Weekend Open Forum: Do you use a dedicated camera?

[KidChaos]

uh.. I have 3 cameras: point n shoot pocket Sony for just fun; older Canon SLR fixed body/lens; and Canon 40D. Phone just used when don't have any of the others handy. Honestly phone pics are horrible no matter the brand; ok for getting "something" but can't even come close to a good shot through a DSLR or SLR 35mm

 

[Guest]

Used to try and carry my A200 DSLR round with me but it was so bulky we hardly ever used it, instead relying on my wifes trust Lumix point and shoot. Recently we sold all of them and picked up a Sony NEX-5N. Hands down the best tech purchase I've made, the quality of both photos and video is way above my old DSLR and the video means I've stopped using our dedicated TG3 AVCHD camcorder too. So nice having everything in one unit.

 

[ljcook]

Three dedicated cameras for me: Sony point and shoot for poor weather and quick fun shots; Canon XTi DSLR for planned photos and as backup; Canon 7D with a few tele-zoom, zoom, wide-angle lenses for series work.
Love the Canon 7D - best camera I have ever owned. Best shots I have ever taken and HD shoots video too.

 

[kozmik]

I got a canon 450d, I can't use my phone for a memory, I need to see it the way I remember it if not better

 

[Guest]

Definitely a dedicated camera user. I just bought a Nikon Coolpix AW100. Man, this thing is tough takes great pictures(up to 16MP) for a P&S. I have kept upgrading over the years as sensor, quality, and storage have gotten better. I'm not a pro and I haven't been able to afford a nice DSLR, but I take a lot of pics for work and play. I am really impressed with this new Nikon. As for camera phones, I've only used mine a few times for quick shots where I don't care about quality. And as for instagram and other such apps....All I can say is that people have sure ruined some good photos with all that crazy filter junk.

 

[Gamesinner]

I've used my canon elf for years. Greatest camera ever. It takes great pics and it's small so you can take it anywhere.

 

[Arris]

I would agree with authors point, can't stand the greany pictures, but at the same time DSLR are to big to carry around. That why I upgraded to a new Sony Nex-5 N, small size, good picture quality, it would be nice to go all the way up to Sony-Nex 7 but they as way to much money for it.

Had a Nex-5 for a year and a half now. First camera I've had that's been more advanced than a basic point and shoot compact. Quite enjoy the extra manual control over aperture and shutter speeds. Higher ISO availability means it can take non flash over exposed pictures where a cheap compact can't. Really considered upgrading to a Nex 7 or a "real" DSLR, but think I need to push myself further with existing equipment before upgrading.

 

[nazartp]

I'm a dedicated camera user. In fact, I'm an enthusiast and have three. Canon 5D Mark II, Canon 7D and Panasonic Lumix point and shoot. A bunch of lenses, flashes, tripods, filters, you name it. Each has a dedicated purpose. My wife, OTOH, uses exclusively her iPhone. She loves photography, she's very artistic, has good taste, however completely refuses to use any dedicated camera. I guess she just doesn't feel the need to share those pictures. She browses through her camera roll every once in a while and I believe those snapshots are enough to sort of jolt her memory and remind of certain nice moments she experienced. I print and share the pictures and I want to share my pictures in a way that they show my own experiences exactly as I remember them. Camera phone just doesn't cut it in that case.

 

[wiyosaya]

Absolutely! After having a Canon EOS A2e (35mm) for years with a 400mm f5.6L and a 50mm f1.4 lens, the transition to a DSLR seemed a no-brainer. For what seemed like the longest time, I waited to make the switch to digital. However, I picked up a Canon EOS 7D about two years ago, and I love it. There are so many shots that I have been able to get with the 7D that I could only have dreamed of with a 35mm, and perhaps, earlier Canon DSLRs. IMHO, the 7D is an extremely versatile, water-resistant, and excellent camera that was well worth waiting for.

 

[Zoltan Head]

No, I don't need one

 

[Guest]

Sure do. Sony Cybershot and a Sony HDR-SR1. Thinking of going with a higher end DSLR. Phone cameras work, but for real pictures, they just aren't there yet.