Requesting advice on buying a DSLR

[ziggo]

Hello,

I have a somewhat strange question for you all. Recently I got around 2000 euros back from the taxman. I didn't miss the money, but now I have it and I can spend it.
The first thing that came to my mind was buying a DSLR with some lenses and a flash. But then I started to doubt if that money wouldn't be thrown away as I am a beginning photographer and not sure if I'm good enough to use such an expensive tool. As I already understand, it's not the gear that makes the photographer.

So here's the weird question: based on what you see in my flickr photostream would you say that I'm capable enough to buy a DSLR. Or is the quality of the photos really below any level and should I first improve on that before I even think of buying a one.

Thank you for any feedback.

 

[bazooka]

I think if you're into photography (as opposed to vacation documentation) which your stream depicts, and you have the money to do so, buying a dslr is only going to benefit your efforts. I think it will greatly advance your education as well because you have a lot more options. I say that assuming you have a point-and-shoot now, but I saw that you may have a film camera... if it's a P&S film camera, then definitely go for the upgrade. If it's an SLR film camera, then the benefits of upgrading will not be quite as drastic but still plenty, in my opinion.

As far as a dslr goes, I don't think anyone should be worried about any model being "too much camera to handle", unless weight is an issue. They all use the same exposure triangle and they all have a shutter release.

 

[Ken Rockwell Fan]

Looks like you have got a good enough eye for it. Get one.

 

[kelbow]

Hi Ziggo.
I think it goes without saying that you don't need anyone's permission to buy a DSLR. I bought my first DSLR after having only had experience with a digital point-and-shoot and a Canon Program AE-1 (35mm). So though I had beginner knowledge of aperture, shutter speed, white balance, etc, I actually LEARNED much more by simply owning my DSLR. I'd recommend that you just go and and get it. For a beginner I'd recommend an entry-level camera like a Canon Rebel (T2i is the most current model).

 

[ziggo]

Thanks all for the positive response.
@kelbow
I don't mean permission, just an advice. I have seen plenty of photos shot on a DSLR on Flickr that are just a waste and that are rubbish but in superhidef DSLR quality. To avoid something like that I wanted to hear your advice.

@bazooka
Right now I have a analog SLR, polaroid and an analog P&S. Some pics in my stream are taken with a friends digital P&S.