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10 Reasons NOT to Buy a DSLR Camera
One of the comments I saw a lot was that I never really clarified what a DSLR is in my article. DSLR stands for Digital Single Lens Reflex. The important thing to know about a DSLR is that they have interchangeable lenses and you compose shots through the viewfinder which actually lets you view through the lens. If you want a more in-depth explanation, here's some recommended reading. I thought it was odd, though, that numerous readers left comments or emailed me to argue that DSLRs are not for everyone. Considering I said that myself in the article, I thought it was obvious that I agree. "I don't want to paint a picture that DSLRs are the perfect solution for everybody. There are some aspects which some would view as a negative of DSLR cameras..." - and then I gave a few of those negative points, some of which I'll repeat in this article. I don't want anyone to get the false notion that I recommend a DSLR to everybody and their mother. The majority of people are probably going to be better off with a point-n-shoot. With that in mind, I present: 10 Reasons NOT to Buy a DSLR Camera:  Bulky / Heavy: If you have ever seen a DSLR (or a film SLR for that matter), and they're pretty hard to miss, you know they are much larger than your average point-n-shoot. They're also much heavier. Some of the high-end prosumer digitals come close, since they're designed to be similar to a DSLR, but your average point-n-shoot is going to be much smaller and lighter. Portability, meet Window: This is sort of an extension of my first point. With a DSLR, portability goes out the window. To illustrate, when I travel with my DSLR I take a giant Lowepro hiking backpack, which holds my camera with a lens attached, 3 additional lenses, lens hoods, a flash, filters, my tripod, remote shutter release! you get the point. My point-n-shoot isn't even an ultra-portable and it fits in my pants pocket or I can put it in a case that goes on my belt. Hooray for Snapshots: For those who shoot in full automatic mode or just generally don't care about creative composition or image quality, a point-n-shoot is the obvious option. If you just want to take pictures of your friends at restaurants, or of your cat doing those things cat do, a point-n-shoot will be sufficient. Viewfinder: While the viewfinder is what I'd consider a benefit of DSLRs over point-n-shoots, not everyone shares the same view. For some people it's just not comfortable to have your face up against the back of the camera, and it also will make it hard to take photos over your head or from the hip. With point-n-shoots you compose your shot on a live view LCD screen on the back of the camera, and models even have tilting and rotating LCD screens, which is very convenient. Small Prints: One advantage of DSLRs which I didn't mention in my last article is that you can make better quality prints. However, if you're going to make nothing but small prints like 4x6 or 5x7, the larger sensor of a DSLR really isn't going to come into play. For printing small photos like this, a point-n-shoot will do the job without a problem. Unwanted Attention: One of the things that sucks about DSLRs is that you will get more attention than you will with a point-n-shoot. Sometimes it might be an advantage, but usually it's just annoying. Learning Curve: If you have never used a DSLR before, there is a steep learning curve. They have a lot of features (and buttons) which can be very confusing to a beginner. Point-n-shoots are definitely more user-friendly if you don't know what you're doing. Expensive Hobby: One of the great things about DSLRs is the huge amount of accessories you can buy (lenses, flashes, filters, extension tubes, and so on). There will always be that "one more thing' you must have to go with your DSLR. With a point-n-shoot your options are pretty limited, so your investment isn't going to be much beyond the cost of the camera itself, if at all. Stress: Perhaps this doesn't apply to everyone, but it certainly applies to me. With thousands of dollars invested in a camera body, lenses, flashes, etc. I sometimes stress myself out and get paranoid that somebody is going to damage, or worse, steal, my equipment. If something was to happen to my point-n-shoot on the other hand, big deal. Price: Even though DSLRs are becoming more and more affordable, you can still get a low-end point-n-shoot camera for much less money. If you aren't going to take advantage of the benefits of a DSLR, you might as well save a lot of money and get a cheap point-n-shoot.For me, the above list represents 10 typical reasons NOT to buy a DSLR over a point-n-shoot digicam. Of course, not everybody will be happy with a point-n-shoot camera. I personally chose to buy a DSLR camera over a year ago, but there are those rare occasions where I find it more appropriate to use my old point-n-shoot. If you haven't already, don't forget to read the companion piece for the other point of view: 10 Reasons to Buy a DSLR. 
