Does everyone need a DSLR?

[robgendreau]

I'm not sure what point the OP is trying to make; it's quite obvious not everyone needs the same equipment for photography, or anything. Most don't need an iPhone 12, or an Apple Watch, or an Apple TV, or a MBP...all things the OP evidently has. Owning a DSLR to have the "image of looking professional" is no more a sin than owning a Macbook Pro to do the same thing.

 

[mollyc]

Well, some of us have interests beyond photography and do run into Instagram posts/images which make a photographer shudder..... I don't follow a lot of people on social media in general anyway and so this isn't a major concern for me. I do participate in photography-related forums online and expect to see and offer different kinds of results than I anticipate seeing when online in a group or forum related to some other topic altogether.

Oh that’s absolutely true. ? and yes I suppose the majority of IG photos are from phones. But it’s pretty easy to find people using real cameras.

 

[deep diver]

I'm not sure what point the OP is trying to make;

If you look at OP's deluge of threads over the last few weeks, it seems he is posting for the sake of posting and sometimes for the sake of arguing.

 

[akash.nu]

. I have an iPhone too that I’m trying to be “spontaneous” with for @akash.nu ’s pesky weekly contest. Abject failure so far .

It’s all good.

r.harris, I hear what you're saying about trying to be spontaneous with the iPhone for that weekly competition....today I finally shot something and entered it; two other tries from earlier in the week were simply unsatisfactory although they were shot spontaneously. This entry finally managed to be interesting and definitely was shot spontaneously -- I noticed it today, grabbed the iPhone and shot.

pesky or not, all I’m gonna say is - thank you

 

[kallisti]

Back in 2001-2002 I worked for a college newspaper. My primary job was writer but on occasion did I also take photographs. Guess what my main camera was for shooting photos? Point and shoot. The $400 Powershot I own today I could not have dreamt of owning at that time. We did have some pro cameras but primarily the job was done with point and shoot. Then in 2004 I worked for Youth4christ and guess what my primary camera was for taking photos? Point and shoot. These were not cheap point and shoot cameras but nice ones like the one I own for their time period.

Many today think that they need DSLR cameras for tasks that can be accomplished with a point and shoot. Granted some need a pro camera but many do not and can get by with the camera I own or something similar. They just want a pro camera to have all the bells and whistles and the image of looking professional.

The obvious answer (as many have already stated) is no.

Some of your recent threads and posts leave me scratching my head.

You have written that you are happy to have a “real” camera (your new Canon P&S) as opposed to all the people you see using phone cameras. That distinction seems to be important to you.

With your new camera you seem to be happy with the lowest size/quality of files (the files look great to your eye and storage is a concern). Image quality doesn’t seem to be big concern for you.

In this thread you state that an old P&S you used was adequate and your new P&S is significantly better. You imply that most people using a DSLR or ILC don’t really need it and only buy them to look professional.

You seem to be implying that your new Canon P&S is the perfect camera for most people. Better than an iPhone (which isn’t a real camera) but just as good as a “professional” camera which most people don’t really need. Forgive me if I am missing any of the nuance in your posts.

I am really, really happy that you love your new camera. I am excited for you.

As stated in replies above, all cameras are tools. Pick the tool or tools that meet your needs. Your new camera would not be the right tool for me in any situation I can imagine. I have several other tools at my disposal and I pick the one that is best for the job at hand.

Be happy with your new camera. But understand that it has very real limitations compared to other tools. Those limitations aren’t important for you, but they are deal breakers for others. Conversely, the advantages compared to an iPhone are either non-existent or so minor for some people that there isn’t an obvious reason to use your Canon P&S instead of an iPhone. To each their own.

 

[Clix Pix]

Actually, even within the realm of DSLRs and mirrorless interchangeable lens cameras, there is still a hierarchy when it comes to what a genuine "professional" carries and uses as opposed to what many other people who also have either a DSLR or mirrorless ILC camera purchase and use.... Entry-level DSLRs and mirrorless cameras are less expensive and offer differences in the type of specs and performance that can be expected. Someone who is still learning about photography and wanting to grow and develop skills will often start out with a modestly-priced entry-level camera. As time goes on and their skills improve and/or they find that their entry-level camera is no longer fulfilling their needs and feel they're ready to make the move to something more advanced, that's when they sell or trade in the entry-level camera and purchase something which will challenge them as they progress on to the next skill level.

