6 Reasons NOT to buy a Fancy DSLR

Dec 1, 2009 by mvoran

I see SO MANY people getting expensive DSLR’s these days. Sure they have come down in price. Sure they make you look really trendy and cool. Maybe I am just cynical, but I always wonder if these folks just shoot them on AUTO all the time. I wonder if they get discouraged when they see that the photos look just like the ones they took with their Sony Cyber Shot which probably sits in a drawer unused now…. So I thought I might compile a list of reasons NOT to get a DSLR. These are in no particular order, I think if you can relate to even two of these reasons, don’t get one.

1. Expensive

Yeah, these things are not cheap! With the exception of lowest end DSLR’s, these things are very pricey. Consider your usage before spending the money

2. Bulky

If you really don’t NEED to have one, a good compact can go more places and get more shots. You could have the nicest DSLR in the world but it’s not going to take any good pictures if you leave it at home because it’s a burden to carry around….

3. Complicated for you to use….

No matter what Ashton Kuthcher says on any of his slick Nikon ad’s, DSLR’s are more complicated. They require more knowledge and maintenance than a compact camera. “But what about AUTO mode?” you might ask…. If you’re going to use full AUTO mode. DON’T GET A DSLR.

4. SUPER complicated for that guy on the street taking your family picture…

Ever try handing someone a camera to take your family picture in front of the world’s largest ball of string? Try handing them a big ‘ol DSLR. You may want to pull out your compact and get a picture of his face trying to figure out what to do….. Then ask him to take a picture of you trying to explain it to him.

5. Theft threat

DSLRS are expensive. They are usually in bags with other expensive stuff. Thieves know this. They will steal it. A compact camera on the other hand, not only is it less valuable, but its probably in your pocket. Much harder to steal, and much less likely to attract a thief to you or your car.

6. You probably don’t need one

Seriously, you probably don’t need one. If you are going to take pictures to post on Facebook, email to friends and print 5×7’s at Wal-Mart….. you probably don’t need one. Just save yourself some money, hassle and time and get a top of the line compact camera. “But I won’t have something to make me look cool at my kids soccer game!” Get a North Face jacket and some Uggs, you’ll be fine.

Summary

Think about what you want to take pictures of. Now think about WHERE those things take place. Are you going to take a big fancy DSLR to a kids soccer game? You might. And you might look really trendy doing it. You might think you need a big zoom lens. And you might. But you might also (and I believe this is true) get great pictures for less money and hassle, with a great compact camera with decent zoom! In fact, think also about what you are going to DO with the pictures. Are they going on Facebook? Are they getting printed in 4×6 at Wal-Mart? If the answer to those questions are yes, then there really is no need for a DSLR. THAT SAID, there are some fantastic, smaller DSLR’s out there that have really come down in price (Nikon D40) which will give you room to grow as a photographer (provided you want to learn) in the future, and are willing to carry around a larger camera. This is especially important for anyone who does not carry around a purse or backpack everywhere. Are you going to take a big camera to a restaurant? Where are you going to put it while you eat? It won’t fit in your pocket.

I don’t mean to go on a rant here, just think about your needs before you rush out and get the latest DSLR that you saw your neighbor with. I have lots of camera gear, and one of my favorite cameras is my little Canon compact. It goes everywhere, and takes amazing pictures. If you have the budget and your just want one…. by all means ignore me. The lord knows there are lots of things that I would buy that I don’t NEED if I had the money. This article is for the person who is on the fence about spending the kind of money that is required to get a DSLR, and the kind of time that is required to learn how to get your moneys worth from it.

For those of you who DO want to learn the art of photography, and have the time and money to invest in really using a professional level camera – Check out my Foto 101 series, and How to buy a DSLR.

Thanks for reading!

MV