Digital SLR (Single lens reflex) cameras are not the most compact cameras on the market, nor are they the easiest to use. And although they can be feature rich, they may have a high learning curve for the casual user.
Many point and shoot cameras offer extremely high resolution, and automatically set focus and exposure. They often have spectacular results, and can fit in your pocket.
So why would anyone choose a more expensive camera body that may be harder to use? The answer is the broad spectrum of lenses that are available for the SLR. "The glass," as it's called by the professional. The variety of lenses and filters is almost limitless, as all major camera manufacturers have ensured backward compatibility with 35MM camera mounts. That means that you can pick up old lenses and filters at yard sales and flea markets, and they will still be completely functional in the digital SLR Camera body.
I mostly use a Nikkor 35-200mm lens that I bought in 1984 on my Nikon D80. It is completely functional, including auto-focus and auto-exposure. But the quality of the glass itself is so good that it leads to better photographs.
So if you are serious about taking better photographs, consider a quality SLR body and some good lenses. It will change the way you think about photography.
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Richard - this is the Christmas present I would love to get (from Santa). I want to learn more! Thanks. ~Rita
I have tried to learn how to use other cameras but I can't seem to pay attention to the instructions long enough to get it. I will struggle with my point and shoot.
Richard, I've been using the Canon Rebel XT for a couple of years. My daily lens is the 35 - 200 also, except for inside real estate shots. I have an 11 -18 wide angle that really takes great room shots. Digital SLRs are a step up in quality, capability and price. Not for the faint of heart as they can be intimidating.
I've been trying to make this very decision in time to make my wish list for Santa! Thanks for your input.
Rita...
I'll write more on this, but I would suggest with a Nikon, Canon or Olympus body. i am partial to Nikon, but that's mostly because of my collection of Nikkor lenses. Lenses are camera specific, so you must real up and decide! Start with a good adjustable lens, and learn to use all of the modes!
I'll write some more on this later in the week but I'm getting sleepy!
I am sure I have no idea what all of this means. Maybe because it is late.
I hear ya Richard. I have an awesome lens that went to my old 35 mm. When I update to a new digitial I will be able to use it!
We are in the market for a semi professional camera...not going to say professional, not sure if i can remember how to chose the right lighting for the subject. Any suggestions.
I was brought up on Agfa, that was my first 35mm when everyone else had Brownie camera's and currently have a Canon SD 550.
Terry...
It's all about thinking optically! I'll write more later in the week!
Rich...
I still don't think they handle extremes in light and darkness very well, shadows and the like. And I still think that transparency film produces the best image, but hey, I do OK with the D80!
JoAnna
As Rich alluded ...it's about controlling the image optically. I carry three lenses at all times, and more if need be. It's all about optical quality!
Richard, I've read somewhere that transparancy film would be equivalent to about a 25MB digital camera. My old eyes can't tell the difference. I guess that's why they developed Photoshop.
Mel...
I am losing it fast too. I'm trying to sat that an SLR is about the lens. It's basically a mount for the glass! That's about it!
Tami...
I had to move to digital because it has become impossible to find high quality film. I have some theories for later when I'm not keeling over!
Nancy...
I'll write more posts on technique when I haven't gotten up at 4 A.M.! lol
Rich...
I just liked the color saturation better ... I think the digital resolution is fine ... almost too fine for portraits! I just have some interesting theories that I will write about when I'm not brain dead! THX.
Years ago I invested to much into my SLR camera and lenses it was hard to shift to a digital SLR. So I purchased a subcompact camera. However when shots count I still revert back to my trusty SLR. Ive been fighting it off, but I see a digital SLR in my plans for 2009.
Richard, I am exactly like you in this area. I use both kinds of cameras.
I have an Olympus E-500 and use it almost everyday. The 14-45mm is a great lense for real estate. The quality of lense gives you some great shots in low light inside shots. Taking photos of insides you need a wide angle lense.
You can shoot great shots on auto. Its a lot to learn but its always there if you want to learn.
Richard.. I have my small Samsung point and shoot and I also have a Samsung Pro815. One day maybe I need to invest in the SLR and I will have a choice in camers to use..
Funny that I am researching this very subject tonight and the first thing I see on A/R is your posting about why choose an SLR. Are these the best to use for variet conditions including light conditions and taking good shots of small rooms? My old Olympus digital point and shoot doesn't quite measure up.
