Hey @marblely, thanks for reading, I'm glad you found it useful. Totally appreciate your thoughts on smartphone vs dedicated camera. Smartphone technology is improving at such a rate that they are really catching up. For now, I think camera tech still has a significant edge on what manufacturers can cram into the tiny cameras on our phones, but it's really interesting to see how companies like Apple are using software to bridge the gap - for example, their portrait mode on the newer iPhones mimics in software what we've been doing using expensive lenses for years!
Maybe some food for thought...I find there are so many reasons for us to be using computers and phones these days that it feels like life gets lived through a phone screen. I think it's nice to have a dedicated camera so that I don't have the distraction of notifications, chat messages, instagram likes etc popping up, and it means we can be that bit more connected with whatever we are photographing. Obviously the trade-off here is that we have to carry something extra, but for me I think it's still worth it. For the time being :)
Thank you so much for your reply. That is a good food for thought. You are absolutely right, pop up notifications that appear in the middle of trying to get a good shot is such a darn disturbance! :D
You know what I like most about the photos from dedicated cameras? The amazing macro shots it takes and the stillness of the surroundings when taking a portrait shot (not sure if you know what I mean, sorry, I do not know what is the correct word for it) and of course, the coolness of carrying one of the heavy duty cameras like yours :) I still can't achieve these shots using my smartphone's basic settings. I think I probably need to download or buy some software first.
Do you have any camera recommendation for a total newbie in photography? Or starting from the basics, any links that I should read up first?
I think that effect you mean in portrait shots is probably bokeh, where you get a nice blur on the background but the person is in perfect focus?
In terms of camera recommendations, it's difficult to say because everyone's needs are slightly different. I would suggest looking at an interchangeable lens system (as opposed to 'bridge' cameras which you can't change the lens on) because the range of different lenses can make a huge difference to your shots. For example, there are lenses specifically designed for macro and portrait shots.
As to which system...this is where you have to weigh up cost vs size vs ability. If you are stepping up to a more professional cameras from a smartphone then size will probably be important. The full frame gear like my Canon EOS 5D is expensive, and it can feel very heavy and clunky, although that comes with amazing image quality.
The newer mirrorless technology is starting to become really popular, and they cram some amazing capability into a slightly smaller package than a DSLR. I have just bought a Fujifilm X-T3 and a couple of lenses, and I can't speak highly enough of it. For the size and price the quality is amazing, and it looks beautiful :) I will write a post on what the considerations were for buying it - maybe that might be helpful for you.
Thank you so much @jonbarker!! Yes yes, it has to be bokeh! Such a cool word. Now I can speak some photography lingo :)
Ah, interchangeable lenses are better than the auto changing lens, right? It would be cool if there is beginner's high end camera to start with but when technology changes, will the camera become obsolete? How do you upgrade your cameras as you progress? Should we get a good one from the very beginning and stick with it for as long as we can or get a beginner's one and upgrade as we move up? Do you keep all your old cameras?
Sorry, so many questions :D Yes, yes, that would be very helpful. I look forward to your post :) In case I miss it, can you please drop me a note here? Thank you!!!
Oh, you may ignore my questions until your next post :)