What kind of Camera???

[tirediron]

If you want to remove a bottle-cap, buy a bottle-opener. If you want to do both, buy both tools, NOT a Swiss-Army knife!

*owns a bottle opener that also has a bottle cap opening part to it*
And it works rather well at both tasks - I think you just picked an example that didn't work so well

It's Monday!



:greenpbl:

 

[tirediron]

I started with a Canon Powershot G5 in 2003. It was fantastic and I used it alot. Then I got my first DSLR a D70s for Christmas 2005. Still used the G5 for when I needed a compact camera. Right now, I have a D700 with half a dozen lenses, flashes, pocketwizards and the works. I still have a compact camera (Lumix LX5 now). Having a good compact camera need not preclude the future usage of a DSLR. In fact, a compact camera is a great way to learn to see.

That worked for you, it won't work for everyone.

I should also argue vehemently against anyone wanting to get a DSLR as his or her FIRST digital camera.

Why? It wasn't very many years ago that with the exception of the Kodak Instamatic-type cameras, a [very] few consumer-priced range-finders and Polaroids, SLRs WERE the camera of choice. Again, it's not for everyone, but it is definitely for some people.

But I've already made my point.

Your opinion!

It is the camera, not the photographer.

Without question, but there are certain limitations to certain cameras...

 

[nmoody]

I am also starting out and love my D3100. Its a great price point for a beginner and has a ton of features. I was looking at either the Nikon D3100 or Canon T3 when I was searching for my first real camera.

 

[Overread18 6]

Just a thought to add to the confusions, but maybe clear the air a little.

If a person wants to head toward a DSLR setup (for whatever reason) then its best to head their first. You can't "learn" on a point and shoot the same way you can learn on a DSLR and, in fact, I would argue that learning on a point and shoot would not gain you much but technical frustration with the tool.
Point and shoots are not designed to be learners cameras nor really an entry level before advanced photography. Even bridge cameras are not really designed for this either (one could argue that hybrids could be a good starting point, but with prices comparable to entry level DSLRs they are a different beast, not an entry introduction).

If you want to shoot with the DSLR you gotta get one (or a film SLR camera). Similarly if you just want good technical photos with little input a point and shoot will suffice easily since that is what its made to be.