Should I take the dSLR route?

[oren_sarid]

Hello all,

I am new to this site, but am a long time member of the Canon talk forum in DPReview. I used to own a Canon G3, now I have the Canon S2. The question I face is probably known to many photographers... Should I take the plunge to the dSLR waters or not? Here are the pros and cons:
1) Picture quality - without a doubt - dSLR. Not by pixel count, but by noise, CA, PF, vingetting, DOF control, etc.

2) Flexibility - well, a compact camera with an all-around lens (like the S2/Pro1) wins here. When I go on hikes, the camera is hanging from my neck all the time and I snap all the time. Changing lens from wide to tele when spotting a flying bird means I lost the bird.

3) Weight - again - the compact wins. Again, as the camera is on my neck all the time, a heavy dSLR means I need a message later (please correct me if I 'm wrong here).

4) Cost - again, the compact wins.

Now - if I knew that Canon releases a Pro2 (well, Pro1 like just faster and with IS), then I'd take it. But since this is far from being sure, I keep wondering what to do. I really want an upgrade from my S2 now that I really know its limitations, but I really don't know what to get. I can wait a few months, but I still don't know what do to... Your opinions are very welcome...

You can check out my G3 and S2 galleries at http://oren.sarid.fotopic.net.

Thank you!
Oren

[John Roberts]

Are you looking to replace your current camera? If so, it's a bad move. If you're seeking to augment your camera collection with a DSLR, then it's a good move. There's no one camera that will do everything. Get a DSLR, yes. You will use it on some occasions, and you will continue to use your compact camera at other times.

If your budget allows for only one camera, then you have the camera you need. A DSLR opens the door to more expenditures: lenses, flash, STUFF. If your budet is so tight that you can own only one camera, stay with the compact.

[Blinky]

Compacts are always good to have so even if you own a DSLR, you don't have to haul the bag everywhere just to shoot pictures.

So, save your money and your S2, and buy a DSLR when you think you're ready. If you really get into photography, you will likely end up with a DSLR at some point.

Good luck.

[oren_sarid]

Thank you. Though the budget IS an issue, it is not the major one. What lens should I get with a dSLR to get maximum usage (with minimal weight) in your opinion, without taking another mortgage?

Oren

[Paul Shields]

I guess it depends on whether you want to invest in a 'system' or not. A DSLR will let you expand in many directions depending on lens choice, and most will give you better quality lower noise images. Combined with faster lenses you will be able to shoot in situations that may not be possible with your compact. With the compact option you would generally trade up the whole package for a later model rather than just trading the body, so it's not as flexible if you're one of those who like to get their hands on the latest and greatest (though obviously - it's a hell of a lot cheaper ).

Regarding weight - many DSLRs are not that heavy these days unless going for the 'pro' look. The lenses are generally what will wear you (and your pocket) down if you like to carry a broad selection. My own view on this is that it's a matter of taste with regards to where you want to push your interest. DSLRs give you many options but can get in the way if you just want something to capture the majority of images easily and cheaply. If the current image quality is sufficient with a compact then the move will need to be weighed carefully against the obvious expense of moving into a system setup.

[Kevin Barrett]

What type of photography would you like to do with a DSLR? The S2 has quite a range. To replicate that range in a DSLR will cost considerable amount of money.

[JDArt]

Originally Posted by oren_sarid

What lens should I get with a dSLR to get maximum usage

The Canon 20D or 30D? For "maximum usage" and minimum weight, the kit lens can't be beat: EF-S 18-55mm.

[Paul Shields]

Originally Posted by oren_sarid

Thank you. Though the budget IS an issue, it is not the major one. What lens should I get with a dSLR to get maximum usage (with minimal weight) in your opinion, without taking another mortgage?

Oren

There's probably never been such a wide choice of 'entry level' DSLRs - and they are only entry level in price rather than performance. You will need to decide what qualities you want, but from my own limited dabblings you can look at:

Canon 350D - small (maybe too small for some), large range of lenses including lenses specific to the APS-C format, relatively low noise images at high ISO

Olympus E-500 - not quite as small, has great two-lens kit, based on the four thirds format which is starting to attract support from other vendors, lovely Olympus colour, no dust, but can be noisy above ISO 400. There is also the E-330, which is slightly more specialized (and expensive) in that it has an always-on 'live view' of the image as portrayed through the lens. Great for macro and studio shots.

