professionally shooting with sx30is

One more thing - being familair with Canon layouts won't really help if you go from your sx10 to a dslr. I went from an S3 (a few generations ahead of the SX10), to an XSI, and learning its layout wasn't as intuitive as I thought it would be. I imagine that learning Nikon's system would have only been marginally more difficult.

Twinmommy721 - One of the reasons I mentioned the Pentax K-X (or the slightly better K-R if you can wait until the "silly because new" pricing wears off) - was the vast array of Film-SLR K-mount (and M42 screw-mount, if you're very keen) - lenses about.

While there are other Brands that do have film-era lenses that can be used, compatibility is limited, as is availablity.

I'm in the position of being on disability pension - so the possibility of a shelf loaded with superb Canon L-Series lenses would rely on a Lottery win....

There's nothing wrong with Canon - or Nikon - camera or lens quality - they both do superb products. What - for historical reasons during the switch from Film to Digital SLRs - they don't have - is in-body Shake Reduction.

Pentax DSLRs have the Shake-Reduction in the camera body. So every lens mounted on them has it, without needing it as an extra function in a pricier lens version.

Other cameras do have in-body SR / Stabilising - but don't have the array of Film-Era lenses to choose from.

So, in my case having already started a lens collection to suit Pentax - that means I can use my 1973 Takumar (Asahi-Pentax) SMC f/1.8 55mm prime on any Pentax body - tell it the focal-length - and have SR - on or off as preferred - hand-held or tripod. (That one's not a K-mount, so will be manual.)

My lenses will be a lot of fun to learn to use once I've saved for a body for them! Obviously - I'll have a modern "auto" Sigma 17-70mm as a walk-around lens - while I save for the - pricey here in Australia - excellent Pentax ED 55-300....

Meanwhile - though I'll have the SX10 and HS10 for some "reach" otherwise - I also have an immaculate version of "the worst SLR zoom lens ever made" - Sigma's K-mount 100-300mm f/4.5-6.7 DL...

Now - if one can get to love (?) a Fuji HS10 - who says I can't at least get some "snaps" with that 'dreadful' 100-300mm...?

At least - over 60 - 2-years new to cameras - I'm experimenting around and having a vast amount of FUN - on a shoestring....

And who knows - I might even "fluke it" to be the first person to capture an 'adequately recognisable' image with a Sigma 100-300mm...

Dave.

Rachel B wrote in post #11227436
I owned the s3is when i was thinking about photography as a hobby, I out grew the advanced point and shoot very quickly but couldnt afford a new camera until two years later-I wish I had just got a dslr in the first place...

That's why I'm highly considering getting a dslr.. thanks for your input!

From another poster.. why isn't the rebel a good dslr for professional photos... i know many photographers that use a rebel series... just curious.

I think the biggest difference is ergonomics, ease of changing settings.
(also burst rate, and better focusing systems)

twinmommy721 wrote in post #11231458
That's why I'm highly considering getting a dslr.. thanks for your input!

From another poster.. why isn't the rebel a good dslr for professional photos... i know many photographers that use a rebel series... just curious.

I can't say this enough.. The term "professional" is so losely thrown around that it's hard to distinguish from a true pro to someone who gets $30 to shoot some senior pics. Can you get nice shots with the Rebel and a nifty fifty? Sure! but you also have to remember that you gotta pay to play. Get yourself a DSLR and a kit lens and learn the basics. Odds are once you get it, you will be so overwhelmed with information that it'll push the thought of being a "pro" out of your mind. Don't let that scare you away though because you get out of it what you put in.

I also vote for the T1i and kit lens and 55-250 and in a couple months you can get a nifty fifty (50mm f/1.8 ) for around $100. I had that same exact setup and loved it. When i was new, I thought the same thing because I didn't know better. I couldn't understand why people would pay for lenses that cost 4-5x more but after looking around here, I knew why.

I have a couple of friends with the rebel camera's to use the camera on full manual is a pain because there are not separate buttons for aperture and shutter speed, you have to hold down one button and turn another button to shoot on manual which I hear can be a pain!

Don't get the SX30is if you wish to get the best image quality. It will be nowhere near any DSLR with a decent lens. Even the "kit" lens will look far better than the SX30is or SX20is. I went down this road about a year ago and ended up with a T1i and now a 7D. WAY better images, not even close.

For buying used, go to Adorama.com. A very reputable camera store located in New
York, have spent thousands there on used gear, never had a problem. Comes highly recommended.

Rachel B wrote in post #11231568
I have a couple of friends with the rebel camera's to use the camera on full manual is a pain because there are not separate buttons for aperture and shutter speed, you have to hold down one button and turn another button to shoot on manual which I hear can be a pain!

I often shoot manual on my Rebel XSI. It's slightly inconvenient to have to hold down a button for aperture adjustment, but I wouldn't call it a pain. After a few times it becomes second nature.

I have the T2I and I don't find it hard to work with. Like SirStuey said after a few tries it becomes easy. I think any dslr can be used for professional work, its more the lenses that make a difference. A 5D with a crappy lense is much worse then a Rebel with a L lense.

go to newegg.com and sign up for e-mail blasts. they recently had a 15% off coupon for any DSLR. They don't charge tax and their shipping is very reasonable and sometimes free. I'm just an avid photographer and have been for 45 years. I bought a used 30D and a used 17-55 lens and couldn't be happier. I chase 2 granddaughters and a dog around. I also have the original Rebel DSLR I bought new way back when and that takes very good photo's also. You can learn an awful lot from an 'older' DSLR. If you can outgrow it then you know you've got the right stuff to take better pictures and move up to a more advanced camera.

