Paul Stamatiou has learned that once you go DSLR, it's hard going back to a point-and-shoot camera. I have found the same thing to be true. The quality of shots you get with a good DSLR makes me ashamed to ever pull out my old point-and-shoot or worse-case scenario, the camera-phone. Sure it's a bit heavier and bulkier than a pocket camera, but it's worth it for me.
Paul received his Nikon D80 as part of Nikon's blogger outreach program, so did BL Ochman. While BL is also impressed by the D-80 she still likes the convenience of her Canon A-85.
The only downside to the DSLR addiction is cost. As some of the comments on Paul's post have pointed out, the cost of the DSLR body is only the start. The real investment is lenses. However, the investment in lenses only makes the camera (and hopefully) your photos better. My most recent lens purchase, a Nikon 17-55mm f/2.8 cost more than my camera, but it's been worth every penny.
Now I'm saving for the 70-200mm f/2.8.
Visitor Comments
I just got the D40, and although I love every bit of it, I do agree with BL in that sometimes a point and shoot is nice. I like to take pictures everywhere I go and I feel sort of odd lugging my D40 around as small as it is.
But still, I'll cary that camera if it can give me great photos :).
Posted by: Judson | May 14, 2007 10:18 PM
I just bought the 50mm 1.8 and it's been my go-to lens ever since. Real men zoon with their feet!
Posted by: David Parmet | May 15, 2007 9:04 AM
Dave:
I own the 50mm 1.4 and it is amazing as well. I'd say the 50mm 1.4 and 17-55 2.8 share about 50/50 body-time.
Posted by: Josh Hallett | May 15, 2007 9:11 AM
I recently got the D40 then immediately purchased the 55-200VR. This is my first DSLR and I love it! Although I'd like to see David zoom with his feet on people riding behind the boat! :)
Posted by: Adam | May 16, 2007 3:09 PM
Hi Josh - When I twittered about getting a Nikon D40, you twittered back about how I'd get sucked-into buying expensive lenses, now.
You were right. Like Adam I just got the 55-200VR.
Cha-ching.
I gave the old $350-ish point&shoot digital camera to my kids. As a toy.
Posted by: Todd Defren | May 17, 2007 11:46 AM
Oh, you are a bastard to show off that lens. I just got a Nikon (D40) because of your insipid virtual (and sometimes physical) influence, only to realize that an f3.5 just doesn't cut in anything less than bright sunshine! Now I lust after exactly that lens, and it costs twice what my camera cost! Damn, damn, damn!
P.S. I also got the 55-200 VR, but have nothing for low light... :-(
Posted by: Mike Schinkel | May 22, 2007 3:18 AM