Do i need a DSLR?

Dange

Dange

Dange

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Joined
28 Jun 2005
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272
I bought a Fuji s6500sd about 6 months ago and it's been great but i'm about to go InterRailing around Europe in a few weeks. I've got a few hundred quid spare and am considering getting a DSLR because i want to make the most of the photographic opportunities while im travelling. I've been looking around at prices and i reckon i wont be able to afford much more than a body and kit lens (for example D40 with a 18-55, compared to the 28-300 on my Fuji).

Would i be better off sticking with the fuji for ease of use, or would the move to the SLR be worth it? Would the shorter lens be limiting compared to the range on the Fuji?
 
Dange said:
Would i be better off sticking with the fuji for ease of use, or would the move to the SLR be worth it? Would the shorter lens be limiting compared to the range on the Fuji?
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Only you can really answer those questions.

With your Fuji, if you find that the majority of your shots are towards the long end, then yes, it probably would be a bit limiting for you. In terms of ease of use and practicality, always go and try before you buy (even if you later buy online) and see what you think. If you're happy with that Fuji, then the weight and size of a dSLR obviously aren't going to phase you too much. With a low budget, also don't rule out buying second hand or a refurb - there are some real bargains where people have bought them and then simply not used them as they thought they would, so they've had next to no use.
 
I used a film SLR for many years, but loved the freedom my compact digital cameras gave me. So I was pretty happy with a Canon S1 for a few years. Despite its limitations (lousy viewfinder resolution and poor focus speed) for general purpose photography it was fine, and took surprisingly good pictures in 'point & shoot' mode. I also love the macro capabilities and depth of field of small sensor cameras.

However when I got back into visiting airshows I immediately realised I had to buy a DSLR. For action photography no bridge camera can compete, especially once you start pushing the ISO up to improve shutter speeds in murky conditions.

So I'd say that when travelling it's very hard to beat the kind of compact package your Fuji has to offer. If you're generally happy with the pictures you take, and rarely expect to need split second imaging, this might not be the time to blow some of your savings... when travelling there is no such thing as having too much money in reserve! :-)

Good luck with your choice. I rarely use anything other than my Canon 40D now. But it's a big lump of camera, I hate changing lenses when out, and the weight of multiple lenses is always a pain for a pedestrian like myself who enjoys travelling as light as possible. If a small sensor camera could offer the same lag & AF performance I might easily be tempted back to the all-in-one format... says the man wondering if he can justify starting to save for a 300mm f2.8 and x2 converter for next year's airshow season.

It's an illness I tell you! Stay away! ;-)

Andrew McP
 
I'd say if your budget is only a 'few' hundred pounds and your just about to take a trip your better off sticking with what you've got. The dSLR is an expensive hoby and you've got a camera that will take perfectly reasonable pics of your trip and I'm sure the few hundred quid you have could be better spent living it up on the continent.
 
Thanks for the advice guys, i think i'll have a peek in a camera shop and see what the SLRs in my budget are like, but maybe i'll be better off waiting till i get back from travelling and start work. Sounds like i'll need a steady income if im going to enter into the world of SLRs.
 
King4aDay said:
A lottery win is generally considered the minimum entry requirement :p
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If you want all the L lenses and IS.
I entered DSLR with a mere £300, bought everything second hand till I had enough for more expensive "new ones". Save up but with photography, it'll never stop, you'll find faults with this lens and this shot and want more~
 
I just did a round the world trip, probably very different in terms of what you can and can't take, but the people on the trip with SLRs found them a right pain in the arse to lug round, and rarely bothered getting them out for a lot of quick shots because of the hassle. That said, they did get some stunning shots. A very hard decision!
 
I popped into my local store today and had a play with a couple, the Canon 450D seemed really nice and i liked the way the controls were set out. The Nikon 60D didn't impress me that much (although i'd like to have a bit longer to play and explore them, that was my first impression). I think i'll leave the buying till i start work, i don't really want to rush into anything. I'll stick with my trust s6500 for Europe!
 
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