Camera Suggestions/DSLR or Adv P&S?

[sallysue66]

I want a new camera, something that does more than my current point & shoot. I've played around with the settings on my old Fuji Finepix and read alot of tutorials, but I'm no photo expert. So I'm thinking of getting an advanced point & shoot like a Nikon Coolpix P90 or a Canon Powershot G10, they run $350-500. Can anyone tell me about these, easy to learn, worth the price? Or, should I save a little more and go for a DSLR? TIA.

 

[nd5056]

I want a new camera, something that does more than my current point & shoot...

So………….. what do you want it to do, that you can’t do with P&S???

Have to ask because this will provide the ultimate answer to your question. Also, many P&S cameras do have manual exposure settings, but don’t have good enough sensor to capture what you have in mind.

Photography and video editing is my hobby and I tend to be expecting more from the equipment I use then most people will. So please take note of that.

I used SLR camera for many years along with my P&S for convenience, “travel light” as I can put it. Then I bought my first Digital P&S camera, Fuji E550, several years back. It was one of the best performing cameras for those years and it still can outperform many cameras available on the market today, in speed and picture quality. Loved it! However, I was spoiled with my SLR and my 200~400MM telephoto lens. I was missing that, along with the fact that P&S cameras are never the best choice for shooting in low light conditions without a tripod.

But, remembering the money I spend on the SLR body, lenses, flash …. look out DSLR-like camera, here I come! I purchased the Fuji S6000fd and it was great!!! Better in low light that my P&S was, loved that “feel” of it, pictures, etc., but …… it was still no match for the SLR action I was used to. It was a DSLR like body with a small, same like P&S camera has sensor inside…. While it had way better lens, still in the low light……. I sold it and made room for a real DSLR camera.

Nikon D40 is what I have for more then couple of years now, along with a 18~135 and 70~300 MM lenses (27~270 and 140~450 MM in SLR terms) and SB-400 flash and I’m finally happy. I know that if I go for my children play at church or gym, taking handheld pictures in a lowlight conditions once again is possible. They may not be perfect, but after fixing it with Photoshop, they are great, while the rest of the crowd with P&S doesn’t get a usable shot at all.

Nikon D40 is only 6MP camera, but it takes better pictures then many 10 MP DSLR cameras out there, especially in the low light condition. And, while it cost more money, telephoto lens gives much better results then going after more megapixels hoping to be able to enlarge the picture later. Many camera makers just pack on those megapixels only because the costumers prefer to hear it, “oh, it must be better camera, it has more MP’s then this one”… The fact is, squeezing more MP’s from the same size sensor creates more noise in the picture. Nikon D40 (6MP) and Nikon D40x (10MP) is a perfect example of that when shooting in low light condition.

And still own and use DSLR and P&S camera, depending on the need. If I go bicycling with the kids or for a picnic, I don’t hesitate to take the P&S with me at all, I know it takes great pictures in daylight.

Just a word of advice, for any longer zoom lens camera, make sure is has some kind of vibration reduction or stabilization control. It helps on the longer end of the zoom and especially when shooting in low light condition.

You can read camera reviews HERE: or HERE:, just keep in mind, they magnify every little problem so bad, you may think that nobody has ever build a good camera yet.
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[sallysue66]

Thanks for your insight ND. You pretty much hit the nail on the head in what i'm looking for, better low light pics. My p&s did not give me one decent shot at DD's 4th grade play. I wish I had bought some film and taken my old 35mm p&s. Also, a better zoom and wider angle would be great. I think I would be happy with a nicer p&s for the zoom, my Fuji's zoom is a joke, DS's Powershot A590 is better. But i don't know about the wide angle. I'm a little nervous about jumping into a DSLR though when I'm just starting to venture out of "stand there and say cheese". I'll read your reviews, thanks!

 

[jenniy122]

For what you're looking for, I'd actually recommend the Canon SX10 IS over the G10. Optical zoom is what matters (digital zoom is really just cropping the picture), and the SX10 is 20x where as the G10 is 5x. The G10 has 4.7 more megapixels, but unless you plan on making extremely large prints out of your pictures then 10 is more than enough (I'm a photo student, my p&s is 7 and DSLR is 8, and that's been enough for me). The two also have different grips, so I'd recommend going to a store and actually trying them to see what you like. If it's awkward to hold/use you're not going to.

I'm actually looking at the SX10 for myself, so I'm probably a bit biased.

 

[ChristyJ]

I just bought a Nikon D40 and love it! Here's one of the websites I used to help me make my decision:
http://www.kenrockwell.com/tech/recommended-cameras.htm

He has a lot of good info and takes various factors into account.

 

[WillCAD]

I love my SLR cameras. They take much better pics than any P&S I've ever had, even right after I bought them and didn't know much about SLRs.

