DSLR: better control than compact camera :)p

I just noticed that my previous post of my blabbering on how much I wanted a DSLR had attracted a good number of readers and I felt quite surprised. That post was meant only to express my extreme desire in getting my hands on a DSLR...and that's it. I went about to survey on them and then I make my decision...and the rest was history. I bought it about a year back and didn't really use it much due to my hectic schedule. It went on a few trips with me and only until recently, I got to learn a bit more on how to use the camera.

I guess that I should blog on something more constructive than my previous post. This is nothing professional..though, if you need professional skills and tips - google. These are the few things to consider before you fork out a few thousands on a new toy:

1. REQUIREMENT
Nowadays, photography is becoming so common that everyone can afford a DSLR and go around taking photo like nobody's business. Seriously, photography used to be an art where only people with a certain set of knowledge and skills are able to indulge in. That was until the digital age sets in.

But what you need? Are you an amateur or you would want a DSLR just because everyone else has it? I buy a DSLR because I no longer what everything to be automatized. I am no longer satisfied with the automated focusing of my compact camera. I want sharper focus and more control over my settings (focus points/AF area). I want a sensor good enough to capture the surrounding light and produce a better photo with more emotions in it.

And this is when you should switch to DSLR. So, I need something to start with and to learn about all this little things about F-stops and whatnots but I decided not to choose entry-level camera (so to say, a beginner DSLR) because it is still too automatized with limited functions to play with. Nikon has got a range for entry level and it offers step-by-step guide to teach you on its functions. I know that I will get bored with it very very soon and so I move on my choices to intermediate cameras which suit my requirement better.
Now that you have identified your requirement - if you should really buy a DSLR. If you just need a camera for instant photoshooting, then get a compact/compact with interchangeable lens (or you'd prefer 'instagram' filter effects..choose a Polaroid or...your smartphone). Canon IXUS and Nikon1 are my preferences (I think Cybershot is sleek but I don't quite like Sony cameras. They are just not meant to be in photography).

2. PRICE
There are so many brands around...Fujifilm, Olympus, Canon, Nikon and the list goes on. You've got semi-DSLR, DSLR, pro-level, entry-level, touch-screen and etc...all sort of fancy stuff which comes with a price tag.

Well, I really love classic looking body and crazy as it sounds, I really really would want to splurge on a Leica should I have the extra money to spend on. I mean, look at it - it's like a Audrey Hepburn in the 21st century. I have never use any of the Leica lens...well, we have Carl-Zeiss camera in the laboratory..so.anyways, the idea that I have now would be the quality of the lens...I know that probably it wouldn't make much difference because afterall, if you are only using a DSLR for amateur photography, seriously, any camera is just the same.

BUT the price differs.

As a replacement, I think Fujifilm has a classic body closest to Leica but I didn't choose that one - wth, pricing at RM3000 ++, it is something that I can't afford now. That brings me to Canon or Nikon...both are also a brilliant brand. According to friends, Canon captures true color while Nikon enhances the color. Doesn't really matter to me because all I want is nothing fancy, basic and definitely no touch-screens. Touch screens on the phone is great but in a camera? That sucked away the fun of photography.

I supposed I prefer Nikon better because I somewhat thought the color that Canon gives is more prone to orange-ish though my friend later told me that it's just a matter of how you control the settings. Well, true...still I went for Nikon...perhaps, I was trapped by its advertisement. C'mon, how can Canon's Sharapova beats Nikon's of 'part of the world' ? (I do think Nikon1 is super sleek!)

Now, Nikon was set. Move on to Digitalmania. They seriously have the price that no one can beat- all thanks to their cost saving operation strategy and thus, they are able to sell at a price so much better-than-others. I've got my full set of D90 here (18-55mm kit lens) at RM2700. Initially I was tempted to buy an used D90 from my friend (RM1800 -body only) but after browsing through this site, I decided that the extra bit of cash is worth for a new camera. Well..the calculation is about there because I'd still need my lens if I get the body from my friend.

3. Lens
Lens is pretty much the core of a camera and depending on your budget, lens can cost you a bomb. I enjoy macro shoots as much as street photography...sometimes a bit of landscape too. Well...not much of portraits. And I really don't want to burden myself with different lens - not until I'm better with my skills. So, initially I have thought of getting a Nikon body with Sigma lens or similar at a lower price but later on, have a second thoughts. The price wouldn't differ much and moreover, friends suggested that I should really invest in the lens and I followed their advice by getting a kit lens (18-55mm is sufficient for my usage). It's like a good starter kit (auto focus and such...It's pretty standard) and I think it's a good choice over prime lens (initially, I was thinking of 55mm prime lens but I knew it that I'd use a zoom function) because it will offer you the zooming flexibility. Of course, again, some said prime lens give you better photo quality.

There. Own a DSLR only if you really feel that urge to switch for better control. Else...save your money for better things :) I've got a D90 with starter kit and I'm loving it! (My fave is the focus points<3 )