Does everyone here use a DSLR

fionaB · 23-09-2006, 13:23

I have just been browsing through the forums here and reading various articles etc. And it seems to me that the majority of members if not everyone has (d)SLR cameras. now i maybe wrong here but it seems that the articels and tutorials etc are all aimed at the dslr user.

i think its important not to forget that it is NOT the equipment used that gives a great image, and i would like to see more aimed to the non dslr user.

Maybe i have picked it up all wrong and there are many non dslr users here but every comment or thread I read seems to be geared towards that.
Soooooo................ what DOES everyone use?

I know it will be a long time until i feel confident in my ability to turn to DSLR, although i am definately NOT a point and shoot enthusiast, i keep my camera usually on AP and change it accordingly if needed, and i do understand focal lengths, Dof, Aperture and shutter settings etc. I still feel my ability has not reached the point of having a DSLR, and i do think there are a lot of folks with these cameras who do not do the camera justice because they dont know enough about photography in general.
lol
Hope i havent released a hornets nest with these comments but it was a " had to say" thing!

Fiona

lcraft · 23-09-2006, 14:17

The only time I use a film camera any more is to shoot B&W or slide film. Which isn't very often any more. I have a nice old manual and several nice old prime lenses to pick from when I do.

I used to have jobs where I had access to film scanners and a darkroom. I never actually got around to buying a scanner of my own or setting up a darkroom at home.

It's on my list of things to do. Danged list keeps getting longer.

The way things are going I might not ever bother. Shooting RAW and having the control you get in post processing is starting to blur the lines between darkroom work and digital.

I don't really care what someone shoots with though. It's the results that I see, not the process.

Gary Bagshawe · 23-09-2006, 14:26

A very good point you make there and one I myself am guilty of

Sorry!!!
I still shoot 35mm film on occasions, mainly slide film, in fact my entry into this last theme was shot on slide film and scanned in. I will in future keep in mind that not everybody shoots digital and I think that from a learning point of view shooting film is a much better way to learn the basics. Thank you for pointing that out

fionaB · 23-09-2006, 14:30

ahhh but again the point has been missed, I was not talking about the age old Digital V film, i just think that people automatically assume that digital means DSLR! there are a huge amount of people that love photography and do not have the means, confidence or ability to move to DSLR yet they take fantastic images. There are aother digital cameras out there that are not DSLR, i think it gets forgotten about. i have never used film, came to photography only a couple years ago, and i have also never used a DSLR

Fiona

lcraft · 23-09-2006, 14:43

My previous point stands:

I don't really care what someone shoots with though. It's the results that I see, not the process.

Within reason a good quality point and shoot with manual controls can take you a long way. The 6 year old Coolpix 990 that I recently retired still takes great shots. I just decided it was time to move on.

Some of these extreme megapixel point and shoots with small lenses and sensors kind of make me scratch my head. I think people are equating megapixels with quality. I've seen a lot of really noisy 5-6 MP photos that disprove this assumption..

fionaB · 23-09-2006, 14:50

Quote:

Originally Posted by lcraft

My previous point stands:

I don't really care what someone shoots with though. It's the results that I see, not the process.

I completely agree, I just think that sometimes the people with point and shoot or bridge cameras are forgotten about in photography circles!

Fiona

**Dabhand16** · 23-09-2006, 16:09

I still use my 5 year old compact. Not as often as the dSLR, admittedly, but many of the photos that I have posted, including the 'Look Up' assignment, were taken with it. I have a brace of film cameras that don't see the light of day very often.

I guess it's natural for any forum to find it's own level that will reflect the majority of the users, but I have to say that since I've been a member, I have not seen many/any posts on the lines of 'I have a Coopix 885 and would like to know how I can take pictures at the zoo without the chain link fences being visible....'. Also, don't forget that many of the subjects covered can be applied to any camera, except perhaps the fully auto, non zoom with no other exposure option cameras. Even then, composition and editing techniques are still applicable.

A compact zoom with some degree of exposure control or a bridge camera will do everything that a dSLR will do, the dSLR is just better able to cope with the more extreme situations. Some of the bridge cameras have longer zoom lenses, more megapixels, image stabilization and other features that my dSLR does not have. For 'mainstream' shots a good compact or bridge camera can produce really good results. There was even a really good photo posted on the forum recently taken through an aircraft window with a mobile phone!!! I also remember years ago seeing on TV Lord Litchfield producing a really good portrait using a photo booth. Mind you, I don't think I'd swap any of my cameras for one of those!!!

