What common mistakes and new capabilities should I expect when moving from a compact camera to a DSLR?
Asked 5/20/2011
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I recently moved from a Canon SX120IS compact to a Nikon D40X DSLR. So far I mainly miss the very close focusing of the compact and the ability to make exposure adjustments while using the rear screen. What are the common beginner mistakes people make when switching from a compact to a DSLR, and what DSLR features or habits should I learn to take advantage of?
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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Potential mistakes include:
Overreliance on zoom. Many compacts have huge zoom ranges. People get used to this and either struggle when given a limited zoom range or prime lens, or they go out and buy a superzoom lens with inferior image quality.
Being afraid to change lenses. This relates to the last point, people aren't used to changing lenses or are afraid they might get dust in the camera. The ability to change lenses is one of the biggest advantages to the SLR system. It allows you to have a large range of focal lengths without compromising image quality.
Using the SLR just like a compact. Some people think that merely possessing a DSLR will make their pictures better. To improve you need to use your camera differently. Such cameras offer new opportunities but you have to actively seek them out in order to really improve.
Using the pop-up flash. Whilst (almost) all the same lighting options are available to compact owners, 99% of people use the built in flash, to save carrying an external unit. If you have an SLR plus lenses with you there's probably space for a hotshoe flash which will allow much better lighting by bouncing/diffusing/getting the flash off-camera.
Originally by user1375. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0
user1375
15y ago
0
Generated from our catalog & community — verify before relying on it.
Common gotchas when moving from a compact to a DSLR include:
- Relying too much on zoom range. Compacts often have huge built-in zooms, while DSLRs usually use shorter-range zooms or primes for better image quality.
- Treating the DSLR like a compact. A DSLR won’t automatically improve your photos unless you change how you shoot and make use of its controls and lens options.
- Being reluctant to change lenses. Interchangeable lenses are one of the biggest advantages of a DSLR system.
- Not paying enough attention to focus. With the larger sensor, depth of field is often much shallower than on a compact, so precise focus matters more. Use a specific AF point when needed, and for people or animals, focus on the eyes.
- Leaving the camera at home because it’s bigger. A good bag can make it easier to carry regularly.
Capabilities to start using:
- Shoot RAW if your camera supports it for more flexibility in post-processing.
- Learn to use your autofocus points deliberately instead of letting the camera always choose.
- Explore different lenses rather than trying to recreate a compact-style all-in-one experience.
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