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34 User Comments 1 - Posted by
slonkak
on November 15, 2006 - 7:28 am Seriously? You should not write another article, ever. This was purely your opinion, and a bad one at that. There are uses for each type of camera. Normal people just wanting to take a few random pictures were never going to buy a 1000 DSLR anyway, so why did you feel the need to bash them? I am a proud owner of a Canon 30D and I love it. It's super hard to use correctly, but when I do figure things out, the pictures are fantastic. That's the fun of it for me, figuring things out. If I wanted a point and shoot, I would have bought one (which I did just for that purpose). Your article was aimed at the wrong crowd, they already knew everything you said. Seriously!
2 - Posted by
speed153
on November 15, 2006 - 8:24 am Unwanted attention? Are you kidding me?? I get more unwanted attention shooting with my Casio Exilim than I ever got with my Nikon D70! The Exilim doesn't have a viewfinder, so I have to do the "hold it about a foot in front of me" thing and everyone can see the screen. One woman asked my why I was shooting in the dark (I was taking a long exposure), and another time a woman freaked out because I was taking pictures of her condo building and she though I was a realtor. With the D70 I never get a peep because it looks like any other SLR from the past 60 years.
3 - Posted by
craigsj
on November 15, 2006 - 8:55 am 1. size 2. size 3. PnS good enough 4. too hard 5. PnS good enough 6. don't buy because of unwanted attention? 7. too hard 8. too costly 9. too hard 10. too costly Having trouble coming up with 10 different reasons? Seriously, I think people already know the difference between a Big Wheel and a sports car. Just who do you think benefits from this article? 4 - Posted by
handrail
on November 15, 2006 - 9:04 am Yes, the article is his opinion...just like nearly every other editorial article out there. It is all factual but his opinion. You don't have to agree with it. Slonkak, aimed at the wrong crowd? The internet is the wrong crowd? Not everyone reading this is a photography expert. Craigsj, who do you think will benefit from this article? Anyone who is considering a new digital camera. If you are a photography expert, which I'm sure all of the commenters are, this article will be filled with info you already know. And yes speed153, unwanted attention does occur. Just because YOU have never experienced it doesn't mean it is a fallacy. Sometimes the attention is helpful. Case in point: When we were at CES shooting pictures of the car babes, Kurtis could always get the girls to line up for better shots simply by flashing the nicer DSLR. We didn't do anything different than the guys with little p'n's cameras, but the models reacted differently to a guy with a big, professional looking camera. 5 - Posted by
Kurtis
on November 15, 2006 - 9:14 am Haha, I knew this article would get more flames than the other one. People defending their DSLRs. If you read the article you'll see that I personally use a DSLR and I would never to back to just having a point-n-shoot. But I think this article needed to be written to give the other side of the coin after I wrote my 10 Reasons to Buy a DSLR. Keep the comments coming guys. :) 6 - Posted by
Brian
on November 15, 2006 - 11:27 am Yeah... people read your '10 reasons why you should' and complained then read your '10 reasons why you should NOT' and complained! And it's mostly the people who can already make the decision for themselves... (EDIT: and apparently people who don't read the full article or notice that you also wrote "10 reasons to buy a DSLR") This isn't for photography buffs, it's for people who don't know what's presented in the article and are trying to make the decision! Anyway, good job Kurtis... but uh... WHY U HATE DSLRZ?!!1! DSLRZ R TEH WIN!!1!!one! 7 - Posted by
chacallot
on November 15, 2006 - 3:01 pm Reflex technology was invented because it was the only way to really see what you were about to shoot with tratidional cameras. Now with digital camera, you can see exactly what image your sensor is getting with a simpler technology such as a bridge. DSLR are just for those old fashioned that want to show they have a big thing in ther hands cause they're not happy with what they got in their pants. Those ppl also like dslr cause they are the most expensive... And if they're expensive it's because they're making good shoots! While they're the most expensive cause they contain much more mechanical moving parts. 8 - Posted by
edietiker
on November 15, 2006 - 3:40 pm This one should be in the top 3: No video. Some or many PnS cameras take very adequate video - 640x480 at 30fps looks great on a computer. With one or two gigabytes of memory you can capture nice long clips without reaching into your backpack to pull out your other camera. Then, of course, you'd use Pando to send half-gig clips to all the relatives.