Nikon D50 - not personally used one, but seems to be very good value DSLR with huge range of lenses available

Sony Alpha range - about to be released and may prove to be a very attractive alternative to those moving into the DSLR market

There are many others, but you can find out a lot more about these options both here and in other places. You need to ask yourself exactly what you want and where you see yourself moving with regards to DSLR. Any of the above will facilitate that, but there are pluses and minuses in all systems and so recommendations should always be taken with some grains of salt .

[Kevin Barrett]

Originally Posted by Paul

There's probably never been such a wide choice of 'entry level' DSLRs - and they are only entry level in price rather than performance. You will need to decide what qualities you want, but from my own limited dabblings you can look at:

Canon 350D - small (maybe too small for some), large range of lenses including lenses specific to the APS-C format, relatively low noise images at high ISO

Olympus E-500 - not quite as small, has great two-lens kit, based on the four thirds format which is starting to attract support from other vendors, lovely Olympus colour, no dust, but can be noisy above ISO 400. There is also the E-330, which is slightly more specialized (and expensive) in that it has an always-on 'live view' of the image as portrayed through the lens. Great for macro and studio shots.

Nikon D50 - not personally used one, but seems to be very good value DSLR with huge range of lenses available

Sony Alpha range - about to be released and may prove to be a very attractive alternative to those moving into the DSLR market

There are many others, but you can find out a lot more about these options both here and in other places. You need to ask yourself exactly what you want and where you see yourself moving with regards to DSLR. Any of the above will facilitate that, but there are pluses and minuses in all systems and so recommendations should always be taken with some grains of salt .

Nobody got "fired" for recommending Canon. Plus, if it doesn't work out for you, you can easily 'dump' a Canon system.

[oren_sarid]

I'll try to answer a few replies together (this forum works fast!!!), while bringing up more questions...

Well, yes, the S2 has a big range, but very poor dynamic range, which is what triggered this desire to move on. I think most of my pictures are landscapes, close-ups (flowers and insects) and other wildlife. But occasionally I take also some indoors and night shots. It seems that for the most of those a kit lens or 17-85 will do. But for the occasional bird or other wildlife, or the pictures of people I take sometimes without them knowing, I need a much further reach, that will require a different lens (or the S2).

Oh - and another problem I forgot - dSLRs have their own batteries. I do go to places where I have no where to charge them. What do I do then?

Oren

[Paul Shields]

Originally Posted by Kevin Barrett

Nobody got "fired" for recommending Canon. Plus, if it doesn't work out for you, you can easily 'dump' a Canon system.

True, but if we all took that advice it would be a very uninteresting world (as well as a less interesting forum ).

[Paul Shields]

Originally Posted by oren_sarid

I'll try to answer a few replies together (this forum works fast!!!), while bringing up more questions...

You've obviously hit us in the rush hour .

Oh - and another problem I forgot - dSLRs have their own batteries. I do go to places where I have no where to charge them. What do I do then?

Having a few spare in your pocket is always handy - they're not that expensive if using after-market. I know of at least some DSLRs that will accept standard batteries in the optional grip.

[Kevin Barrett]

Originally Posted by oren_sarid

I'll try to answer a few replies together (this forum works fast!!!), while bringing up more questions...

Well, yes, the S2 has a big range, but very poor dynamic range, which is what triggered this desire to move on. I think most of my pictures are landscapes, close-ups (flowers and insects) and other wildlife. But occasionally I take also some indoors and night shots. It seems that for the most of those a kit lens or 17-85 will do. But for the occasional bird or other wildlife, or the pictures of people I take sometimes without them knowing, I need a much further reach, that will require a different lens (or the S2).

Oh - and another problem I forgot - dSLRs have their own batteries. I do go to places where I have no where to charge them. What do I do then?

