Do I Need A DSLR Camera?

Do I Need A DSLR Camera?

                                            My Canon 5D Mark 2 with 24-105L lens



 Many people observing me shooting at an event or around town have asked this question repeatedly. There is no short answer.
 If you want the highest quality images you can get (especially in low light situations) and you have deep pockets, then yes, I would say buy one. I have never regretted using DSLR cameras. On the other hand, if you mostly take snapshots to show on the web with little or no cropping, you may be better off with a good point and shoot camera.


Learning:
 Todays DSLR cameras have become much more user friendly for the casual photographer with many presets and automatic settings akin to their lower priced point and shoot little brothers.But to get the most out of your DSLR camera, you're going to have to get a little knowledge.
 Learning about f stops, composition, focus points, white balance, shutter speeds, depth of field, flash compensation, and the myriad other things you need to know to get the most out of your DSLR, at first, can be daunting.
 Fortunately, there is an amazing abundance of information on the internet to help you gain the knowledge you need to explore your cameras fullest potential. (remember; the more you know, the better photographer you'll become.)
 If you don't want to take the time and effort to investigate and learn these things, then a point and shoot is the right answer for you.


Cost:
 Another factor to consider is cost. As a rule, DSLR cameras are much more expensive than point and shoots. On top of this, you should consider many added costs that you might not think of at the time of purchase.These include memory cards (cards for DSLRs are ridiculously more expensive than standard SD cards used in most point and shoots.)
External flash units- between $300.00 to $500.00. Extra batteries- $100.00.
 Most importantly, lenses. Some lenses can cost many times more than your actual camera. I own a variety of lenses for different situations and I can tell you they are quite an investment. That being said, I advise to never go cheap on lenses. It all starts with the glass.(note: be sure of the camera you buy for as you add more lenses to your collection, you'll, of course, be locked in to that camera brand unless you're filthy rich.)


Weight:
 DSLRs are heavier and bulkier than point and shoots, they won't fit in your pocket.


 All these things being said, I believe using a high end DSLR to be the best way to take high quality, professional grade images.


But, on the other hand,


 I believe the best camera you own is the one you have with you when that perfect photo op presents itself.


 With phones now having up to 8mp cameras and digital point and shoots providing ever greater advantages in both features and resolution, I personally believe the advantages of these types of cameras are numerous. I don't think anyone should rely on a phone to take all your pictures (look at all the crappy, blurred images you see on Facebook), but with all the great point and shoots out there, I'm sure you'll find one that suits your needs.


 In the long run, the choice is yours: DSLR,point and shoot, phone, or if you're like me, all of the above.


The main thing is to keep shooting and to have fun with it , Enjoy!