Having said all that, I think it might be useful for everyone to include in their forum signature the camera(s) they use most, so anyone replying to a post will be able to see what equipment is available to the person originally posting. I think this idea is worth propping up in the suggestions forum too.

fionaB · 23-09-2006, 16:23

Yes Graham, I think thats an excellent idea, that way when suggestions are made regarding the technicalities of an image the person helping can see what the equipment is and offer suggestions aimed for that equipment.

Fiona

***Dave*** · 23-09-2006, 19:20

Good question to raise Fiona. I think most questions/discussion break down to in to 3 main areas.

1. Photography Equipment
2. PhotographyShooting Techniques
3. Post Processing techniques (eg. PS)

I'm assuming we get lots more discussion around DSLR's in section 1) above, as there are so many lenses one can buy & if you already have the leneses , then there is the next body up etc.. Possibly the fact there is so much flexibility with the kit, causes so many questions, discussion etc ? What do you think ? By no means should we be putting off people discussing compacts, bridge etc, that's for sure.

For point 2) I believe most of the discussion can be applied to all types of cameras, although there will be some limitations with manual over rides for some compacts. As for shooting styles, techniques as a whole , I think they effect us all. A good photographer will still produce better shots on a compact, than someone not quite so gifted with a DSLR. Until I read this post I didn't know you shot with a non DSLR, so it shows good photography is always good photogarphy , regardless of kit.

For point 3) apart from discussions on RAW processing, I think once again the discussion revolves around all types of cameras.......even film, of they scanned the shot in

Just my 2 pence worth, that could be completely wrong

As for Grahams suggestion that is a good idea. Also if your camera saves EXIF data try to keep this in your shots, so they show up in our Gallery. In addition post up your reviews of any of the non DSLR cameras that Stepheno has loaded, to help others get an insight into peoples opinion on the kit

fionaB · 23-09-2006, 19:26

hi dave,
I have already done a reveiw on the camera I am currently using (Fuji 9500) , have to say it is not a indepth one cos i have only had it a month or so.
As to the exif data, because i resize my pics using save for web option., the exif data is removed. dont know if this is to do with minimising file size, BUT i have absolutely no problem with supplying the information if someone wants it.

FIona

***Dave*** · 23-09-2006, 19:53

It's a pain the old "save for web" removing the EXIF

. I try to remember to use "save as" then choose JPEG & slide quality slider until I'm around 170K mark (as it always adds some extra K) & that way it keeps the EXIF data .

Must admit I've seen lots of shots taken with the old S7000 that blow my shots away. Excellent camera range

Revive35 · 23-09-2006, 22:02

Personally i try to make use of all my cameras because each one can be more suited to a certain situation than the others.At the moment i have an Olympus E-300,Fuji S5500,Sony DSC90(with me all the time),Ricoh KR10,Praktica BCA,Zenith 122K,Zenith3,Zorki 4,Yashica Electro 35,and a Centon(Pentax K1000 clone).And i love 'em all.

**stepheno** · 23-09-2006, 22:17

Quote:

Originally Posted by fionaB

i think its important not to forget that it is NOT the equipment used that gives a great image, and i would like to see more aimed to the non dslr user.Fiona

That is the most important point. It matters nothing what equipment members have but how they use it and the results they achieve. In another thread I made a reply which I quote part of here -

"As I'm fairly sure you will agree, these forums are a Photographic Resource which are open to members who take photographs, be it film or digital, compact, bridge or DSLR. All cameras use the basic principles of exposure, focus, shutter, aperture etc so I think we all have something to gain from, or offer to each other. For the benefit of all who read this thread we welcome your questions, topics, photos, opinions - no matter what you shoot with or your level of experience."

What I am saying is that it doesn't really matter what equipment we all have. Members will, I suggest, always think in terms of their current camera but often have evolved through PAS and Bridge and therefore will still have a wealth of advice to offer all members. Like others have said I still use my Finepix MX1200 and S602. I think the articles and tutorials are aimed at the camera user not necessarily the DSLR user.

A good topic

with probably as many opinions as we have members.

