Regular Digital vs Digital SLR

[thereistruth]

My mom said that I could pick a camera as a high school graduation gift, and the only digital camera that I had used before that was a basic 3.2mp HP camera. Photography is a big hobby for me, but at the time I really didn't have that great of a knowledge of equipment. So in my research, I decided on an Olympus SP-350 8mp camera with manual controls. I have had it for a few months now, and as I learn more and more about manual photography, I kind of wish that I would have decided on an SLR, even though I didn't know what they were at the time. I got the camera for the really cheap price of $250, and I am debating whether or not to sell it and go with an SLR. Does anybody have any advice?

[Sebastian]

I have to ask, why do you think you should have gotten an SLR instead?

[thereistruth]

First of all, there are many more lens options for digital SLRs. I have tried a few with this camera since it has a lens converter, but it just doesn't work very well (vignetting, etc.). This camera only has a 3x optical zoom, and I thought I could improve it with a lens, but it is just too "jimmy-rigged."

I am also pretty sure that the aperture settings are much better on the SLRs. I read that an f2.8 on a compact digital is equivalent to an f11 on an SLR, which means that is very difficult to get a clearly defined subject with a blurred background. Also, in order to get good flash coverage with any type of lens on my current camera, I would need to buy an external flash since the lenses block the light from the "onboard" flash.

I guess I just feel that I could get much more out of an SLR.

[Erik Stiegler]

Are you using the Olympus conversion lenses, or third party ones?

Your take on it is pretty much on. Yes, if you need to change lenses, or get shallow DOF, an SLR will probably work better for that. FWIW, it's the focal length of the lenses that makes the difference in DOF. You'll probably find you want an accessory flash with a DSLR, too.

Personally, unless money were an overriding issue, I would keep the SP-350 and get a DSLR to go along with it. They're really different tools that compliment each other. Each can do things the other can't. The SP-350 can fit in your pocket and operate silently, for example. The deep DOF can also be used to good effect. For a small camera, the SP-350 is very capable.

[thereistruth]

Well, I would say that getting a DSLR to go along with my SP-350 would be fairly monetarily preventative because I have not really been able to locate a cheap DSLR. I should probably look at this an option in the somewhat near future, as I do not have the money for it right now. It actually sounds like a good gift idea for possibly my birthday. Thanks for the advice.

[Neatsfoot]

Ken Rockwell has a good discussion of this topic.

[Photo-John]

Having used the SP-350 a bit, I can say that it's a very nice compact digital camera. It's not a digital SLR and doesn't offer the control or options of a digital SLR, but it's not a bad camera. It's got everything you need to learn the basic principles of photography, practice good picture-taking habits, and work on your composition. I say hold on, take tons of pictures with it, and get a digital SLR a little bit down the road. Overall, the camera isn't really going to limit you much. In fact, it may even encourage you to be more creative. Sometimes limitation can be a very creative factor.

[Maxx1676]

Ive used a Canon G-5 and Pro 1 for years and loved them. Then with all the talk of a SLR type camera being the hot set-up i broke down and purchased one "Canon 20D".Bought a few lens that was recomended and gave it a try.Big mistake as far as im concerned (for me anyway).I know a SLR has its good points but my Pro 1 seems to take a better picture .The SLR has many len`s granted,but most of the lens cost more than your high dollar point and shoot camera`s cost, plus their size becomes a pain to lug around most of the time.Unless your really 100% into photography stick with a good point and shoot camera . I know im going to get criticized for telling you this but ive been through this (to the tune of $3500.00) . For me A quality point and shoot with all the manual and auto controls does everything i need.

[Photo-John]

Maxx1676-
Good post. I'm not going to argue with you. Although a digital SLR does offer more features, control, and flexibility, there's a price you have to pay. It's bigger, costs a lot more, and often slower to get out and get ready. You pretty much have to commit to the photographer role as long as you have the digital SLR on you. On the other hand, a compact camera allows you to be more spontaneous and casual. And you can carry a lot of them in your purse or pants pocket. I often say, "the camera you have with you is the right camera." And for most of us, it's a lot easier to have a point-and-shoot with you all of the time.

I'm always on the lookout for the perfect point-and-shoot. I used to have a Yashica T4 Super 35mm point-and-shoot and it was one of my favorite cameras ever. It had an awesome lens, great metering, and I took some of my favorite photos ever with it. It was weatherproof and fit in my pocket and went on every mountain bike ride with me. There was no way I was taking the SLR with me on every ride and no way I could just whip it out of my pocket and have it ready to go in a second.

It does sound like thereistruth might benefit from having an SLR. But he does have a really capable camera right now. And most people will benefit more from learning to use their current camera better, than from buying a new one. So I don't think it's going to be a big deal for him to wait for a while. But I think what you said has a lot of value. Digital SLRs are the hot ticket right now and everyone wants one. But I expect there will be more than a few people buying them who find out their new camera spends more time in the closet than taking pictures. It's important for all of us to identify what we really need and get the right tool for the job.

So is your EOS 20D for sale? Maybe someone here will be willing to take it off your hands