Any one else have this problem?

[Vinny454]

My wife wanted better results from our Digital P&S so it was easy to convince her that DSLR was the way to go after she saw the pic's we took while trying it out. She didn't like the cost, but again I explained to her that quality costs money, so how good of a picture did she want.

Now my first problem is this.

She wants to use the camera all the time (which is fine) but she constantly complains about the settings I choose. She hates raw mode because it takes several steps to convert them and she gets lost going from the CF card to breeze browser then over to Adobe. She says it weighs too much, espicially if she has the zoom lens and the flash attached. So when I go to use it I have to check all the settings or I end up with a mediocre jpeg image or no CF card in the camera. She blames me when she ends up with a black image because she didn't check the settings (I usually shoot in manual mode) and ended up taking a picture indoors, with standard lighting at 1/400, ISO 100, f/5.6 and no flash.

Second problem is.

Since joining this forum last week (lots of great info and tips, thanks everyone), I have been feeling her out on the possibility of upgrading my DRebel to a 10D in the spring and picking up some "L" glass. So far her response is that she will cut off my b***S if I even think of getting a more complicated camera (in her opinion) and spending that kind of money on lenses.

Any advise or similar problems and any solutions/comprimises that worked for you?

Vince

[robfo0]

sounds like you need...

a separate, secret bank account :)

that or a new wife, heh

[Vinny454]

robfo0 wrote:
sounds like you need...

a separate, secret bank account :)

that or a new wife, heh


The equipment would give me less hassels and be cheaper in the long run.

[PaulB]

Just buy a 10D and some more lenses for yourself and let her have the run of the DR.
Of course you might end up with a high-pitched squeeky voice but you can't have it all............

[Scottes]

robfo0 wrote:
sounds like you need...

... a new wife, heh

Yes, that's a hell of an idea! You want mine?

Actually my wife is pretty damn cool. I've been debating about getting a couple of inexpensive lenses - cheap since I've dropped $3,000 on 10D and paraphenalia in the last 2 months. So I dropped a hint about spending $500 on a couple of lenses. She thought a minute and said that the lenses didn't sound so great, so I should get the good ones. I guffawed and told her that the lenses I *really* wanted cost $2,000.

She said "OK."

So the 17-40L and 70-200 2.8L were ordered last night.

[RichardtheSane]

I feel lucky. My fiancee know how much my photo gear is costing us, but once the bill are paid and other stuff accounted for her opinion is 'It's your money, do what you like with it' - so I do!

Be creative about how much stuff costs when you first drop the idea into the hat, then as it becomes more of a reality, bring the prices more inline with reality :D

[deztoys]

Thats how it starts.....she borrows the camera, then the good lenses....

That explains the reason we have 2 of just about everything now. My wife didn't like photography when I was using film based cameras, but now actually said "I wished I would have gotten involved in photography earlier."

As for the L glass. She won't let me buy anything else anymore........ ya thats unfortunate huh...?

[morenoar]

It is nice to have UNDERSTANDING significant others ( I say this to be Polictaly Correct). The only thing my wife tells me "Don't settle for something semi decent, save the money and buy what you want" Great advise. I am $500 away from my 100-400L lens.. YEAH

[iwatkins]

My ploy worked a treat, although I do admit it wasn't at all planned.

I'm 32 now but between the ages of 25 and 30 I was a bit of a slob. Would work every hour of the day and when not working veg in front of the TV watching rubbish, eating rubbish and just generally being rubbish.

On my 30 birthday I decided to change. I made it my quest to get fit, get out more and do more stuff with the missus.

First, I started on mountain biking. Spent huge sums on a bike and gear then never used it. Sat in the garage for 6 months before I sold it.

Next I started recurve archery. Spent huge sums on all the gear, went for about 3 months then couldn't really be bothered. Gear is still sat in the porch.

After that (can you see a pattern here) I got into shooting (air rifle) and spent huge sums on all the gear. used it for about 2 months, got bored. All the gear is still sat in the porch.

Then I noticed that DSLRs are now in my price range and decided to go for that as a "new" hobby. I say new but I was very much into photography when I was younger but never got serious as I couldn't afford the gear or processing.

So now I have a hobby that I really enjoy. More importantly I have a hobby that I can do at any time I have free time. Most importantly is that the missus likes it as we get out more and go and visit places we haven't been before together. OK, she has to carry some gear sometimes and sometimes has to stand about for hours on end while I wait for the light to be "just right". Even so, she really enjoys being my "assistant" and if she is happy, I'm happy (as long as that shot comes off :))

Even so, she sees that I have finally found my hobby and hopes it will last the rest of my lifetime. She still protests slightly when I mention another pending purchase but if I explain why I need said item she does understand.

Mind you, I haven't mentioned L glass yet :)

Cheers

Ian

[BearSummer]

Hi Vinny,

I think that Paul has got the right idea, give the camera and the current lenses to your wife and then get yourself another body+lens. Loss of the family jewels may not be such a bad thing as it stops you having to waste money on extra children. The other bonus is that from now on birthdays and xmas become easier as there's always gonna be something to add to the kit. Be aware tho that "they" will spot fairly quickly that you have bought something better for yourself than for them...

Best Regards

BearSummer

[agit-prop]

Sounds like what she really wants is a P&S of her own. Perhaps a G5?