**Angela** · 23-09-2006, 22:58

Quote:

Originally Posted by fionaB

I still feel my ability has not reached the point of having a DSLR, and i do think there are a lot of folks with these cameras who do not do the camera justice because they dont know enough about photography in general.
Fiona

Whilst I agree with your post in general, Fiona, I'm not sure that you need to reach a certain standard of ability before you start using a dSLR. I definitely fall into the camp of people that don't do their dSLR camera justice and I probably don't know enough about photography in general BUT, to my mind, the only way I could move forward with understanding more about photography was to buy an SLR and learn how to use it. I could only go so far with my point and shoot digital and I'm not the sort of person who can learn by reading about things in books, I need to be hands on and learn by experience and from my mistakes. Hence my move from point and shoot to dSLR.

23-09-2006, 13:23	#1 (permalink)
fionaB Loves the place Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Scotland Posts: 5,344	Does everyone here use a DSLR I have just been browsing through the forums here and reading various articles etc. And it seems to me that the majority of members if not everyone has (d)SLR cameras. now i maybe wrong here but it seems that the articels and tutorials etc are all aimed at the dslr user. i think its important not to forget that it is NOT the equipment used that gives a great image, and i would like to see more aimed to the non dslr user. Maybe i have picked it up all wrong and there are many non dslr users here but every comment or thread I read seems to be geared towards that. Soooooo................ what DOES everyone use? I know it will be a long time until i feel confident in my ability to turn to DSLR, although i am definately NOT a point and shoot enthusiast, i keep my camera usually on AP and change it accordingly if needed, and i do understand focal lengths, Dof, Aperture and shutter settings etc. I still feel my ability has not reached the point of having a DSLR, and i do think there are a lot of folks with these cameras who do not do the camera justice because they dont know enough about photography in general. lol Hope i havent released a hornets nest with these comments but it was a " had to say" thing! Fiona __________________ Canon All The Way http://www.fionabrimsphotography.co.uk

23-09-2006, 14:17	#2 (permalink)
lcraft Quite Chatty Join Date: Aug 2006 Posts: 96	Re: Does everyone here use a DSLR The only time I use a film camera any more is to shoot B&W or slide film. Which isn't very often any more. I have a nice old manual and several nice old prime lenses to pick from when I do. I used to have jobs where I had access to film scanners and a darkroom. I never actually got around to buying a scanner of my own or setting up a darkroom at home. It's on my list of things to do. Danged list keeps getting longer. The way things are going I might not ever bother. Shooting RAW and having the control you get in post processing is starting to blur the lines between darkroom work and digital. I don't really care what someone shoots with though. It's the results that I see, not the process.

23-09-2006, 14:26	#3 (permalink)
Gary Bagshawe Rep Point Winner 07 Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Sheffield UK Posts: 2,231	Re: Does everyone here use a DSLR A very good point you make there and one I myself am guilty of Sorry!!! I still shoot 35mm film on occasions, mainly slide film, in fact my entry into this last theme was shot on slide film and scanned in. I will in future keep in mind that not everybody shoots digital and I think that from a learning point of view shooting film is a much better way to learn the basics. Thank you for pointing that out

23-09-2006, 14:30	#4 (permalink)
fionaB Loves the place Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Scotland Posts: 5,344	Re: Does everyone here use a DSLR ahhh but again the point has been missed, I was not talking about the age old Digital V film, i just think that people automatically assume that digital means DSLR! there are a huge amount of people that love photography and do not have the means, confidence or ability to move to DSLR yet they take fantastic images. There are aother digital cameras out there that are not DSLR, i think it gets forgotten about. i have never used film, came to photography only a couple years ago, and i have also never used a DSLR Fiona

23-09-2006, 14:43	#5 (permalink)
lcraft Quite Chatty Join Date: Aug 2006 Posts: 96	Re: Does everyone here use a DSLR My previous point stands: I don't really care what someone shoots with though. It's the results that I see, not the process. Within reason a good quality point and shoot with manual controls can take you a long way. The 6 year old Coolpix 990 that I recently retired still takes great shots. I just decided it was time to move on. Some of these extreme megapixel point and shoots with small lenses and sensors kind of make me scratch my head. I think people are equating megapixels with quality. I've seen a lot of really noisy 5-6 MP photos that disprove this assumption..

