Photography

[The Thriller]

I've rolled with a point and shoot camera for a while. I love taking landscape and sunset photos. However, I'm looking to step my game up. I mostly just do this for fun... A hobby. So should I invest in a good DSLR camera? I'm looking at a canon rebel t3i or SL1. How much better will these photos be? Any experience or tips would be much appreciated.

 

[Deleted member 848]

If you want a solid point-N-shoot, Fujifilm makes a great one.

 

[bigb]

My wife is the photographer in our family. She currently has a Rebel T2i. One thing I've learned watching her, it's not just the camera, it's the user. You have to know the settings on your camera, how and when to use which ones, knowing how to set your aperture, etc. Plus, to get decent photos, you have to invest in high quality lenses, which cost as much or more than the camera body.
Decide which brand you want to use, because you'll never be able to switch. You can buy new bodies and keep your lenses if you stay with the same brand. But lenses are brand specific. You can't take your Canon lenses ans use them on a Nikon.

 

[VINYLONE]

I've rolled with a point and shoot camera for a while. I love taking landscape and sunset photos. However, I'm looking to step my game up. I mostly just do this for fun... A hobby. So should I invest in a good DSLR camera? I'm looking at a canon rebel t3i or SL1. How much better will these photos be? Any experience or tips would be much appreciated.

My wife is the photographer in our family. She currently has a Rebel T2i. One thing I've learned watching her, it's not just the camera, it's the user. You have to know the settings on your camera, how and when to use which ones, knowing how to set your aperture, etc. Plus, to get decent photos, you have to invest in high quality lenses, which cost as much or more than the camera body.
Decide which brand you want to use, because you'll never be able to switch. You can buy new bodies and keep your lenses if you stay with the same brand. But lenses are brand specific. You can't take your Canon lenses ans use them on a Nikon.

I currently use a Ricoh GR Digital 3. It's a true "pocket" P&S. I've got buddies who use the older Panasonic GF1, the Fuji X20 and various Leicas. My GRD3 has a fixed lens so if I want to get closer to a subject, I have to move closer and at 28mm it's rather wide. Definitely wider than the standard 50mm that many folks start off with. Anyway, having a fixed lens forces me to make more decisions, decisions that I would not normally make if I had a camera that zoomed.

I agree with Bigb. Taking pictures is wholly dependent on the photographer and no amount of expensive equipment is going to make you a better photographer, especially when you don't know or haven't taken the time to learn film speed, aperture, shutter speed, composition, the rule of thirds, etc. I also think post processing is important. But that's a whole other conversation.

Here's a sample of photos Ive taken:

 

[moevillini]

my only advice/suggestion is to get something you'll use often - I know people who got good DSLR cameras with changeable lenses and a lot of variable settings but then tend to prefer the ease of the P&S for everyday use - - so that when they bring out their fancier equipment for special occasions it's almost like they're using it for the first time

but the good thing is that with digital, if you've messed up, you know right away - compared to the old days of film...


and Viny, those last two - - pictures of paint drying? interesting subjects...
and what does the sign say? looks like "Be a Udry"