Just returned my DSLR. Did I make the right choice?

[Kbarredo]

I'm sorry, what I meant to say was that I admire you for being such a savvy consumer. You have managed to buy something without doing any research on it, not learn how to use it, and then return it for your money back. That means the store now has to sell it as a used or refurbished camera at a loss or at least at a lower profit.

IMO, you shouldn't have been allowed to return it in the first place. Doesn't sound like the product was defective, just the purchaser. The reason I care; because people like you drive the price up for everybody else. Not cool.

Actually theft drives the price up.

I don't think DSLR's are big on the shoplifting chart. In any case, I would consider returning a perfectly functioning product because the purchaser didn't know how to use it to be the same thing.

Im not talking about shoplifting. Most of the time its the employees that steal things.

 

[etnad0]

The Fujifilm Finepix S5100 might be a good choice. I used it for a few years as my learning camera. It's a hybrid p&s/dslr with full manual mode or auto. You can change ISO, aperture, shutter speed, and it's pretty small. It features the same dial options as most DSLRs, but the manual mode is a little difficult to navigate. I'm not a pro, but I got some pretty decent shots with it before upgrading to my T2i. It's not bulky at all and Amazon has it right now for about $120. Here is a photo I took with it.

It also records SD video as well if you need that option.

 

[o hey tyler]

I just love reading these responses. You all have been so helpful! I'm looking forward to uploading my old & most recent photos (p&s and DSLR, pre-return) and viewing yours! SO happy I found this forum *phew*!

I'm sorry, what I meant to say was that I admire you for being such a savvy consumer. You have managed to buy something without doing any research on it, not learn how to use it, and then return it for your money back. That means the store now has to sell it as a used or refurbished camera at a loss or at least at a lower profit.

IMO, you shouldn't have been allowed to return it in the first place. Doesn't sound like the product was defective, just the purchaser. The reason I care; because people like you drive the price up for everybody else. Not cool.

Actually theft drives the price up.

Yeah, all that theft that happens through the security alarm equipped sliding doors that they're housed in during store hours until a consumer wants to purchase one. Lots of them get stolen. All day long. IT REALLY HAPPENS.

 

[o hey tyler]

Actually theft drives the price up.

I don't think DSLR's are big on the shoplifting chart. In any case, I would consider returning a perfectly functioning product because the purchaser didn't know how to use it to be the same thing.

Im not talking about shoplifting. Most of the time its the employees that steal things.

And then immediately get fired.

 

[Tony S]

Get yourself a high quality P&S. Sounds like once you learn the new features on one you will be really happy with it since you had a great experience with your last one. With the changes since you had that first one in the technology you will be light years ahead of where you were when it died.

A DSLR can turn into quite an investment once you get going, but it's a pretty worthless investment if you don't carry it around and use it. Get one that you will carry with you as much as possible.

BTW.. some folks even think the Iphone is the best camera to have.
Famous photographer Annie Leibovitz recommends iPhone as best camera - then leaves finger in way of shot - Pocket-lint

 

[Kbarredo]

I don't think DSLR's are big on the shoplifting chart. In any case, I would consider returning a perfectly functioning product because the purchaser didn't know how to use it to be the same thing.

Im not talking about shoplifting. Most of the time its the employees that steal things.

And then immediately get fired.

If they get caught. Lets just say I know some people who have gotten away with it. Merchandisers have keys to everywhere and they can bypass security easily when stocking things. With every security system an insider will always get around it no matter how good it is. All it takes is some time and planning.

 

[megan330]

I just wanted to say don't be so quick to give up! I have had my D3100 since the end of this past March and am just now within the last couple days learning how to use it outside of auto mode. It's a little confusing at first but not as complicated as I made it out to be before actually messing with it. I think I was just intimidated and I thought it was going to take up tons of my time but it's not so bad.

 

[COLTSFANATIC1]

Bridge cams are the way to go, good luck

 

[Kerbouchard]

Actually theft drives the price up.

I don't think DSLR's are big on the shoplifting chart. In any case, I would consider returning a perfectly functioning product because the purchaser didn't know how to use it to be the same thing.

I'm sorry I didn't mention this before as I didn't think it was pertinent, but since you are so concerned... I didn't purchase the camera brand-new in the box. It was from a local camera shop with a 30 day return policy. He had no problem with me bringing it back (the owner operates the shop).

There was a new model available for not much more, but I chose to not go that route only because I had never used a DSLR before & didn't want to open up the item and have a possibility of bringing it back, which was why he guided me toward the cam I bought.

Does that comfort you?

Actually, it does a bit. I still think you gave up too fast. I wish you would have found this forum earlier, posted some pics, and gotten some guidance on how to make the best of your DSLR. In any case, best of luck to you in whatever decision you decide to go with.