Oren

Oren, if you decide to 'stick' with Canon... The 17-85 in conjunction with the 'new' and 'improved' 70-300 IS would be a nice combination and wouldn't break the proverbial bank. Also, DSLRs in general (and Canon in particular) are great power misers. One additional battery in your kit will enable you shoot your heart out and then some.

[JDArt]

Originally Posted by oren_sarid

But for the occasional bird or other wildlife, or the pictures of people I take sometimes without them knowing, I need a much further reach, that will require a different lens

Acquiring camera equipment is a process for most of us. One or two lenses will rarely cover everything that many want to do. Just do yourself a favor and don't put B&H on speed dial.

[oren_sarid]

Originally Posted by Paul

Having a few spare in your pocket is always handy - they're not that expensive if using after-market. I know of at least some DSLRs that will accept batteries in the optional grip.

With the G3 (uses Canon's BP511) battery pack, I never had any problems, and I had a spare that was hardly used. Until they both died on my. So a question to you all is how much do your proprietary batteries last? 1 year? 2 years? how often do you charge them? How many times can you snap with one charge?

[oren_sarid]

Originally Posted by JDArt

Acquiring camera equipment is a process for most of us. One or two lenses will rarely cover everything that many want to do. Just do yourself a favor and don't put B&H on speed dial.

No way, too far away... I live in Israel! Just putting me on hold is going to cost me another lens

[Rense]

Oren,
To solve:

Originally Posted by oren_sarid

Oh - and another problem I forgot - dSLRs have their own batteries. I do go to places where I have no where to charge them. What do I do then?

you can buy a battery loader that works on the cigarettelighter of a car (presuming that you have a car with a cigarette lighter )

also remember that shooting can be *fun and a nice hobby., but having a hobby will cost you some money. The main question you have to answer for yourself if you want to spend money an time on this hobby.

[Kevin Barrett]

Originally Posted by oren_sarid

With the G3 (uses Canon's BP511) battery pack, I never had any problems, and I had a spare that was hardly used. Until they both died on my. So a question to you all is how much do your proprietary batteries last? 1 year? 2 years? how often do you charge them? How many times can you snap with one charge?

Both the 20/30D utilize the BP511. Lithium ION batteries should last at least 2-years under normal use.
The BP511 in a 20D will yield 500+ photos.

http://www.imaging-resource.com/PRODS/E30D/E30DA12.HTM

"The EOS 30D uses the same BP-511A battery first introduced with the Canon PowerShot Pro1, and now appearing as standard in many of Canon's cameras. These are compatible with older chargers and cameras, they're just of higher capacity. The BP-511A battery pack provides 1390 mAh at 7.4 volts. A separate charger comes in the box with the 30D. The US version works much like many of the recent ELPH chargers, with two flip-out prongs that plug directly into the wall. You'll need to purchase the AC adapter kit ACK-E2 if you need to run the camera from AC power.

Because it lacks an external power terminal, I couldn't perform my usual direct measurements of power consumption on the EOS-30D. I can attest to its excellent battery life though, as I should shoot literally for days without exhausting a fully-charged battery. Canon rates battery life at 1100 shots without the flash, or about 750 with 50% flash use, at 20 degrees C / 68 degrees F, which certainly seem like reasonable ratings given my personal experience with the camera. Both numbers are significantly higher than those claimed for the 20D.

Of course, regardless of how good a camera's battery life is, there's rarely an excuse to not purchase at least one extra battery to bring along as a hot spare. Plan on buying a second battery along with your 30D, it'll save you a world of grief later on when the battery that you were sure was full of juice runs out of gas in the middle of an important shoot."

[JDArt]

Originally Posted by oren_sarid

No way, too far away... I live in Israel! Just putting me on hold is going to cost me another lens

Have you discovered Skype?

[oren_sarid]

Originally Posted by JDArt

Have you discovered Skype?

Not only that I have it, it turns out I can call 1-800 in the US with it from Israel - for free! Done that more than once... But the line is not that great with the UL that we have here. So, it's not always a clean conversation. But yes, it is a great thing!