Advice for a new camera

[123SA]

Please help -- I tried reading through some threads, but it is like trying to read a foreign language. I currently have an HP R607 and I hate it, have always hated it. I use the auto focus and still I have photos in which the main subject is blurry and the piece of straw in the corner is crystal clear. When taking photos of tall characters at Disney, either the character is in focus or the child but not both.

So I am looking for a digital camera in the $500-600 range for an amateur who is willing to learn. I take mostly family photos and kids in action photos. I'd like to be able to feel comfortable with the new camera by the time we get to Disney in December.

I don't know the difference between dslr & P&S (are the even comparable) so I can't say which I'd prefer. I have no experience with lenses and probably would not have money in the budget for additional lenses at this time.

Your help is greatly appreciated.

 

[manning]

Maybe this will help while you are looking for a new camera.

Are you focusing on the main subject? If you look into the viewfinder or LCD screen you should see the focusing brackets in the center of the screen. This is where focusing takes place. The brackets should be placed on the subject to be in focus.

Press the shutter button half way down and the focus is locked. You can then move the camera around to compose the picture and the main subject will remain in focus as long as the button is half way down and the the subject hasn't moved. When you are ready to take the picture continue to press the button all the way down.

Also is the picture blurred or out of focus? If it is blurred the shutter speed is too slow.

 

[123SA]

Yes to the first paragraph. The pictures are out of focus, not blurred, and not all of the time. It seems to happen when there is something of to the side between the camera and the main focus. Or on the floor between the main focus & camera. I get the green focus sign, and yet the photos doesn't turn out in focus.

 

[Kelly Grannell]

With your budget, you can get Pentax ist*DL body with Sigma 18-125 lens (totalling about $630).

It's a dSLR, a must if you're taking pic of your little ones. Virtually no shutter lag, fast startup time, high-ISO capability (up to ISO 3200)

 

[123SA]

Will I need to purchase additional lenses? Thanks for the reply.

 

[Kelly Grannell]

that's what I said above. Pentax ist*DL body + Sigma 18-125 lens, total about $630

 

[manning]

Pentax ist*DL

This is the camera:

http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/specs/Pentax/pentax_istdl.asp