Actually, many photographers feel that it's the lenses which are really more significant than the camera body, as technology in camera bodies changes fairly often, while good lenses are usable for years to come.

 

[mackmgg]

I was considering making a similar thread after seeing all the hate against point and shoots in OP’s threads. While I don’t think I would buy a PowerShot 740 (for the price I’d rather a PowerShot G9X, and I currently own a G5X) it definitely still serves a purpose as a pretty compact super zoom. And definitely a huge step up over the iPhone, especially if you want something other than 24mm, 12mm, or 50mm.

Now, don’t get me wrong, I almost always prefer the ergonomics of my mirrorless. The lenses are better, the low-light capabilities are better, and the autofocus is better. But it also doesn’t fit into the front pocket of my running vest. And if it’s not accessible without taking the pack off, it may as well not be there as far as whether I’d actually use it. I think compared to a DSLR the only advantages of the P&S are size, weight, and price. If I could get a mirrorless ILC that fit in my pocket I’d probably drop the point and shoot. But the advantages over an iPhone are enormous, even if the iPhone does take great pictures. Zoom, sensor size (although the 740HS has the same sensor size as an iPhone), and ergonomics are the big ones. I can use a P&S with gloves on, I can use it without looking, and I can use it to quickly snap a picture (biggest complaint with my iPhone 12. I’m pretty sure my 6S could go from off to picture taken faster).

Here are just a couple shots taken with the point and shoot that I don’t think an iPhone could take:

And yes I know this thread was originally about P&S vs DSLR. I think the answer there is obvious that there’s a time and place for a DSLR/MILC, and also plenty of time’s they‘re not necessary. But I also wanted to add that there’s a place for a P&S even compared to a smartphone camera.

 

[jwolf6589]

I was considering making a similar thread after seeing all the hate against point and shoots in OP’s threads. While I don’t think I would buy a PowerShot 740 (for the price I’d rather a PowerShot G9X, and I currently own a G5X) it definitely still serves a purpose as a pretty compact super zoom. And definitely a huge step up over the iPhone, especially if you want something other than 24mm, 12mm, or 50mm.

Now, don’t get me wrong, I almost always prefer the ergonomics of my mirrorless. The lenses are better, the low-light capabilities are better, and the autofocus is better. But it also doesn’t fit into the front pocket of my running vest. And if it’s not accessible without taking the pack off, it may as well not be there as far as whether I’d actually use it. I think compared to a DSLR the only advantages of the P&S are size, weight, and price. If I could get a mirrorless ILC that fit in my pocket I’d probably drop the point and shoot. But the advantages over an iPhone are enormous, even if the iPhone does take great pictures. Zoom, sensor size (although the 740HS has the same sensor size as an iPhone), and ergonomics are the big ones. I can use a P&S with gloves on, I can use it without looking, and I can use it to quickly snap a picture (biggest complaint with my iPhone 12. I’m pretty sure my 6S could go from off to picture taken faster).

Here are just a couple shots taken with the point and shoot that I don’t think an iPhone could take:
View attachment 1740005
View attachment 1740006

And yes I know this thread was originally about P&S vs DSLR. I think the answer there is obvious that there’s a time and place for a DSLR/MILC, and also plenty of time’s they‘re not necessary. But I also wanted to add that there’s a place for a P&S even compared to a smartphone camera.

Fantastic photos!?

 

[r.harris1]

I was considering making a similar thread after seeing all the hate against point and shoots in OP’s threads. While I don’t think I would buy a PowerShot 740 (for the price I’d rather a PowerShot G9X, and I currently own a G5X) it definitely still serves a purpose as a pretty compact super zoom. And definitely a huge step up over the iPhone, especially if you want something other than 24mm, 12mm, or 50mm.

Now, don’t get me wrong, I almost always prefer the ergonomics of my mirrorless. The lenses are better, the low-light capabilities are better, and the autofocus is better. But it also doesn’t fit into the front pocket of my running vest. And if it’s not accessible without taking the pack off, it may as well not be there as far as whether I’d actually use it. I think compared to a DSLR the only advantages of the P&S are size, weight, and price. If I could get a mirrorless ILC that fit in my pocket I’d probably drop the point and shoot. But the advantages over an iPhone are enormous, even if the iPhone does take great pictures. Zoom, sensor size (although the 740HS has the same sensor size as an iPhone), and ergonomics are the big ones. I can use a P&S with gloves on, I can use it without looking, and I can use it to quickly snap a picture (biggest complaint with my iPhone 12. I’m pretty sure my 6S could go from off to picture taken faster).

