Right Tool for the Right Job

A lot of people around me seem to have been buying cameras. XSi's, D40's - nothing super expensive, but still, a sizeable chunk of cash for someone that isn't interested in photography as a serious hobby. These people seem to think that the fact that they have a bigger, more expensive camera means their pictures will be better. Not necessarily so.

Don't get me wrong, there are definite reasons to get a DSLR, and definite benefits. Some of them include higher image quality resulting from a larger sensor, increased dynamic range, minimal shutter lag, versality of interchangeable lens systems, ability to use on and off camera flash, ease of use, the ability to record in RAW format (although many compacts can do this now too), ability to gain a shallow DOF with proper lenses, and the ability to capture action scenes with continuous drive shooting. A rather long list, and I'm sure I could add to it if I thought some more.

But here's the thing - you have to know how your camera functianually if you want to reap the benefits of all the advantages mentioned above. You can't get a shallow DOF if you're in full auto mode and have no control over your aperture. You can't take advantage of increased dynamic range and detail if you don't know how to bring out whatever the camera captures in post processing. Most people, and most pictures, don't even need that level of detail to begin with.

A DSLR is big. The lenses are bulky and are a pain to carry around on long days and trips, and it takes a while to switch between them. They're versatile, powerful tools, but only when the photographer holding it is knowledgeable and is prepared for the type of pictures he wants to take.

The end story is this - if you truly want to get into creative photography - ie., photography for a purpose other than just recording life events - and are willing to put the time in to learn about it, go right ahead and get a quality DSLR and invest in some lenses. You won't regret it.

But if you simply want a camera to take the occasional picture and record trips and parties, there is no reason to drop $800 on a DSLR and a lens or two. Pick up a quality compact camera or superzoom for $250-$400. It'll serve you just fine, especially with the newest generation of quality compacts. You'll be more likely to carry it around, and it'll give better picture quality without you having to learn much. If you eventually do get interested in photography then you can take manual control of it and then, if you want to, you can get a DSLR.

Think about what you're spending money on. It's like watching someone lug around a sledgehammer to drive nails when a hammer would do perfectly.