Hi guys. Am thinking of getting either a Canon 400d dslr or just a S3. I am just in photography as a hobby and I don't want to spend much anymore (additioanal lens) after the initial purchase. Would there be much difference between a dslr with just kit lens and a S3 IS? I am afraid if I get a dslr, the kit lens would produce only ordinary shots just like the S3.

huge difference.

Day and Night Hubert.

There is a huge difference, but even with just the S3 you can get great shots. It's how you use the equipment that counts.

I suggest you get the 400D. The kit lens is decent enough to begin with and there are so much more options for you to grown into as you improve your photography skills.

been in this situation before...

400d kit only vs. the s3is? i'd go for the s3is anytime.

you'd enjoy the s3is more. you get to do macro, portraits, landscapes, etc. the range of the 12x zoom will give you a lot of options to play around. you'd have to spend thousands on lenses before you get to enjoy this versatility in a dslr. paano pa kung kit lens lang ang gamit mo? not to mention the weight and the size. try lugging around a 2470L on walkaround shoots and you'll feel it until the next day :)

you also have the video recording capability. if used right, you can produce pics from the s3is that can rival dslr pics.

so if you are working within a certain budget (with no plans to spend more in the future) and looking for a versatile and easy to carry digicam with video capability i'd go for the S3IS.

been in this situation before...

400d kit only vs. the s3is? i'd go for the s3is anytime.

you'd enjoy the s3is more. you get to do macro, portraits, landscapes, etc. the range of the 12x zoom will give you a lot of options to play around. you'd have to spend thousands on lenses before you get to enjoy this versatility in a dslr. paano pa kung kit lens lang ang gamit mo? not to mention the weight and the size. try lugging around a 2470L on walkaround shoots and you'll feel it until the next day :)

you also have the video recording capability. if used right, you can produce pics from the s3is that can rival dslr pics.

so if you are working within a certain budget (with no plans to spend more in the future) and looking for a versatile and easy to carry digicam with video capability i'd go for the S3IS.

Mykl has a good point! If you are not planning to get serious with your photography, the S3IS would suffice... but.. if you want full expandability, go for the 400D. :)

thanks for the reply guys. keep them coming. :) i might go S3is route first and learn the ropes of manual mode. maybe later i can invest in a dslr

go straight to the dslr. practice early! so you can learn alot now. it's ok making mistakes early.

thanks for the reply guys. keep them coming. :) i might go S3is route first and learn the ropes of manual mode. maybe later i can invest in a dslr

this is exactly what happend to me. use the s3is and get to know what you like to shoot. this will help you make a wise purchase decision if you decide to go seriously into photography. compared to the dslr with basic kit lens, mas marami kang pwedeng gawing experiments at practice sa s3is at mas makikilala mo ang preferences mo sa photography. besides, i'm sure that you will still keep your s3is even if you have a dslr. i did :)

this is exactly what happend to me. use the s3is and get to know what you like to shoot. this will help you make a wise purchase decision if you decide to go seriously into photography. compared to the dslr with basic kit lens, mas marami kang pwedeng gawing experiments at practice sa s3is at mas makikilala mo ang preferences mo sa photography. besides, i'm sure that you will still keep your s3is even if you have a dslr. i did :)

Another good point from mykl! Know what you love to shoot, and the gears will follow later! Nice one mykl! :)

I believe that one needs more than a year to learn the basic DSLR stuffs so why waste time on a different type of camera when you know that someday you would still end up with a dslr? If i were you, i would use the money to buy a canon S3IS for a used 300d or 350d. Play with the kitlens for awhile and if want you can buy a used sigma lens or tamron, say 18-200mm for starters. I know you wouldn't regret it. bet you my cam for it!

used 300d = from 25k up
used 350d = from 28k up
used sigma 18-200mm = from 9.5k up
used tamron 28-200 = from 7k up
new canon 50mm 1.8 = 3.9k up

I am not tellin you all these coz i'm sellin my 350d. hehehe.

Two months ago I was also in the same dilemma, an S3 or a 350D? Then the 400D came. I got the 400D. I just love it. I believe the resale value of DSLRs are higher as well rather than fixed lens cameras.

Depends on what you plan to do with your cam... (See my blog here (http://blog.360.yahoo.com/blog-.6LTe3A6erT2s1BxxYDtjQnw?p=10) with the same dilemma)...

Reasons why I'm not considering a DSLR:

1) Practicality... I'll be toting a cam most of the time and I'll be shooting pics of my son, a DSLR is way too cumbersome to bring.
2) No video
3) A prosumer P&S fits the bill by having a long lens, OIS, good video, good pics, decent "speed" for most applications.

Yes, a hotshoe will be useful in low-light situations, yes a fast zoom lens would be nice, yes a fisheye lens will be fun... But how often will I use them? Not often enough to warrant lugging a camera bag and extra lenses just because we decide to play in the backyard...

No doubt that a DSLR will give you better flexibility, but unless you plan to take photography very seriously (to make money or have enough money to meet constant upgrade urges), a P&S I best suited for most people IMO.