Here are just a couple shots taken with the point and shoot that I don’t think an iPhone could take:
View attachment 1740005
View attachment 1740006

And yes I know this thread was originally about P&S vs DSLR. I think the answer there is obvious that there’s a time and place for a DSLR/MILC, and also plenty of time’s they‘re not necessary. But I also wanted to add that there’s a place for a P&S even compared to a smartphone camera.

There‘s definitely a place for the convenience of a super-zoom P&S. While not a P&S, I loved my little Nikon1 camera - very small, easy to carry and with great autofocus for its size. It was an ILC, so ticked some boxes for me.

 

[mollyc]

The obvious answer (as many have already stated) is no.

Some of your recent threads and posts leave me scratching my head.

You have written that you are happy to have a “real” camera (your new Canon P&S) as opposed to all the people you see using phone cameras. That distinction seems to be important to you.

With your new camera you seem to be happy with the lowest size/quality of files (the files look great to your eye and storage is a concern). Image quality doesn’t seem to be big concern for you.

In this thread you state that an old P&S you used was adequate and your new P&S is significantly better. You imply that most people using a DSLR or ILC don’t really need it and only buy them to look professional.

You seem to be implying that your new Canon P&S is the perfect camera for most people. Better than an iPhone (which isn’t a real camera) but just as good as a “professional” camera which most people don’t really need. Forgive me if I am missing any of the nuance in your posts.

I am really, really happy that you love your new camera. I am excited for you.

As stated in replies above, all cameras are tools. Pick the tool or tools that meet your needs. Your new camera would not be the right tool for me in any situation I can imagine. I have several other tools at my disposal and I pick the one that is best for the job at hand.

Be happy with your new camera. But understand that it has very real limitations compared to other tools. Those limitations aren’t important for you, but they are deal breakers for others. Conversely, the advantages compared to an iPhone are either non-existent or so minor for some people that there isn’t an obvious reason to use your Canon P&S instead of an iPhone. To each their own.

I’m pretty sure he doesn’t actually care about our opinions.

but I continue to comment for others who may read along but not participate in the conversation.

 

[Clix Pix]

Yes, there is a place for convenience and small cameras, as there are those times when one cannot or chooses not to carry a larger camera or a camera with interchangeable lenses. I use my RX10 IV, which is a "bridge" camera/superzoom quite often, especially when in a hurry to run out to the deck and get a shot of something happening on the water. The Zeiss lens has a zoom range of 24mm - 600mm (35mm equivalent on a 1 inch sensor) and is the size of a small DSLR, so definitely not your typical pocketable P&S. In use it feels very much like using a mirrorless ILC or a DSLR, with many of the same functions and features.

When I want to use a small compact camera, I pull out my RX100 VII, which again has the 1 inch sensor, but a shorter Zeiss zoom (24-200mm)and is almost pocketable, depending upon the size of one's pockets. Unlike many P&S cameras it is fully adjustable with both manual and automatic functions, with an EVF and has a good feature set. It is considered an "enthusiast's" compact camera and is fairly expensive.

 

[jwolf6589]

Yes, there is a place for convenience and small cameras, as there are those times when one cannot or chooses not to carry a larger camera or a camera with interchangeable lenses. I use my RX10 IV, which is a "bridge" camera/superzoom quite often, especially when in a hurry to run out to the deck and get a shot of something happening on the water. The Zeiss lens has a zoom range of 24mm - 600mm (35mm equivalent on a 1 inch sensor) and is the size of a small DSLR, so definitely not your typical pocketable P&S. In use it feels very much like using a mirrorless ILC or a DSLR, with many of the same functions and features.

When I want to use a small compact camera, I pull out my RX100 VII, which again has the 1 inch sensor, but a shorter Zeiss zoom (24-200mm)and is almost pocketable, depending upon the size of one's pockets. Unlike many P&S cameras it is fully adjustable with both manual and automatic functions, with an EVF and has a good feature set. It is considered an "enthusiast's" compact camera and is fairly expensive.

What is the difference between manual and auto focus?

