Go to last post
zigge

zigge

Leading Member
Messages
752
Reaction score
142
Location
copenhagen, DK
This is not a rant but i noticed some "mild hostility" towards newbies and casuals wanting to use a dlsr on full auto and perhabs a 18-270. While i understand the fact that they probably wont take advantage of all the features such a camera provide it will give them better image quality over a p&s.

If they feel like spending a good amount of money to simply get a better camera, who are we to jugde them? Perhabs over time they could learn to use the camera and settings, but now they just want to take better pictures than a p&s. I'm not trying to start a huge argument, just wanted to hear your thoughts on the subject.
--
To snap, or not to snap
 
zigge said:
This is not a rant but i noticed some "mild hostility" towards newbies and casuals wanting to use a dlsr on full auto and perhabs a 18-270. While i understand the fact that they probably wont take advantage of all the features such a camera provide it will give them better image quality over a p&s.

If they feel like spending a good amount of money to simply get a better camera, who are we to jugde them? Perhabs over time they could learn to use the camera and settings, but now they just want to take better pictures than a p&s. I'm not trying to start a huge argument, just wanted to hear your thoughts on the subject.
--
To snap, or not to snap
Click to expand...
I have made some of those comments, and never intended to be hostile.

There's nothing wrong with them wanting a better camera. But I'm assuming that there are higher end P&S that will do what they want as good, if not better than a DSLR. (not terribly well versed on the P&S offeriing).

If not, it's a grand opportunity for Sony to fill. A largish P&S (smaller than most DSLRs) with the Auto+, panorama, in camera HDR, aps-c sensor, and a good lens in the 18-200mm range, or at least 18-135, quality similar to the currently offered Amount lenses in those ranges.. And the OLED EVF. maybe even the hotshoe to put a Sony flash on it, maybe even the wireless protocol built in with the build in flash acting as a controller. Steady shot, HD video.

Not really everything I want in a camera, not being able to switch lenses around, pick fast lenses, long telephotos and such. But, it seems to be a camera that a lot of other people are interested in, but are researching DSLRs instead.
 
zigge said:
This is not a rant but i noticed some "mild hostility" towards newbies and casuals wanting to use a dlsr on full auto and perhabs a 18-270. While i understand the fact that they probably wont take advantage of all the features such a camera provide it will give them better image quality over a p&s.

If they feel like spending a good amount of money to simply get a better camera, who are we to jugde them? Perhabs over time they could learn to use the camera and settings, but now they just want to take better pictures than a p&s. I'm not trying to start a huge argument, just wanted to hear your thoughts on the subject.
--
To snap, or not to snap
Click to expand...
The fully automatic modes such as 'auto' and 'auto+' actually do take advantage of most of the great features that cameras such as the A77 and A65 have to offer. Casual photographers will be able to produce better images from the start with those settings as they gradually expand their skills.
--

Sony SLT-A77 / Rokinon 8mm / Sigma 10-20 f4.0-5.6 / Sigma 18-250 f3.5-6.3 / Sigma 50-500 f4.5-6.3 OS / Minolta 70-210 f4.0 / Minolta 50 f1.7 / Kenko MC4 AF 1.4 / Sony HVL- F56AM flash Karl Scharf
 
Hostility certainly isn't called for, and if that's the setup someone wants, more power to them - I only wonder if, when a newbie expresses interest in such a kit, he/she realizes the compromises (I think there's an assumption that a DSLR is just "better" regardless of the lens that's put on it).
  • Dennis
--
Gallery at http://kingofthebeasts.smugmug.com
 
IMO, you payed for it, it´s your camera, so you use it as you please and like it best. Don´t care what others think about it! Auto is a setting on it just like any else. ;)
 
And, I think some of them are simply afraid of the complexity of changing the lens.

Or maybe I'm just imagining that?

But, there seems to be a few people out there that treat changing lenses are some sort of special task that should be done in a very careful and totally controlled environments. And I think this fuels some of the newcomer's desires to have that one lens that they never have to remove.

But, in reading these forums, particularly regarding the A77's long shutdown time, I've discovered that you don't even have to shut the camera off. Sure, I got some dirt on my older camera, one of those bulb blowers promptly got rid of it for me. I only ever noticed it taking pictures of airplanes, and it only shown up against the sky on a nice sunny day.
 
zigge said:
This is not a rant but i noticed some "mild hostility" towards newbies and casuals wanting to use a dlsr on full auto and perhabs a 18-270. While i understand the fact that they probably wont take advantage of all the features such a camera provide it will give them better image quality over a p&s.

If they feel like spending a good amount of money to simply get a better camera, who are we to jugde them? Perhabs over time they could learn to use the camera and settings, but now they just want to take better pictures than a p&s. I'm not trying to start a huge argument, just wanted to hear your thoughts on the subject.
Click to expand...
Nothing wrong with it, Sony has stated they believe that all DSLR shooters just shoot all the time on full auto. They are building the cameras for you :-)

Shoot whatever way suits you, it's your photography.
 
Dennis said:
Hostility certainly isn't called for, and if that's the setup someone wants, more power to them - I only wonder if, when a newbie expresses interest in such a kit, he/she realizes the compromises (I think there's an assumption that a DSLR is just "better" regardless of the lens that's put on it).
Click to expand...
The most common assumption I've seen is that a single lens on a DSLR is going to have the same zoom range as a superzoom bridge camera. That it's going to be a do everything lens. Even a Tamron 18-270 is way short of the range of zoom on Sony's bridge cameras. And there are good reasons why that's so, Sony is not just being stubborn about it.

