Something that helped me...

[clicks]

I found this article (http://digital-photography-school.com/stop-wishing-for-that-amazing-camera-and-appreciate-the-one-youve-got) on a different site and it changed my thinking completely. The last 6 months or so, I've been lusting over a DSLR (right now, I have a little ol point and shoot Canon Powershot A590 IS). I had planned on getting a new camera in November but something came up and it was put on the back burner. I thought, maybe Christmas...then it was- maybe my birthday? I put all this stress on myself about getting a better camera. After reading this article, I've since pulled out my film SLR that was tucked away in the closet (Nikon N60). I realized that I just need to understand the basics for now and if I'm any good, I'll invest in a better camera. That's my plan and I'm sticking to it! :)

I hope this helps someone out there like it helped me!

[jerryph]

Sounds like a good plan. :)

[coffee]

Good stuff April, thanks for sharing it.

[w8jy]

Smart move, April!

I know of people who bought $8000 cameras and don't have a clue as to how to use them.

Years ago, an old photographer gave me some good advice - he said that there is no need to upgrade cameras until your present camera won't allow you to do things you need to do.

Learning the basics with a P & S is smart, and if you do decide to upgrade to a DSLR, it will make the transition much more painless.

[coffee]

Smart move, April!

I know of people who bought $8000 cameras and don't have a clue as to how to use them.

Years ago, an old photographer gave me some good advice - he said that there is no need to upgrade cameras until your present camera won't allow you to do things you need to do.

Learning the basics with a P & S is smart, and if you do decide to upgrade to a DSLR, it will make the transition much more painless.

Myself, I agree to a certain extent w8jy. Sometimes it's a case of, "You don't know what you are missing, till you try it". Until you get your hands on a DSLR, you might not know all the things it could be doing for you that you ARE missing. A good DSLR isn't going to make you a great photographer right away if you weren't already, but in time it could. Upgrading CAN open a whole new world that you didn't know existed, that could only help you. And also, a new camera can sometimes spark a fire of enthusiasm that gets you out shooting more. There is nothing better than getting a new piece of photography equipment to play with. And you certainly can't argue that an $8000.00 camera on auto is going to take a higher quality image than a $100.00 on auto. Sharper, better saturation, less noise, larger images, less artifacts, better camera controls, more options, the list goes on and on. But you have to take the time to learn how to use the camera. Certainly an upgrade isn't going to improve your photographers eye, or help you with composition and things of that nature. But it can't hurt you either, and can only help in some areas.

[Anni628]

I like your way of thinking April.

I made myself wait intentionally for a year before changing from a P&S (which I loved) to my original Canon 20D.

First, I wanted to make sure I was any good at photography, and second, I wanted to make sure it was something I still wanted to do after 12 months.

I'm glad I waited as it gave me a lot of time to learn, absorb, practice and find my passion (birds, cats and nature) which helped me spend wisely when the time came to part with my money.

Some of my favourite/best images are ones taken with the P&S.