I was also on the same boat as you. Choosing between Nikon D50 and Canon S3Is (I only need 6 megapixels) . I dont like paying extra for Canon DSLRs extra megapixel. And the Nikon D50 seems to be better built than the Canon DSLR.

Eventually I choose S3IS. Here's why

1) I need to post my photos on the web, burned on CD and viewed on the monitor. I noticed that the image ratio of most DSLR's are 3:2. What will happen to your image when uploaded from imageshack or photobucket where the image ratio is always 4:3? Maybe some distortion, or perhaps you need to crop your photo.

2) Smaller cameras have more powerful, tele zooms. How do you convert a 12x zoom on a DSLR? Perhaps spend some money on a couple or more tele lens and spend around 100k or more? (Experts tell me if im correct, as im just a newbie)

3) Very useful, multi angle LCD. I was able to get closeup photos several subjects on a public place without them knowing it.

4) Runs on AA batteries. Just run on the nearest 7-11 and buy batteries if you run of out charge, when necessary.

5) The current 3:2 sensor is not efficient, since it is longer than the 4:3 ratio (see the lens is round). So some parts of the sensor edge are not utilized properly. 4:3 is what digital images are 800x600, 1024x768 etc. And so far only Olympus have this. As long as you DONT print 4R (6x4), then a 4:3 ratio is better. Much better print 3R which is what most digital shops are printing and is quite big enough. 3R prints are more squarish and is perfect for digital image 4:3.

this is exactly what happend to me. use the s3is and get to know what you like to shoot. this will help you make a wise purchase decision if you decide to go seriously into photography. compared to the dslr with basic kit lens, mas marami kang pwedeng gawing experiments at practice sa s3is at mas makikilala mo ang preferences mo sa photography. besides, i'm sure that you will still keep your s3is even if you have a dslr. i did :)

correct. Although the S3Is is already very good, and equipped at wildlife photography. So if wildlife photography is your thing, your cheapest option is the S3IS.

Sports photography.. yes it is also good at it.

I have a photo of a street basketball player floating on air doing a layup, and I was 50 meters away (took it from our house window) . It was so clear. I just pumped up the ISO to 400 and upped the shutter speed.

It might take me a looooong time to upgrade to a DSLR with a point and shoot like the S3 IS..

decisions, decisions....hmmm... I chose the 400D, which was a big leap from my 5year old toshiba 3.2MP PS. I was contemplating for months whether or not to get a dSLR, with my old PS, ive used its manual feature to take scenic shots, and night shots to the point that I was treating it as a DSLR, i even had a tripod for it... until one day i just decided, why not buy a true dSLR, so I did... My personal suggestion is that you get the 400D, but dont get me wrong, the S3 is still a very powerful Cam and even might just satisfy your needs today, but you may just want something more tomorrow.

If it were my 1st digital camera I would get the S3IS and learn the basics. The 12x zoom would be very fun and versatile to use. Once you get to use a DSLR you would never go back. The image quality, low noise, and negligible shutter lag would run circle against any P&S in the market now.

sir, not because slr yung 400d better na siya than your other option.. ask yourself muna kung para saan ba yung camera na bibilhin mo... what do you want to do/achieve as a photographer.. may iba may slr nga, sablay naman. or naka- point and shoot pero ibang klase mag-take ng pictures.. pare-pareho lang namang nag-ttake ng pictures ang kahit anong camera eh. pero if you want yours to be versatile, modifiable, if you want to change lenses--then go for a dslr. or mag film slr ka muna kung talagang hardcore ka.. pero if simpleng bday pictures lang naman or memories and kung di ka na bibili ng mga lens, mag point and shoot ka na lang.. ikaw lang naman makaka-decide tlga kung ano kasi ikaw yung ggamit. and ikaw nakaka-alam kung saan mo gagamitin...

correct. I have seen DSLR taken photos on the web which does not seem to have anything special with it. Most photos are mere snapshots of places, people etc.

A DSLR is more like an art painter's brush. If you don't have plans of being like a painter, then a DSLR is too much for you.

If the requirement for you is to take memories or snaphots then an S3IS will do it well and much, much more.

The issue with DSLR is that expenses seem to magnify. The bigger camera you have the bigger more expensive lens you need. The bigger, more expensive filters. The bigger, more expensive camera bag. And of course, since you have a big camera, with big lens, a typical small, aluminum tripod will not work well with it. You need a really heavy, sturdy, and large tripod to stabilize those heavy lens and shutter. Thus you need a bigger, more, expensive tripod.

But then if its big, you dont want it heavy. You want it light but sturdy. And those tripods are in the range of 25k pesos and up.. Even more expensive than a canon s3is.

sigh.. what advertisements and marketing can do to people..

