For a while I’ve been researching dslr’s – I’ve really wanted to take my photos to the next level and move past the automatic functions of the point and shoot camera. Don’t get me wrong, the Nikon point and shoot I have is great. And at the beginning of this research process a friend of mine said something really important, that a dslr really shouldn’t be compared to a point and shoot. They’re two completely different instruments and each has their own merit. Another important thing I’ve picked up is that this is going to have a giant learning curve if I want to get the most out of the new camera.

I really didn’t have a preference towards Nikon or Canon. I’ve owned various Nikon point and shoots and have been pretty happy with them. After doing a bit of research, talking to friends who enjoy photography as a hobby and a professional here or there – I’ve decided on the Canon Rebel XS. I liked the features available, options of lenses to upgrade to and obviously the price. It’s the bottom level of Canon dslr’s but that’s ok for now, I really have a lot to learn and am not sure where I’d like to take things. The Nikon D60 I was also looking at felt better in hand, but I just couldn’t bring myself to pay the extra $100 for ‘feeling better.’ I won’t be shooting 8 hours of photography daily, so I think I can learn to get used to the kind of stumpy feel of the Rebel XS. It has fairly decent quality for the level that it’s at and I feel it’s an appropriate one for me to start with.

I’m constantly amazed by the gorgeous photos taken by friends who have this as a hobby – and I’m looking forward to playing, making mistakes and really learning a lot more about what’s taken for granted with the automatic settings.