Using a DSLR in Auto Mode Only??

[BensonTT]

Hey guys, am planning to buy an expensive DSLR camera and will be using it in the Auto mode only.. Is that pretty dumb? I dont know anything about manual mode etc etc... I just want real crystal clear photos...

[imhungry]

Theres nothing that says you can't =P. But it will be so much more enjoyable when your in control of your photos. Theres lots of tutorials on youtube teaching how to use it.

[BigDannyCool]

there are also a lot of point and shoot cameras that will take crystal clear photos for a fraction of the price

[BensonTT]

Originally posted by BigDannyCool
there are also a lot of point and shoot cameras that will take crystal clear photos for a fraction of the price

which one do you recommend? i tried a bunch but returned them all

[Unknown303]

THe Micro 4/3 cameras would also offer the best of both worlds for you if you want to dabble in settings later on too.

http://www.four-thirds.org/en/microft/body.html

[Zephyr]

If in auto mode, why not a point and shoot? Kinda expensive to buy if all you need is a simple camera. Kinda like hiring a hooker just so you have someone to go watch a movie with..

A good site to research http://www.dpreview.com/reviews

[blitz]

What do you consider "expensive"?

If you're talking a mid level Nikon or Canon, I'd wager most of those are always shot in Auto.

If you're talking about a $2000+ camera, then that's a waste.

[BensonTT]

^^ $1000 and under.. lol

[pheoxs]

I'd say its perfectly fine. Whose to say your not on a trip and decide to tinker a little bit and then a bit more and so on and so forth.

Not everyone that picks up a camera is pro, it takes time learning and getting a feel for what to do.

My advice: If you're considering a DSLR already and are comfortable with the price then grab one. It won't be worse than a point and shoot and down the road you can always use the extra functionality if you so choose.

[eblend]

Heard great things about the S95 from Canon, features of the DSLR but fraction of the size. This is what i will be buying for my trip coming up http://www.futureshop.ca/en-CA/product/canon-canon-powershot-10mp-digital-camera-s95-black-s95/10154265.aspx?path=43e80b941bb9348715737ce99ee49036en02

[ZorroAMG]

I shot in auto for over 2 years then this year decided to learn a bit about the machine. Got a t3i for film work and really started to learn lately....you'll end up learning stuff either way and still have great pics along the way.

[Merritt]

https://www.thecamerastore.com/

[Roarasaur]

Originally posted by eblend
Heard great things about the S95 from Canon, features of the DSLR but fraction of the size. This is what i will be buying for my trip coming up http://www.futureshop.ca/en-CA/product/canon-canon-powershot-10mp-digital-camera-s95-black-s95/10154265.aspx?path=43e80b941bb9348715737ce99ee49036en02

My sister has this camera and I have to say it has to be one of the best P & S camera I've used in a long time. If I'm going to buy a new P&S soon its going to be this one for sure.

[ga16i]

Most full Auto modes on the entry level DSLR these days are pretty good for daily stuff. Where you run into problems is low light situations if you don't pay attention to the shutter speeds the camera is setting and still just snap away.

To me the biggest difference between P&S and DSLR is low light performance, shutter delay and quality of lens. Even given the same level of zoom, the difference in contrast and sharpness between my cheapo Olympus 14-54mm versus the wife's Sony TX-5 is easily distinguishable. Even if the P&S's lense says Carl Zeiss, Leica or Schneider, it just can't match the awesomeness of a lense the size of your P&S.

All the major DSLR manufacturers do make decent enough kit lenses in the normal zoom range. Depending on how you view your pictures, there's no comparison when you're looking at 100% zoom. I do on occasion set the DSLR to full AUTO if I plan on handing the camera over to someone for a shot. You end up with great sharp clear pictures still.

The Nikon 3100, and Canon T3 / T3i springs to mind for current entry level DSLRs.

[PremiumRSX]

I just bought a Sony A55 SLR earlier this year. Although it's not the best SLR and has limited selection of lenses especially when compared to Canon/Nikon I think it's a great camera for these reasons.

For most of the non-auto functions on the camera, a little blurb pops up after a couple seconds explaining what that does.

Taking panoramic pictures is a breeze with this camera and the camera software does a pretty darn good job stitching the pictures together. The camera also goes to great lengths to stitch these pictures together so that if you take a scenic picture and purpose put small waves with your hand while shooting, you get some interesting shots as the software will still stitch them together.

Shoots 10FPS w/continuous autofocus (something completely new in a camera this price range, although more of a marketing thing, this feature really is only useful for moving/sports shots)

I love the flip out/swivel LCD screen.

A noticeable downside for me is often the pictures taken are underexposed unless it's really bright out because of Sony's transparent mirror (standard DSLR has a moving mirror but it's this transparent mirror that allows for continuous autofocusing during movies/10fps pictures at the expense of slightly underexposed pictures).

[Xtrema]

I love pic quality the GF1/GF2. S95 is another great choice. If you are not going in-depth learning about photography and just want better pics than p&s, no point lugging along a big DSLR (unless you want to be seen with one like a porn convention or model shoot :D ).

[BensonTT]

Are you guys sure the S95 is a good choice? My friend had a S90 and the pictures were horrible! Very grainy looking! I know the s95 is the updated version but the specs seems the same almost lol

I think I will go with the canon t3i like zorroAMG mentioned..

[Xtrema]

^ probably ISO settings or night shots on auto.

S95 is premium p&s. It still won't compare GF1/GF2/t3i.

[BensonTT]

Can one of you guys upload an unedited S95 picture? I would love to see what the picture looks like.. Thx guys

[kvg]

Go for it, you don't need to be in to really photography to enjoy an DSLR. One nice thing is you will have the option to learn if you would like to learn.

[HyperZell]

Let me end that debate real quick:

http://gizmodo.com/5720794/battlemodo-the-best-point+and+shoot-cameras

S95 is the champ.

[kvg]

The s95 is awesome, that is true

[blitz]

Take a look at a Nikon D5100 before you buy too. Head to The Camera Store and try them all out in person. Best prices in town too!