Leaving the SLR behind on family days out
Discussion
I have made this commitment! I realised that i was in danger of turning into my dad, lugging a rucksack full of gear on family days, and spending too much time with a camera glued to my face than spending happy times with the offspring.
HOWEVER, I still want to take pics of the kids, and retain the ability to take a quality photo when the opportunity presents, so I'm thinking of downsizing to a bridge camera, for this situation.
Looking at Panasonic Lumix FZ100, seems well spec'd variable reviews on image quality, Fuji Finepix HS20 pricey, Canon Powershot SX30IS poor framerate and no RAW but good everwhere else.
Advice and suggestions welcome
HOWEVER, I still want to take pics of the kids, and retain the ability to take a quality photo when the opportunity presents, so I'm thinking of downsizing to a bridge camera, for this situation.
Looking at Panasonic Lumix FZ100, seems well spec'd variable reviews on image quality, Fuji Finepix HS20 pricey, Canon Powershot SX30IS poor framerate and no RAW but good everwhere else.
Advice and suggestions welcome
Don't do it 
I've tried a couple of times and just get frustrated with rubbish pics.
I appreciate it's about capturing the moment, not nailing the last 10% of photographic excellence, but it helps to capture the moment properly doesn't it
I try to limit the amount of gear by just taking the camera with one lens and no bag when out and about.
Often this is the 50mm as the 24-70 is a beast to lug about all day!
I've tried a couple of times and just get frustrated with rubbish pics.I appreciate it's about capturing the moment, not nailing the last 10% of photographic excellence, but it helps to capture the moment properly doesn't it
I try to limit the amount of gear by just taking the camera with one lens and no bag when out and about.
Often this is the 50mm as the 24-70 is a beast to lug about all day!
wendyg said:
I have made this commitment! I realised that i was in danger of turning into my dad, lugging a rucksack full of gear on family days, and spending too much time with a camera glued to my face than spending happy times with the offspring.
HOWEVER, I still want to take pics of the kids, and retain the ability to take a quality photo when the opportunity presents, so I'm thinking of downsizing to a bridge camera, for this situation.
Looking at Panasonic Lumix FZ100, seems well spec'd variable reviews on image quality, Fuji Finepix HS20 pricey, Canon Powershot SX30IS poor framerate and no RAW but good everwhere else.
Advice and suggestions welcome
So basically you'll be doing the same thing, plus getting pissed off at home that the photos are crap and you should've taken your SLR? HOWEVER, I still want to take pics of the kids, and retain the ability to take a quality photo when the opportunity presents, so I'm thinking of downsizing to a bridge camera, for this situation.
Looking at Panasonic Lumix FZ100, seems well spec'd variable reviews on image quality, Fuji Finepix HS20 pricey, Canon Powershot SX30IS poor framerate and no RAW but good everwhere else.
Advice and suggestions welcome
If my experience of Fuji is anything to go by (the EXR) don't go there. The battery life is shocking - 56 photos on the last recharge and never more than 100. But I agree with your sentiments, the D3 and 24/70 being heavy for a day out and the new range of P&S cameras produce excellent results. I've bitten the bullet and ordered a Lumix LX5 so I can still have control over the composition.
Edited by lowdrag on Saturday 16th April 14:38
gary71 said:
Don't do it I've tried a couple of times and just get frustrated with rubbish pics.
I appreciate it's about capturing the moment, not nailing the last 10% of photographic excellence, but it helps to capture the moment properly doesn't it
I try to limit the amount of gear by just taking the camera with one lens and no bag when out and about.
Often this is the 50mm as the 24-70 is a beast to lug about all day!
This is the way definitely. If you like the quality from an SLR, a compact will always frustrate. I've tried a couple of times and just get frustrated with rubbish pics.I appreciate it's about capturing the moment, not nailing the last 10% of photographic excellence, but it helps to capture the moment properly doesn't it
I try to limit the amount of gear by just taking the camera with one lens and no bag when out and about.
Often this is the 50mm as the 24-70 is a beast to lug about all day!
My dad recently bought a bridge camera (can't remember which - maybe a Lumix) and it takes fantastic photos. He still has his D200 but it doesn't get used all that much these days! Plus he's not lugging half a ton of gear around with him.
