Choosing new camera-- my head is spinning!

[AMaloy314]

I can't believe that I am so unusual that there is not a camera that has everything I'm looking for. If there isn't, the manufacturer's MUST be missing out on a huge market.

I have a Nikon 6006 SLR that I have used for, well, seems like forever. I love it, but it is a little large for just quick snaps of the kids. There is so much that can be done with digital technology now, and the price just keeps dropping. About two years ago, I decided to jump into the digital age and bought a point and shoot Fuji finePix 3800. I still find myself going through the hassle of pulling out the Nikon rather than just grabbing the Fuji and clicking for what should be a quick shot.

I finally got fed up with the terrible shutter lag after taking horrible shots of my 10 month old at Easter. I'm not a professional photographer by any means, but I have won some amatuer photo contests so I'm not a complete hack either.

So now I'm shopping. I've checked out the review sites and am just not finding what I'm looking for. Maybe you guys can help.

I would like a digital camera that is quick, small, and easy. (My DH has to be able to use it also, hence the easy) Optical zoom is a must but it doesn't have to be much. My Nikon 28-70mm lens has been perfect for this use. Quick shutter lag is really important. The kids don't hold still long enough to get a good shot. I'd like it to be something that is smaller so I can carry it around the WDW parks or in my purse for preschool programs. The Canon Rebel XT is bordering on too big. It will need a flash, but I think I can do most red eye repair with editing. I will probably be doing a little low light photography. Image stabilizer sounds like it could be helpful since I might be holding a squirming baby while shooting, but I'm not sure that it is a necessity. I think that 5mp is probably minimum that I would want, but maybe you could talk me out of that. I'm used to an optical viewfinder so that would be nice, but again, not a necessity. I'd prefer AA batteries rather than a special battery, just because I can always have rechargeables in the charger ready to go on a moments notice if mine goes low.

Ok. Anything I haven't mentioned?

Any suggestions or recommendations? I'm all ears. (Pardon the Disney pun)

Thanks,
A

 

[Kelly Grannell]

I would like a digital camera that is quick, small, and easy.
My Nikon 28-70mm lens has been perfect for this use. Quick shutter lag is really important.
I'd like it to be something that is smaller so I can carry it around the WDW parks or in my purse for preschool programs.
The Canon Rebel XT is bordering on too big.
It will need a flash, but I think I can do most red eye repair with editing.
I will probably be doing a little low light photography.
Image stabilizer sounds like it could be helpful since I might be holding a squirming baby while shooting, but I'm not sure that it is a necessity.
I think that 5mp is probably minimum that I would want, but maybe you could talk me out of that.
I'm used to an optical viewfinder so that would be nice, but again, not a necessity.
I'd prefer AA batteries rather than a special battery, just because I can always have rechargeables in the charger ready to go on a moments notice if mine goes low.


Thanks,
A

Whooaaaaa. That's a very tall order. The only thing that will fit your bill is Rebel XT with 17-85 IS lens. The rechargeable battery, although not AA, will last you about 200 pics with 60% flash usage.

 

[AMaloy314]

Thanks for the quick response. I was pretty sure that the Rebel XT was what the answer was going to be.

I guess that I'm still surprised that what I'm looking for is such a tall order. Seems like all the different options are available, but not in one camera. Oh, well. Maybe someday we'll be able to get a made-to-order camera like a fast food meal.

Thanks again!

 

[MICKEY88]

If you can find one a Minolta A2 will fit your needs, it has 7x optical zoom, eqivalent of 28-200...

minimum shutter lag, I've used one for the past 2 years and the only shots I missed were trying to get a spike or block at HS volleyball games...

never missed a shot of my 2 young nieces at family get togethers...


I stumbled upon a review of it today, and they went so far as to rate it with Nikon d70,they said it has some settings and capabilites that low end DSLRs don't have...