Yay, new camera finally!

[BondiBlue]

I've had this POS 8.1 MP Sanyo camera for a few years now and it's to the point where the battery won't hold a charge...or so I thought. Bought a new battery and the camera just has some issue where it continually drains the battery at a fast rate whether on or off.

So, I'm finally replacing it. I was sticking with a point n' shoot for under $200 and decided on this 16.1 MP Canon, should be here by Wednesday. I plan on getting a DSLR eventually, so this will only need to last a couple years. Any of the photography gurus have any input on this as far as bang for the buck?

[6769MOPARS]

I'd be interested in recommendations re a DSLR camera. I am tired of the limitations of my mini point and shoot.

[Pennut]

While I would like a nice DSLR camera, For me on my road trips I need something a little more portable (and inconspicuous). I've been using a Panasonic Lumix DMC-TZ5 for about 3 years now. Great camera. While not as small and slim as some point and shoots, It still is relatively small and has a 10X optical zoom (40 combined with digital), a (relatively) wide angle lens, and can take HD movies. Battery life is quite good. I can get about 300 shots per battery without flash. Pictures I've posted on this site are using it. Of course it (and the newer DMC-Z56K) run over $300. However you can get a lower model such as the DMC-FH20K with 8x optical zoom for under $200. I really like the quality and features of the Panasonics. One thing I really hated on the 2 Canon digital cameras I had was that if you turned off the flash, which I do like 99% of the time, and then turned off the camera when you were done taking pictures, when you turned the camera back on for more pictures, the flash would automatically be on. So then I would have to disable the flash before taking more pictures. Arrghh. Don't know if all the Canons are like that or not.

[Audrey]

I have a Nikon 40DX that I gout about 4 years ago. It's fun, but I've not spent anything extra on cool lenses or even a tripod. Since then I've gotten a smart phone and find I use it is more than the Nikon. That said, I do like that I have a DSLR if I ever want to take some fancy pics. If I was going to get a new DSLR I'd look at the Canons out right now.

[BondiBlue]

Originally Posted by Audrey

If I was going to get a new DSLR I'd look at the Canons out right now.

For my use, I'm thinking a $500 Nikon D3000 could get the job done. The PowerShot I have on the way will be perfect for more mobile needs.

[jonl9]

My personal cameras have been Pentax cameras. Pentax is good at backward compatibility so every lens I've bought and still have works with my current Pentax k-7 DSLR. I am totally pleased with the camera.

That said, you can now point at almost any camera and it will take really great shots. Most now use SD cards for memory and virtually all laptops now have an SD slot, so I back up my daily photo intake and I would consider that. Beyond that, follow the features you'd like to have in a camera, as I said, virtually all DSLRs these days are really good cameras.

I follow a review site, Digital Cameras: Digital Photography Review, News, Reviews, Forums, FAQ, which can tell you more about a majority of cameras on line than you'd ever want to know. The conclusion page is a good summary and that might help you make a decision when the time comes to make a buy.

Have fun, the shopping is half the fun!!

Jon

[Audrey]

Getting a used DSLR is a great idea too, because people buy them, don't use them, and sell them in pretty much like-new condition a lot of the time. (:

[GapBoyPCS]

I run three cameras:

1. BlackBerry - only for those moments when I don't have my camera(s) on me

2. Canon PowerShot - great for slipping in my pocket or briefcase. Sometimes, there's a moment where a smartphone's camera just won't do, and I don't need the bulk of my DSLR. I have always loved Canon point-and-shoots because they seem intuitive to me.

3. Nikon D90 DSLR - for those big moments. The downfall is having to lug it and its lenses. The benefits are great. Better pictures. Better control (especially during action shots). Waaaay too many things to play with, but it is my entry level/first DSLR because I got a heck of a deal on a new one.


For most duties, a point-and-shoot can get the job done. If you're going to jump into the DSLR world, do a lot of research and ask questions. From what I gather, there isn't ONE particular brand you should get. Just as with cars and fanboi/fangirl attitudes, the same can be said for cameras (Nikonians, Canonites, Pentaxian, etc.).

[BondiBlue]

Originally Posted by GapBoyPCS

2. Canon PowerShot - great for slipping in my pocket or briefcase. Sometimes, there's a moment where a smartphone's camera just won't do, and I don't need the bulk of my DSLR. I have always loved Canon point-and-shoots because they seem intuitive to me.

Good to hear.

[Cobra348]

I got dragged kicking and screaming into the 21st Century when I got my Canon A1200 12.1mp camera. That and a 32GB card came to about $280. Shoulda done it years ago ... love the picture clarity!