What's the advantage of shooting with dslr equipment?

[Marsu42]

Lens choice - You say that this is a moot point because of mirrorless, but that's not entirely true. AF performance can suffer, sharpness can drop (due to pixel density & the crop factor which essentially magnifies any lens flaws)

In theory, yes, but in reality with the current crop pixel density and ef lens choices corner/edge flaws of lenses are more likely to be "fixed" by using them on crop like eos-m while most L lenses aren't outresolved. If the crop pixel density rises even more, that might change.

Durability and speed.

Additionally there are all the other little things that make the cameras "more professional"

Indeed, no doubt that for professional use dlsrs are the most appropriate choice ... but the majority of dlsr sales are to amateurs and some enthusiasts.

All I was wondering what you *need* a dslr for when looking at all the shots folks post and thinking "Well, you certainly didn't need a dslr for *that*". Of course it doesn't hurt either, and a dslr has a steeper learning curve than a p&s.

[Zv]

Marsu - I know what you mean, I try and educate people through my blog as I feel a lot of people think simply buying an expensive camera will give them great images. It kind of takes away from some of the hard work actual photographers put into creating their art. Instead of " hey, thats a great shot well done etc" you get "wow your camera is awesome", yes it is but only in the right hands! Some people cant tell the difference between a shot taken on a phone and one from a 3k dslr! What does the average person know about camera shake, noise and white balance? Sweet F all. They just look at the content not the technical side like us!

http://zeebytes.blogspot.jp/2012/10/stop-think-shoot-photographers-code.html?m=1

[Marsu42]

Marsu - I know what you mean, I try and educate people through my blog as I feel a lot of people think simply buying an expensive camera will give them great images

Personally, I think that's just fine if a) *I*'m not buying gear I won't need and b) not too many rainforests are cut down as a consequence of people's desire to exchange their phone every other month :-o

I just feel a bit sorry for people who wish they can buy experience and knowledge and are bound to be disappointed, esp. if these people spent hard earned savings. But then again, if I don't own a camera store :->

#
It kind of takes away from some of the hard work actual photographers put into creating their art. [...] They just look at the content not the technical side like us!

Well, I admit that some gearhead talk can be fun, and understanding the tech stuff saves you from buying too expensive or not appropriate gear.

But I'm really trying not to let it mess with my head - do I really need an original Canon lens hood for €45 when the €5 China plastic item is 99% identical (except for the brand name) :-p ? Imho the key is balance, "just get the best (= most expensive)" is as much bs as "A good photog can shoot a wedding with a €10 throw-away p&s".

Btw: Your 30 steps could really help beginners save wasted shots and lessen frustration, this is more or less what I've worked out for myself - except #30, I think spotting good shots requires taking lots of bad shots (and trying to recover them in post).

[Zv]

No 30 is for was added by my girlfriend 

[Marsu42]

No 30 is for was added by my girlfriend 

31. Stop procrastinating by talking to anonymous foreign freaks on the net and do the dishes already :->

[picturesbyme]

The advantage over ps?
- Showing off . In fact I think that's about 25-50% of the dslr users.
I think you covered the serious side so let's see the funny side..

It's amazing how many guys buy a camera just for that. Especially in developed countries men in that range have more $$ then skills or desire to learn.
They get their 1st cam (min a 5d3 to start with) in their 30s-40s and after a month they give advice on forums or they get a Rebel and next week they ask how much should they charge after becoming a wedding photog overnight...
I have a little view on that due to the stories I hear from the gallery/frame shop, the local printing places I'm in business with and the models I worked with.. I.e. there are plenty pervs on MM who only registered to snap some photos with pretty girls in a bikini (or nothing). The last guy told my GF he has 30+ yrs of experience and his photos suck on multi levels... and let's not talk about local wedding photogs...

Anyhow, a 7D can make great images, (heck, most recent cameras can) it can even do family/vacation photos, yet some people are "convinced" they can only do that with a 1Dx or at least with a 5d3 and L glass only. Then they snap shots that are never printed larger than 8x10 and could be easily done with an entry dslr, a m4/3 or with a ps.

It's probably related to midlife crisis too. It's cheaper than a red/yellow Porsche and easier to sell when it's over. It's also easier to "explain" to the wife.. or maybe it's just marketing.. like: you have to have an SUV or you're not a good/safe parent, you have to use this detergent, baby/dog/cat food.. etc.. or you are not a good... etc...

[tomscott]

From reading most of your posts on here Marsu42 you seem to be going round and round in circles.

Why not instead of idolising and agonising over equipment just go out and shoot some pictures?? Enjoy photography? Get your name out there sell some prints and that will make purchasing equipment easier. We all want to be

A good photographer can capture a fantastic pic with a box browny, gear enables more possibility but it should not stunt your creative growth. The camera is just a tool you tell it what to do.

I know i gave you some stick the other day, but seriously just enjoy it.

[Marsu42]

From reading most of your posts on here Marsu42 you seem to be going round and round in circles.

I have to admit I don't get that, imho I'm in the boat with lots of others starting sometime in 2012 looking for a ff, thinking about the old 5d2, being shocked by the overpriced 5d3 and then waiting for the 6d - that's not a circle, but a straight line.

Why not instead of idolising and agonising over equipment just go out and shoot some pictures?? Enjoy photography? Get your name out there sell some prints and that will make purchasing equipment easier.

Why do you assume I don't enjoy photography? What you read here is just a small part of me being annoyed by Canon and gearhead talk (but you're reading this too, aren't you?). I'm out every day taking shots and learning, just returned from taking nighttime shots of Berlin in the snow nearly freezing my fingers off (and gladly, because it was worth it). Imho I'm getting so many good shots it's hard for my old laptop to keep up w/o overheating.

And actually this post was intended to be about creativity, and esp. the kind that makes a difference in comparison to the gazillions of other pictures out there, growing by a million every day.

I know i gave you some stick the other day, but seriously just enjoy it.

I appreciate your advice and I know it's easy to get lost in tech spec sheets, but as written above writing in CR is not all I do. But shooting with my current equipment is just not made for commercial low light events, and  since getting ok gear puts quite a strain on my budget I'm getting all the opinions I can get.

[pwp]

It's a matter of what you need for the job at hand. Sometimes there is a distinct advantage shooting with your iPhone or S100....

-PW

[stephan]

I did not grow up with analog SLRs, nor am I in the 35/40+ Range, nor do i have extra cash to spend. I grew up with P+S cameras and moved up to DSLRs.

My reasoning:

1) Optical viewfinder (no lag) and very low shutter-lag
2) faster focusing (with USM Lenses)
3) Much better grip (& Feel), plus all basic settings on dedicated controls

And of course selectable lenses. But that's not exclusive to DSLRs anymore.

[DJL329]

What's the advantage of shooting with dslr equipment?  So that you can look cooool...

You know, just like ... Ashton Kutcher?  Oh well, nevermind...   

[ChilledXpress]

I'm still trying to figure out what the purpose of this thread is? Seems like a thread with very little substance and you know it's just about hit rock bottom when photos of Ashton holding Nikon are showing up.

If you don't know what the advantage of a DSLR vs PS is, this isn't ever going to help... ever heard the term preaching to the choir?

[infared]

Hey..this is a Canon Website....I am not taking this nonsense.
Now the thread has no content whatsoever!