9 - Posted by
handrail
on November 15, 2006 - 3:53 pm HUH? Old-fashioned people want to spend more money to get a top of the line DSLR...because they're old-fashioned? I can't count the number of Amish I've seen running around with $4000 DSLRs. Every black buggy I pass on the road has a Nikon D2X lens poking out of the carriage. Honestly, if it wasn't for those old-fashioned people, no technology would sell ever.
10 - Posted by
Kurtis
on November 15, 2006 - 4:01 pm Ah, excellent point edietiker! I may have to ammend my article for that one. I knew I had forgotten something but I couldn't think of what it was. :-D
11 - Posted by
blackjet
on November 16, 2006 - 7:00 am Hay Kurtis, I like what you've done here, a very objective way of presenting both side of the argument (probably because of all the debate that the other article caused) but none the less very informative for the potential buyer! Good stuff!
12 - Posted by
dpastern
on November 17, 2006 - 6:59 pm chacallot - I disagree with your post. SLRs have been around for a while now, and they have their advantages and disadvantages. Leica's M series of rangefinders are also very nice, if you can afford them. If not, consider a Voigtlander Bessa ;-) Each system has benefits, rangefinders are usually unobtrusive, small and light and easy to handle. Add to the facts that they have no mirror slap, and they're very quiet, a boon in certain shooting situations. I don't consider myself 'old fashioned' as you so put it. I use a DSLR because it suits my shooting needs. Nothing more, and nothing less. Of course, I've been using film SLRs for over 20 odd years, so maybe you consider that being old fashioned. I'll agree that DSLRs attract unwanted attention, I personally hate it and generally leave the area very quickly to avoid harrassment. Everyone wants to seem to want you to take their photos etc, and you end up with having to try and figure out a multitude of digital compacts, where the UI is generally VERY bad. Just my opinion. Kurtis, I agree with most of your points, although the portability point is a bit over the top. You don't have to take a big camera bag with you just cos you have a DSLR. I could easily just take my 1D and my 70-200 f2.8 and nothing else on a shoot. Sure, it's a bit heavier than a digital compact P&S, but it's still portable. With the small prints argument, again, I'd disagree. A DSLR will have a better quality image, even with smaller prints, simply because of the larger sensor size, and associated pixel size. Most people wouldn't notice it though. Learning curve is one of those things that's debatable. Generally speaking, from my personal experience, the UI is much better on a DSLR than a digital compact P&S. If it's easier to use, it's easier to learn imho. Of course, you can use a DSLR in auto program mode, and you don't really need to learn the other buttons/menu functions. That makes it no different to a digital compact P&S imho. Expensive hobby? Yes, it can be. But - you don't have to buy the most expensive DSLR on the market, nor do yo have to buy every single lens, or the most expensive lenses etc. You can do DSLR photography relatively cheaply if you really want to. Cheers, Dave 13 - Posted by
Kurtis
on November 18, 2006 - 1:07 am Kurtis, I agree with most of your points, although the portability point is a bit over the top. You don't have to take a big camera bag with you just cos you have a DSLR. I could easily just take my 1D and my 70-200 f2.8 and nothing else on a shoot. Sure, it's a bit heavier than a digital compact P&S, but it's still portable. Regardless of whether you use a backpack or any camera bag at all, is that 1D going to fit in your pocket? Especially not with a 70-200 2.8 on the end of it, no way. With the small prints argument, again, I'd disagree. A DSLR will have a better quality image, even with smaller prints, simply because of the larger sensor size, and associated pixel size. Most people wouldn't notice it though. That's exactly what I said, lol. The difference will be noticeable for someone with a keen eye, but most people wouldn't notice the difference. The point was that if you make nothing but small prints, a P&S will be sufficient for the average person. DSLRs can