What percent of SLR users do you guys see using their camera like a point and shoot?

Cesium wrote in post #9116473
How does carrying a camera bag make one a better photographer? Why would anyone lug around a tripod on vacation? Should we all be shooting in portrait orientation at all times? People naturally see the world in "landscape orientation", unless they are missing an eye or something.

I understand what he's saying. They don't make you a better photographer, but they indicate extra care that indicates that someone may be a photographer and not just a person with a good camera. You can compose your shot in landscape or portrait, but when you see someone turn their camera, you know they are composing a shot.

In my experience, people who buy DSLRs for the sole purpose of using it in auto mode get exactly what they want.
It may not be the quality that people who understand how to use their cameras are accustomed to, but if they are completely happy with it, why should I tell them that their photo's suck? haha

It's the same with my gear. I'm happy with some photos that I take but someone whose more experienced could come along, look at my gear and scoff at me becuase I don't shoot fast moving things / sports / portraits / etc when I have a 1D series and a modest strobist set up. I know my gear is capable of more, but I don't want to be looked down upon becuase of it.

OK - I have to fess up.
My first SLR was a Canon that took the new APS film. My research before the purchase consisted of walking into the local camera store and asking for something that didn't have that God Awful shutter lag that was stopping me from capturing great pictures of my daughter. I used it on the green box exclusively for the years I had it. Never really learned anything about what I was doing, but was happy as a clam because when I pressed the trigger, it went bang.
It was not until 4 years ago, when I decided to get a dSLR that I took an interest in photography and now love learning how to get better results (long way to go yet )
Nothing wrong with all the folks banging away on the green box...

bheard1836 wrote in post #9125498
OK - I have to fess up.
Nothing wrong with all the folks banging away on the green box...

I'll join that club - I did that for years too (maybe my first 10 years of film photography), until my mid 20's.

bheard1836 wrote in post #9125498
I used it on the green box exclusively for the years I had it. Never really learned anything about what I was doing, but was happy as a clam because when I pressed the trigger, it went bang.
It was not until 4 years ago, when I decided to get a dSLR that I took an interest in photography and now love learning how to get better results (long way to go yet )
Nothing wrong with all the folks banging away on the green box...

But don't you wish you had started the learning you undertook with the dSLR earlier? Isn't that the problem with banging away in green box?

I have plenty of friends who own dSLRs and shoot exclusively in 'green box' mode. They wouldn't have the faintest idea how to do anything else with it. They're not "photographers", per se - they're people who use the camera as a medium to record their memories, and they're quite happy with what they get. Unless they specifically asked my opinion, I'd feel like a complete douche criticizing their technique or trying to teach them how to "properly" use their camera. It's none of my business, they're not shooting for me, and they're pleased with the results, so I see no need to butt in.

They're not looking for "art", they're looking for images of their kids growing up, their parents growing old, memories of their vacations and good times with friends, etc. Twenty years from now when they're reviewing those images, I sincerely doubt it will ever cross their mind that they should have used the "rule of thirds" when shooting their son graduating from high school, or that a micro-adjusted 'L' lens would have gotten a sharper image of their daughter's first time up on a wakeboard at the lake. They'll simply re-live and enjoy those memories - and I can't find it in me to criticize anybody for that.

It isn't really a question of the equipment - it's a question of the frame of mind.

When my DSLR is set to P or anything resembling automatic mode - I'm in a "P&S frame of mind". I'll admit it even if I have all the gear with me. When I start to think about taking more control, then I'm in a different frame of mind. Maybe I'll call that a "dSLR frame of mind".

Pardon the pun on the use of the word "frame".

I don't think I've ever used auto mode. I usually keep it in Av, Tv, or M.

GuitarFreak wrote in post #9130508
I don't think I've ever used auto mode. I usually keep it in Av, Tv, or M.

I shoot in AV mode a lot, I thought of it as an auto mode though.

My car had an auto gearbox and also has paddles, I don't use the paddles that often so I guess I drive my car in Green Box mode. (Plus a really good driver could get a lot more out of it)

I am happy

neil_r wrote in post #9132676
My car had an auto gearbox and also has paddles, I don't use the paddles that often so I guess I drive my car in Green Box mode. (Plus a really good driver could get a lot more out of it)

I am happy

I wouldn't want any of that automagic stuff in my car. I always drive in M.

pwm2 wrote in post #9132711
I wouldn't want any of that automagic stuff in my car. I always drive in M.

Doesnt stop either of you being drivers though does it?

Let others do what they want - just so long as they dont hassle me!

neilwood32 wrote in post #9133203
Let others do what they want - just so long as they dont hassle me!

Leben und leben lassen

neil_r wrote in post #9133364

neilwood32 wrote in post #9133203
Let others do what they want - just so long as they dont hassle me!

Leben und leben lassen

Hmmm. Must be a secret Neil-to-Neil language.

Yes, I know it's German, and I know what it means. But still....

GuitarFreak wrote in post #9130508
I don't think I've ever used auto mode. I usually keep it in Av, Tv, or M.

same!!

I do see a lot of people using the green box. Somtimes it makes me a little upset that they spent all that money and could a just bought a point and shoot. my Girlfriend has a awesome P&S and Ive seen better pics on that than other peoples green box camera. I do see a lot more people with nikons using them as a point and shoot than canon. Its funny a lot of people see my camera so they ask me to take their picture for them and then they give me the camera and I look at it for a minute and get confused because its on the green box LMAO! Im waiting to change the F,white balance, iso, etc. I want to change it for them and explain it but more than half the time its not worth my time. But! I do like closing the flash for them lol.