D40? Coolpix P5100? CanonA650IS?

[lilyv]

DH and I need to get a decent digital camera. After lots of reading and looking we're looking seriously at the Nikon D40, Coolpix P5100, or the Canon A650IS. One of us will probably only use the camera in the auto mode.

All three have nice features, great write-ups. Would love input on what you think about these cameras, and which you'd choose. We'd like something that is easy, until we study the book fairly intuitive, decent battery life, good for travel, and (of course) takes nice pictures. This is a big decision for us. Thanks for any and all input, thoughts or advice!!!

 

[YEKCIM]

DH and I need to get a decent digital camera. After lots of reading and looking we're looking seriously at the Nikon D40, Coolpix P5100, or the Canon A650IS. One of us will probably only use the camera in the auto mode.

All three have nice features, great write-ups. Would love input on what you think about these cameras, and which you'd choose. We'd like something that is easy, until we study the book fairly intuitive, decent battery life, good for travel, and (of course) takes nice pictures. This is a big decision for us. Thanks for any and all input, thoughts or advice!!!

Well, first off, the D40 is in a whole different category than the two others. Depending on what your ultimate camera budget is, and what your expected uses/needs are, you may be better off with a DSLR (the D40) or one of the others. A DSLR is, as I'm sure you know, a system purchase, since the camera body is only a part of the equation. Add lenses, flashes, and accessories, and you can end up with a very capable photography tool. And a seemingly endless black hole for money (voice of experience speaking here).

The two PnS cameras seem pretty evenly matched, but the Canon (you may stop reading here, my esteemed Nikon brethren) appears to be the better choice, based on the extended zoom range. The D40 with the 18-55mm kit lens offers an equivalent of 27mm to 82.5mm (in 35mm full frame terms) and with the 18-135m kit lens would have an equivalent range of 27mm to 202mm. The A650IS offers 35mm to 210mm with its lens, and has the added benefit of image stabilization, which the DSLR lacks (other DSLR brands have in-body stabilization; Canon and Nikon DSLR's have some lenses with built-in stabilization).

Any DSLR is going to offer better low light performance and more versatility (at a price, of course) so that needs to be taken into account, as well. It will also be bulkier/heavier.

So, there are tradeoffs in terms of price, performance, portability, and flexibility. Which is best for you would depend on your budget and what your anticipated needs are.

I hope this helps.

~Y

 

[lilyv]

Well, first off, the D40 is in a whole different category than the two others. Depending on what your ultimate camera budget is, and what your expected uses/needs are, you may be better off with a DSLR (the D40) or one of the others. A DSLR is, as I'm sure you know, a system purchase, since the camera body is only a part of the equation. Add lenses, flashes, and accessories, and you can end up with a very capable photography tool. And a seemingly endless black hole for money (voice of experience speaking here).

The two PnS cameras seem pretty evenly matched, but the Canon (you may stop reading here, my esteemed Nikon brethren) appears to be the better choice, based on the extended zoom range. The D40 with the 18-55mm kit lens offers an equivalent of 27mm to 82.5mm (in 35mm full frame terms) and with the 18-135m kit lens would have an equivalent range of 27mm to 202mm. The A650IS offers 35mm to 210mm with its lens, and has the added benefit of image stabilization, which the DSLR lacks (other DSLR brands have in-body stabilization; Canon and Nikon DSLR's have some lenses with built-in stabilization).

Any DSLR is going to offer better low light performance and more versatility (at a price, of course) so that needs to be taken into account, as well. It will also be bulkier/heavier.

So, there are tradeoffs in terms of price, performance, portability, and flexibility. Which is best for you would depend on your budget and what your anticipated needs are.

I hope this helps.

~Y

Thank you very much for your helpful post! I appreciate the input.