What I like about my DSLR is one word: flexibility
I can configure it to function the way I think is best for the situation and the way I want to shoot at that moment.
When I want to just shoot a lot of candid shots quickly, I would configure it to behave like a Point and Shoot Camera (AF, P mode, Martrix metering). And I would just shoot quickly and let the camera do most of the "thinking". Sure I might have to delete half the shots because they don't meet my standard. Most of the time, it is just bad composition. But that's OK - it does not cost me anything. And the other half would turn out just the way I like it (real candid shots). My attitude here is no lost, no gain.
When I want to be real creative and want to slow down and think about what I am doing. I would put the camera in Manual exposure mode, Manual focus (probably install an old manual focus prime lens on the camera too), and spot metering. Now I am really in control. The camera will only do what I tell it to do. If the shot turns out bad then I am the only one to blame for it. The advantage here is that I get instant feedback whether I have screwed up or not. And I can try something different to get it right and learn from the experience right there.
For me, Digital has really shortened my learning curve to photography - especially flash photography. And all these free resources I can find on the Internet helps a lot as well. Ironically, I think I am actually a better film shooter now because of digital.
When I want to be even more creative, I would do post-processing and here the possibility is almost limitless as far as creativity goes.
Maybe for some people, they do not like the flexibility. Flexibility does come with the cost of more complexity (i.e. reading the whole freaking camera manual is mandatory). If that's case, then keep using your beloved film camera and/or get a simple digital Point and Shoot camera. But don't say that you can not be creative with digital.
Last edited by ma318; 01-17-2010 at 01:50 PM.