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Why you DON’T need a DSLR to take good photos

BY ONEIKA RAYMOND





I was looking at some of my pictures yesterday and had a revelation. You don’t need a DSLR camera to take good pictures. My pics are pretty damn good and I don’t own one.

St. Paul’s Cathedral in London
Liebling in front of St. Paul’s 

I’ve been going over and over this debate for the last year or so, and have even written about my dilemma on this here blog.  As I travel to more places and (hope to) take more pretty pictures, I have suffered what I call the “camera inferiority complex”, severe DSLR envy if you will.  I get in there to get the shot with my teensy little Lumix LX5, while the pros with their huge lenses fitted on substantial DSLR camera bodies jockey for attention. Admittedly, I longed to be part of the group.  Having a DSLR almost screams “serious photography”.  I was certain that I absolutely NEEDED to own one.

With friends in New York City
In Brussels
Leaves in London

But now that my lovely Liebling has gotten more interested in photography and recently added a Canon 600D to our little home, now I’m not so sure.  Though I am welcome to put my hot little hands all over his new DSLR and test out all the bells and whistles, apart from very minimal tinkering in the beginning, I have been relatively disinterested in his new camera.

At Trafalgar Square in London
Cathedral in Paris

Why?  I think it’s due to a burgeoning epiphany that I’ve just been able to put my finger on.

Stuffing my face in B

I am in love with my digicam.  The pictures I take with my non-DSLR camera are indeed good enough.  In fact, they are very good.

Singapore by day and by night

I realize that having a DSLR automatically equals more power, and what it can do far out-trumps my little camera. But.  The colours.  The portability.  The ease of use.  Honestly, I don’t think that another compact camera on the market is better.

Face time in Chile
In Malta
Liebling checking out the Niagara Falls in Canada last 

I often get emails and comments asking me which camera I use on the blog.  Apart from the pictures from Dubai, where we mostly used Liebling’s DSLR, all the pictures from the last year or so are from my trusty Lumix.  Because I am lazy, I don’t use  ANY photo editing programs, so what you see is what you get.

In Seattle last July

And frankly, what you (well, I) see is awesome.

Eating and shopping in Guatemala
Cold in Chile last October

Does that mean I’ll never get a DSLR? Absolutely not.  I have an interest in photography so I will definitely get one, and probably soon.  But this does mean that, at least for now, my little camera suits me just fine.

With the Liebster at Lake Atitlan, in Guatemala

Do you have a DSLR?  Would you ever get one?  What is your favourite non-DSLR camera out there?


Psst! Don’t forget to “like” me on Facebook if you haven’t already! Your support is much appreciated!

SHARING IS CARING

137 Comments

  • I remember that post. I have both. My point and shoot takes great images. I love how portable it is, and have had for almost 4 years I think. It's extremely reliable once you know how to use all the functions for the best circumstances. I've taken some amazing images with it.

    My dslr is my baby too lol. I find that unless you know how to use it well and take a good pic in general its pointless to have for many people. I've been using it for professional purposes and the upside is that dslr allows for more information, and a larger range of software editing options than just a jpg like my point and shoot.

    I'm a big proponent of if you don't need it, don't waste your money on it!!

  • I went through a bit of a falling out with my DSLR and went back to my point and shoot for a while. I just knew how to use it and get the results I wanted. However, I have been on a couple of courses now and the more I learn to use my camera, the better my results. You are right, you can get truly spectacular results with your little camera. I just find that my Canon provides more options for shooting in inferior light or at night time.

  • I love the picture of the cathedral! I love my point and shoot cameras but after getting my first DSLR last december I can see the difference. The quality of the image and colors is amazing. I still think the size is not the best while traveling. I will find out how that goes on our next trip. Maybe now with Liebling you will be spoiled! 🙂

  • I don't own a DSLR too because I'm too lazy to lug huge camera while traveling. I'd prefer my small camera. And I think I'm quite happy with the results.

    Please visit my blog to view my pictures:
    http://debbzie.blogspot.com

  • Yes, you do get some great shots! I'd still like a little point and shoot in addition to my DSLR. I had gorgeous blog envy and convinced DH to get us one as the family Christmas present. We definitely see a huge difference in quality using our entry level Canon T2i vs. our old Pentax. I guess it really depends on what your needs are. Mine was for capturing family moments – we have a toddler and want to expand our family and also for stepping up my blogging game.