Roger
I love my digi Cannon SLR, but I still pull out my old medium format film cameras upon occasion. I love the instant gratification of digi but I miss film a lot!! Great post!! ~A:)
Richard,
My learning curve would be too great to start with a new camera right now. So I will trek with what I have for now. Thanks for the helpful advice tho.
Mike...
I was forced into the change when I could no longer find quality film one day. I am going to write more posts about the differences in the future! I love that fact that all of my lenses work so well with the new body.
Gary...
It's hard for me to seperate taking photos of a house from any other kind of photography, but the truth is, most camera's are sufficient for MLS duties!
Eric...
Great photo ... I use auto modes most of the time, but I usually shoot 2 stops down. i have decided to do a series, maybe two posts a week, about using an SLR. It should be interesting!
Richard I know the type of camera can make a big difference, maybe one day I can get beyond point and shoot. Very informative post.
I have both the point and shoot and a cannon slr I use a 16-35 mm so I hae the most widest angle!
I just came from looking at the Nikon D90 at Costco. They had a great package at a great price. In doing my research, the Nikon seems to be the way to go. You won't find the D90 on Consumer reports, because it hasn't been reviewed yet, but I'm sure that when it is, it will be #1.
I thought my web pictures were good, until I compared them with my neighbors web photos who used the D 80.....her pictures blew me out of the water.
Roland...
It's just nice to have the tools available at your disposal if you need them!
Roger...
I think that all CCD sensors still have a problem with high contrast, you still must take as long an exposure as you can to get details in the shadows,
Alisha...
We are old school. You can NOT beat a medium or large format transparency. Period!
Richard - I am with you, I am so much happier shooting now that I got my Sony a300 DSLR. I also like the feel of it better, I like a bit heavier camera, I find that I am steadier with them than the point and shoot type.
Also, what you see through the viewfinder is what you get in the image.
What I like about my SLR camera is being able to use it in the manual mode so that I have some creative control over my photos. I can do so much more with it than I can with my point and shoot. I always carry my point and shoot because it is small and I can't always have my larger camera with me. I doubt it it would even work when it gets below zero.
Anony - It's been a while since I took a close look at Costco's prices but when I've compared in the past B&H always had much better prices. Great fast shipping and no problems when I needed to return something.
www.photographyforrealestate.net has some great DSLR resources.
Best Entry Level Real Estate Photography Combo
Complete Camera List
Hi Richard,
I use a D80 too with a 12-24mm lens and tripod with slow shutter. It helps me take superior pictures. In fact, I sometimes compare my photos to the competition during presentations. Knowing that more than 80% of the buyers start online (and therefore view pictures before anything else), we need to use the best equipment.
Best regards,
Mike
This is what I want for Christmas as well. But I can't decide which is better for me. I can't get the bedrroms to look bigger. Actually all the rooms seem smaller. What can I do? I have a simple digital but the camera guy said to should work, NOT...
Hi Richard,
Great post. You're so right about the choice of lenses. And beyond just the choice is the quality of the optics, which makes all the difference in the world.
But I also agree with Teresa, one of the biggest advantages of a DSLR is the control you have with it.
I think with some people, the hesitation isn't about learning to use the camera (they're really not hard), but it's about learning the basics of photography - aperture, shutter speed, ISO, white-balance, etc.
But when someone does makes the switch, I think they'll love it.
: )
Thanks for the information, and I am thinking about an SLR. I love photography now - have a great camera with separate lenses. I will check it out and thanks!
Richard, the DSLR's are getting more and more popular and the prices are coming within reach. I agree, its the lens that make for a good photo. I'm looking for a DSLR that I can use my Canon lenses from my old 35mm camera.
Thanks for the info, Richard. As my interest in better photos has grown this has been something on my wishlist. But with the cost involved it will have to wait until my current digicam expires.
Don....
You CAN set it on full auto! lol
Jennifer...
You have to learn to love it. I missed two deer shots yesterday because I was adjusting for the perfect shot while they turned and ran! lol
Jeannette...
For a real estate agent, the short fast lens would be the number 1 reason to get an SLR!
Anon...
I like the Nikon because EVERY Nikkor lens will fit the bayonet mount!
Mike S...
I am going into more specifics in my future post, especially stuff like using the aperture preview to visually see the dept of field. BTW, I took the photo in this post while waiting for an order at Longhorn! Cool, eh?