I believe that one needs more than a year to learn the basic DSLR stuffs so why waste time on a different type of camera when you know that someday you would still end up with a dslr? If i were you, i would use the money to buy a canon S3IS for a used 300d or 350d. Play with the kitlens for awhile and if want you can buy a used sigma lens or tamron, say 18-200mm for starters. I know you wouldn't regret it. bet you my cam for it!

used 300d = from 25k up
used 350d = from 28k up
used sigma 18-200mm = from 9.5k up
used tamron 28-200 = from 7k up
new canon 50mm 1.8 = 3.9k up

I am not tellin you all these coz i'm sellin my 350d. hehehe.

i disagree that going to a DSLR is an upgrade. The majority of camera users still prefer a small camera they could bring anywhere.

Remember when canon ixus was released? The thin ixus camera was the reason why Canon went to number 1 spot ahead of other camera makers.

Its just that a lot of people are looking for new fun gadgets and everybody wants to try a DSLR. Its newer than a digital point and shoot.

Try to take a look rin at the Sony A100, I think its selling right now for only 60+K in Hidalgo, thats for the 2 lens kit 18-70 and a 75-300 (I think). That's great value, plus you still get IS and ISO 1600 and an optical viewfinder.

Hi guys. Am thinking of getting either a Canon 400d dslr or just a S3. I am just in photography as a hobby and I don't want to spend much anymore (additioanal lens) after the initial purchase. Would there be much difference between a dslr with just kit lens and a S3 IS? I am afraid if I get a dslr, the kit lens would produce only ordinary shots just like the S3.

mga sirs, I think in this situation mr Tan is asking for an opinion to help him decide which camera to buy (s3 vs. 400d). His choice depends on the difference between photos taken from a canon s3 vs. 400d dslr and budget. I had the same problem 6 months ago. My first choice was panasonic fz-20, 2nd was S3, 3rd was sony's H2, 4th was pana lumix dmc-fz7 but i ended up buying a dslr and never regretted it at all.

To answer his question, yes there is a HUGE difference between the two (S3 VS. 400D), and that is:

350d/400d:
Image quality , 8 -10 effective pixels , low-light performance , creative control , hot shoe , RAW + jpeg , etc...

350d= 32k brand new @ hidalgo
400d= 42k - 46k @ hidalgo

S3 IS:
12x zoom + IS , movie capability , 2" flip-out LCD (keeps your pants dirt-free) ,

s3IS= 29,000 canon ph.

The S3 costs 19k in Hidalgo (Henry's). ;)

Hi. I've just had the same problem several months ago. My budget restrained me from buying a DSLR on an instant(I was eyeing for the 350d at that time) so I've opt for the S2IS instead(the S3IS was just launched at that time)
Now here's what I can say, it is true that "Its the Indian, not the pana" but more often times, being with a right equipment will surely be an advantage in most situations.
I had no complains with the S2, versatility wise it is the best! you can also zoom while recording video and still take snapshots. I felt at that time I have the equipment for my needs, basically I enjoy taking pics of my daughter almost anytime of the day, take videos of her while performing on stage with the zoom. I hang out with my DSLR friends. You can take the S2 almost anywhere! But there was a time wherein I feel a need for a much faster camera(DSLR has a higher ISO and shutter speed), a higher quality and more detailed picture(lens dependent), more control and more feel(full manual controls)...now I just sold my S2 last month and will be upgrading to a DSLR.
I'm just a hobbyist and a newbie, but I can say that its a good thing to grow with the S2..
I still miss that camera and it was indeed a lucky cam.
Hoping to get my hands with a DSLR and dedicated lens to match with it.

the S3IS is more versatile than the 400D.. i mean, if they were the same price say a 400D body would cost the same as an S3is, i would still buy the S3IS..

why? i could take shots with the S3IS which i cannot take with an SLR.. there is no way you could take above the head or ground shots with an SLR..

i do wedding photography with an S3is, and it is my main workhorse..

in doing people photography, being invisible is the best, a natural smile and laughter while friends are talking with each other are the best pictures.

With an SLR, the smiles becomes artificial, and there seems to be some timidity on their faces.

only buy an SLR if you have existing collection of lenses.. otherwise go for S3is, and you will beat any SLR on a variety of shots..

------------------------------------------------------------
some comments i have heard from people, was from this Minister/Pastor which i took shots of him while he was preaching in a church, caught with his hands in freeze action sequence while preaching (no flash, 30 meters away from the subject,indoor) told me "Pinapagawa ko sa anak ko yan di makuha! hulog ka ng langit iho! Maraming salamat"

Now, Do that on 400d where you will look really evil taking photographs on a typical church session..