be very handy if you want to make high quality large prints. Learning curve is one of those things that's debatable. Generally speaking, from my personal experience, the UI is much better on a DSLR than a digital compact P&S. If it's easier to use, it's easier to learn imho. Of course, you can use a DSLR in auto program mode, and you don't really need to learn the other buttons/menu functions. That makes it no different to a digital compact P&S imho. I agree to an extent. My point was based on the fact that your average modern point-n-shoot camera has a pretty good and intuitive system that your average person can understand easily. DSLRs have so many buttons and features that it will likely confuse someone who has never used a DSLR. Expensive hobby? Yes, it can be. But - you don't have to buy the most expensive DSLR on the market, nor do yo have to buy every single lens, or the most expensive lenses etc. You can do DSLR photography relatively cheaply if you really want to. Sure you can, if you have more self control than I do. :-D 14 - Posted by
RMELIFER
on November 20, 2006 - 5:34 am Great articles both for and against DSLR. Last June, I lost my Canon Rebel XT, and several lenses including a 17-85 IS lens that I was just getting to know. I've been getting by during my recent travels with a 6MP Casio Exilim point n shoot, but it just isn't the same. I'm planning to start over and get a new DSLR and kit soon, but I haven't decided between the Rebel XTi, the Nikon D80, or possibly the new Sony Alpha A100. There are lots of Nikon users at my workplace, but I'm more familiar with Canon, and the built in image stabilization of Sony makes it difficult to decide. I'd very much like to hear the pros/cons and comparisons of one system against of the others. Alex 15 - Posted by
kirubhai
on August 24, 2007 - 5:27 pm One more reason is an added advantage of point-and-shoot; i.e. you can take videos too. Someone might argue that it is not a thing to count here. However, as I said, its and added advantage.
16 - Posted by
Praetorian
on October 20, 2007 - 8:49 pm Hey folks, I'm hoping the author will focus on addressing this question particularly. I'm new to the world of DSLRs, but am sick of the horrible range my regular digital gets. My dad has a really old canon SLR, which has always performed very well. I just think a digital would be that much better (no film!!). My question is: I was looking at Canons at bestbuy for about CAD$850. Talking with a rep there, he was saying sometimes the mirrors in the digitals "break" or "flip". I think he was just trying to push their 3 year guarantee on me... How often do these cameras break? Was he full of it? Can I buy a canon, treat it well, and never have it break from normal use? 17 - Posted by
Kurtis
on October 20, 2007 - 10:44 pm lol, the mirrors 'flip'? The shutter mechanism is rated for a certain number of actuations, beyond that it may break but it's fixable, and should last for years at least. The mirror should only break if you try to mess with it, which you should never need to do. And I've never heard of one flipping. 18 - Posted by
J2T
on October 24, 2007 - 2:45 pm That just wreaks of a selling tactic to get you to purchase their warranty. They make a killing off that stuff thats why they push it.
19 - Posted by
Max Slowik
on October 24, 2007 - 4:19 pm I'd recommend that you check out some online resellers, like B&H Photo or Beach Camera. I guarantee you that it's not an $850 camera.
20 - Posted by
Kurtis
on October 24, 2007 - 11:59 pm he said $850CAD. but yes, probably still much cheaper online.
21 - Posted by
Max Slowik
on October 25, 2007 - 3:09 am 22 - Posted by
Kurtis
on October 25, 2007 - 10:56 am Damnit, Max... You're not allowed to prove me wrong on things. Me am bossman!
23 - Posted by
lanimar
on November 2, 2008 - 11:38 pm For those dslr owners here not using their dslr, or those that don't use it for the reason of being bulky or whatever, I am willing to take it and make some valuable use for it. I have always wanted a dslr but is too expensive. I am aspiring to be a professional photographer. If you are willing to donate your unused dslr camera, Please contact me at lanimar3417@yahoo.com. Promise your dslr won't go to waste.
