Advice for a Newbie - Canon PS A640, Canon S5 IS, or Nikon D40 w. DX18-55?

[sheilag]

Hi there - I'm a newbie to photography. My child dropped my 2 year old digital p&s (a panasonic) and it'd cost me more to repair to buy another (what had been over $500 could now be had for $200 - vs. $250 to repair).

So, I need a new camera. I've looked at some of the recommendations here, and the expert photography (wow). I've put the 3 cameras that others have recommended to me in the caption - Canon A640 (for 10 mp), Canon S5 IS (for great zoom), and Nikon D40 w. DX18-55 lens (good pkg for beginner).

I want to learn more about photography, but don't want to have to read a manual from start to end just to turn on the camera and start shooting. We have an upcoming trip to Disney, and I have 2 small children - so, we'd like the camera to do good Disney shots and good family shots.

I've given some basic thinking to what I see as important features. Ideally, I'd like:

1.) fast reaction time (so can snap a couple of pics w/o long delay )
2.) ability to take decent fireworks shots w/o huge set up (w/o tripod)
3.) ability to take decent Spectro Magic shots
4.) ability to take decent Fantasmic! shots that can be cropped as needed
5.) good resolution to get quality family shots
6.) not super clunky for rides (but doesn't have to fit in pockets)
7.) movie taking not impt (I have a video camera)

So - as a newbie, I realize I'm probably asking for the moon in one camera, but I'd appreciate your insights into which of these three cameras might be better (or if you think there might be a better one for what I've suggested are my criteria, I'd appreciate your advice). I've looked at sites such as www.epinions.com, and some others - and frankly, you'll get different opinions depending on the site, and as a newbie, I don't want to read a technical manual to understand how things work to compare the cameras.

Which, in your expert opinion cultivated by experience (judging by the photos I've seen) would be better? As I said, I don't mind (and would actually enjoy) learning more - but as time goes on, not before I start shooting.

I'm looking around the $500-600 end price range. I live in Canada, but am travelling to the states this weekend - so might be able to buy there.

Would appreciate any views. Thanks.

 

[luvdiz2]

Just a note, I know nothing about photography, but recently purchased a D40 after having a point and shoot. I also live in Canada. I was speaking with a pro photographer, and he said he would purchase in Canada due to warranty work, and not getting the warranty when you buy in the States transferred to Canada. Don't know if it is true, but I didn't take the chance - bought up here!

 

[ukcatfan]

I can speak on DSLRs. If low light shots are important, I would avoid the D40 b/c it cannot autofocus the inexpensive 50mm prime lens that is the typical low light lens for people not willing to shell out $$$ for a lens. Not sure of the price in Canada, but the Pentax K100D is about the cheapest way into DSLR photography at the moment, in the states. The 50mm prime for it would be around $175 and the camera with basic ket lens would be around $425. There are rebates here, but you would likely not qualify.

There are also good deals on the Rebel XTs as they have not been made for a while.

Kevin

 

[sheilag]

I guess "decent" is in the eye of the beholder ("decent" to me might be just pure garbage to some of you other folks, re: my note about being able to take decent fireworks, SpectroMagic, and Fantasmic! photos with the same camera)... I don't know. But am I right to take away the thought that I should get a DLSR, even a poor and/or cheap DLSR, rather than a compact digital that has many of the same features (e.g., Canon A640 with its 10mp, and Canon S5 with it's super zoom)?

 

[Groucho]

You've got some very different cameras there as options.

First rule of digital photography - don't be fooled by megapixel ratings! Higher megapixels do not guarantee a better photo, in fact, they often lead to worse photos because of higher noise levels (that "grain" that ruins most low-light photos.)

Sensor size is what is going to have the biggest impact on picture quality. Here's a graphic I created to illustrate some different sensor sizes.

The A640 is your basic point-n-shoot, though with a relatively large 1/1.8" sensor. This is the exception, not the norm, for point-n-shoots.

The S5 has big zoom but a little sensor, 1/2.5". Personally, if you had to buy a Canon long-zoom, I'd go with the S3 for the lower noise levels (due to fewer megapixels) and cheaper price ($100 less at Beach.)

The D40... well, now we're talking big sensor, baby! Most DSLRs use an APS-sized sensor as shown in the graphic. (Canons are fractionally smaller and Olympus uses the markedly smaller 4/3rd sensor. Some very expensive high-end cameras use the full frame sensor, but we're talking big bucks.) Note the surface area - the DSLR sensor gives you almost 15x more space than the Canon S5!

Like Kevin said, the D40 and D40s cannot focus the 50mm F1.8 though, so you're stuck manually focusing.

I would lean towards the Pentax K100D also, pair it with the 50mm F1.4 and you'll have nearly the best possible option for SpectroMagic photos.

As for your other requirements...
1.) fast reaction time (so can snap a couple of pics w/o long delay )
Most any DSLR fits the bill, and many PnSs now, also.

2.) ability to take decent fireworks shots w/o huge set up (w/o tripod)
Can't be done. At least, not the typical fireworks photos with long trails. A sturdy support system for the camera is mandatory, it has nothing to do with the type of camera.