Hi. I've just had the same problem several months ago. My budget restrained me from buying a DSLR on an instant(I was eyeing for the 350d at that time) so I've opt for the S2IS instead(the S3IS was just launched at that time)
Now here's what I can say, it is true that "Its the Indian, not the pana" but more often times, being with a right equipment will surely be an advantage in most situations.
I had no complains with the S2, versatility wise it is the best! you can also zoom while recording video and still take snapshots. I felt at that time I have the equipment for my needs, basically I enjoy taking pics of my daughter almost anytime of the day, take videos of her while performing on stage with the zoom. I hang out with my DSLR friends. You can take the S2 almost anywhere! But there was a time wherein I feel a need for a much faster camera(DSLR has a higher ISO and shutter speed), a higher quality and more detailed picture(lens dependent), more control and more feel(full manual controls)...now I just sold my S2 last month and will be upgrading to a DSLR.
I'm just a hobbyist and a newbie, but I can say that its a good thing to grow with the S2..
I still miss that camera and it was indeed a lucky cam.
Hoping to get my hands with a DSLR and dedicated lens to match with it.

bad decision to let go of your S2 for a DSLR. There are numerous instances where the S2 will do better than an DSLR.. and there are shots which an S2 can take perfectly and effortlessly which will be a pain when using an SLR.. bad, bad, decision...


you should have retained your s2 and purchased a DSLR.. and believe me, you will use your S2 more often than your DSLR. I do.

also keep in mind that 400d requires you to have a really expensive, good quality, sturdy tripod (around 20k and up range)

dont be like this guy from this thread, he bought an expensive SLR, then settled for a makeshift aluminum tripod ..(because he does not have anything left for a tripod)

http://www.digitalphotographer.com.ph/forum/showthread.php?t=387&page=3

if he purchased a smaller camera like the S3is, he will have extra cash for a good quality table/chest tripod for a less than 2000 pesos

a tripod is essential, an s3is mounted on a good tripod will take better photo than an SLR without a tripod

bad decision to let go of your S2 for a DSLR. There are numerous instances where the S2 will do better than an DSLR.. and there are shots which an S2 can take perfectly and effortlessly which will be a pain when using an SLR.. bad, bad, decision...


you should have retained your s2 and purchased a DSLR.. and believe me, you will use your S2 more often than your DSLR. I do.


It really depends on the person, the S2 cant keep up to my needs anymore. Im now longing for an ISO as high as 1600(you cant always tell people to pose especially at night), an aperture upto 22-32(for landscape photography during daylight w/c can give greater depth and detail), not to mention sharpness and clarity of pics , shutter speeds up to 1/4000 and alot more. If you really pushing it , spec wise its no contest and sometimes you really do need those maximum settings.
yes, I believe the S2/S3 are the best when it comes to all around photography for its focal length. But printing poster size images, I doubt it. head to head with a true dslr, its not even close to the finest detail and picture clarity. bringing the s2/s3's ISO settings to the max isnt usable aslong as you only print 4R.
the zoom of the S2/S3 is incredible , however at the end of the telephoto the pic seems to be soft especially at the corners which bothers me alot. at the tele settings also the lens is quite slow at 3.5, how about a dslr w/ a lens of f1.8 or 2.8 and ISO settings of 800-1600...
the S2/S3 will be having a hard time when it comes to speed and bokeh.
at the end of the day, it really boils down on how,when and where will you needing the cam. But for me, dslr is the way to go.
now, if you are not worried about purple fringing and some chromatic abberations, if you are contented with the built in flash(by the way, it is not compatible if you use an adaptor), you can live with its small and light body, you are ok with the lens (36-432mm equiv.) then definitely an S2/S3 will be suited for your needs. but believe me, when the passion starts and your eye is longing for greater detail , I bet you will upgrade later.

here are some specs that I have considered over the S2/S3 vs a 350d/400d
1.availability of lenses, external flash
2.high ISO 1600 of dslr vs S2's ISO 400 and S3's ISO 800
3.shutter speeds of 30secs-1/4000, plus bulb of dslrs vs limited 15secs-1/3200 for the S3
4.dedicated buttons for several settings in a dslr
5.remote shooting
6.bigger CMOS sensor of dslr over small CCD of S2/S3

It really depends on the person, the S2 cant keep up to my needs anymore. Im now longing for an ISO as high as 1600(you cant always tell people to pose especially at night), an aperture upto 22-32(for landscape photography during daylight w/c can give greater depth and detail), not to mention sharpness and clarity of pics , shutter speeds up to 1/4000 and alot more. If you really pushing it , spec wise its no contest and sometimes you really do need those maximum settings.
yes, I believe the S2/S3 are the best when it comes to all around photography for its focal length. But printing poster size images, I doubt it. head to head with a true dslr, its not even close to the finest detail and picture clarity. bringing the s2/s3's ISO settings to the max isnt usable aslong as you only print 4R.
the zoom of the S2/S3 is incredible , however at the end of the telephoto the pic seems to be soft especially at the corners which bothers me alot. at the tele settings also the lens is quite slow at 3.5, how about a dslr w/ a lens of f1.8 or 2.8 and ISO settings of 800-1600...
the S2/S3 will be having a hard time when it comes to speed and bokeh.
at the end of the day, it really boils down on how,when and where will you needing the cam. But for me, dslr is the way to go.
now, if you are not worried about purple fringing and some chromatic abberations, if you are contented with the built in flash(by the way, it is not compatible if you use an adaptor), you can live with its small and light body, you are ok with the lens (36-432mm equiv.) then definitely an S2/S3 will be suited for your needs. but believe me, when the passion starts and your eye is longing for greater detail , I bet you will upgrade later.