 

[Apple fanboy]

What is the difference between manual and auto focus?

Manual focus you move the lens until it is focused (think like a microscope or telescope). Auto focus focuses where you point it. It’s a bit more complicated than that as there are many different type of autofocus. For example single point (my preference) of 3D tracking depending on your camera. Also depending on your aperture setting (f number) and distance from your subject will determine how much of your image is in focus.

 

[jwolf6589]

Manual focus you move the lens until it is focused (think like a microscope or telescope). Auto focus focuses where you point it. It’s a bit more complicated than that as there are many different type of autofocus. For example single point (my preference) of 3D tracking depending on your camera. Also depending on your aperture setting (f number) and distance from your subject will determine how much of your image is in focus.

Oh I see. This all sounds complex and more of a feature of the Pro cameras and not the P&S's. I guess with all the features and adjustments I'd expect the pro cameras to produce better shots than a P&S.

 

[akash.nu]

Oh I see. This all sounds complex and more of a feature of the Pro cameras and not the P&S's. I guess with all the features and adjustments I'd expect the pro cameras to produce better shots than a P&S.

Now this is where you confirmed your present situation and understanding to ask the question as you did.

DSLRs are definitely not for people like you but even if someone’s not “professional” but wants to dig deeper into understanding photography as an art, even as a hobby they actually need to buy a DSLR, albeit not too expensive, to even learn about these things. Various types of lenses, Focal length, ISO, depth of field, metering, white balance, filters etc etc. It requires years to practice and hon one’s skills to be able to generate some of the eye catching pictures.

If you spend long enough in this forum, even just in the “picture of the day” threads, you’ll see some of the members of this forum create photography that are just not possible with a point and shoot camera, including the recent Sony ones which are really good.

 

[mollyc]

Oh I see. This all sounds complex and more of a feature of the Pro cameras and not the P&S's. I guess with all the features and adjustments I'd expect the pro cameras to produce better shots than a P&S.

Anything that gives a photographer more control over the camera is always an advantage. I use manual focus lenses all the time. My images would be impossible to reproduce on a p&s.

 

[jwolf6589]

Anything that gives a photographer more control over the camera is always an advantage. I use manual focus lenses all the time. My images would be impossible to reproduce on a p&s.

I'd expect that for the price one pays for a pro camera. My camera was only $400 a DSLR or mirror less camera is?

 

[jwolf6589]

Now this is where you confirmed your present situation and understanding to ask the question as you did.

DSLRs are definitely not for people like you but even if someone’s not “professional” but wants to dig deeper into understanding photography as an art, even as a hobby they actually need to buy a DSLR, albeit not too expensive, to even learn about these things. Various types of lenses, Focal length, ISO, depth of field, metering, white balance, filters etc etc. It requires years to practice and hon one’s skills to be able to generate some of the eye catching pictures.

If you spend long enough in this forum, even just in the “picture of the day” threads, you’ll see some of the members of this forum create photography that are just not possible with a point and shoot camera, including the recent Sony ones which are really good.

Probably not for me since I am an amateur photographer.

 

[jwolf6589]

I was considering making a similar thread after seeing all the hate against point and shoots in OP’s threads. While I don’t think I would buy a PowerShot 740 (for the price I’d rather a PowerShot G9X, and I currently own a G5X) it definitely still serves a purpose as a pretty compact super zoom. And definitely a huge step up over the iPhone, especially if you want something other than 24mm, 12mm, or 50mm.

Now, don’t get me wrong, I almost always prefer the ergonomics of my mirrorless. The lenses are better, the low-light capabilities are better, and the autofocus is better. But it also doesn’t fit into the front pocket of my running vest. And if it’s not accessible without taking the pack off, it may as well not be there as far as whether I’d actually use it. I think compared to a DSLR the only advantages of the P&S are size, weight, and price. If I could get a mirrorless ILC that fit in my pocket I’d probably drop the point and shoot. But the advantages over an iPhone are enormous, even if the iPhone does take great pictures. Zoom, sensor size (although the 740HS has the same sensor size as an iPhone), and ergonomics are the big ones. I can use a P&S with gloves on, I can use it without looking, and I can use it to quickly snap a picture (biggest complaint with my iPhone 12. I’m pretty sure my 6S could go from off to picture taken faster).