ETA - it is a Lumix G1
ETA - it is a Lumix G1
Edited by NiceCupOfTea on Saturday 16th April 19:25
wendyg said:
I have made this commitment! I realised that i was in danger of turning into my dad, lugging a rucksack full of gear on family days, and spending too much time with a camera glued to my face than spending happy times with the offspring.
Don't take a rucksack full of gear. Simply stick the kit lens on the camera and be done with it.For the last few weeks we've been doing some walks up in London (hell, i just won a competition with some of my pictures from one of the walks!), and the only thing I take is the SLR, Tokina UWA and a tripod. And when I remember I also have a remote release as well.
Everyone else takes camera bags, their entire collection of lenses, filters galore, and so forth. One even wanted to take his laptop until we persuaded him otherwise (you know who you are
)At the end of the day, you don't need a bag of kit to take a good picture.
rottie102 said:
A 450d with a 50mm 1.8 is a very light and convenient package. And great for family photos.
Whilst you'll get great photos from that you haven't got the flexibility of the bridge camera. While you are faffing with the settings or trying to frame it by moving around you have lost the shot.I love my 50mm prime but more often than not have the kit lens on the camera as I am more likely to capture the shot I want.
I suppose the compromise would be a D40 with kit lens or something, as they are small and light anyway.
Personally I have my D70s with a collection of lenses, and a Lumix P&S for when I am out and about.
Did this myself before and ended up going back to a DSLR again.
In theory the idea is great. Can just pop it in your pocket and not have to worry about a big weight around your neck all day but the problem I found was that the camera just let me down too much.
I had an Olympus DSLR and decided I wasn't taking it anywhere as I couldn't be bothered to lug it around and it just got in the way. I bought a Panasonic Lumix LX-3. Reviews were glowing and image quality looked great. Was branded as the perfect companion to a DSLR.
Got it and at first I was very happy but little things started to annoy me. The autofocus was slower than the DSLR, the exposures weren't consistant and wern't reliable. Using the flash, even on full auto, blew out all the highlights completly in dark conditions (in a restaurant etc.) which made it useless for general stuff. Quality was very near on par with the DSLR though. Bit grainy over 400iso but when it got the exposure right, it was cracking. I also missed using a view finder. Found it quite frustrating having to use the screen sometimes!
I ended up getting another DSLR which tbh, I rarely use due to the original problem. I took it on holiday with my and used it twise and only took around 5 photos. We used the missus Lumix FX-40 the rest of the time. Quality isn't on par with the DSLR or LX-3 but its a very nice little camera.
In theory the idea is great. Can just pop it in your pocket and not have to worry about a big weight around your neck all day but the problem I found was that the camera just let me down too much.
I had an Olympus DSLR and decided I wasn't taking it anywhere as I couldn't be bothered to lug it around and it just got in the way. I bought a Panasonic Lumix LX-3. Reviews were glowing and image quality looked great. Was branded as the perfect companion to a DSLR.
Got it and at first I was very happy but little things started to annoy me. The autofocus was slower than the DSLR, the exposures weren't consistant and wern't reliable. Using the flash, even on full auto, blew out all the highlights completly in dark conditions (in a restaurant etc.) which made it useless for general stuff. Quality was very near on par with the DSLR though. Bit grainy over 400iso but when it got the exposure right, it was cracking. I also missed using a view finder. Found it quite frustrating having to use the screen sometimes!
I ended up getting another DSLR which tbh, I rarely use due to the original problem. I took it on holiday with my and used it twise and only took around 5 photos. We used the missus Lumix FX-40 the rest of the time. Quality isn't on par with the DSLR or LX-3 but its a very nice little camera.
Deluded said:
Did this myself before and ended up going back to a DSLR again.
In theory the idea is great. Can just pop it in your pocket and not have to worry about a big weight around your neck all day but the problem I found was that the camera just let me down too much.
I had an Olympus DSLR and decided I wasn't taking it anywhere as I couldn't be bothered to lug it around and it just got in the way. I bought a Panasonic Lumix LX-3. Reviews were glowing and image quality looked great. Was branded as the perfect companion to a DSLR.
