[johndow]

I have heard the arguments for buying a DSLR over a prosumer camera, but being the pesimist, i want to be able to see it with my own eyes. Now, unfortunately i don't think my local Jessops will let me borrow a Canon 350d and a Sony DSC-H2 for a few days to compare (despite me being an honest, trustworthy and upstanding member of the community)

Since i am not, and don't intend to be (in the near future) a member of a local camera club, nor do i have the money to buy one of each camera to test for myself. is there anywhere i can view examples of pictures taken by DSLRs and Prosumers in a like for like comparison.

Also, i do understand that prosumer cameras vary quite a bit, and advancements in technology have brought them closer to the quality of DSLRs, but any pictorial comparisons would be nice.

Thanks

JD

[sold5]

Its a tough decision alright. I have a Canon 20d and a powershot S3 IS. Why both? Weight and size mainly, and of course no need to change the lenses, but also the powershot fold out screen can allow me take street photos etc at waist level without being conspicuous, or take ground level shots without lying down. On the other hand, I took my Canon 20d to Electric picnic concerts this weekend and carried them everywhere for 3 days (camping, so no security to leave them in the tent) and left the powershot at home - cause I got shots I could not get with the powershot (will put them on my avforums album later today by the way). Felt comfortable enough carrying them everywhere, incl 70-200, 300mm prime, 1.4 TC and 28-75. I guess Im used to it now. Only issue is the attention the big lenses get and the questions as to if I am a pro which is fine mostly but can get a bit much.

Exact comparisons are easy to do in good light with still subjects - and the results will be that the prosumer is very close but still noticeably a tiny bit less sharp than the DSLR, but moving subjects and low light (eg concerts, weddings in church) etc where flash cant be used show a big difference. High ISO settings (over 400) on many prosumer cameras show a lot of noise - I think cause the sensor is smaller (?). Also the autofocus on my DSLR is way better so more moving shots in focus. The powershot spends a lot of time searching for the correct focus.

So which would I recommend? Prosumer for street photos and holiday pics, DSLR for landscape, low light, sports, really sharp portraits of kids and old folk, plus the creative shots you can get with high ISO/ ev compensation and no flash. Its a trade off of how much you want to spend and how much you are willing to carry, plus how much you are willing to give away on quality + autofocus/tracking ability.

So no right or wrong choice I'm afraid.

Sold5

[38H21543]

Models like the recently announced Fujifilm FinePix S9600 / S9100 may narrow the gap regarding low light, but we will have to wait and see how the autofocus is improved.

[Ray]

Example Sony DSC-H2 images here http://www.dpreview.com/gallery/sonyh2_samples/

And 350D ones here (London) http://www.dpreview.com/gallery/canoneos350d_samples1/

and here (Safari) http://www.dpreview.com/gallery/canoneos350d_samples2/

Ray

[johndow]

Originally Posted by Rayfin

Example Sony DSC-H2 images here http://www.dpreview.com/gallery/sonyh2_samples/

And 350D ones here (London) http://www.dpreview.com/gallery/canoneos350d_samples1/

and here (Safari) http://www.dpreview.com/gallery/canoneos350d_samples2/

Ray

Those are some fantastic pictures

With most if not all of those photos, i wouldn't be able to tell the difference between the DLSR and the Prosumer camera. Although, the pistures on safari taken at ISO 800 are still noise free (from what i can see). But i am pleased that there is not a great deal of noise on the H2 pictures set on higher ISO levels.

Thanks for your post, that has helped me quite a bit. Now if i were able to see some night time comparisons, i would be able to make up my mind.

I have just seen that Sony Canon and Nikon have all released new models. With any luck, the older models will be discontinued and some bargains may be had. I don't know why this has cheered me up, as it will only make my decision harder

JD

[Messiah]

I've been going through the same deliberations and let me say that even if you get hold of the cameras and have a play it does not make the decisions any easier. I bought a Canon 30D last week with 17-85 IS USM lens and a Sony DSC-H5 to compare. I'm no expert, far from it, but the pics from both are so similar (for me as an amateur - though sure in the hands of a pro the 30D would shine) it is almost impossible to decide. The Sony is so much easier as no worrying about lens changes and lots of manual settings and of course in-built stabilisation.

I was fully intending making a decision over the weekend and sending one of them back. My problem now is I like the ease of use of the H5 but want to get more info photography so think I should hang on to the 30D as feel if I join a photography course or camera club they may laugh at me if I turn up with the H5 prosumer model. So looks like I may keep both and go hungry for the next few weeks

I should know by now it's too easy for me to order stuff with the full intention of sending back one or other but then I rarely do Oh dear. Better not tell the GF. We only said a few days ago we were going on an economy drive. Oops!!

[Strobe]

www.dcresource.com do standard night and macro shots as part of their test procedure.
http://www.dcresource.com/reviews/ca...hot_s3-review/
http://www.dcresource.com/reviews/so...ew/index.shtml
http://www.dcresource.com/reviews/ca...ew/index.shtml
http://www.dcresource.com/reviews/so...ew/index.shtml
Have given the links for the Sony H5 (prosumer replacement for the H2) and the Sony A100 DSLR as that's the camera I have just bought.

[johndow]

Originally Posted by Strobe

www.dcresource.com do standard night and macro shots as part of their test procedure.
http://www.dcresource.com/reviews/ca...hot_s3-review/
http://www.dcresource.com/reviews/so...ew/index.shtml
http://www.dcresource.com/reviews/ca...ew/index.shtml
http://www.dcresource.com/reviews/so...ew/index.shtml
Have given the links for the Sony H5 (prosumer replacement for the H2) and the Sony A100 DSLR as that's the camera I have just bought.

