I’ve been lusting after the Nikon D7000 for a while now. Unfortunately, I don’t have $1,200 plus to drop on my dream camera, so for now all I can do is drool over the one my friend has.
The same friend who reminds me: “A camera doesn’t make the photographer.”
Easy to say when you are wielding a DSLR with 16.2 MP DX-format CMOS sensor, 6 fps continuous shooting and breathtaking full 1080p HD movies with full time autofocus.
Still, as much as I would love to be shooting with the rock star Nikon, there is a bit of truth in my pal’s placating statement.
You really don’t need an expensive camera to take frame worthy shots. While fancy DSLR cameras come equipped with a slew of features that help you better compose photos, if you don’t have the vision to frame a shot properly, then no amount of machinery is going to yield a stunning picture. The key to documenting an awe-inspiring shot is to exercise imagination and creativity. By adding your own perspective on a subject or scene you can make an ordinary photo extraordinary.
Of course, this philosophy doesn’t discount the technical aspects of owning a DSLR. With a point-and-shoot you don’t have the option of choosing between automatic, semiautomatic and fully manual modes. With a DSLR you are able to manipulate the camera’s settings, so you have total control over the resulting image. If you are an experienced photographer, you will be able to modify the aperture, shutter speed and focus, so the camera works appropriately for your particular shooting situation. Again, though, unless you have background knowledge of how a camera’s features can enhance your images, you will simply be shooting in auto mode with a very expensive camera.
Do you think technical skills trump creativity and a willingness to think outside of the box?
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