Did I waste my money?

Cublicious · Feb 20, 2014

So I'm brand new to photography.. I mean I've barely even started.
I just purchased my first digital camera, a Fujifilm FinePix S8400W. I spent hours looking at reviews and comparing and contrasting within my budget.

Here's the problem though: I also bought a book I'm sure many of you have heard of, "The Digital Photography Book" by Scott Kelby. I'm only a few pages in and I'm realizing that most of the things he suggests doing to get a "tack-sharp" photo, I just can't do. My camera doesn't seem to be compatible with any cable releases, wired or otherwise, doesn't seem to have a "Mirror lock-up" option, among other things.

I'm not made of money, I needed a camera that fell below $300, but did I waste my money? Should I have just gone with something more expensive? I'm feeling apprehensive and I'm not sure if I should return my purchase and shop for something else.

Thanks in advance.

lennon33x · Feb 20, 2014

One thing that's often overlooked by beginning photographers is the used digital camera. Websites like www.KEH.com and others offer very good used products at extremely reasonable discounts. I fell into that exact ploy. Thankfully, it didn't last long and I researched heavily prior to my next purchase. I upgraded to full frame and have been extremely happy with my purchase ever since.

Some point-and-shoot cameras are extremely reliable and produce great images. However, I think for what you may be desiring, use DSLRs may be right up your alley. Do you have the time to return it?

SnappingShark · Feb 20, 2014

There's more than one way to skin a cat (no offence cat lovers).

Take the best photo you can according to the Aperture, Shutter Speed, Focal length, Light and ISO levels available to you!
Once you have the best you can get with just those, then move on to trying new things.

Use a beanbag instead of an expensive tripod.
Use a timed shot instead of a shutter release (limited).

But don't be disheartened, and have fun!!

ps - I know nothing of the camera you mentioned - but I am sure it's as good as you thought it was during your reviews!

Cublicious · Feb 20, 2014

reavesce said:
One thing that's often overlooked by beginning photographers is the used digital camera. Websites like www.KEH.com and others offer very good used products at extremely reasonable discounts. I fell into that exact ploy. Thankfully, it didn't last long and I researched heavily prior to my next purchase. I upgraded to full frame and have been extremely happy with my purchase ever since.

Some point-and-shoot cameras are extremely reliable and produce great images. However, I think for what you may be desiring, use DSLRs may be right up your alley. Do you have the time to return it?

I do but it was purchased on amazon, and could be a hassle, but if it's worth doing then I just might.
It's incredibly overwhelming trying to choose a first camera, I don't know what any of the specs really mean or what is good for what, etc.

runnah · Feb 20, 2014

Any camera is better than no camera.

If you are brand new to photography than this should be more than enough for you. It may not have feature of more expensive cameras but it still takes pictures! I would suggest start saving now and in the meantime go out and shoot. You can still learn things like composition, subject choices and what makes for good light. By the time you get to the limits of your camera you should be able to afford an upgrade.

SnappingShark · Feb 20, 2014

Amazon are awesome at returns btw.

lennon33x · Feb 20, 2014

Cublicious said:
I do but it was purchased on amazon, and could be a hassle, but if it's worth doing then I just might. It's incredibly overwhelming trying to choose a first camera, I don't know what any of the specs really mean or what is good for what, etc.

I would suggest what BrightByNature suggested and take the best photos you can. If you find it frustrating or difficult to use, I would then suggest reevaluating your purchase. But shoot away!

DarkShadow · Feb 20, 2014

Whoa Whoa lets slow down a little and not jump to far ahead of your self.. Don't worry about cable release and mirror lock up right now, Your camera has the most important part of creating great photo's, It has manual controls such as Aperture Priority,Shutter Priority and manual mode. Being a bridge camera it's going to have limitations but mostly from it's sensor and none interchangeable lenses but there is not reason you can't put forth great photos. You don't need cable release for taking sharp photos unless you plain on long exposures or shoot at to slow of shutter speeds to hand hold.

flyin-lowe · Feb 20, 2014

I am not sure about that book you have but Understanding Exposure by Peterson dose a very good job of helping newbies (like myself) understand how to take good photos. Using Shutter, ISO, and Aperture. You can definitely take great photos without mirror lock, cable releases etc. Petersons book is well worth the money.

71M · Feb 20, 2014

This:

runnah said:
Any camera is better than no camera.

If you are brand new to photography than this should be more than enough for you. It may not have feature of more expensive cameras but it still takes pictures! I would suggest start saving now and in the meantime go out and shoot. You can still learn things like composition, subject choices and what makes for good light. By the time you get to the limits of your camera you should be able to afford an upgrade.

ratssass · Feb 20, 2014

Not a waste,at all.Right now,you don't even know how it might be limiting you.Go out and use it to the best of your abilities.Then identify any shortcomings that you find.Then ask yourself "Self,is it my camera or my technique/approach". You don't know what you don't know.You have a tool,now learn to use it effectively,and soon you'll identify areas that you wish to improve.You'll find that many of those areas won't cost you another penny to improve on.Good luck,and,enjoy...