here are some specs that I have considered over the S2/S3 vs a 350d/400d
1.availability of lenses, external flash
2.high ISO 1600 of dslr vs S2's ISO 400 and S3's ISO 800
3.shutter speeds of 30secs-1/4000, plus bulb of dslrs vs limited 15secs-1/3200 for the S3
4.dedicated buttons for several settings in a dslr
5.remote shooting
6.bigger CMOS sensor of dslr over small CCD of S2/S3


night shooting? there is always a flash to do it..

and if ever you dont want to use flash, for night shooting, s3 is at iso 400, slow shutter speed, smallest aperture (set to full manual please), tripod, with noise reduction software is very clean, SLR like quality.

you see, its not on the camera, its the person using it.. a good photographer learns to utilize his tools to the fullest.. :Grin:

night shooting? there is always a flash to do it..

and if ever you dont want to use flash, for night shooting, s3 is at iso 400, slow shutter speed, smallest aperture (set to full manual please), tripod, with noise reduction software is very clean, SLR like quality.

you see, its not on the camera, its the person using it.. a good photographer learns to utilize his tools to the fullest.. :Grin:

one thing, I never use other modes except for full manual.
If you mean aperture, maybe you are pertaining to the MAX APERTURE SETTING, if you use the smallest aperture(thats F8 on an S3), thats not considerable handheld at night, S3 is limited at 2.7 at its widest and 3.5 tele.
A dslr is sure to capture no blur portrait at 50mm with atleast max aperture of f2, and even use a fast shutter, capture that walking person without a blur...hehehe
would you consider using flash with an S3 with an adaptor?

Flash is not an option often times, the ambient available light has much realistic feel most of the time.
I never use a tripod even at night except taking 15secs landscapes.
and im not a fan of noise reduction , I believe manipulating images is not an option, however I do use photoshop only for borders and sig, still very little at contrast and brightness.
Im not saying Im good, but I believe I have extended the use of the S2 to its fullest.

with noise reduction software is very clean, SLR like quality.

:Grin:



why imitate SLR quality with softwares, if you can instantly produce that quality from the moment of capture without any post process? :)

you see, its not on the camera, its the person using it.. a good photographer learns to utilize his tools to the fullest.. :Grin:

If that's your point, then why do you think professionals(these people usually are good photographers) use Dslr(not even the entry levels, but the high end models)?
Believe me There will only one answer....speed and detail.
that S2 of mine have produced quality pics, one was even published/earned recognition in a local newspaper, my point is if one can get a dslr good for him, if not...only an S2/S3 is the viable option. Like I said, the S2/S3 is a very good cam to grow with but once you mature and get serious into photography definitely a DSLR is the way to go.


Good day to all!

why imitate SLR quality with softwares, if you can instantly produce that quality from the moment of capture without any post process? :)

because an SLR

a) is too expensive
b) has inefficient battery
c) is too bulky
d) has no live preview (a must)
e) does not have multi angle LCD (a must)
f) needs expensive lens
g) needs expensive tripod
h) needs expensive filter
i) does not have movie recording with stereo sound
g) requires large lens
h) requires large tripod
i) requires large camera bag
j) requires expensive camera bag
k) has sensor that requires cleaning
l) inefficient, irregularly sized sensor (expect for Olympus 4/3)

so based on that it is always a good idea to upgrade your photography skills first and become familiar with your camera than becoming envious with other people or your friends who owns the most expensive camera..

its also a good idea to join a photography club who actually takes good photos, rather than a camera club who compares cameras based on iso, sensor size, lens, weight, battery, strap, camera bag, color, and everything else in the world that has something to do with those GADGET magazines..

because an SLR

a) is too expensive
b) has inefficient battery
c) is too bulky
d) has no live preview (a must)
e) does not have multi angle LCD (a must)
f) needs expensive lens
g) needs expensive tripod
h) needs expensive filter
i) does not have movie recording with stereo sound
g) requires large lens
h) requires large tripod
i) requires large camera bag
j) requires expensive camera bag
k) has sensor that requires cleaning
l) inefficient, irregularly sized sensor (expect for Olympus 4/3)

so based on that it is always a good idea to upgrade your photography skills first and become familiar with your camera than becoming envious with other people or your friends who owns the most expensive camera..

its also a good idea to join a photography club who actually takes good photos, rather than a camera club who compares cameras based on iso, sensor size, lens, weight, battery, strap, camera bag, color, and everything else in the world that has something to do with those GADGET magazines..




that's primarily the reason why an upgrade to a dslr is such a good idea(not a bad idea, im sure dslr users will agree on this) coming from an S2IS/S3IS, if you know you have master the equipment/settings..etc and you demand more capabilities to answer your demand to a more mature approach to photography w/c sometimes point and shoot cannot obtain.
envy is not the issue.in fact it is quite a challenge that your rivals use dslrs while you use a pns. however, my point from the beginning was that the pns is slower than a dslr, ofcourse this answers A-L, however prepare to sacrifice some aspects just to obtain that perfect shot(which is the primarily reason).
If you really are happy/contented with the S3's performance, then good for you. But in my case, it will not be a problem carrying around tripods, big bulky cam bags, great deal of lenses , I can live with that as long as I can make/take the picture that my eyes sees and bring to life exactly what I want to capture.

