DSLR or plain ol' digital camera?

So I was looking at photos online, and I was wondering if it is possible to take hi-quality photos with a "normal" digital camera to get results like a DSLR gives? (with no photo editing) My digital camera is 4 years old, 7 megapixel and the pictures it takes are fine on a small screen but as soon as it is 100% or even 25% it blurs. this happens regardless of who takes the picture.
I am thinking of getting a new one because I want to take pictures of what I am selling and also I like taking pictures of my guinea pigs, animals, days out and lots of other things. I am wondering if a DSLR is worth the money. What do you CO+Kers recommend?
Many thanks Happy

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12 replies since 2nd April 2012 • Last reply 2nd April 2012

Reply #1:

You can get really good results with certain digital cameras. I have a Fujifilm FinePix F300 EXR and I've taken some amazing pictures with it. The image quality is excellent. Obviously not as good as with a DSLR, but still really good.

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Reply #2:

I had the same problem and my sister is letting me use her camera which takes beautiful pics. It's a Samsung EC-PL120 it only cost $100. I took this pic with it of some charms I bought and was surprised with how clear the pics came out

http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GxfJqW3i0_4/T2JQFeP2bvI/AAAAAAAAALA/0kuifCvV8P4/s1600/002.JPG

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Reply #3:

I've always liked the way a DSLR can focus in on just one object, completely blurring the background eg
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/animalnikki/6896229198/" title="395183_10150575665819534_679644533_10743219_1606684443_n by AnimalNikki89, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7059/6896229198_e1f5615e1b.jpg" width="500" height="343" alt="395183_10150575665819534_679644533_10743219_1606684443_n"></a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/animalnikki/7042325895/" title="394497_10150575666229534_679644533_10743224_852469399_n by AnimalNikki89, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7086/7042325895_781c5ecffe.jpg" width="500" height="389" alt="394497_10150575666229534_679644533_10743224_852469399_n"></a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/animalnikki/6896229006/" title="395459_10150575664714534_679644533_10743200_1812962057_n by AnimalNikki89, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7189/6896229006_7dd056678f.jpg" width="500" height="332" alt="395459_10150575664714534_679644533_10743200_1812962057_n"></a>
^ taken with a DSLR, as compared to ones i have taken with my camera below:
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/animalnikki/7042350885/" title="465918_3571682772581_1288374719_33626406_1709387025_o by AnimalNikki89, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7119/7042350885_bdce65cb06.jpg" width="375" height="500" alt="465918_3571682772581_1288374719_33626406_1709387025_o"></a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/animalnikki/6896254720/" title="414230_3001296473280_1288374719_33363763_1163815489_o by AnimalNikki89, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7250/6896254720_f15054f540.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="414230_3001296473280_1288374719_33363763_1163815489_o"></a>
going back to what i was saying about full size being blurred, here is a link to the last one "original" size http://www.flickr.com/photos/animalnikki/6896254720/sizes/o/in/photostream/

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Reply #4:

There are some useful tips for getting good pics with normal digital cameras here:


http://shrimpsaladcircus.blogspot.co.uk/2012/02/pointers-for-point-and-shoot.html

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Reply #5:

I prefer digital cameras because I like to have everything in focus. I have a 12MP FujiFilm FinePix camera that I've had for about a year now, and I love it.

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Reply #6:

Point-and-shoots and bridge cameras can get very similar results to DSLRs. However, it does take more work.

If you're looking to get very professional looking shots, I suggest educating yourself on basic photography skills. Knowing how to control the f/stop and shutter speed almost entirely affect the outcome of a shot, and most point-and-shoots allow you to adjust them, albeit restrictively.
As for the blurring, I partially blame the lighting in that shot, and also the megapixels. While more doesn't mean a clearer shot, they certainly don't hurt. I'd invest in a new point-and-shoot, especially ones with a few more megapixels; The ones on the market nowadays are dirt cheap for fairly good quality. Also, remember that most photographers who use DSLRs also have access, and knowledge of, fairly expensive photo editing software; most people with point-and-shoots do not, so they end up looking less than perfect, and people blame the camera.

Remember: it takes a good photographer to take a good picture! The camera is just a tool that the photographer has to manipulate.

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Reply #7:

update: i got a canon sx40, i love it! i just need a tripod of sorts. occasionally it decides not to focus on the subject, which is ok because i take lots of pics of the same thing, but when its an action shot, like of animals, sometimes it misses that one crucial shot.

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Reply #8:

It definitely depends on the digital camera, some can be verrrrryyyyyyy good. But I would recommend a DSLR because you can start to learn the endless amount of features and really make your photos professional and perfect.

I would say, overall if you think a DSLR is right for you, and you can find one you like and can reasonably afford just go for it. I use a Nikon D50, they don't make them anymore but if you want to check our my photography projects on CO+K it will give you an idea of the unedited outcome!

Good Luck Happy

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Reply #9:

poo, I guess I should have read the whole conversation to figure out you bought a camera oops.........hehe

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Reply #10:

http://www.aliexpress.com/fm-store/511283

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Reply #11:

http://www.aliexpress.com/product-fm/555935459-Wholesales-Heart-shaped-Print-ribbon-Children-s-Pretty-bows-hairband-hair-clip-hair-accessories-Free-shipping-wholesalers.html?promote_type=self_product_promote&seller_member_seq=201424173&tracelog=Point_Products

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Reply #12:

I have a regular point and shoot digital camera. A Nikon Coolpix. I would totally recommend a DSLR because I personally HATE my digital camera. Nikon has very pixely, blurry close up shots on most close ups I take. Plus it takes batteries and they die constantly even thought I would have literally just bought new ones andout them in. I really want a DSLR. I don't recommend Nikon cameras, btw!! Happy

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