3.) ability to take decent Spectro Magic shots
Spectro without flash requires maximum light-gathering ability. That means a DSLR's ISO 1600 mode paired with a "fast" lens like a 50mm F1.4 (preferably) or F1.8.

4.) ability to take decent Fantasmic! shots that can be cropped as needed
Fantasmic is doubly tough because you may want more zoom than the 50mm. There are 85mm F1.4 lenses for most systems but they can be extremely expensive.

5.) good resolution to get quality family shots
6mp is plenty.

6.) not super clunky for rides (but doesn't have to fit in pockets)
Tall order, but most entry-level DSLRs are fairly small.

7.) movie taking not impt (I have a video camera)
Good thing as no DSLR can do that.

Good luck!

 

[sheilag]

WOW! Thanks Kevin and Groucho for the details. There's so much to learn, and I really appreciate the patience you've shown, and your sharing of knowledge.

Groucho, your sensor photos were very helpful to me, as was your commentary and suggestions. Thank you kindly. I "think" (having gone back to look at the photography terms sticky) that the bigger the sensor, the better pictures I can take in low light. And from yours and Kevin's suggestion, the Penxtax K100D is the cheapest entry that would get into the DLSR market and take advantage of its ability to take low light photos (a la SpectroMagic), with good snapability (is that a word?) speed.

I think my "fireworks' shots using a tripod" days are a few years into the future - with two small kids, there's no way I'd have the time or the extra set of hands to fuzz with that at the parks right now (esp. when the youngest is still at the "mommy's arms are best" stage). But maybe sometime in the future it's something I can get into - trying to get one camera to do everything seems to be a "jack of all trades, master of none" proposition anyways. I'm going to have to pick what I want "more of" for "right now".

I think it's coming down to either the Pentax K100D, OR one of the super zooms (for Fantasmic!) recommended here/other posts. So - follow up question, if you don't mind (and would appreciate any side comments on image stabilization): Which camera would you recommend:

a.) Pentax K100 D w. 50 mm f1.4
b.) Canon S3 IS
c.) Fuji S6000fd

Thanks ever so much!

 

[ukcatfan]

I think my "fireworks' shots using a tripod" days are a few years into the future - with two small kids, there's no way I'd have the time or the extra set of hands to fuzz with that at the parks right now (esp. when the youngest is still at the "mommy's arms are best" stage).

Do not forget that there are lockers at the MK that could hold it all day for you. Also, once you get it set up th way you want, you just pretty much sit back and use a remote shutter release. That would still be possible with a little one in your arms.

Which camera would you recommend:

a.) Pentax K100 D w. 50 mm f1.4
b.) Canon S3 IS
c.) Fuji S6000fd

The K100D is going to take better shots and has much more ability to grow(i.e. you might keep it for longer instead of wanting to upgrade again in a year). It is larger and heavier though. Also, it is going to cost more in the long run. Consider a few of the must have extras before making a commitment. You will need a sensor blower and cleaning kit (~$30-50), a decent bag (~$20-100 more than p&s), and more memory than the p&s if you go with the RAW format (~$20-50 more than p&s). So, at a bare minimum, I would expect you to need to spend about $50-75 more than a p&s on extras. If longer reach might be important to you, look to see if there is a special rebate up there when you buy the DA 50-200mm lens at the same time. They are offering a pretty nice rebate on the combination right now in the US. One last thing, be sure to get the kit lens package and not just the body alone with the 50mm. The 50mm is a better lens, but you will want the wide abilities of the kit lens which is 18-55mm.

If you go with a p&s, then I would say the Fuji is better for you b/c you mention that low light is important. While it is not even close to a DSLR with a prime lens (the 50mm), it will be better than the S3. The S3 has IS while the Fuji does not, but that is not effective if the subject has any motion. In case you did not know, the K100D has IS built in the body so that it works on every lens.

Kevin

 

[Josh125]

A suggestion for stability. The SLR gorillapods actually get pretty good reviews and are small in comparison. Also, a monopod beats hand holding the camera. You can fit those in a backpack as well.

 

[sheilag]

Thanks - sounds as though the DLSR will offer more functionality all the way around. I'm going to check it out with the Fuji S6000fd at a store to see which one feels better in my hand.

I'd never heard of a SLR gorillapod until I just googled it. Thanks.

I'm reading the other posts re: quickpod and DLSR, which reinforces and expounds on some of info here. Thanks everyone for your advice! I really appreciate it.

 

[sheilag]

Hi - stopped at the duty free before entering the US, and to my amazement, saw a Pentax K100D with two lenses (the kit one 18-55, and the zoom up to 200) with the camera, as well as the bag! All for $785 Cdn, with no taxes! I snapped it up.

They'd marked it down substantially - I guess because most going to US can only buy $400 worth of merchandise for 48 hr trip, and couples pooling their funds would find it took everything and more. My family has 4 in it, so we were able to buy it.

Now I have to learn and read and shoot! Thanks to everyone here for the great suggestions.

Guess I have to learn about the lens I'll need for low light now!

 

[ukcatfan]

Great news!!! Welcome to the DSLR club as well as the Pentax family. Let me know if you have any questions.

Kevin