I just need to warn you - there is no camera made that will "take good pictures" if you don't know how to use a camera properly. Without the skills of the photographer, the camera will not capture the image properly, just like a car won't drive you safely to work if you don't know how to drive.

You can probably improve your pics even with your current camera if you take the time to read up a little and develop your basic photographic skills. Learn a little about framing and composition, particularly the Rule of Thirds, and also practice holding the camera steady. Those two tips will improve a lot of your pics.

After that, start learning more about the functions that are built into your current camera. Read the manual! And as you read it, pick up the camera and play with the functions you're reading about.

Then you can start learning about exposure.

Light is paint, the sensor is a wall, and the lens is paint sprayer. Taking a pic is like aiming the sprayer against the wall to make a circle. Too little paint, and the circle will not form. Too much light, it will be soaked and the pic will get overwhelmed. If the wall moves while the paint is hitting it, the paint will leave a streak instead of a circle (that's called motion blur). If the pressure in the sprayer is low (like when you're in a dark room without much light around), you need more paint to make the circle, so you either open the spray nozzel wider (wider lens aperture) or leave it open for a longer time (with a slower shutter speed). Of course, the longer you leave the nozzel open, the more likely you are to cause a motion blur from your breathing, or from scattered breezes, or from people jostling you as they walk by.

Once you learn these basics, you'll start to see the inherent limitations of a P&S camera and be more eager to buy an SLR, not because you want IT to take better pics, but because YOUR skills will outpace the equipment you have.

 

[Frantasmic]

Your least expensive option is to try to us your DS A590 with the CHDK program on it that allows you to shoot RAW with that camera. That would help your pictures with that camera.

CHDK is a program you load on your camera that opens up extra features.

http://chdk.wikia.com/wiki/A590IS

In the long run, especially since you are considering spending $350 - $500 on a bridge camera, it is better to probably go ahead and get a Nikon D40/D60 or a Canon XS DSLR. You'll have RAW capability and with the right array of lenses, you'll be much happier with your pictures in low-light. If you have plays and/or indoor sporting events ahead in your life, go ahead and bite the bullet.

 

[sallysue66]

thanks for the help everyone. I'm learning more with every link! I have figured out that DS's Canon p&s is much more user friendly when playing with the manual settings than my Fuji. But I still can't make it take shots any faster. Which is a problem when I want good shots of DD at soccer or DS skurfing. Actually, I can get a good shot, it's the one's I miss after that that kill me.

 

[artesian]

Got my wife the D40 two Mothers Days ago and to this day she still thanks me for it. Yes it's bigger and stuff but it take incredible pictures. She has never looked back and has since given my DD8 her old P&S. She has since bought a bigger lens and is looking to increase her lens collection this year.

 

[Stinkerbell1973]

I want a new camera, something that does more than my current point & shoot. I've played around with the settings on my old Fuji Finepix and read alot of tutorials, but I'm no photo expert. So I'm thinking of getting an advanced point & shoot like a Nikon Coolpix P90 or a Canon Powershot G10, they run $350-500. Can anyone tell me about these, easy to learn, worth the price? Or, should I save a little more and go for a DSLR? TIA.

You really have to decide what you want out of the camera. I, too, have a Nikon D40 and LOVE it. I have had Nikon SLR's for many years and I can say I'll never own another brand of camera. I took it to WDW last year - I worried that it would be cumbersome but given that it's so lightweight (by comparison to 35mm SLR's) but it wasn't at all. I took over 800 pictures.
I also have a Nikon coolpix, but haven't used it since I got the D40 a year and a half ago. We took it to WDW too, but it never got used. I've always preferred an SLR camera to the smaller P&S. It's really just a matter of preference.

 

[sallysue66]

I had just a little free time today so I ran in Best Buy to play with the cameras. I'm thinkin I could work with the Nikon D40!! The controls are actually easier to access and understand than on the p&s. Need to get myself in the digital photo class at the community college and I'll be ready to go.

 

[sallysue66]

Just a word of advice, for any longer zoom lens camera, make sure is has some kind of vibration reduction or stabilization control. It helps on the longer end of the zoom and especially when shooting in low light condition.

Question about VR on the D40...It looks like the basic package does not have a VR lens. So I should also buy a VR lens if I decide to go with the D40? Especially since one of my main gripes with my p&s is bad low light shots?

 

[djbleach]

We went with the Canon Rebel XS and it is really nice.
Sears had a sale $500 for the camera, 15-55 IS lens and a 75-300 lens(no Image Stabilizer) They had made a mistake on the "free" lens but honored the price.
I haven't taken enough pictures or learned enough to get the full potental from the Canon. But it still takes pictures so much better than my Canon Powershot that I'm very satisfied with the purchase.
I don't think you would go wrong with getting a SLR. If you've got the cash and want a nice camera, go for it.
Oh yeah. If you have a RITZ camera store near you. I think if you buy from them. They throw in 18 "free" classes. My friend bought his camera from them and that was the case. He hasn't been to any classes because they are held almost an hour away, but he still has the option.
Good luck.