Those links are excellent

Thats just the type of comparisons i need. Thanks for takin the time to find those links

JD

[sold5]

And here are some samples of the Powershot S3 IS and its nearest (priced) equivalent Canon DSLR (soon to be replaced by 400D):

http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/comp...s350d&show=all

Sold5

[Pirate!!]

Go to: http://www.dpreview.com/

Sign-up and then go into whichever camera forum you need to get info about. You'll get qualified advice from there.

On a personal level, consider the Panasonic DMC-FZ30 or it's replacement, the FZ50. Bear in mind Pannys have small sensors and are better suited to normal bright light environments. If you are looking to shoot fast action indoors under low light conditions then these would not be suitable.

If you can advise the forum what type of images you want to capture and where you want to use the camera (eg; indoors, outdoors, landscape, portrait, sports/action etc etc) then you will get better advice than 'this model is better than that model' or 'this make is better than that make'. Horses for courses. Your camera is out there somewhere.

[Paul D]

Try this link to a great review site.
Each review includes similar photos so you really can compare.
http://www.steves-digicams.com/default.htm

I decided to go with the Sony R1 instead of a DSLR, and have no regrets.
I paid £480 months a go (when it was released), so i would imagine it is a lot cheaper now.
It has a large DSLR type sensor and the pictures it produces are truly stunning.
Meaning i'm only missing out on lens flexibility.(which i haven't needed so far!)

Messiah, i've noticed there is no snobbery on "this" forums camera section, meaning your equipment doesn't matter, just the results!
If you really want to get into the hobby, a DSLR will give you the flexiblilty of different lenses, meaning a wider "scope" for subjects.
But if you feel more comfortable with the H5, and the zoom covers your needs then there is more chance of you using it etc.
Ie there is no point having a camera that may be technically better or more flexible if your intimidated by it.(you just won't use it)
If you choose the H5 and people laugh, then your in the wrong club!
There a many different aspects to photography with equipment being only one of them.

The gap between prosumer and DSLR picture quality is ever closing.(for normal use at least)
I have been amazed with the quality photos posted here by forum members.
However! i have not once checked what gear they were using

[Messiah]

Originally Posted by Paul D

Messiah, i've noticed there is no snobbery on "this" forums camera section, meaning your equipment doesn't matter, just the results!

Thanks Paul . Just to clarify, I was not meaning to infer that people on this forum would show any kind of snobbery. Just that if I joined a 'club' people may expect you to have an SLR (digital or otherwise). I could be wrong.

Also, I do want to find the time to learn more about photography and think an SLR is more likely the way I should go for that. Knowing me though the 30D will likely sit here for a few months and by the time I start to use it it's replacement will be available. For this reason I will likely keep the H5 for day to day use (and may get a new compact, like the Exilim Z1000, as well) and if I have not used the 30D before the month is up will return it to Jessops.

[Strobe]

Originally Posted by Pirate!!

Go to: http://www.dpreview.com/

Sign-up and then go into whichever camera forum you need to get info about. You'll get qualified advice from there.

Sorry Pirate, just wanted to take issue with you over the 'quality' of the 'qualified advice' you will get from the dpreview forums. The standard of moderation on their forums is pretty poor. Their forums are full of unqualified user opinions, 'fanboys' and constant trolling - at least this is on the forums which I have visited regularly over the past year or so.

They generate a lot of forum traffic and this seems to bring with it a lot of bad as well as good posting.

Dpreview are excellent for their technical reviews (especially Phil's) and also the consumer reviews section; where you can see at a glance what people think of a particular camera.

Sorry bout the hyjack thread - but the dpr forums 'do my head in' sometimes.

Off my soapbox now and back to work...

Mod's - I'm not usually one to diss another website so please delete this if you don't think it appropriate.

[Pirate!!]

Ahoy strobe!

No offence taken m8y, just another source of information from other owners/users who may be better to advise on specific cameras than the likes of me. I know we can all get bogged down with our own 'brand' of camera and will defend it to the end, so I was only thinking that the OP might get a better overall picture of the variety of models, types etc on the market from a greater user base.

I accept your points, but in doing research into a product, I find I'd like to know the pro's and con's about a product even from owners who have bought and didn't like for any reason.

Where's my rum?

[Paul D]

Originally Posted by Messiah

Thanks Paul . Just to clarify, I was not meaning to infer that people on this forum would show any kind of snobbery. Just that if I joined a 'club' people may expect you to have an SLR (digital or otherwise). I could be wrong.

Yeh, i know you didn't mean here etc

If you did join a club, i think a camera with some manual settings would all be that needed at first.
I'm sure the members would then be happy to advise you what camera would suit your needs best.
Every camera is going to have features you need and don't need.
It's just a matter of realising what they are
That way you will get the camera YOU need, and not what may impress others!
I think if you stick with it(as a hobby), a D-SLR would be better in the long run.

My R1 has certain traits that make no difference to me, but would frustrate a (semi-)professional user.
Ie fixed lens/Slow low light AF/Slow Buffer and large RAW files.

I use a 4gb CF card, so the large RAW files makes no odds. (never been even near to filling it)
I can wait for the low light AF(fine in normal light), but have found the manual focus ring just as easy.(and the display "gains" up to help)
I have never seen the slow buffer problem as i tend to only take one shot at a time etc.
Yet for me, the "live preview" is essential and the "auto" mode almost idiot proof...(thank God!)
I just wanted the best image possible without having to enter the D-SLR world.
I think a lot of "average" users think the same, but think D-SLR is the only way to quality photos.

I imagine some serious hobbists/professionals are put off using prosumers due to the problem of "noise" with the smaller sensors.(and higher ISOs etc)
This was probably true a while back, but things are changing.
I've noticed one or two are saying they now carry a prosumer model as their "carry round" camera, which hopefully says a lot!