23-09-2006, 16:09	#7 (permalink)
Dabhand16 Pixalo Crew Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Dunstable Bedfordshire UK Posts: 8,761	Re: Does everyone here use a DSLR I still use my 5 year old compact. Not as often as the dSLR, admittedly, but many of the photos that I have posted, including the 'Look Up' assignment, were taken with it. I have a brace of film cameras that don't see the light of day very often. I guess it's natural for any forum to find it's own level that will reflect the majority of the users, but I have to say that since I've been a member, I have not seen many/any posts on the lines of 'I have a Coopix 885 and would like to know how I can take pictures at the zoo without the chain link fences being visible....'. Also, don't forget that many of the subjects covered can be applied to any camera, except perhaps the fully auto, non zoom with no other exposure option cameras. Even then, composition and editing techniques are still applicable. A compact zoom with some degree of exposure control or a bridge camera will do everything that a dSLR will do, the dSLR is just better able to cope with the more extreme situations. Some of the bridge cameras have longer zoom lenses, more megapixels, image stabilization and other features that my dSLR does not have. For 'mainstream' shots a good compact or bridge camera can produce really good results. There was even a really good photo posted on the forum recently taken through an aircraft window with a mobile phone!!! I also remember years ago seeing on TV Lord Litchfield producing a really good portrait using a photo booth. Mind you, I don't think I'd swap any of my cameras for one of those!!! Having said all that, I think it might be useful for everyone to include in their forum signature the camera(s) they use most, so anyone replying to a post will be able to see what equipment is available to the person originally posting. I think this idea is worth propping up in the suggestions forum too. __________________ Graham

23-09-2006, 16:23	#8 (permalink)
fionaB Loves the place Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Scotland Posts: 5,344	Re: Does everyone here use a DSLR Yes Graham, I think thats an excellent idea, that way when suggestions are made regarding the technicalities of an image the person helping can see what the equipment is and offer suggestions aimed for that equipment. Fiona

23-09-2006, 19:20	#9 (permalink)
*Dave* Pixalo Crew Join Date: Jul 2005 Posts: 14,707	Re: Does everyone here use a DSLR Good question to raise Fiona. I think most questions/discussion break down to in to 3 main areas. 1. Photography Equipment 2. PhotographyShooting Techniques 3. Post Processing techniques (eg. PS) I'm assuming we get lots more discussion around DSLR's in section 1) above, as there are so many lenses one can buy & if you already have the leneses , then there is the next body up etc.. Possibly the fact there is so much flexibility with the kit, causes so many questions, discussion etc ? What do you think ? By no means should we be putting off people discussing compacts, bridge etc, that's for sure. For point 2) I believe most of the discussion can be applied to all types of cameras, although there will be some limitations with manual over rides for some compacts. As for shooting styles, techniques as a whole , I think they effect us all. A good photographer will still produce better shots on a compact, than someone not quite so gifted with a DSLR. Until I read this post I didn't know you shot with a non DSLR, so it shows good photography is always good photogarphy , regardless of kit. For point 3) apart from discussions on RAW processing, I think once again the discussion revolves around all types of cameras.......even film, of they scanned the shot in Just my 2 pence worth, that could be completely wrong As for Grahams suggestion that is a good idea. Also if your camera saves EXIF data try to keep this in your shots, so they show up in our Gallery. In addition post up your reviews of any of the non DSLR cameras that Stepheno has loaded, to help others get an insight into peoples opinion on the kit

23-09-2006, 19:26	#10 (permalink)
fionaB Loves the place Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Scotland Posts: 5,344	Re: Does everyone here use a DSLR hi dave, I have already done a reveiw on the camera I am currently using (Fuji 9500) , have to say it is not a indepth one cos i have only had it a month or so. As to the exif data, because i resize my pics using save for web option., the exif data is removed. dont know if this is to do with minimising file size, BUT i have absolutely no problem with supplying the information if someone wants it. FIona

23-09-2006, 19:53	#11 (permalink)
*Dave* Pixalo Crew Join Date: Jul 2005 Posts: 14,707	Re: Does everyone here use a DSLR It's a pain the old "save for web" removing the EXIF . I try to remember to use "save as" then choose JPEG & slide quality slider until I'm around 170K mark (as it always adds some extra K) & that way it keeps the EXIF data . Must admit I've seen lots of shots taken with the old S7000 that blow my shots away. Excellent camera range

23-09-2006, 22:02	#12 (permalink)
Revive35 Quite Chatty Join Date: Sep 2006 Posts: 53	Re: Does everyone here use a DSLR Personally i try to make use of all my cameras because each one can be more suited to a certain situation than the others.At the moment i have an Olympus E-300,Fuji S5500,Sony DSC90(with me all the time),Ricoh KR10,Praktica BCA,Zenith 122K,Zenith3,Zorki 4,Yashica Electro 35,and a Centon(Pentax K1000 clone).And i love 'em all.