Here are just a couple shots taken with the point and shoot that I don’t think an iPhone could take:
View attachment 1740005
View attachment 1740006

And yes I know this thread was originally about P&S vs DSLR. I think the answer there is obvious that there’s a time and place for a DSLR/MILC, and also plenty of time’s they‘re not necessary. But I also wanted to add that there’s a place for a P&S even compared to a smartphone camera.

How close did you get to the mountain goat to take that shot?

 

[The-Real-Deal82]

Of course a DSLR is not needed by everybody .

A point and shoot camera has limitations though that a DSLR will accomplish but it depends on the needs of the person taking the picture. If you don’t feel you need a camera with more capabilities, buy a camera that does enough of what you need, simple as that.

 

[mollyc]

Oh I see. This all sounds complex and more of a feature of the Pro cameras and not the P&S's. I guess with all the features and adjustments I'd expect the pro cameras to produce better shots than a P&S.

I'd expect that for the price one pays for a pro camera. My camera was only $400 a DSLR or mirror less camera is?

Re: discussing manual focus

do you even pay attention to what you type??

 

[MBAir2010]

Oh I see. This all sounds complex and more of a feature of the Pro cameras and not the P&S's. I guess with all the features and adjustments I'd expect the pro cameras to produce better shots than a P&S.

my auto focus or lens broke again, so i'm using manual now, well since yesterday.
all i do is slide the round focus mechanism while aimed at the subject
were i get the view i think will make the scene the best, and click!

not too tough, and that is how i was trained to take photos back in the 1980s
just my reliability on autofocus hampered my judgement and need to take better photos
meaning

i now need to value the light, surroundings and subject more attentively
until i get a new lens, which might be never.

 

[Apple fanboy]

Oh I see. This all sounds complex and more of a feature of the Pro cameras and not the P&S's. I guess with all the features and adjustments I'd expect the pro cameras to produce better shots than a P&S.

They do.

 

[Isamilis]

Back in 2001-2002 I worked for a college newspaper. My primary job was writer but on occasion did I also take photographs. Guess what my main camera was for shooting photos? Point and shoot. The $400 Powershot I own today I could not have dreamt of owning at that time. We did have some pro cameras but primarily the job was done with point and shoot. Then in 2004 I worked for Youth4christ and guess what my primary camera was for taking photos? Point and shoot. These were not cheap point and shoot cameras but nice ones like the one I own for their time period.

Many today think that they need DSLR cameras for tasks that can be accomplished with a point and shoot. Granted some need a pro camera but many do not and can get by with the camera I own or something similar. They just want a pro camera to have all the bells and whistles and the image of looking professional.

Aside from photographers, for sure, not everyone needs SLR (or DSLR). Even, in 90s, people do not need camera at hand anytime. But, now it looks like everyone need camera, but for sure, not necessarily DSLR camera. In my opinion, the interest to buy DSLR for ordinary people is due to curiosity and commercial ads. While for the image capture purpose only, most have been covered with smartphone camera.

 

[r.harris1]

I think you're conflating DSLR/MILC with "Pro Camera". That only professionals should or can have such an object. Obviously professionals do tend to have these types in their arsenal, but really they're just cameras that allow you to change the lens and have much more control over how the image is exposed. Some come in at lower price points, some much higher. They can have slightly different image sensors and different capabilities (e.g. 8k video on the higher end ones).

It's also true that you can take really bad photographs with the more expensive cameras. I do it every day .

Professional photographers I know aren't trying to find the camera that makes them look the most professional. They're really after capability and its cousin, flexibility. Professionals use iPhones. Professionals use 50k medium format systems. And everything in between. The higher priced DSLR/MILC cameras will often have more of both flexibility and capability and so professionals can gravitate to them. But so do people who don't get paid but who love photography and pursue it as a hobby.

If you want to point a camera at a thing and press a button and then send the images to your friends, you're done. Go out and shoot! If, instead of saying "gosh that sounds complicated and for professionals", you want to learn about photography, it's not hard. Amateur doesn't mean "newbie", by the way. It has as its root the word for love. It means you don't make a living from it but you love doing it, essentially. If you want to learn and you like to read, you can pick up books like "Understanding Exposure" by Bryan Peterson or any host of others. There are plenty of options on YouTube or wherever. Ask questions here and try not to dismiss answers. There is a wealth of knowledge here with people nice enough to help. I learn a ton here every single day.