  • Okay, so first things first. Where was that picture on the top of the post taken? Gorgeous and I must go there! And I think your images are all wonderful.

    Secondly, I used to shoot with an SLR before the all digital era, but then switched to a point and shoot due to the cost of DSLRs. I've ached for a DSLR for a long time but the price, size, and weight have always been a deterrent for me. I can't see myself going on long hikes or adventures with a big bulky camera.

    I shoot with a Canon S100 which comes with the option to shoot RAW and has a lot of custom options you also find with a DSLR. Biggest drawbacks are the zoom and lighting.

    For traveling, I think I will almost always prefer my Canon S100 – but would like to look into the Lumix you use. I would however, someday, like to get a DSLR for in home food photograph.

  • I am so glad you posted this! I was thinking I need to upgrade (I have a Cannon small digital camera that I purchased in 2008) but my photos are quite nice. I do plan to purchase a new camera only because I know the one I have is on it's last leg (it makes funny noises sometimes but still works) but I think I will get another digital camera, non DSLR (probably a Lumix like yours 😉 until I feel the urge to run with the big dogs. So for now, I feel you girl. And yes, your photos are DA BOMB!

  • No, one doesn't need a DSLR…one needs to travel to really stunning places! 😉

  • I actually have a dslr but thinking of selling it and getting the lumix you have. Why? Don't underestimate portability…

  • I love my DSLR from the bottom of my heart – especially for close-up shots, field of depth, bokeh and all that kind of things 🙂 For me I felt that I can only achieve those more special effects with a DSLR. For sure I still have a point and shoot for convenience reasons, but honetly I would never go back. There are a few cameras out there, non- DSLR, smaller, but with changing lenses – they are quite expensive still, but you can shoot all of the above mentioned things with those AND carry them around more easily 🙂
    I love your pictures though, so maybe I just have the wrong point/shoot 🙂 haha! keep on shooting, with whatever camera suits you best*

  • We're going to get one soon but only because my dad upgraded his camera and is willing to sell us his old one cheaply. I've been tempted, but if it weren't for this opportunity, I think I'd still be in your camp. But I do have to say that much as I like my camera, yours is lightyears better based on how crisp and bright your photos are!

  • This post came at a perfect time! I'm on the hunt for a new, digital camera to take on our trip to Thailand. I love photography, but don't want to invest in a DSLR right now, and I want something pocket-sized for the trip. I'm definitely going to look into the Lumix LX5.

    I've always loved how great the pics are you post on your blog 🙂

  • you camera is great. if i had a lumix i would not have upgraded. i had a canon powershot which was 6 years old. it did well and i still carry it around for quick snapping but i heart my new camera and glad i made the investment.

  • I've been such a lurker on your blog lately but this post means I HAVE to make a comment — Seba and I were JUST talking about how we need to buy a point and shoot for exactly the reasons you were talking about — portability and ease of use. Sometimes, even photographers want to just be able to whip out a camera and snap a simple shot without worrying about getting robbed, attracting too much attention, having to fiddle with settings and everything.

    That being said, I think you have a lot of great photos and I bet if you learned how to use Rob's camera, you'd only get even better. There's a lot of control you have with a DSLR that you don't necessarily have with a point and shoot.

    However, the majority of travelers I see with DSLR's use them on automatic — which means in essence, you're basically using the DSLR as a large point and shoot and in most cases the photo quality isn't any better. If you're going to get a DSLR and not learn how to use it, in that case, I say just stick to the point and shoot.

    PS. Skype date soon?

  • I have a Cannon G series camera – which is basically a fancy point and shoot – I like that I can play with the settings if I want to – or keep it on automatic.

    But I'm not that into photography, I don't have a great eye. So, eh!

  • I totally agree with you! I use a Canon Powershot G12 and I absolutely love it; I don't think I'll invest in a DSLR anytime soon. I love the ease of having a smaller camera and I don't know much about photography anyway, so the G12 suits me just fine.

    Your photos are absolutely beautiful!

  • Such Beautiful pictures. Absolute inspiration to travel. I really like your blog.

  • That's great advice that I agree with! I think my reluctants to get one stems from the fact that I'm not ready quite yet to learn all the bells and whistles!

  • Yes, I love love your pics! Will ask you for tips once I get a DSLR 🙂

  • Did you use it for your Ecuador and Hawaii pics? I really love your photography!