 

[sallysue66]

We went with the Canon Rebel XS and it is really nice.
Sears had a sale $500 for the camera, 15-55 IS lens and a 75-300 lens(no Image Stabilizer) They had made a mistake on the "free" lens but honored the price.
I haven't taken enough pictures or learned enough to get the full potental from the Canon. But it still takes pictures so much better than my Canon Powershot that I'm very satisfied with the purchase.
I don't think you would go wrong with getting a SLR. If you've got the cash and want a nice camera, go for it.
Oh yeah. If you have a RITZ camera store near you. I think if you buy from them. They throw in 18 "free" classes. My friend bought his camera from them and that was the case. He hasn't been to any classes because they are held almost an hour away, but he still has the option.
Good luck.

Thanks, that helps. I was just looking at the Canons on-line. I think I would really need image stabilization so figuring the price of the Canon with IS lens vs. the Nikon PLUS another lens, it makes sense to go with the Canon. I'd hate to spend $500 on a camera, still have blurry pics and then spend another $200 for a new lens.

 

[nd5056]

Question about VR on the D40...It looks like the basic package does not have a VR lens. So I should also buy a VR lens if I decide to go with the D40? Especially since one of my main gripes with my p&s is bad low light shots?

Yup. It helps you get a sharp picture since the shutter is open for much longer in low light condition.

The standard lens like 18~55 should do fine without, mainly because you'll not use it for your child play - it just doesn't reach far enough. Or you’ll be close enough for the build in flash to reach the subject. I'd say get it with the longer zoom. You're already biting the bullet and paying for the telephoto of some kind, it's more money, but well justified.

You know, depends on what you end up buying, some DSLR have this feature already build into the body. So you wouldn't need to worry about it.

There is another feature that you may like & all the newer build DSLR have, it’s called a “Live View”, so you’re not forced to the viewfinder only. Some can record video as well, made me realize many things changed since I was shopping for DSLR. It all depends on the money you’re willing to spend. But not always.

I don’t want to mess you up too much, but read the reviews on the Sony Alpha A300...

You never know...

Just remember, you'd never buy a car without test driving it, would you? Maybe someone you know has one or just go to Best Buy or so...

 

[sherry7]

Thanks, that helps. I was just looking at the Canons on-line. I think I would really need image stabilization so figuring the price of the Canon with IS lens vs. the Nikon PLUS another lens, it makes sense to go with the Canon. I'd hate to spend $500 on a camera, still have blurry pics and then spend another $200 for a new lens.

Take a look at the Sony A Series DSLR's. The image stabilization is built into the body, rather than into the lenses. This means that lenses are generally less expensive. I have a Sony A350, but there is also the A100, A200, A300, and A900. Some of these have LiveView, and some don't. Personally, I prefer using mine without the LiveView, but I do use it on occasion...depending on the situation.

 

[erin.w]

I saved up and bought a Nikon D90 after being discouraged with the terrible shots my p&s took. Even though I am still 'learning' I have tons more pictures that I like.

 

[zaneymax]

Subscribing! My husband is in the market for a DSLR. I want him to read this thread to help make a decision as to whether or not to finally buy one!

 

[kasdancer]

Go with a Nikon DSLR and you will not regret it. I have been using Nikon cameras for a long time and upgraded to the Digital SLR when my daughter was born. I have the D80 and love it. I do not have the VR lens, and I still do not get blury shots. The Canon DSLR can be found at a lower price, but I am a Nikon girl. I find the biggest difference in the photos from Canon and Nikon is that Canon photos have colder coloring and Nikon has warmer tones. I prefer the warmer tones.

 

[djbleach]

I believe the latest Consumer Reports has their camera reviews. I like Consumer Reports because I think they have an unbias review.
I'm not looking at it now, but they have good things to say about Nikon and Canon. Actually I think an Olympus camera is their number one rated?
I don't know much about cameras so I wouldn't be the one to ask any questions.
What I'm starting to think is the Nikon/Canon debate could be like Honda/Toyota
They BOTH are excellent products. What I wanted was a better picture for an idiot shooting them...LOL With the Canon Rebel XS.......I got it. It has Auto mode that shoots excellent pictures. Portiat, Night, Landscape.etc. My point and shoot has those also, but doesn't take near the quality picture that the slr does. Plus in "sports" mode it will take pictues fast. not sure how many a second or minute. I know I use to hate having to wait for my point and shoot to "get ready".
Anyway. The Canon Rebel XSI gets better reviews, but its more expensive.
Like I said, I lucked up and got a great deal for $500 at Sears with the kit lens and telophoto zoom lens. I'm trying to sale the lens because I want an 18-200 IS lens. (that lens cost $500-600 dollars) So it never ends.
Good luck in whatever you get. Any slr will be a step up I'd imagine.