Point and Shoot vs. DSLR
I love getting questions from you awesome Mom*togs. A lot of questions are ones that I would have never thought to discuss here. But, I do get a lot of questions that have already been addressed on here. So, before you email a question over please check back through the archives. If you go to the top of the blog and click “Categories” and then “Tip and Tricks” you’ll find lots of info there!
Today’s question comes from Jo:
I have two very active sons and a nice 40D. Do I drag the 40D to every field trip, baseball game, park outing, etc? Or do I swipe my son’s P&S, which fits nicely in my purse (and also shoots video)? I feel guilty when I don’t take my 40D, at the same time it is quite cumbersome and I’m distracted by keeping an eye on my equipment.
I’d like to hear what you and other momtogs do… sacrifice RAW for convenient JPGs? or make the Shootsac my signature accessory?
I love this question! I only take my DSLR when I know the light is going to be great or it’s a special occasion. Otherwise I take my point and shoot. Chasing after a 15 month old and lugging around my big camera is too difficult. I’m scared I will loose it or it’s going to break. Of course the quality is not as good, but do you really need your everyday snap shots to always be masterpieces? I don’t. I love the picture for the memory not because it’s a perfect image.
I shoot with the Canon ELPH SD900. I don’t think they make my model anymore because it’s a couple of years old, but I really want this one next! It’s pink!
What point and shoot do you use?
Here’s a shot with my point and shoot in Hawaii. It was Brayden’s first time in that pool
Plus, it’s much easier to take self portraits with a point and shoot
The only thing that was done to these photos was just a little bit of lightening and sharpening for web (which is evident by the zits on my forehead that I didn’t photoshop). I even forgot to add my logo!
So, yes, I will sacrifice convenience for quality. I’ve realized that I would so much rather live in the moment then constantly worry about capturing it on film (or, in this case, compact flash card).
About DrewB
I’ve started this blog as a way to connect with other moms who love photography. Whether you are a professional photographer who is looking for advice on how to manage your own business and your family or if you are a mom who is looking for tips on how to take better pictures of your kids, I hope that you can find some good information and be inspired!
I always love these post. Thank you for sharing all of your wonderful knowledge, and I must say your P&S rocks. These are wonderful!
Jessica’s last blog post..10 TEETH AND COUNTING
Thanks for this great tip! I often struggle with which camera to use for specific outings. With a 3 year old and a 1 year old, the number of bags I take can get overwhelming and it’s refreshing to know I don’t always have to add the big camera bag.
Kerri’s last blog post..The Potty Training Chronicles — Curveballs
I agree! I don’t have babies yet, but I have 3 nieces & a nephew that I shoot often. I only bring my DSLR to major events.
You are normal!!
Love these photos! I love how B is looking at you in the second one. Someone loves his mommy. And that hair! So cute! There is no red on that head!! I think he’s starting to look a little more like you now!
Jamie Bengard’s last blog post..Memorial Day Weekend in Palm Springs
Great topic and question! I don’t even own a P&S anymore, and I’ll admit lugging my D300 around isn’t always *fun* but I hadn’t given thought to having a P&S, just to have for convenience. Hmmm I’m on the fence with this one!
Anxious to hear what others have to say!
I also use a Canon Elph when out and about (it’s never out of my purse)… I always feel so bad for those moms that I see at Disneyland lugging around their DSLRs, they are watching the action instead of being a part of it… I much more prefer to be getting crazy with my kids, being in the moment and getting quick shots with my elph! And the p&s shots always turn out fine at the end of the year when I make my Family Apple Book!
Diana’s last blog post..Wild at Heart (post 2 of 2)
Even with a point-and-click your pictures turn out better than mine. How do you get the photo so clear and bright? Is that through photoshop or is that straight from the camera?
Danielle’s last blog post..Copycat Shitake & Goat Cheese Tarts with Vidalia Onion Marmalade
Thank you so much for answering this!! Sometimes I’ll just grab my son’s P&S and that little voice in my head says “You spent $$$ on camera equipment and you’re taking THAT?!” I need to let go… breathe… live in the moment, not through the view finder.
I use a Panasonic DMC-TZ4. It’s a little bulky compared to most P&S, but can’t beat the 10x optical and the wide angle lens. I have a DSLR on my wish list, and this is the exact question that I have been asking myself.
Heather’s last blog post..That crazy, new age stuff
Nice pics!! Which ever way, just make sure you have something to remember that memorable time and make sure you keep these priceless pictures backed up. I use Safecopy online backup, http://www.safecopybackup.com, to backup all my pictures. I also share them with my families around the world. I’m very happy with it. You should check it out and make sure you keep these pictures safe.
Thanks for posting this – since I just got my first (long awaited) DSLR, Nikon D40, for Mother’s Day….I’ve been having this same question. – I felt guilty if I didn’t take my new camera every where, but it’s just not always practical!! Thanks!!
TidyMom’s last blog post..YouPrint FREE Thank You note
Thanks for the post. Question for you: Do you leave your P&S on auto? Or do you use different settings for your shots? Oh, and another one….Where did you get those cute sandals that you wore on the shoot with Tara!!!! Very cute!!!
Hi Karen! Yep, auto for my p&s. Honestly, I think it’s more confusing to use than my DSLR! My whole outfit is from Anthropologie. Sandals were on sale. Score!
Great snapshots – proof that the camera does NOT make the photographer! You’re good no matter what you’re shooting! Do you use the auto setting on your P&S or do you exercise manual control?
I use a P&S exclusively, only until I save up enough for a dSLR (hopefully in two more weeks!!!!). I just want to say thank you for giving me permission to take less-than-perfect candids. I get caught up wanting ALL my pictures to look as good as the ones posted on your blog. I get irritated and almost don’t enjoy the underexposed or slight OOF shots of the superquick, one-chance-is-all-you-get captures of really special moments in my kids’ lives. It’s nice to hear a momtog as talented as you admit to taking less than perfect shots!
Carebear’s last blog post..SWS: Speech Impediment Rhymes