Teresa...
I shoot manual about 50% of the time, and my own programmed auto about 30%. The other 29% I let the camera figure out!
Alan...
I just got a HUGE B&H catalog in the mail yesterday! I'm salivating already!
Richard:
I love the idea, but I think the battle for real estate photography is at a much lower level. I'd be happy if we could just get every listing to have 10 or more UN FUZZY partially decent photos at 1 megapixel online. Heck a $99 camera would do - even the one on my Blackberry - anything. Because before we can address the issue of QUALITY photos we have to address the issue of NO photos first.
Still, loved your post!
For fun: http://www.matthewferrara.com/marketing/no-photos-please
- Matthew
www.matthewferrara.com
Hi Richard, I just drool every time I see these high tech cameras and the results they get. I have had some fantastic shots on my point and shoot but they simply do not compare to the quality of the better cameras.
Thanks for the camera lesson Richard. I always wondered if the 35mm lenses were compatible or not!
I'm shopping for a new digital SLR and am leaning towards the Cannon XSI Rebel. Taking the leap from a point and shot is a bit nerve wracking!
Richard -- I would also love to see this in my stocking this Christmas! Did I understand you correctly when you said that you can use the lenses from your 35MM camera on your digital SLR? I have a beautiful 35 mm and three different lenses, so that would be fantastic if I just had to buy the SLR body.
Mike H...
Wow, I never thought about using that as part of my listing presentation. Truth is, I hate taking photos of houses and interiors, it's not my thing! Funny, eh?
Charles...
You need a wide angle lens to fit the room, the shorter and faster the better!
Michael C...
For other reader, the aperture is the opening in the lens that allows light through. You control depth of field with the aperture, and well as establishing the kind of shutter speed you want.
Sharon...
It's probably the difference between photography and taking pictures!
Michael S...
It's a great way to recycle those old lenses!
Kris...
One of the problems with digital is that there will be obsolescence due to changes in technology, but it's still a must for good photos!
Matthew...
Never thought about it that way but I agree!
Bill G...
I used to carry a 35MM Olympus clam shell pocket (film) camera that took excellent photos. It's more about control!
Bill...
It depends on the manufacturer! That's important to note!
My wife just bought a brand new big time camera, now she is trying to teach me how to use it.
Monika...
Ah, but it's a lot of fun!
Kerry...
It depends on the manufacturer. Check the mounts on the SLR body for compatibility! You cannot interchange lenses with different mounts. Some adapters are available but it's easier to get the right body to start with.
JL...
Cool, I'm looking forward to seeing some photos!
Richard - I have a Nikon Coolpix 8400 that I absolutely love. I'm still learning how to use it and honestly don't even know if I can add additional lenses to it. It comes built with a terrific wide angle lens which is one of the main reasons I purchased it.
OMG...I bought the Nikon D-80 a few months ago and it makes a world of difference. I originally bought it to photograph our sale horses and get really good quality action shots, but I've integrated it into my still photos and it is fantastic. I need to get some other lenses and am investigating what I need to buy....did not know older lenses would work so that is good news. I'll be on a hunt for used lenses if that is really the case.
Amen Richard - I was lost after purchasing my Cannon Rebel and thanks to Active Rain I wrote a blog almost a year ago asking for assistance and the overwhelming support I received was nothing short of amazing. I am now taking some of the most incredible photos with the use of my 25-75mm lens that rock! My sellers are amazed at the photos I take and have told many of their friends and family members how amazing the photos are. That says it all!
I come from a shooting background, and when I was shooting film used F series Nikons and a Hasselblad. Now I am using a P5100 Nikon (point and shoot) and have a wide angle converter for it. It also has a flash shoe. At some point I will get a SLR Nikon if only to use my f2.8 glass again. But I will probably wait until I can afford a full frame camera.
We also have a Nikon Coolpix 8400 and I like it and especiallly when I take pictures on the larger format - it even has the capability to take RAW images. But I think an SLR will blow away the Coolpix. I miss my B&H catalogs! When I was in the film business we used to get them all the time.I'll have to check them out. Thanks for the reminder! I used to take the most amazing photos with my Canon AE-1 and I think it was the lens.
I have heard that Canon has better color than Nikons in digital but that Nikon made some adjustments in the D80 that helped. Do you know anything about that, Richard? I have the 50mm and a 35mm Canon lens but I'm thinking Nikon has the best digital product.