It seems like you are just getting into more serious photography and want to improve your photographic skills. In short, you should just get an SLR, which offers you more flexibility for future expansion with respect to lenses and better image quality than something like an SX series camera. The speed of an SLR is also advantageous especially if you have quick moving subjects like kids and pets. Lower noise at higher ISO will also be realized when compared to small sensor cameras like an SX30is. Shooting images in RAW can also be a lifesaver sometimes especially if you've messed up the white balance or need to recover some lost details.

Try not to confuse image quality with features. Your camera can have all the features in the world like HDR, 8 fps, Av, Tv, etc, but more importantly, is the glass (ie: lens choice) in front of you in conjunction with the skill set of the photographer. So, like you suggested, a few courses to cover the basics couldn't hurt. You may, however, end up spending more money on courses than equipment.

If budgetary constraints prevent you from buying something like a T2i or similar camera how about an XS with the 18-55mm I.S. kit lens. You can add the small 270ex flash and maybe the 50mm 1.8 to give you some more options for low light situations. Some people bash the kit lens just because it is a kit lens, but in reality, it is a very good piece of glass given it's low price point. Obviously, it's not L lens quality, but it will give you great images assuming you know how to use the camera and don't push it beyond it's limits. For the SLR beginner, this lens should suffice for most of your general walk around shooting. Adding a 50mm will also be great for low light, portrait, or night photography. It doesn't zoom, but for portraits, the 50mm can produce good background blur to isolate your subject if shot wide open.

I don't know if it has been mentioned in previous posts, but the camera body is not as important as the lens that is attached to the camera. Typically, you will keep your lenses over time and 'discard' your bodies assuming you have not switched brands. So, purchasing good lenses is more like an investment than throwing money at a temporary solution. Had I not sold my 50mm 1.8 from the 1980's with the metal mount, I'd still be using it today with my 7D.

I'm a fan of bounce flash (ie: not pointing the flash directly at the subject) and use it for about 90% of my photos which require extra light. I use a 270ex with my 7D when I'm on vacation or when I don't want to lug around the larger 580ex II. While the 270ex is not the ideal solution if you like to play with multiple lighting sources and off camera flash, it's better than nothing when more light is required.

I think it's time to move up to a DSLR if you want to eventually make money from your photos. While a camera like the SX30is may be DSLR like in features, it will not produce the same image quality of an SLR especially in challenging lighting situations or give you the speed and flexibility.

adwoodw wrote in post #11236104
It seems like you are just getting into more serious photography and want to improve your photographic skills. In short, you should just get an SLR, which offers you more flexibility for future expansion with respect to lenses and better image quality than something like an SX series camera. The speed of an SLR is also advantageous especially if you have quick moving subjects like kids and pets. Lower noise at higher ISO will also be realized when compared to small sensor cameras like an SX30is. Shooting images in RAW can also be a lifesaver sometimes especially if you've messed up the white balance or need to recover some lost details.

Try not to confuse image quality with features. Your camera can have all the features in the world like HDR, 8 fps, Av, Tv, etc, but more importantly, is the glass (ie: lens choice) in front of you in conjunction with the skill set of the photographer. So, like you suggested, a few courses to cover the basics couldn't hurt. You may, however, end up spending more money on courses than equipment.

If budgetary constraints prevent you from buying something like a T2i or similar camera how about an XS with the 18-55mm I.S. kit lens. You can add the small 270ex flash and maybe the 50mm 1.8 to give you some more options for low light situations. Some people bash the kit lens just because it is a kit lens, but in reality, it is a very good piece of glass given it's low price point. Obviously, it's not L lens quality, but it will give you great images assuming you know how to use the camera and don't push it beyond it's limits. For the SLR beginner, this lens should suffice for most of your general walk around shooting. Adding a 50mm will also be great for low light, portrait, or night photography. It doesn't zoom, but for portraits, the 50mm can produce good background blur to isolate your subject if shot wide open.

I don't know if it has been mentioned in previous posts, but the camera body is not as important as the lens that is attached to the camera. Typically, you will keep your lenses over time and 'discard' your bodies assuming you have not switched brands. So, purchasing good lenses is more like an investment than throwing money at a temporary solution. Had I not sold my 50mm 1.8 from the 1980's with the metal mount, I'd still be using it today with my 7D.

I'm a fan of bounce flash (ie: not pointing the flash directly at the subject) and use it for about 90% of my photos which require extra light. I use a 270ex with my 7D when I'm on vacation or when I don't want to lug around the larger 580ex II. While the 270ex is not the ideal solution if you like to play with multiple lighting sources and off camera flash, it's better than nothing when more light is required.

I think it's time to move up to a DSLR if you want to eventually make money from your photos. While a camera like the SX30is may be DSLR like in features, it will not produce the same image quality of an SLR especially in challenging lighting situations or give you the speed and flexibility.

Thank you for your reply. This really helped a lot. I think i'm going to check out that used camera site and see if I can gather some info on cameras/lenses. I wouldn't mind buying a used one since i'm "new" to the DSLR world, i was just reluctant because i didn't want to have the baggage of "what if's" after buying a used camera. Thanks again for all the info you guys are giving me.. it's super helpful and MUCH appreciated!

scorpio_e wrote in post #11219207
Think of a lens as a paint brush. As painter you would need more than one brush.

I hate onsite photography. Give me God's studio any day

If you are on a budget then you can always go with a used camera and get some decent glass.

Only if G-d has his "softbox" set up......

twinmommy721 wrote in post #11231458
That's why I'm highly considering getting a dslr.. thanks for your input!

From another poster.. why isn't the rebel a good dslr for professional photos... i know many photographers that use a rebel series... just curious.

Whomever said the Rebel isn't "good" for "professional" photography is either a Sports shooter, or doesn't know what really contributes to a pleasing photograph.