Calling time on the DSLR

[x5x3]

I have been using my 40D less and less recently and have been relying on an old Ixus to capture family outings etc.

It is mostly lack of time and lack of opportunity (and probably skill to be honest) which prevents me making more use of it but it is a bulk and the Ixus just fits in any pocket.

I was looking at the new Ixus 200 and came to the conclusion that for the sort of photos I mostly take it fits the bill far better than the 40D.

Has anyone else been through this dilemma?

[anonymous-user]

I love my 20D and have 2 great lenses for it.... but there are times when I just think an Ixus 100 in my pocket, always available, would be better.

Guess both is best.

[squirrel2007]

I rarely use my SLR for things other than racing, airshows or landscapes as a compact is far more useable and practical at a party/wedding/day out. I always feel like a tool when I have my chunky camera round my neck at a social do!!

[gingerpaul]

I fall into this camp too. I'm of the opinion that to take a good picture you've got to actually have your camera available. I bought a Canon G9 18 months ago and while it is better than most compacts it still can't touch a proper SLR.

The cameras I have been waiting for have arrived though and you might find they are exactly what you're after too. Check out the Olympus PEN and the Panasonic GF1. They have sensors with about half the area of a full frame sensor but in a compact body. I'm looking forward to trying them both out when the Panasonic becomes available.

[_dobbo_]

Compact for most of the time, DSLR for when it matters.

I'm off to Kenya in a few weeks, guaranteed I can't get the shots I want with a compact.

[x5x3]

I think I will get the Ixus 200 and play with it for a while and then there may be a few nice items for sale on PH soon!

[Rob13]

X5X3, if you're looking to sell the 40D, I may be interested. PM with details....

[Felters]

gingerpaul said:

I fall into this camp too. I'm of the opinion that to take a good picture you've got to actually have your camera available. I bought a Canon G9 18 months ago and while it is better than most compacts it still can't touch a proper SLR.

The cameras I have been waiting for have arrived though and you might find they are exactly what you're after too. Check out the Olympus PEN and the Panasonic GF1. They have sensors with about half the area of a full frame sensor but in a compact body. I'm looking forward to trying them both out when the Panasonic becomes available.

Given this is PH I really think that you should spend significantly more money. Let me introduce you to the M9, With a couple of lenses you'll be heading for £8k - but there is a waiting list anyway so you'll have time to save up.

http://www.amateurphotographer.co.uk/news/Leica_M9...

[x5x3]

Felters said:

gingerpaul said:

I fall into this camp too. I'm of the opinion that to take a good picture you've got to actually have your camera available. I bought a Canon G9 18 months ago and while it is better than most compacts it still can't touch a proper SLR.

The cameras I have been waiting for have arrived though and you might find they are exactly what you're after too. Check out the Olympus PEN and the Panasonic GF1. They have sensors with about half the area of a full frame sensor but in a compact body. I'm looking forward to trying them both out when the Panasonic becomes available.

Given this is PH I really think that you should spend significantly more money. Let me introduce you to the M9, With a couple of lenses you'll be heading for £8k - but there is a waiting list anyway so you'll have time to save up.

http://www.amateurphotographer.co.uk/news/Leica_M9...

that is a fair point - but I have been neglecting other toys recently and spending far too much money on camera kit which I do not use....

[gingerpaul]

Felters said:

gingerpaul said:

I fall into this camp too. I'm of the opinion that to take a good picture you've got to actually have your camera available. I bought a Canon G9 18 months ago and while it is better than most compacts it still can't touch a proper SLR.

The cameras I have been waiting for have arrived though and you might find they are exactly what you're after too. Check out the Olympus PEN and the Panasonic GF1. They have sensors with about half the area of a full frame sensor but in a compact body. I'm looking forward to trying them both out when the Panasonic becomes available.

Given this is PH I really think that you should spend significantly more money. Let me introduce you to the M9, With a couple of lenses you'll be heading for £8k - but there is a waiting list anyway so you'll have time to save up.

http://www.amateurphotographer.co.uk/news/Leica_M9...

That'd be lovely but I think I might need to wait for them to be on display in a museum before I had saved enough pennies for one of those.

[Nick M]

I tried a compact, but usually ended up disappointed with the results or getting cross with it because it was slow to focus or take a picture.

But with the latest releases like the GF1 I might be tempted to have a re-think.

[lowdrag]

I had a look at the Panasonic LX3 and for serious work that is one beauty of a small camera.Full manual, AP & SP control with an f2.8 lens. I couldn't see anyone being unhappy with that but it isn't really pocket size. I must admit that this weekend at Goodwood I have so much on that I am forgoing the heavy gear and just taking the new Fuji 200 and to hell with the consequences. I'm not planning on doing any racing photography this year anyway. I just am getting too old to carry two bodies and three lenses (not far off 20lbs in all) for three days.

[Le Mans Visitor]

lowdrag said:

I just am getting too old to carry two bodies and three lenses (not far off 20lbs in all) for three days.

I will gladly look after them for you Tony!!;)