Is the 300D too much camera for me?

[Bobby12many]

I Currently shoot with a Nikon Coolpix 3100 and love it, but as time goes by I find myself enjoying photography (digital :) too much to be shooting with such a "cute" little camera. Although it is nice and easy to use, I have decided that I need something that has many more manual settings (ap, exp, shutter, ISO, etc) and the ability to utilize different filters, lenses, and accessories.

Now, I am enrolled to go to school for Communication/Graphic Design and have convinced my father to "match" whatever I pay for a camera since it will undoubtedly see alot of use through projects and work through college. This makes a camera such as the Rebel 300d affordable (albeit the MAX $ Id like to spend) at this point in time, but I dont want to buy a camera that will have wasted potential due to my lack of experience with an SLR type camera.

If I am taking photography/layout classes in school, would the 300d be difficult to acquaint with or should I look elsewhere?

I figure that if I have the $$$ I might as well buy the best and learn to use it properly than settle for a wannabe Point and SHoot with a fake focus ring and be unhappy after a few months.

Any input is greatly appreciated!

[billh101]

Well, I have not made the jump to a digital SLR yet either, but my answer to your question is, no, the 300D would not be too much camera for you.

It sounds like you need a camera like this to free up your creativity. While there are many good point and shoot cameras out there, the image quality if the 300D and 10D is outstanding and would allow you tremendous flexibility to add lenses in the future. The 10D is a little more rugged and offers a few more features, but since you stated that the 300D is the top end of what you could spend, it's the logical choice. Given the choice between a 300D kit (with the lens) and any point and shoot style digital, it's a no brainer, go for the 300D. It has shooting modes that will satisfy any beginner to intermediate photographer and I think you'd get your money's worth out of it.

I have not made the jump yet myself, because I'm still trying to decide if I should wait and spend the extra money for a 10D (I like to shoot football and don't baby my equipment) or even wait for the next model to come along.

Well, there's my 2 cents worth.
Bill
P.S. If you decide against getting a 300D, ask your dad if he'll go 50/50 on a 300D for me. ;-)

[reggie0326]

Hi, I have the same situation as you, I currently have the Canon digital G2 which takes wonderful pictures but seems somewhat limited. So I jumped on the Rebel 300d, which is also at the max $$$ amount I could go to without my wife screaming at me. lol lol. Anyway I also hope this is not too much camera for me. I just started taking pictures last November(Digital or Otherwise). My other concerns is that the people on this site seem to think that people who purchased the Rebel 300d should wait and save some extra $$$ and go for the 10D instead.
Reggie

[CyberDyneSystems]

Just keep in mind that the $1,000.00 price is the tip of the iceberg. You will need at least that in lenses just to get started.

[Bobby12many]

thanks for the input guys!

Cyberdyne: I realize that the expenses keep coming with lenses, filters, tripod,memory, etc... But I will be more than able to afford them sson after the camera ispurchased.

[pvsurfer]

CyberDyneSystems wrote:
Just keep in mind that the $1,000.00 price is the tip of the iceberg. You will need at least that in lenses just to get started.

Well the $1000 will get Bobby the Rebel 'kit' which includes an 18mm -55mm zoom (not too shabby for a starter lens)!

But IMHO the real question is whether or not the Rebel's native features will benefit Bobby's Graphic Design work. Too many people buy SLRs (film and digital) believing that an SLR will by itself bring about better quality images than a high-quality prosumer digicam, and that's simply not been my experience.

In that regard, Bobby might also be advised to consider the Canon Powershot G5, saving $300+ compared to the Rebel...

http://www.powershot.com/powershot2/g5/

The G5 is much more camera (offering more advanced optics and greater capability) than the Coolpix 3100, not to mention its wonderful flip-out tilting/rotating LCD, a very useful feature not even found in the Rebel. This feature makes low-level shots as well as over-the-head shots a snap (forgive the pun).

So my advice is to not to think about the Rebel as too much camera, but rather to consider if it's the right camera for you!

[Bobby12many]

Thanks for the insight pvsurfer!

My urge to own a 300d has much less to do with my Graphic Design work than it does a personal hobby. I still plan on keeping my Nikon 3100 for simple point and shoot type work, but I plan on using the 300d (if I do indeed get one) for my weekend excursions to racetracks, parks, car shows, etc and the more professional needs of my design work.

I hope to someday own/operate a business which offers digital photography and all other design and imaging needs, so I wouldlike to get the hang of a DSLR sooner rather than later due to the fact that I will eventually own/want/need one.

I do realize that a DSLR wont just take better pictures than my Nikon right out of the box, and that its 80% user 20% camera. But I cant even count the amount of times I have setup for a shot with my Nikon and just wished I had the ability to manual focus/choose my own focal point.

I love photography and I cant wait to buy my first high end camera!

Also, anyone suggest a nice ZOom lens for Auto Racing pics? Pics are usually taken from ~50ft and alot of panning is done. Under $250 if possible. (I plan on purchasing one with the camera in about 2-3weeks

[pvsurfer]

Bobby12many wrote:
..... Also, anyone suggest a nice ZOom lens for Auto Racing pics? Pics are usually taken from ~50ft and alot of panning is done. Under $250 if possible. (I plan on purchasing one with the camera in about 2-3weeks I use (and really like) an EF 70-210mm zoom, but regardless of which tele/zoom you get, don't forget the tripod.

[Webster]

Before making your final decision, consider the fact that the out-of-the-box pictures from the D10 often do not look as good as those from many point-and-shoot cameras. In order to bring out the best in many of these pictures a bit of work in photo editing software is needed. On the other hand, after proper processing, the D10 pictures can blow away those better-out-of-the-box shots.

[Bobby12many]

webster wrote:
Before making your final decision, consider the fact that the out-of-the-box pictures from the D10 often do not look as good as those from many point-and-shoot cameras. In order to bring out the best in many of these pictures a bit of work in photo editing software is needed. On the other hand, after proper processing, the D10 pictures can blow away those better-out-of-the-box shots.

That will not be a problem. I am extremely familiar with Photoshop :) Hence the desire for a Design Career

[AliasMoze]

The Digital Rebel is easy to use, as easy as any SLR. I simply read the manual once, and that was it.

You essentially have four controls:
1. ISO (or equivalent of, in the case of digital cameras)
2. Aperture
3. Shutter Speed
4. Focus

Everything else on the camera is an add-on, and anyone can become technically proficient with an SLR in a matter of a day. The part that takes time is the creative side, but it sounds like you are inclined in that direction already.

With the total control over the four things I mentioned that you get with an SLR, an interesting thing happens - you are forced into making creative decisions. Shallow or deep depth of field? What kind of ratio between light and dark? Fast or slow shutter? What's in focus and what's soft?

Those questions, plus the framing of the shot, are what a photographer does. His job is to make those decisions, and doing so makes him understand imagery, how it works, and how to make it serve his purpose more effectively.

An SLR gives you control, so if you're serious about photography and art, I'd say any SLR is probably a good investment. Get what you can afford.