Cheap Camera / Expensive Camera..how much difference?

Question

I'm thinking about buying my very first DSLR camera, which will be one of my first cameras. I own a Nikon L100 but it just isn't very reliable, it's a little sluggish and it doesn't take quick action shots...even on a bright day. Anyways I had my eye on the Canon Rebel XS (18-55mm lens) but I'm a bit confused on a few things. First of all the zoom is very short, and secondly, on the Canon website, this particular lens doesn't work well for objects closer then about 5 feet either. But on my Point&Shoot Nikon I can get fantastic macro photos + 15x zoom for distance shots...so why are DSLR lens so expensive? I've seen them go 2-3x the cost of the body itself...should I just stick with my L100 then for trips/vacations? And what are the extra benefits for a DSLR besides choosing your own aperture/shutter speed, etc...?

Answer 1

It all depends on how happy you are with the results of the camera you are using at present.



It might be a bit sluggish but my reckoning is that it will be lighter and more handy to use than an SLR.



The advantage of an SLR with a more expensive lens is that what you see through the viewfinder is exactly what will be taken by the camera - that's the whole point of the mirror and pentaprism inside the SLR. The other issues are image quality and ability to freeze action and /or limit or increase depth of focus by altering the shutter and aperture settings.

The quality will be better with an DSLR because the optics are generally better quality and the digital sensor larger and higher quality.

The zoom range of the 18-55 is reasonable. It might not seem like a big range but it covers most of the zoom settings that you will want to use. There are zooms available with greater ranges but they tend to be not as 'fast' (maximum lens aperture is not as great) , hence will not work as well in dark or dim conditions, the quality of them is not great and the bigger the zoom range the heavier the lens.

See if you can take some shots with a friends DSLR so you can better make a decision.



The Rebel XS is quite a good camera and the 18-55 is a reasonable (although not great zoom). In the long run if I were in your position and serious about photography and wanted to get 'arty' with my photography I would go for what you mention but buy a canon macro zoom.



Like I said it all depends what you want to do with your photography, how much you are willing to stay with your present camera and how much you want to spend

Answer 2

1. They use much larger and higher quality image sensors, which gives the best picture quality.

2. They can shoot in RAW format which allows you to touch up your photo however you want without the horrid jpeg compression.

3. You can shoot photos in much faster succession.

4. You can change the lenses for a wide variety of purposes.



There are many reasons a lens can be expensive. You have to realize that its more important than the body it when it comes to sharp, high quality photos. Also you will have them for a very long time. You will maybe replace your camera body 4 or 5 times before you get rid of a lens. What makes them most expensive are the following:



1. The range of the zoom, very wide angle (14mm) to high telephoto (up to 800mm). A lens that covers a wide range can cost a lot since it eliminates the need for multiple lenses.

2. The aperture. The very expensive ones you're finding all have f/2.8 don't they? They are fast professional lenses. It means that the camera is capable of shooting at the same high aperture across its entire zoom range, instead of consumer lenses which might do f/3.5 at widest and f/5.6 as longest.

3. Special purpose. Some lenses are made to excel at a specific role, and they can be costly. A macro lens is expensive, but you can hold it an inch away from your subject and focus clearly on it.



Your L100 will not take anywhere near as good of photos as the XS. They will all be low-quality and look very flat. By being able to adjust aperture and shoot in raw format, you can give your photos dimensions that you would never be able to without a DSLR. Seriously buy one and take some photos, you will not regret it.



Your next question on here will be, "Good zoom lens for Canon XS?" lol

Answer 3

their is none just look for one that has 10+ megapixles