24 - Posted by
Spanky
on December 23, 2008 - 12:55 pm Too many people here who paid to much for DSLR's and add ons. The BIG point is, all the things that a P&S can do OVER a DSLR and for less money. Noise can be overcome in many situations(like a simple 1 second shutter speed at 100 ISO). Therefore, one could logically argue, P&S cover more picture taking situations, and you will be more likely to have it and not need to switch lenses. DSLR miss more shots. Once you get a "fast enough" (Focus and lag) P&S, you are done. Just go and try a TZ5 or FZ28. 25 - Posted by
Shawn
on January 15, 2009 - 7:23 am Really, Digital SLR cameras are appealing to me because it seems that with my Casio Ex-S10, the startup time and focus time disables my ability to take quick shots. The other reason that they are appealing to me, is that my PnS doesn't do enough for my taste. I want to be able to control everything when I shoot something. Good job on the article though, I also read the 10 reasons in favor of buying a DSLR. I'm pretty much bent on buying a Nikon D80, which I have read is a good camera for beginners.
26 - Posted by
Kurtis
on January 15, 2009 - 2:47 pm Any DSLR will be a huge improvement over any PnS, so I'm sure you'll love the D80. I'm a Canon guy personally, but it's all a matter of preference.
27 - Posted by
shutter
on February 5, 2009 - 1:04 am this guy must have had a terrible experience in photography that he starts hating the equipment...i pity you
28 - Posted by
w0lf
on March 18, 2009 - 10:10 am I just read both your articles on why and why not. For a person who has never even seen a DSLR but considering one, it was very very helpful. I do sympathize with you for all the flames you've been attracting. If people don't like the article, they should just move on. Why do they insist on going all out on a person who has taken so much effort to actually write an article. Oh well. Thank you again for the wonderful articles. Any chance I could talk you into writing an article on basic DSLR terms for beginners? ^_^ 29 - Posted by
Kurtis
on March 18, 2009 - 8:30 pm w0lf: I'm always open to article ideas. Drop me an email and let me know what specifically you'd like to know to give me a better idea. BTW, you may want to check this article out as well: http://www.thetechlounge.com/article/287 30 - Posted by
DSLR
on May 12, 2009 - 9:56 pm Nevermind about the flames, Please keep writing, everybody has its own opinion about DSLR cameras. At least the reader like me can learn a lot by reading your article and the comments. Dont take it negatively about the comments. :)
31 - Posted by
KLI
on August 22, 2009 - 11:32 am it is a good articles "Kurtis" you sure have good understanding about camera, then you can really tell all of that, pro and con always happened.. i do own DSLR and do seriously about photography. DSLR is definitely for serious photography, i understand some of people who gives comment here they put it too personal to write down the comments, some of them hate people who use DSLR, some who used DSLR get offended by this article. alright so for: - some who hate people using DSLR, i can say that don't throw your comments with killing "ALL" DSLR user, i've been in this field for years and i know some people just show off their Gears not their skill. please more specified while making comment, cos i think it is bad to hurt people feelings, while u don't want to be hurt. - some people get offended by this article, please read back the articles carefully, then throw your comment, this article is positively open people eyes and mind. calm yourself down and ask yourself, did you really seriously go for photography so far? how serious you go with your DSLR? or maybe u just need a Compact Digital camera for your photography. so please think before you talk people. thanks for your articles Kurtis, i know u really put big effort for this article. good job. ( i will say sorry for my english, cos not my daily language) KLI 32 - Posted by
Teaboy
on October 14, 2009 - 3:28 am ooh .Everybody complains about everybody that complains.
33 - Posted by
William
on December 25, 2009 - 10:28 am About the viewfinder and video, the relatively cheap nikon d5000 has a tilt and swivel screen with liveview and 1080x720 video... The live view and video quality aren't the best, but they can help you in the moments you need the most!
34 - Posted by
Stephenkiers
on January 16, 2010 - 12:20 pm What you said in this article is everything I say to 99% of my family and friends who want a new camera. I own a Canon 1Ds Mark III and I also own a PointandShoot (can't remember the model). I have the PaS for most vacations and stuff with friends. Don't get me wrong. I HATE the horrible noise, low res and crappy flash. I love the video, portability and the PaS I bought can be dropped, frozen and taken underwater. On vacation I snorkel with it, at youth events I toss it to kids to use (literally toss) and I have it in my pocket when I need it. I print 4x6 prints and 5x7s and they are fine for the types of pictures I take. My experience and opinion! Add Comment To add a comment without being a member, you may omit the password field, but you must enter your name (or nickname) along with your comment. * Denotes required fields. |
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