Designer · Feb 20, 2014

Dear Cub fan; please go through this checklist:

1. Is there a "filter" on the outside of the lens? If so, remove it now.
2. Make sure the shutter speed is always at 1/100 sec. or faster for any hand-held shot.
3. Practice secure holding technique. Camera held with both hands, elbows in, a steady, gentle press of the shutter button (no "jabbing")

That should do it. Just those three things for now. If you are still not getting sharp pictures, return it.

vintagesnaps · Feb 20, 2014

I think I'd return the book instead LOL... (well maybe not, but he seems to be more about the photoshopping, or maybe it's too much at once and would be more usable down the road). I wouldn't think at this point you'd need to worry too much with your camera about being able to steady and support it since it wouldn't be that heavy; as you use it you might just want to be aware of keeping the camera straight and develop skills in making sure you're steady and set before you release the shutter. As you get out and take pictures and practice you'll probably see if you're getting any movement blur or not to know if it's something you'll need to work on.

I agree that a used camera can be an option, especially if you stay with photography, and getting a nice sharp lens and knowing how to use it will make as much difference as anything. But even if you want to get an SLR at some point, I find on occasion a point 'n shoot can come in handy to take along someplace where you can't bring in a DSLR, extra lenses etc.

As Runnah said, learning how to frame and compose your photos will be what helps you. Take your time to see what you're looking at in your viewfinder and think about if what you see is what you want in your picture. Notice your backgrounds, move around and try different vantage points, think about where things are in your viewfinder/viewscreen and if it looks pleasing to the eye. Hope you have fun with it.

JerryLove · Feb 20, 2014

Cublicious said:
Here's the problem though: I also bought a book I'm sure many of you have heard of, "The Digital Photography Book" by Scott Kelby. I'm only a few pages in and I'm realizing that most of the things he suggests doing to get a "tack-sharp" photo, I just can't do.

First: let me start by telling you what the *real* first problems you may encounter are.

1) You can't change lenses.
2) You must use contrast auto-focus.
3) Your quality is limited by the relatively small sensor size (I suspect: didn't actually look at sensor size).

#1 is likely the be the most frustrating the soonest.

My camera doesn't seem to be compatible with any cable releases,

These are mostly useful in multi-exposure (HDR) shots, and in extreme telephoto shots. You are not likely to be doing either (stuck with your current lens). It's also convenient for portraits that you, yourself appear in.

doesn't seem to have a "Mirror lock-up" option, among other things.

There's no mirror in that camera, so no need to lock it.

Again: that's to resolve a problem particular to SLRs and particular to extreme zooms. You have neither. Non-issue.

I'm not made of money, I needed a camera that fell below $300, but did I waste my money? Should I have just gone with something more expensive? I'm feeling apprehensive and I'm not sure if I should return my purchase and shop for something else.

Only you can answer that. At that price I picked up a used Canon T2i at a pawn shop with the kit lens.

You need to define what it is you *want* to do and whether this camera is right for you or not.

robbins.photo · Feb 21, 2014

Cublicious said:
So I'm brand new to photography.. I mean I've barely even started.
I just purchased my first digital camera, a Fujifilm FinePix S8400W. I spent hours looking at reviews and comparing and contrasting within my budget.

Here's the problem though: I also bought a book I'm sure many of you have heard of, "The Digital Photography Book" by Scott Kelby. I'm only a few pages in and I'm realizing that most of the things he suggests doing to get a "tack-sharp" photo, I just can't do. My camera doesn't seem to be compatible with any cable releases, wired or otherwise, doesn't seem to have a "Mirror lock-up" option, among other things.

I'm not made of money, I needed a camera that fell below $300, but did I waste my money? Should I have just gone with something more expensive? I'm feeling apprehensive and I'm not sure if I should return my purchase and shop for something else.

Thanks in advance.

Nothing wrong at all with starting with a bridge camera. The S8400W won't be as good as a DSLR in low light conditions and it won't give you quite the image quality you'd see from a true DSLR, however it does have some advantages in that you won't have to change lenses when you need telephoto and you have a lot more zoom range than is really feasible on most DSLR's. So you can get some really usable images out of it and learn the basics before you decide if you really want to get into photography seriously and actually start spending a lot of money on it as a hobby.

If not you can stay with the FinePix and probably be perfectly happy, and if you do decide at some point you really want to upgrade and go full DSLR you can either sell the FinePix at that point or you can keep it to use as a backup camera or when you need something more portable than a DSLR.

So if it were me I'd probably hang onto the FinePix for now and use it, learn the basics, and then decide later if you really need something higher end or if the FinePix will be enough to suit your needs indefinitely.