Quote:
Originally Posted by Cubdriver
DSLRs are a good value these days, agreed. They have improved by leaps and bounds over the last ten years. But so have point and shoots. Don't forget the ever-unpopular fact that it ain't the camera, it's the artist. You could buy a $250 point and shoot and spend the other $350 taking an art classes at a junior college. I promise you would be happier with the results than if you fooled around for years trying to figure out the same things on your own. I have had the money from time to time to get fancy cameras and I have always decided to resist the temptation. My father is a life-long fine art photographer with Hasselblads, Mamiyas, darkrooms, 8x10 film cameras, you name it. The most moving work he ever did was on a $5 Brownie. Get the nice gear eventually, but grow into it. Another plus for the point and shoot is that small cameras are a lot better roadways, airports and cockpits than DSLRs. I would try a cheap camera to begin with and grow into fancy gear when your needs grow to that point.
Point well taken, indeed. I do have a cheapy Sony point and shoot, but I feel pretty limited with its capabilities. I do feel that I have taken some decent shots with it, but I have very little manual control with the camera. In the meantime, I've been reading LOTS online and in magazines about how to understand the various jargon, terminology, and processes involved in the specifics of SLR cameras. Also, my girl has a degree in photographic arts and restoration, so I've also been getting advice and pointers from her.
I guess I'm just really eager to get out there and start trying new things with a camera that gives me full control, which my little Sony offers very little of. I can still take the p&s on vacations, in the plane, etc. I look forward to actually going on trips/journeys for the sole purpose of photography.