Got it and at first I was very happy but little things started to annoy me. The autofocus was slower than the DSLR, the exposures weren't consistant and wern't reliable. Using the flash, even on full auto, blew out all the highlights completly in dark conditions (in a restaurant etc.) which made it useless for general stuff. Quality was very near on par with the DSLR though. Bit grainy over 400iso but when it got the exposure right, it was cracking. I also missed using a view finder. Found it quite frustrating having to use the screen sometimes!
I ended up getting another DSLR which tbh, I rarely use due to the original problem. I took it on holiday with my and used it twise and only took around 5 photos. We used the missus Lumix FX-40 the rest of the time. Quality isn't on par with the DSLR or LX-3 but its a very nice little camera.
Sorry, so what's the conclusion? In theory the idea is great. Can just pop it in your pocket and not have to worry about a big weight around your neck all day but the problem I found was that the camera just let me down too much.
I had an Olympus DSLR and decided I wasn't taking it anywhere as I couldn't be bothered to lug it around and it just got in the way. I bought a Panasonic Lumix LX-3. Reviews were glowing and image quality looked great. Was branded as the perfect companion to a DSLR.
Got it and at first I was very happy but little things started to annoy me. The autofocus was slower than the DSLR, the exposures weren't consistant and wern't reliable. Using the flash, even on full auto, blew out all the highlights completly in dark conditions (in a restaurant etc.) which made it useless for general stuff. Quality was very near on par with the DSLR though. Bit grainy over 400iso but when it got the exposure right, it was cracking. I also missed using a view finder. Found it quite frustrating having to use the screen sometimes!
I ended up getting another DSLR which tbh, I rarely use due to the original problem. I took it on holiday with my and used it twise and only took around 5 photos. We used the missus Lumix FX-40 the rest of the time. Quality isn't on par with the DSLR or LX-3 but its a very nice little camera.
I've got a Canon Powershot bridge camera for family days out and for Mrs Pints to stick on auto for those "food in the hair" moments. The manual settings are adequate for half decent settings if I'm at the controls. The video option is also great for family moments.
I'd say go for it.
Now I just need to get Mrs Pints to agree the purchase of a new DSLR for moi.
I'd say go for it.
Now I just need to get Mrs Pints to agree the purchase of a new DSLR for moi.
My second camera is a Panasonic FT2, its main use is to give it to people when I want a picture taken of myself I don't risk handing over over 1k+ worth of kit.
Also, it's waterproof so it was a brilliant addition in torrential storm, canoeing, exploring waterfalls etc. Places I would never take my SLR to.
That's what I would go for if I'd be you.
I don't risk handing over over 1k+ worth of kit.Also, it's waterproof so it was a brilliant addition in torrential storm, canoeing, exploring waterfalls etc. Places I would never take my SLR to.
That's what I would go for if I'd be you.
lowdrag said:
. I've bitten the bullet and ordered a Lumix LX5 so I can still have control over the composition.
Great choice, as is the Panasonic GF2 if you seek inter changeable lenses. Sony NEX5 is good too.I don't do paid photography work and don't miss the SLR's but absolutely love the flexibility a small camera provides.
rottie102 said:
Sorry, so what's the conclusion?
There isn't one. You can't win.DLSR is too bulky to be able to take around and not worry about it or find it being in the way, compact is a compromise of quality and functions.
The LX-3 was a great camera for what it was but was no way a DSLR replacement. It acted too much like a compact for that.
The mirrorless system cameras we see now are probably the best middle ground but IMO they don't solve the problem of the bulky DSLR. They might be smaller but still wont fit into a pocket.
Something like the Sigma DP1/2 is the way forward IMO but they just didn't get it right. APS-C sized sensor and very good image quality but only had a fixed lens (no zoom) and multiple other niggles. Seems that no manufacturer really makes the camera I want.
I want an APS-C/4:3 sized sensor with a 24-90mm zoom. I don't want/need a changeable lens. Just want DSLR quality images in a compact body. It's really not that hard! An Olympus E-PL2 body, with a built in flash and the lens from the Olympus XZ-1. Sorted.
Get on it Olympus.
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