  • I have nothing against DSLRs but feel a lot of people are pressured to get them- then only use them on auto anyway!

  • Forgot to caption it, but I took that in at Lake Atitlan in Guatemala! I need to post the rest of my pics from that trip- it is such a beautiful plpace!. The Canon S Series is amazing- a friend of mine has the Canon S95 and I love the pictures it takes!

  • Haha thanks! The lumix has some limits but for what I need it for it's perfect!

  • Yes, I've heard of the micro 4/3 cameras and have researched them quite a bit! But I think that I'll probably get a DSLR eventually for all the reasons you mention. Sooner than later!

  • Don't underestimate your camera, Emily! I find that your pics are really crisp and gorgeous as well- especially your food photography!

  • Thank you! When are you going again? I definitely recommend the Lumix LX5!

  • Well, I love love your camera and you are really making great use of it! I really like that additional lens you bought that makes everything blurry..

  • I also worry about the potential of making myself a target for robbery with a big fancy camera hanging around my neck! That being said, I'm not too sure that happens very often so I'm just being paranoid… What it boils down to is that if I were to get a DSLR right now, I probably wouldn't invest the time in learning how to use it the right way… Which is perfect because now that Rob has one I can kind of fiddle around on his! I'll definitely have to ask you for tips, though!

    Yes yes yes to a Skype date! Preferably before I head to Peru in 10 days!!

  • Loved your pics from Vanuatu so have to agree that you made a good purchase! I'd disagree that you don't have a good eye though…

  • Funnily enough, I always LOVE your blog pictures and find it hard to believe that they weren't taken with a DSLR! I think that you just have a way with capturing images!

  • Thanks Oneika!! No, I used my point and shoot for those trips. I got the DSLR for Christmas. I love everything about it except the size. I'm going to chile and Argentina in may. I'm excited to see the results. I've been using it to take lots of sunset pics around Tampa but not really for trips where I'm worried about getting lost or watching my purse nonstop.

  • And I've been planning to buy one for myself! Hahaha.. Now this got me thinking Oneika.. Thanks!

  • Your camera seems to be doing a great job! Like Deidre and This Battered Suitcase, I use and love the Canon G series (I have the G11, but the newer G12 came out recently). Two photographer friends recommended it to me, and they were right– it has a huge range of features but is still small enough to be practical for me.

  • Oneika, your photos are amazing! I have been trolling photography sites for the past month and for clarity and color, even night shots, you are doing something really right because your photos are more vibrant than many others who are using APS-C format DSLR's. You and that Lumix are a winning combination for sure!!

    Keep it up!

  • Lovely pictures and yes I agree! You don't need a DSLR camera to take good photos.

    I like my G11 because it's small enough to fit inside my purse and it doesn't weigh a ton which could get really tiring if you go sightseeing all day. I can't shop while carrying a monster camera 😉

  • I just got the Lumix LX5! I'm learning to use it. I can't figure out how to get a nice blurred background (like you havge going on in that dessert shot) even though I set the aperture at 2.0. But I will keep tinkering away at it. If you have any LX5 tips, I'd appreciate them!

  • Great post! All of my photos are unedited and shot with my little Canon Elph and I think I’ve got some good shots. I think for the most part, my point and shoot is just fine however on safari in South Africa & most recently Gabon, I really wished I had the zoom capability of a good lense and a bit more control over focus. This summer I’m going to buy an entry level DSLR and start experimenting – but I know I’ll still use my Elph regularly as well.

    • I just got a DSLR after salivating over Liebling’s!! There are fantastic compact cameras out there- your pics are proof!

    • Did you use your Canon Elph for the Spain pics?

  • Gorgeous shots! Did you take all of them with your LX5? I’m planning to buy an LX7, but I’m still having second thoughts. I’m also considering another advanced point and shoot, Nikon P7700.

  • I agree with this. I have had DSLRs that I barely used and opted to use my Canon S95 instead (by the way the Canon S-series are probably the best point and shoots out there, most of the photos on my blog have been taken with it).

    When I was thinking of getting a new camera for shooting when traveling, I wanted something in between a DSLR and point and shoot (based on size) and settled on the Fujifilm XE-1, a mirrorless camera which is said to outperform consumer level DSLRs. 😀

    • A friend of mine has an S95 and loves it! I’m still partial to Lumix though!

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