 

[Derrel]

I'm sorry, what I meant to say was that I admire you for being such a savvy consumer. You have managed to buy something without doing any research on it, not learn how to use it, and then return it for your money back. That means the store now has to sell it as a used or refurbished camera at a loss or at least at a lower profit.

IMO, you shouldn't have been allowed to return it in the first place. Doesn't sound like the product was defective, just the purchaser. The reason I care; because people like you drive the price up for everybody else. Not cool.

God, I wish I were a perfect human being who never, ever made a single mistake in judgment. It must be amazing to live among the angels.

The FujiFilm FinePix S5100 at $120 from Amazon.com does seem like a lot of camera for that price. My wife had one some time back...it's not the "newest camera" but it does shoot decent images. My friend Steve's dad has one, along with a Canon d-slr system...I've seen quite a lot of family photos done with the small FujiFilm 5000-series cams...

As far as selling returned merchandise as "refurbished"...uh...that ain't the way it actually works much of the time...it's called "cleaning up and re-packaging" at many locations...but keep that on the QT...microfiber cleaning cloth...Dust-Off...Q-Tips...a few new plastic bags...a modicum of intelligence..."It's new again!"

 

[Ballistics]

The learning curve for a DSLR is steep, and I didn't realize that previous to my purchase. After showing my portfolio to a local photographer he recommended the kit I purchased but unfortunately I did not do my research before hand. If I had done so, perhaps I would have felt more comfortable embarking on the DSLR adventure.

I can go back to get the DSLR, but before I make any purchase I want to be sure (this time) it is one that I will use and can use within a month. I don't have years to learn my camera, my kids are growing too fast!

I think it was a big surprise to me because I knew my old camera so well, and the DSLR had my starting back on square 1.

Steep is a relative term, but it's not as intricate as it entails. The problem is, people expect to shoot professional quality images right out of the box with out any real background. With a day's worth of research, you can learn how to take some technically sound pictures.

 

[Kbarredo]

The learning curve for a DSLR is steep, and I didn't realize that previous to my purchase. After showing my portfolio to a local photographer he recommended the kit I purchased but unfortunately I did not do my research before hand. If I had done so, perhaps I would have felt more comfortable embarking on the DSLR adventure.

I can go back to get the DSLR, but before I make any purchase I want to be sure (this time) it is one that I will use and can use within a month. I don't have years to learn my camera, my kids are growing too fast!

I think it was a big surprise to me because I knew my old camera so well, and the DSLR had my starting back on square 1.

Steep is a relative term, but it's not as intricate as it entails. The problem is, people expect to shoot professional quality images right out of the box with out any real background. With a day's worth of research, you can learn how to take some technically sound pictures.

Very true. Some people never learn what composition even is until they burned up all their money. Im just so glad I found this site before I did the same.
This is how a lot of people think when buying dslrs.
" Gonna replace my ps with those big fancy slrs then Ill take awesome pics"
" How come my pics still look the same as my old ps camera"
" Maybe a $800 lens will make it better"
" Well its clearer but they are still bad"
Finally they come to a site like this where they are taught composition, proper exposure, depth of field etc. Then they realize that its not the camera, its the person.
Luckily for me I was on the buying the dslr part. I did end up buying a 1k lighting kit but not until I had enough knowledge on how to use it.

 

[Pau1]

It's not the size of your camera that matters, its how you use it.

 

[Crollo]

All others should really get over yourselves.

Oh, god. Here we go again.

 

[Photo Lady]

You're probably right. I think I did give up.

I should have come online first. I didn't realize all these wonderful forums existed! It would have comforted me, to say the least.

The learning curve for a DSLR is steep, and I didn't realize that previous to my purchase. After showing my portfolio to a local photographer he recommended the kit I purchased but unfortunately I did not do my research before hand. If I had done so, perhaps I would have felt more comfortable embarking on the DSLR adventure.

I can go back to get the DSLR, but before I make any purchase I want to be sure (this time) it is one that I will use and can use within a month. I don't have years to learn my camera, my kids are growing too fast!

I think it was a big surprise to me because I knew my old camera so well, and the DSLR had my starting back on square 1.

we are creatures of habit.. that is the bottom line here.. we want to feel comfortable and familiar... and pleased .... when you bought your new DSLR you were going to be challenged in more ways then one... it is heavy, some what harder to handle.. so many settings it is overwhelming.. just feel like you will never understand it all.... so much to concentrate on... i am learning myself everyday... and after one year still consider myself... unexperienced........ but would i return to the old pocket instant camera.... omg no ... there are no challenges to face..point and shoot.. boring.... please go back to the camera store.. buy a cheaper dslr to practice on..maybe get a feel for one most comfortable.. once you give yourself a chance to get into it.. and take time out to learn..doesn't mean you have to know it all in a day.. little by little is what i do.. we do it for pleasure and great photos.. not as a business... you will actually start to enjoy it..slow down.........