I have read and joined even some photography forums such as DPP, and i do believe that dpp is a decent and very nice forum which does not guage what the photographer has in his hands but what you deliver. However in every forum (not just on photography) people will and still talk about their gadgets, not everytime to gauge other people but to compare the performance and share experiences and reviews regarding their equipment.

Have you asked why so many people prefer a DSLR over a PnS? Im sure even those PnS shooters will agree that if it is not on a restrained budget everyone will be carrying around those dslrs.
Believe me, the performance difference is night and day.

the S2/S3 really is a very good cam to live with, but I just have to move on to the next level.:)

ackk.. the colors... :(

had to strain my eyes there winky...

in any case, whatever the buyer ends up choosing...
what really matters is, the users happiness.. may it be a PnS or a DSLR...

ackk.. the colors... :(

had to strain my eyes there winky...

in any case, whatever the buyer ends up choosing...
what really matters is, the users happiness.. may it be a PnS or a DSLR...


sory for the colors sir.

yes, I believe it is on a personal preference.

no problemo there winky :)

a contrasting color (from the background) would have been better

no problemo there winky :)

a contrasting color (from the background) would have been better


thanks :) madilim nga kasi background...hehehe

that's primarily the reason why an upgrade to a dslr is such a good idea(not a bad idea, im sure dslr users will agree on this) coming from an S2IS/S3IS, if you know you have master the equipment/settings..etc and you demand more capabilities to answer your demand to a more mature approach to photography w/c sometimes point and shoot cannot obtain.
envy is not the issue.in fact it is quite a challenge that your rivals use dslrs while you use a pns. however, my point from the beginning was that the pns is slower than a dslr, ofcourse this answers A-L, however prepare to sacrifice some aspects just to obtain that perfect shot(which is the primarily reason).
If you really are happy/contented with the S3's performance, then good for you. But in my case, it will not be a problem carrying around tripods, big bulky cam bags, great deal of lenses , I can live with that as long as I can make/take the picture that my eyes sees and bring to life exactly what I want to capture.

I have read and joined even some photography forums such as DPP, and i do believe that dpp is a decent and very nice forum which does not guage what the photographer has in his hands but what you deliver. However in every forum (not just on photography) people will and still talk about their gadgets, not everytime to gauge other people but to compare the performance and share experiences and reviews regarding their equipment.

Have you asked why so many people prefer a DSLR over a PnS? Im sure even those PnS shooters will agree that if it is not on a restrained budget everyone will be carrying around those dslrs.
Believe me, the performance difference is night and day.

the S2/S3 really is a very good cam to live with, but I just have to move on to the next level.:)

the speed of a DSLR is only evident if the photographer can also match its speed, what is a split second if its the photographer that is slow??

a fast photographer with good eye and an s3is can take better photos than a photographer with poor eyes and slow hands but has a fast DSLR..

so the speed difference is very minor.. also its the focusing that counts, once you know which to focus, and how to focus, a point and shoot is as fast as a DSLR..


which is why i was telling you, learn and upgrade your photography knowledge and skills first before getting a fast and expensive camera.. upgrade your skills before you upgrade your camera:D

also, a DSLR is "not" an upgrade over an s3is.. are you getting live preview, and multi-angle LCD with a DSLR? why is it then an upgrade when you are actually losing some good useful features?? its not an upgrade at all.. you are just envious with others owning expensive cameras, more expensive than what you currently have..

see, even your taste for colors for your messages disturbs our eyes here.. its your bad taste for visuals and art is whats wrong, not your camera..

which is why i was telling you, learn and upgrade your photography knowledge and skills first before getting a fast and expensive camera.. upgrade your skills before you upgrade your camera:D

consider it done my friend. :) the S2 no longer can keep up to me.
that is why im upgrading, so I guess its not a bad decision afterall.
peace!:)

Sori but I have to disagree. I have a Powershot G3, Pro1, G6 and a Nikon CP 8400, and they are all very good cameras in thier own respect. I would use any one camera for vacations and casual events. But if it comes to serious (pro jobs) I would really rather use a SLR even a MF FILM SLR. Live view EVF or LCD is no match for an optical finder. Shutter lag is another point, with a SLR theres almost no lag while with even the best P&S it takes such a long time that it is real easy to miss the moment. ISO and interchangable lenses are also a plus but for me the real killer for P&S is a much more limited latitude and dynamic range compared to a DSLR more so with film. I'm sorry but even under studio or ideal conditions not even my Powershot Pro 1 with its L lens can match a 300D with a kit lens. I love to shoot whether digital or film, its true that equipment is not always at fault but in my experience it can be very limiting to creativity.