[Belmondo]

This morning, my wife asked me, "Is there anything you really want for Christmas?" Man, is that a loaded question.

A digital SLR (at least the 10D and the Drebel) are only as complicated as we choose to make them. For someone just wanting to take pictures, the full auto mode couldn't be easier. Set the zoom, frame the picture, and shoot. I realize that to many, this is heresy, but for anyone that's gravitating to a P&S because they're simpler to use, this is just about the functional equivalent.

As time goes on, and as the user gains familiarity, they can start experiment with the creative modes. They'll sooon be doing things with the SLR that P&S owners can only dream of.

[Motorsports Photo]

Vinny454 wrote:
Now my first problem is this.

She wants to use the camera all the time (which is fine) but she constantly complains about the settings I choose. She hates raw mode because it takes several steps to convert them and she gets lost going from the CF card to breeze browser then over to Adobe. She says it weighs too much, espicially if she has the zoom lens and the flash attached. So when I go to use it I have to check all the settings or I end up with a mediocre jpeg image or no CF card in the camera. She blames me when she ends up with a black image because she didn't check the settings (I usually shoot in manual mode) and ended up taking a picture indoors, with standard lighting at 1/400, ISO 100, f/5.6 and no flash.


So why is that a problem?? You got married to SHARE. (-:

I dont have to worry about those problems yet since my wife is a technophobe. She still insists on using a Rebel, but mostly because of her hands and the Rebels light weight.

Oh yeah, does your wife complain about the settings of the toilet seat after you've used it? (-:

-Pete

[Malaxos1]

Don't worry, she will eventually complain that the DSLR is too big. Anyway I upgraded a Toshiba PDR-M5 2mp point and shoot for an Olympus C2500L. It was a bit bigger, had manual controls and full auto mode as well. Both my wife and I liked the camera. However I out grew it quickly and conviced her to let me sell it and get an E10. That's exactly what I did, the problem was that she was intimidated by it. She said that it was too big and complicated. So what did I do? I bought her a small Olympus C720 digicam. She loves it, she can carry it in her purse and has quick access to it whenever she needs it. Also 10X zoom. Best thing I did for her to get her off my back concerning the E10. Now I have a Digital Rebel with bigger glass and a battery grip and not a peep out of her. Life is good...Dean

[jimsloy]

One thing I do when I'm finished using the camera in whatever mode, is I make sure that the settings are put back to "P/RAW/ISO200/AWB/0 exp comp/"

This way she can just pick it up and use it. She mainly shoots indoors at the newborn, so it works perfectly for her. Only thing she needs to do is pop up the flash.

Then when she's done, I copy the images to our home network drive and she knows to go into FVU and view if she wants.

Works out pretty good.

Now I just need to drop the "L" bomb on her soon.

[vvizard]

Vinny454 wrote:
Second problem is.

Since joining this forum last week (lots of great info and tips, thanks everyone), I have been feeling her out on the possibility of upgrading my DRebel to a 10D in the spring and picking up some "L" glass. So far her response is that she will cut off my b***S if I even think of getting a more complicated camera (in her opinion) and spending that kind of money on lenses.

Any advise or similar problems and any solutions/comprimises that worked for you?

Vince

LOL! I _KNEW_ I wasn't the only one =) Well pal, first, what you need to do now, is to really consider how much you love your women. Because if she don't like the idea of a 10D, and you get it anyway, then you might pretty soon be stuck with your 10D only, believe me on this ;) So what is most important to you? Your current wife, or a 10D? You can check out this thread if you wan't to study my problem. The first post contains the problem, and the last point I wrote (at the moment) is my conclusion =)

http://www.photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?t=20943

[cardigan1979]

Is this turning into 'dear Dierdrie'? page

[cardigan1979]

In reply the inital question, jusy go out and buy whatever you wish and ride the storm(2 days for me) and also lie about the cost

[defordphoto]

I got my D60 for my birthday on 9/2002. My wife started a digital photo class the second semester of the 2002-2003 school year. Right before the heavy part of the car racing season began she got a shiny, new American Express card. I thought it'd be cool to test it out with a shiny new 10D.

She agreed. If, and only if she got the D60. Happy birthday-to-me, honey. Enjoy your slightly-used D60, thank you very much.

Immediately paid off the 10D and then snagged the 100-400L.

In the meantime she finished her class as the most envied with her D60. They oooo'd and aaaah'd her bigtime and she came home with a huge smile on her face that first day in class with the dSLR.

Now when we're out shooting the cars or boats or whatever, I usually have the 100-400 and she usually has the 70-200 with the 1.4 attached. She'll be right there shooting all day long with that and never complains.

Amazing she has that stamina.

Anyway, this has worked out quite well, so my story really does nothing to help your dilemma, Vinny, but just thought I'd share that with ya.

BTW: Sounds like your wife needs a Canon P&S G3/G5 or something along those lines.

[NickC]

My fiancee has a N***n film camera and will need a digital because the only other digicam she has is a P&S Fuji 2600. I suggested that we get her a Canon so we could share my existing lens collection. Good idea she says.

So I said "I can get the 10D now?" and she said, OK but what does she get? Being tactful, I said she could have the newer camera as long as I get to use it at air shows. She said, that's OK, she'll take my D30.

I'm a lucky guy.