confused on purchasing a new camera

[DISNEMOM]

Hi, looking for help purchasing a new camera. Our Cannon dslr's flash broke. The camera shop says we can purchase a external flash for 80.00 and it will work with that, to have the internal flash fixed is way too expensive. We also have a extra long lens for this camera. Can't decide if we should buy the 80.00 flash or a new camera. What we looked at are Nikon coolpix l120 14.1 megapixels 280.00, or Fuji finepix s3300 14.0 megapixels 250.00. The man at the camera store said these were both dslr's but you cannot change the lens? He also said these both take very fast pictures, which we want. He said Fuji is a much better brand. Whenever I've looked around for camera's before, I always get conflicting answers from different stores/people, so I am trying here. Anyone have any input? Thanks!

 

[ukcatfan]

All DSLRs have interchangeable lenses. Those listed are not DSLRs. Are you positive that you currently have a DSLR? What is the model number?

 

[disneyboy2003]

Hi, looking for help purchasing a new camera. Our Cannon dslr's flash broke. The camera shop says we can purchase a external flash for 80.00 and it will work with that, to have the internal flash fixed is way too expensive. We also have a extra long lens for this camera. Can't decide if we should buy the 80.00 flash or a new camera. What we looked at are Nikon coolpix l120 14.1 megapixels 280.00, or Fuji finepix s3300 14.0 megapixels 250.00. The man at the camera store said these were both dslr's but you cannot change the lens? He also said these both take very fast pictures, which we want. He said Fuji is a much better brand. Whenever I've looked around for camera's before, I always get conflicting answers from different stores/people, so I am trying here. Anyone have any input? Thanks!

Neither the Nikon Coolpix L120 nor the Fuji Finepix S3300 are dSLR cameras. I'm surprised that the "man at the camera store" would call these cameras "dSLR cameras." Distinguishing between a dSLR camera and all other types of cameras is one of the most basic skills that an employee at a camera store should know. Even the folks at Best Buy should be able to distinguish between a dSLR and other cameras.

None of Nikon's dSLR cameras are called "Coolpix". They all start with the letter "D", like "Nikon D3100", "Nikon D5100", "Nikon D90", etc.

The cameras that you mentioned are considered "superzoom cameras" or "bridge cameras". They're considered "bridge cameras" because they combine the easy features of point-and-shoot cameras and the long-range zoom of SLR lenses. People often progress from a simple point-and-shoot camera to a bridge camera to a dSLR. In the end, a bridge camera is a point-and-shoot camera with a longer zoom.

The image sensor inside a bridge camera is about the same size as a typical point-and-shoot camera (ie. small image sensor). Because of this, the image quality can't match that of a dSLR camera, whose image sensor is *tons* larger.

And, as you mentioned, dSLR cameras allow you to change lenses.


Regarding your question about the broken pop-up flash on your Canon dSLR camera, I know the pop-up flash is very convenient. But the light from a pop-up flash actually isn't too powerful and gives very harsh, unflattering light. Believe it or not, high-end dSLR cameras (like what the pros use) actually do NOT have a built-in pop-up flash.

If you plan on learning how to take better flash pictures, consider investing in a good external flash...one that has a swivel head, so you can point the flash in any direction. That way, you can "bounce" the flash off any nearby white surface (such as the ceiling or wall) and create flattering, soft lighting on your subject. Also, an external flash is TONS more powerful than the built-in pop-up flash.

Even though your pop-up flash is broken, I, personally, don't think you need to buy a brand new camera. But that's just my opinion.

 

[MichelleXL]

Distinguishing between a dSLR camera and all other types of cameras is one of the most basic skills that an employee at a camera store should know. Even the folks at Best Buy should be able to distinguish between a dSLR and other cameras.

This reminds me of the time I went to Best Buy to purchase a lens hood for my camera. The sales associate tried to sell me a lens, then a filter, then said, "Oh, you mean the little hat that goes on the camera!"

Then I went to a second Best Buy, and the sales associate tried to sell me a filter, and then asked if I meant "the flower-thingy on the end." It took all my will power not to laugh. I was so surprised that the associates working in the camera section did not even know what a lens hood was.


On topic: if the DSLR is still functioning properly and taking photographs, then an external flash would be your best bet

 

[DISNEMOM]

thanks for your help! the model we have is canon digital rebel xt eos 350d. there is a number on the botom of the camera ds126071. we werent sure about buying a new flash since this camera is a few years old and thats about the length any camera we've bought has lasted. we were afraid we might spend money on that and something else would break. we were looking at these "bridge" cameras because we couldn't spend as much money this time. but, i think we will go with the new flash! i have to learn more about cameras and i'm not relying on the guys at the store anymore. thanks again!

 

[Pea-n-Me]

Canon has a "trade in" program, I believe. Can't say what it's called exactly, but if you're camera is broken you can trade it in for a newer, I believe, refurbished model. That might be an option for you. I probably wouldn't go back to using a point and shoot if you're used to the quality of a dSLR. If you want to stick with what you have, I probably would just pick up an external flash for the times you might need it - and there will be times.

 

[mom2rtk]

Canon has a "trade in" program, I believe. Can't say what it's called exactly, but if you're camera is broken you can trade it in for a newer, I believe, refurbished model. That might be an option for you. I probably wouldn't go back to using a point and shoot if you're used to the quality of a dSLR. If you want to stick with what you have, I probably would just pick up an external flash for the times you might need it - and there will be times.

Great idea! Contact Canon. I think it's called their Canon Loyalty program.

Buying a flash isn't a bad idea though. There are many good reasons to have an extrenal flash, so if you upgrade later it will still be of use.

 

[photo_chick]

The XT is actually an almost 7 year old model, which makes it ancient in DSLR technology. It's still a great camera though, I have one and still use it on occasion while my husband uses it quite frequently. All of Canon's current flashes will work on your Rebel XT, and you'll end up with better results using an external flash. However, it will make the camera big and bulky and that may not be something you want.

When it comes to point and shoots I'd choose a Fuji over a Nikon hands down. So while I agree with the sales person there, I think they were pretty clueless if they said those cameras were DSLR's (a lot of salespeople are clueless). And while an interchangeable lens isn't a qualifier to be a DSLR, I think all of the ones out now do have that. If you are really set on a point and shoot I'd look at Canon and Panasonic too. But if you like your DSLR, you may just want to replace the body if you don't want to go with an external flash. They've come down a lot from the $1000 the XT went for new. You can easily get a new body for half that price now.