Donna...
If it does everything you want it to do, it's perfect! keep it and enjoy your photos
Sonja...
Any Nikkor D Bayonet mount will work ... which is practically anything that ever fir on a Nikon. Other mounts (canon etc) will not fit and cannot be adapted. OH, BTW if the lens has a microprocessor, all automatic functions will work!!
George...
It's all about having the right glass. I carry my case every day and have 3 lenses plus the zoom I keep on the Camera. I have a 60MM macro that will shoot the pupil in a bug's eye!
Lane...
Sounds like you need to put that glass to work! I lug a lot of stuff around, but I grab a decent shot every now and then! I never had an F series, but my trusty 8088 is 24 years old and still works great.
Sharon...
I only know about the Nikon. Here's a tip ...the D80 and the D40X (make sure the x is on it) have the same RGB image sensor. The only difference is functionality. The color is good, but I use a custom program for each shot. I also use filters.
I know a lot of people who use the EOS and love it, I just am a Nikon guy and everything works.
Thank you, Richard, I've been waiting for this post. Great info and I now feel ready for my new camera purchase.
This makes me want a new camera. My point and shoot is a thing of the past!
Yes, sounds really good, but how much am I going to spend on this.
BTW. Did you know they have lenses that shoot a 360 degree angle of the room in one shot. All you do is put the camra on a stand, set it on time delay and run. Then it goes click and your done. They go for $200 and that is just a lense.
Richard - what do you mean by "custom program on every shot"? Is that something you program into your Nikon or is it sofware on your computer?
Darla...
Good luck with your new camera!
Jason...
If the photos are that important!
Daniel...
A decent d-body is $600-$1,000, glass from $100 on up ... but my average lens cost $300 each.
Sharon...
It's really a hybrid between automatic and manual that lets you modify the auto setting exposure. Nothing more complex than that!
I keep coming back - do you think the difference in your pictures and the ones on my Coolpix 8400 is the size of the lens? Don't get me wrong, I take great pix, but they're just not as crisp as the ones I got on my Canon, nor as the ones OBEO takes (although I detest their wide lens and don't use them anymore partly due to that).
Richard, we might be on different sides of the 'brand' fence, but I couldn't agree more... pocket cameras have their place but if you want really quality shots, you need a DSLR.
Sharon...
The image sensors are not all that different, just as all 35mm cameras used the same film. It cam down to the glass. And good lenses are a great investment.
Jesse...
I only stuck with Nikon because I already had a nice collection of lenses. I still want to get a few more, maybe Santa will help me out! BTW, I took the photo on this page while waiting for my order at Longhorn, and it came out pretty cool!
Hi Richard,
I am shooting an old Nikon D-50 and have over 20,000 photos thru it. SLRs allow you to see what you are shooting. For the non purists you need a good wide angle and a good zoom.
and you can frame much easier than looking thru a lcd.
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I'd be happy to sell you the F3... it is just sitting around with the MD4 on it. You can blow a 36 exposure roll in about 8 seconds... I love that camera. I shot a couple thousand rolls with it. I like the Hassy, too. It required such a different mindset to shoot with.
Richard Weisser: Yes the quarterly arrival of the B&H catalog can be very dangerous to the balance in my bank account... :-)
Sharon Alters: Can you post a link to an example of the wide angle OBEO shots you don't like?
I have just a plan point and shoot camera that takes great photos but one day i hope to get a DSLR so i can take pics of my grandbaby...
The technology in P&S digital camera's is quickly closing the gap on the SLR's, but like you said, the lens' make the difference. For some novices, knowing how to use the lens properly helps, too.
The digital SLRs are kkeping the gap open as they both are using the latest. Like you said it is the lens and the user that can make the difference. Knowing the angles and lighting are a key to taking good photos. I often just shoot on auto and get great photos for me.
Richard, Thank you for this post, and in advance for the ones to follow! I just bought a Sigma70-300mm DG Macro for my Nikon D40, and I am SO EXCITED! I love it! I now have 3 lenses that will do everything I want them to do, and I'm in heaven. I get great shots on auto, so it's made me lazy as far as playing around with the camera and really learning what I can do with it. I look forward to your next post.
Debi
I love my Nikon D80! Have had it about a year now and am always learning. Nikon School was great too.