A camera is only a tool
So which camera did I choose, the Pentax K100D or the Canon PowerShot G9?
Neither.
For the last two weeks I’ve been intensely researching my next camera purchase. I’ve analyzed how I use my camera. I’ve compared and contrasted a few cameras that interest me the most. I’ve visited several camera stores to get my hands on some digital SLRs (and their point and shoot competition). I’ve also read countless camera reviews, scoured the camera manufacturers’ websites, and re-educated myself on basic photographic concepts.
In the end I realized there were essentially two things I wanted that my current camera doesn’t have:
- Image stabilization (for lower light shooting indoors)
- Manual aperture and shutter speed settings
And two things I didn’t really want:
- More megapixels
- More weight
Part of the reason I’d actively thought about this for so long was the question of weight. To buy a DSLR means to carry more than a pound of metal and plastic in you hands, or around your neck. When I thought about my photographic style (and the places I like to take pictures), I worried that the weight and heft of the SLR would spoil my mojo. And yet the SLR is such the pinnacle of professional photography. I was having trouble reconciling these perspectives.
Until late last night. I was looking at the sample photos people upload to Amazon for various cameras, and realized no matter what the camera, some people take brilliant, interesting, beautiful photos, and some people take crap. Actually everyone takes crap, myself included, I just wouldn’t upload it to Amazon.
What’s funny is that the quality to crap ratio changes, depending on whether the camera is a point and shoot, or an SLR. I’m not sure how much that’s due to the camera. It would seem that the type of person willing to invest the time and energy to learn how to use an SLR is probably a higher caliber photographer to begin with (read: has a more developed “eye”). Thus their photos are probably going to be more interesting.
But cameras are essentially tools. Different cameras have different strengths and weaknesses. I’m reminded of a project where several professional photographers were asked to shoot a project with a sub-megapixel camera phone. The results were compelling, as is the moral of the story: an artist will create art with a $5 dollar brush or a $5000 brush.
So I decided to get camera that has full manual controls, image stabilization, and only weighs about 50g more than my svelte SD400. Here’s the irony: it’s one of Canon’s entry-level, homely, A-series point and shoots, the A570 IS. Here’s the best part: it only costs $164.
Let me be the first to congratulate you on your purchase. I bought a Canon A95 almost 4 years ago and it is still going strong. It is a true work-horse of a camera- sturdy, dependable and most of all adaptable. What you have there I think is one of the most recent updates- mine has only 5 mega-ploppies and I imagine there have been many other improvements. I also own an SLR – a Nikon D70 and I use that for specific work but my everyday, now very scruffy friend is my sturdy Canon. I hope yours gives you as much fun and many wonderful pics.
Good choice. We bought one of those when the kiddo arrived. The only thing I don’t like is the flash. It works a little too good and blows out the contrast, but this is a complaint I have with flash in general. Overall I like it for everyday use. This is coming from someone who is having a hard time giving up my old-school 35mm SLR, which I still use when I want to take “real” pictures.
Justin,
Good choice! We have a Canon A540, the junoir sibling of your new camera. By junior I mean 6 megapix, and hence even more entry-level and homely. But portablity is key, for us as for you.
I’ve certainly taken my share of crap with it, but one of the beauties of digital photography is that it’s easy learn from the crap.
Here’s one of the A540 pictures I do like:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/andwat/1300276080/
Has anyone had any experience with the Conversion Lens Adapter?
I’m particularly interested in the Wide Converter, though I’m not expecting it to work any miracles. Most people complain about it obscuring the viewfinder or blocking the flash (neither of which I use), but I do hear complaints about barrel distortion—I just haven’t found any sample images.
I am really curious about using the conversion adapter with a 52mm UV haze filter or a maybe a circular polarizer. In the very least it’d add a decidedly franken-SLR look to its otherwise pedestrian body. And reduce its pocketability.
Found some wide-angle samples here and here (both tested on the G9). Turns out there are several wide angle adapters available.
Great Post! and very helpful, As I have also been researching new cameras. My old Canon Powershot A75 (?) finally went kaput on me! I thought it was a great camera (for my needs). I actually took the memory cards with me shopping hoping to find another camera that used the same cards! Boy, was I in for a shocker! They do not make a camera that uses my (now ancient) memory cards! Of course, now I can buy a much better camera for around the price of one of the memory cards I had purchased several years ago. Most likey the A570 IS, Thanks to your post!
Thanks for the tip, Justin! I am in the market for a new camera myself! Also, I dig the redesign.
Would you be willing to save your old camera for your mother?
Ha… actually Stephanie already called “dibs.”
[…] My new camera hasn’t yet arrived, and I’m already thinking about my next camera. I guess that’s what I get for choosing super saver shipping and it actually taking up to 9 days. Idle hands makes my mind wonder. […]