Sori but I have to disagree. I have a Powershot G3, Pro1, G6 and a Nikon CP 8400, and they are all very good cameras in thier own respect. I would use any one camera for vacations and casual events. But if it comes to serious (pro jobs) I would really rather use a SLR even a MF FILM SLR. Live view EVF or LCD is no match for an optical finder. Shutter lag is another point, with a SLR theres almost no lag while with even the best P&S it takes such a long time that it is real easy to miss the moment. ISO and interchangable lenses are also a plus but for me the real killer for P&S is a much more limited latitude and dynamic range compared to a DSLR more so with film. I'm sorry but even under studio or ideal conditions not even my Powershot Pro 1 with its L lens can match a 300D with a kit lens. I love to shoot whether digital or film, its true that equipment is not always at fault but in my experience it can be very limiting to creativity.

very well said sir, exactly my sentiments

same here...

(And for the people who don't already know: a bigger sensor and a lower megapixel DSLR is better than a smaller sensor / higher megapixel PnS)

i like printing large pictures and the PnS's that I've had just didn't cut it

Sori but I have to disagree. I have a Powershot G3, Pro1, G6 and a Nikon CP 8400, and they are all very good cameras in thier own respect. I would use any one camera for vacations and casual events. But if it comes to serious (pro jobs) I would really rather use a SLR even a MF FILM SLR. Live view EVF or LCD is no match for an optical finder. Shutter lag is another point, with a SLR theres almost no lag while with even the best P&S it takes such a long time that it is real easy to miss the moment. ISO and interchangable lenses are also a plus but for me the real killer for P&S is a much more limited latitude and dynamic range compared to a DSLR more so with film. I'm sorry but even under studio or ideal conditions not even my Powershot Pro 1 with its L lens can match a 300D with a kit lens. I love to shoot whether digital or film, its true that equipment is not always at fault but in my experience it can be very limiting to creativity.

that is what im telling about, there is no shutter lag on an S3is once you already have good focus.. which is why im using the S3is for capturing action photos. its not really shutter lag but slow on focusing, but once you get good focus its split second.. better read the manual of S3 is or read a good tutorial on photography techniques to figure that out..


the disadvantages presented by DSLRs like lack of preview and multi angle LCd (there are others but im tired of typing it over and over again) is just unacceptable for me.

As i use the LCD for taking impossible shots which my clients find really impressive.

same here...

(And for the people who don't already know: a bigger sensor and a lower megapixel DSLR is better than a smaller sensor / higher megapixel PnS)

i like printing large pictures and the PnS's that I've had just didn't cut it

a large sensor does not mean large prints..

a large sensor means high energy expenditure, a large sensor means large silicon wafer, which translates to high production cost, a large sensor requires large lens, again another expense..

guys, you're forgetting the most important issue about this thread...

The Poster's Needs

Which is taking good pics at a budget...

am just in photography as a hobby and I don't want to spend much anymore (additional lens) after the initial purchase.

yes thats right . David Tong is right. Good pics at a budget not those expensive DSLR's which Winky Valerio and John Villavicencio are promoting. (some people just get some ego boost bragging about expensive equipments)

Better stick to which one is affordable and cost efficient, but takes really perfect photos . And that is s3is (this is what i use professionally). The best value for money.

Unless the DSLR's can match every bit of features that is packed into the S3is, i wont buy a DSLR, even if they sell it at same price as S3is

ackk.. the colors... :(

had to strain my eyes there winky...

in any case, whatever the buyer ends up choosing...
what really matters is, the users happiness.. may it be a PnS or a DSLR...


if you haven't read Mike Punzalan, i posted that either one is fine and whatever makes him happy.

i was merely stating facts here.

a large sensor does not mean large prints..

a large sensor means high energy expenditure, a large sensor means large silicon wafer, which translates to high production cost, a large sensor requires large lens, again another expense..


yes i agree with the bottom part but a larger sensor does mean better quality prints on larger printed images.

here are a few more good reads to help you decide hubert.

http://reviews.ebay.com/Buying-Your-First-Digital-SLR-Camera_W0QQugidZ10000000000000684?ssPageName=BUYGD :CAT:-1:LISTINGS:5

http://www.imaging-resource.com/ACCS/SLRvsDIGICAM/SLRA.HTM

http://kvdpsu.org/digital.html

http://www.adorama.com/catalog.tpl?op=academy&article=032306_1

http://reviews.cnet.com/4520-7603_7-6241014-3.html

Thanks to all you guys for your inputs.

I already bought a camera to play with. Its a Canon A710 IS. Its a new model so I bought it rather than the S3IS. Its not a plain P&S camera. It has plenty of manual settings I can learn photography with. Almost same as S3 but it is only 6x optical zoom. Maybe if later my needs would require a DSLR, I would buy one in the future.

