Why a DSLR is a Waste of Time

I've debated writing this article for a while, but that has kept me from posting ANYTHING on here, and that's not a good thing. So here goes...

Basically, for 90% of all photos, and for probably 95% of all semi-pro and amateur photos, a DSLR is NOT the camera you'd want to use. Which means for most folks who only carry one camera with them, a DSLR is actually a mistake. The reason for this is dirt simple. Most photography is taken in locations with halfway decent lighting of objects or people who are in a static pose. Think about it. Almost all landscape photos are by definition static. Architectural ones are the same. Your family portrait is generally all about the lighting anyway, not about the special DOF effects or anything else.

So what happens is you get a decent digital camera with a built-in zoom, and you are as well off if not better off than your neighbor who opted to go with a DSLR with 3 or 4 lenses who is busy swapping lenses back and forth while you are taking your photos. Not to mention that you are more likely going to be able to carry your camera with built-in lenses to places that carrying all that gear would be difficult.

In fact, even a number of Pros I know have a "regular" digital camera that they carry with them most of the time, and only bring out the DSLR for particular events or trips.

So, unless you have several thousand dollars at your disposal, you are generally better off with a Canon Powershot SX10 IS than a Canon EOS 7D. The same is true of the Nikon family, the Panasonic family, and so on. In fact, given the price difference, you're probably better off with a Canon Super Zoom and a Canon Compact (or Panasonic Super Zoom and Compact, etc) than a DSLR in almost any case that doesn't involve extreme low light situations or fast moving sports events.

Not that I expect any of the manufacturers to agree with this. But I am constantly surprised by folks who seem to think that if they had better equipment they would get better photos. There certainly are enough retailers who will be happy to push that belief. However, I'd like to suggest that you're better off getting to know your current camera, and working with that than thinking that a DSLR is going to be a help. Because in most situations, you'll find yourself using your DSLR the same way that you did your other camera, and you'll have a lot less money to travel anywhere interesting to take pictures because of it.

Comments are turned on, so flame away if you need to. I'm happy to hear disagreeing opinions as long as they don't become personal attacks on me or other commenters.