It is, however, their choice to make. And if they ask questions negativity about their choice is not necessary.
 
I think its much better to have more camera then you can handle then less camera.... you can always grow into a good camera, but you could become bored quickly with less camera. As far as shooting auto everything... that what people do when they are taking small steps. As confidence grows, thats when yo can experiment with setting, takinf little adjustments at a time... its also good to have a decent guide, if you are new to the hobby.
--
Bill
Capturing memories, one at a time.

Visit my Smug Mug Galleries at:
http://evil-twin.smugmug.com/
 
EvilOne said:
I think its much better to have more camera then you can handle then less camera.... you can always grow into a good camera, but you could become bored quickly with less camera. As far as shooting auto everything... that what people do when they are taking small steps. As confidence grows, thats when yo can experiment with setting, takinf little adjustments at a time... its also good to have a decent guide, if you are new to the hobby.
--
Bill
Capturing memories, one at a time.

Visit my Smug Mug Galleries at:
http://evil-twin.smugmug.com/
Click to expand...
Exactly, i started by buying the Hx100v, but as experience grew i soon realised i wanted more so bought the A65 and enjoying exploring every little detail about taking pictures now. Obivously not everyone will take that route but for thoose that do it makes sense
--
To snap, or not to snap
 
These forums do tend to get ranters, haters and negatives thrown at it all too often.

Some of that gets directed to noobs who show their limited understanding or willingness to improve their skills I guess, it is a shame.

All these DSLR/T cameras have an Auto mode, its built in to use, its explained in the manual and the manufacturers expect it to be available to photgraphers who want to take a quick and easy photo in almost any conditions. If that works for you then great, use it and I am sure, most of the time get great results.

I think though that if you simply wanted quality of image over ease of use and perhaps portability there are other options I would suggest, the NEX for example is more aimed at that type of user, for me though I started using my A77 on Auto to learn and planned to develop my skills... now basically leave it in M, and occasionally use the MR modes I have preset. I know of wedding photographers though that still use Auto, to each their own in skill and understanding and desire to play and get the most out of the unit.

Either ignore the negatives here or use them as suggestions, learn from them if you can and advance your sills. The more you learn the better potential your photos will have but if you want to lug a heavy camera around on a holiday and use it on Auto then all the best to you.

This is the main thing that is said by photographers, take pictures. If you sit around arguing on forums, playing with settings, buying new expensive lenses and options then you are doing something other than shooting and learning. If you take a pinhole or a mobile out and click then you are at least getting the job done and capturing those moments.

Good luck, I hope that you can post some nice shots here in time to share.
 
Well written @Rexel99

I admit in the beginning i also used auto, men for the last 4-5 months ive been using M consistently just to force myself to learn how each value affects eachother. But yeah, point of the threat was if it makes you happy to just use auto on a dslr by all means its your money and your choice, nothing wrong with it :)
--
To snap, or not to snap
 
WaltKnapp said:
Nothing wrong with it, Sony has stated they believe that all DSLR shooters just shoot all the time on full auto. They are building the cameras for you :-)

Shoot whatever way suits you, it's your photography.
Click to expand...
Two things:

Can you provide alink where Sony have said that DSLR shooters shoot all time on full auto.

Do you know that shooting on full auto does not make you a worst photographer? I have seen plenty of people shooting on auto providing outstanding photographic work.
 
here is another suggestion that might help you immensely. If you want to understand that camera... invest 26 dollars in Gary Friedman's ebook on the A65/77. It is probably the best bang for the buck you can spend on that camera... The book is written in a very clear manner, Gary's is an award winning world traveling Photographer, how travels all over the world to give seminars on Photography and specific cameras... This ebook is down loadable, its in very simple language and revels every nuance button and feature of the A65/A77.

You can down load it to your computer and read it at your own speed.. when you have mastered the book you will know every imaginable feature of this camera... what Ive done is read it a few times.. then go back over it page by page, and any page that is not fully locked into my memory, I just print that page out on a 4 X 6 photo quality card...

After reading the book.. I condensed the 578 to about 40 printed pages.. like these..



--
Bill
Capturing memories, one at a time.

Visit my Smug Mug Galleries at:
http://evil-twin.smugmug.com/
 
At 16 I did my own research for camera systems, selected what I wanted with a given budget from my parents, and learned the in and outs of my A55 long before the camera even arrived in December of last year, only a few months after its release. I honestly don't see any reason why people can't learn on their own. It's one thing to ask for help when needed, and another to not try to see what you can find on your own. I'm not saying the hostility is warranted, but sometimes people don't do enough to help themselves before asking others for help.
zigge said:
This is not a rant but i noticed some "mild hostility" towards newbies and casuals wanting to use a dlsr on full auto and perhabs a 18-270. While i understand the fact that they probably wont take advantage of all the features such a camera provide it will give them better image quality over a p&s.

If they feel like spending a good amount of money to simply get a better camera, who are we to jugde them? Perhabs over time they could learn to use the camera and settings, but now they just want to take better pictures than a p&s. I'm not trying to start a huge argument, just wanted to hear your thoughts on the subject.
--
To snap, or not to snap
Click to expand...
--
-Eric (A 16 years young, ever learning photographer)
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Keyboard shortcuts

f
Forum
m
My threads
Mobile site
About
Editorial content
Cameras & Lenses
Community
All content, design, and layout are Copyright © 1998–2025 Digital Photography Review All Rights Reserved.
Reproduction in whole or part in any form or medium without specific written permission is prohibited.
When you use DPReview links to buy products, the site may earn a commission.
©GPS Media - Guides, Products, Services.
Back
Top