A710 IS has great reviews overall... The settings and controls should satisfy most point and shooters... Congrats bud. Even when you do upgrade to a DSLR in the future, you'll find great use for that cam :)

Oh, as usual... How much :D

Canon A710 IS - 15,500 pesos

Watsons

I'd love to hear more about the Safety Zoom feature :)

nice it has IS ey... congratz hubert. :)

now where are the test shots? ehhehe

guys, please be reminded that everyone is entitled to his own opinion.
I think it would be better for our mental/physical health and for our hobby if we refrain from posting hurtful words directed to fellow photographers. Let us try to base our advises on factual data only, disregarding the "users skill factor".

peace!

Thanks to all you guys for your inputs.

I already bought a camera to play with. Its a Canon A710 IS. Its a new model so I bought it rather than the S3IS. Its not a plain P&S camera. It has plenty of manual settings I can learn photography with. Almost same as S3 but it is only 6x optical zoom. Maybe if later my needs would require a DSLR, I would buy one in the future.

it has in fact a slightly larger sensor than the s3is.. so you will probably take much better low light photo than the s3is.. not that bad actually..

you will be missing the very useful multi angle LCD though..

yes thats right . David Tong is right. Good pics at a budget not those expensive DSLR's which Winky Valerio and John Villavicencio are promoting. (some people just get some ego boost bragging about expensive equipments)

Better stick to which one is affordable and cost efficient, but takes really perfect photos . And that is s3is (this is what i use professionally). The best value for money.

Unless the DSLR's can match every bit of features that is packed into the S3is, i wont buy a DSLR, even if they sell it at same price as S3is

No man, I am not going to shoot video with a DSLR, really beats me though, what kind of clients do you have? Are they really serious? :D:D

night shooting? there is always a flash to do it..

and if ever you dont want to use flash, for night shooting, s3 is at iso 400, slow shutter speed, smallest aperture (set to full manual please), tripod, with noise reduction software is very clean, SLR like quality.

you see, its not on the camera, its the person using it.. a good photographer learns to utilize his tools to the fullest.. :Grin:

heeellllooooo!!! :D:D izzit???

bad decision to let go of your S2 for a DSLR. There are numerous instances where the S2 will do better than an DSLR.. and there are shots which an S2 can take perfectly and effortlessly which will be a pain when using an SLR.. bad, bad, decision...


you should have retained your s2 and purchased a DSLR.. and believe me, you will use your S2 more often than your DSLR. I do.


post! post! post! :D:D

i think it's a consideration that the s2 was a hit while the s3 was a let down at least for the cam and tech reviewers.

pick up the new dpp issue and see jay jallorina's pics using a 350d and a kit lens. this shd help you decide =) i know someone selling with a ton of accessories for only 30K.

Go DSLR, so that you get accustomed to using one. You can always delete unwanted pictures.

Hey Mike Punzalan, is your alternick alphares and jalongganiza? :D You're point of view is very familiar hehehe

i think it's a consideration that the s2 was a hit while the s3 was a let down at least for the cam and tech reviewers.

pick up the new dpp issue and see jay jallorina's pics using a 350d and a kit lens. this shd help you decide =) i know someone selling with a ton of accessories for only 30K.

hi john! kit lens right, but 30D po body. :)

comparing the build quality of s3is with that of an entry level camera like the 400d, the s3is looks and feels more solid and more metal, the 400d feels like a dummy camera.

Go to a canon shop and try to hold a 400d, you would wonder if they actually gave you a real camera or a dummy one. It is so plastic. I tried holding it and it has this plasticky feeling.

the 400d actually looks and feels cheap compared with a metallic, solid, feel of an s3is.

400d is typical for an entry level 'cheap' model. I will not buy this if ever i want a DSLR. Better spend extra for better build quality, that feels like a camera rather than a cheap toy.

more handsome points for the s3is.

the s3is in fact looks more sophisticated and more professional like than the 400d.

and yes, there is a 'wow' factor on an s3is. a lot of girls like the looks of it, based on my experience...hehehe.. I can even take self-portrait photos with girls and models by just holding the tripod.. do that on a 400d

comparing the build quality of s3is with that of an entry level camera like the 400d, the s3is looks and feels more solid and more metal, the 400d feels like a dummy camera.

Go to a canon shop and try to hold a 400d, you would wonder if they actually gave you a real camera or a dummy one. It is so plastic. I tried holding it and it has this plasticky feeling.

the 400d actually looks and feels cheap compared with a metallic, solid, feel of an s3is.

400d is typical for an entry level 'cheap' model. I will not buy this if ever i want a DSLR. Better spend extra for better build quality, that feels like a camera rather than a cheap toy.

more handsome points for the s3is.

the s3is in fact looks more sophisticated and more professional like than the 400d.

and yes, there is a 'wow' factor on an s3is. a lot of girls like the looks of it, based on my experience...hehehe.. I can even take self-portrait photos with girls and models by just holding the tripod.. do that on a 400d

Mike, are you a comedian? I really find your posts funny

hahaha... yeah, mike really doesn't miss to make people smile/laugh.