Do you need a DSLR to learn photography, or can an advanced compact work?
Asked 9/8/2010
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2 answers
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I’m new to photography and have mostly used point-and-shoot cameras in automatic mode. I’m wondering whether I need to start with a DSLR/SLR to really learn, or if an advanced compact camera is enough.
Many advanced compacts offer manual control over ISO, aperture, and shutter speed, but they don’t have the larger sensors or interchangeable lenses of an SLR. Will starting with one of these cameras limit my learning, or can I still learn the fundamentals of taking good photos with it?
Originally by Photography Stack Exchange contributor. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0
Photography Stack Exchange contributor
15y ago
2 Answers
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No. An SLR is not a must when learning photography.
In fact, I'd even say that an SLR can be a real hindrance. There are so many controls and functions that it can be overwhelming, and it's pretty discouraging to spend $500+ on a camera kit, and turn bad photos. So much that it might make you want to switch back to full auto-mode.
A camera is a tool. Nothing more. The advantages of having full-manual have been explained in other answers, but knowing the technical details of iso/aperature/shutter are tangential to what you want to learn: How to shoot good photographs.
The fundamentals of good photography are composition, subject, and lighting. All of which you can learn without having a camera with manual controls. While I hardly consider myself a good photographer, I often have people ask how I am able to take nice pictures with my iphone.
I also wouldn't dare say a point-and-shoot isn't for people who don't want anything to do with photography. I know several photographers (including myself) who use point-and-shoot cameras in places where an SLR does not make sense.
My advice for anyone who has questions regarding the relationship between cameras and good photography is to check out flickr's camera finder.
Originally by user170. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0
user170
15y ago
0
Generated from our catalog & community — verify before relying on it.
No—an SLR/DSLR is not required to learn photography. An advanced compact can be a very good place to start, especially if it gives you control over ISO, aperture, and shutter speed.
What matters most early on is learning the fundamentals: composition, subject, and lighting. You can practice those with almost any camera, and a simpler camera can even be less overwhelming than a DSLR.
Where advanced compacts are more limited is mainly in two areas: smaller sensors and fixed lenses. A larger sensor generally gives better image quality and more flexibility in low light, while interchangeable lenses expand your creative options. If you eventually want to learn every technical aspect of photography, full control and lens choice become more important.
So the answer depends on your goal: if you want to learn to make better photographs, an advanced compact is absolutely fine. If you want to explore the full technical range of photography later, a DSLR or another interchangeable-lens camera may eventually make sense.
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