DSLR for beginner...

[Piecey]

My trusty and beloved Olympus FE point and shoot has finally stopped taking satisfactory pictures. I've always been underwhelmed by the night pictures it took so I'm looking to upgrade into something that will hopefully make me happier.

I'm not looking for anything too fancy. My biggest complaint about p&s's has always been the horrible pictures at night. So that is the one thing I want to overcome with a new camera purchase.

I'd prefer to not NEED to lug a tripod (2 kids under 2, the amount of stuff I lug around is overwhelming already). I doubt I'll ever get into wanting multiple lenses or anything like that but as of right now I know nothing. I'd like to be able to go to the parks and just take nice, clean, crisp, colorful pictures at day and night without lugging a bunch of lenses or anything around. They don't have to be spectacular...

I would prefer something that can take a picture relatively quickly. I had bought another Olympus point and shoot last year but the lag was HORRIBLE! I returned it because by the time I could get the camera on and ready to take the picture whatever cute action my son had been doing was long gone. So that is important to me.

We're heading to Pittsburgh tomorrow so I planned to play around with a few, see how I like their feel, etc. while we're up there but other than that I don't know which ones to start with.

I've been reading reviews on the Canon Rebel XS on a friends suggestion and all seems well except I can't understand all the terminology they use in the reviews.

Anywhere under $1k is fine. So ... I'd like something with a decent battery life, good night shots, no lag.

Any suggestions?

I realize you guys get this all the time and I have read a few threads already and noted most of the suggestions! just looking for any specific recommendations on what I feel is most important to me.

 

[photo_chick]

Honestly, with what you've said, you might be better served by a camera like the Canon G12 or the Fuji HS20 rather than a DSLR. Much of getting good night shots with any camera involves a basic understanding of how an exposure is made.

 

[ssanders79]

If you go the dslr route you will also need to get a faster lens than the kit if low light your main reason for the jump. The good news is that you can get a 35 or 50 f/1.8 for cheap.

 

[JoeDif]

Since you have a preference for Olympus p & S cameras, have you considered their PEN lineup? It has the same sensor that's in the Olympus DSLR's but in a more compact package. Unfortunately the only drawback in your case may be needing additional lenses. Most of the major electronics stores carry them so you can check them out.

Here is a link to the Olympus PEN line up

http://olympusamerica.com/cpg_section/cpg_digital_slr.asp?section=pen

 

[Gianna'sPapa]

I don't want to throw cold water on your idea to purchase a DSLR, but what you are looking for probably does not exist. DSLR's are not going to magically make good pictures. There are photogaphers here (not me) who could take your P & S and knock your socks off with the images they could produce. The perfect camera is what you are describing and all of us would like to see. Without a tripod and additional lenses it is very difficult to produce the images it appears you desire. The DSLR should be looked at as a tool with attachments for different jobs similar to a Dremel or multi-tool. Based on what you state you want, I, in good conscience, couldn't recommend a system for you. If you are willing to learn more about what it takes to produce better images and realize you will probably have to compromise on what you are looking for, then that is a different story. Otherwise, I believe you are going to spend a good chunk of money and be severely disappointed. An example is the XS. While its still a good camera, it does not have Canon's latest technology with usable higher ISO's (sensor sensitivity), so with kit lenses you probably wouldn't get that much better lowlight handheld images. There is a learning curve so please don't think that the camera is automatically going to produce for you.

 

[SrisonS]

I'm gonna disagree with some suggestions, and say that a Dslr would be a good choice to go with. Now it'll definitely help to learn some photography basics, but not everyone with a dslr knows how to take total advantage of it. Plus, there are different auto and creative settings to help you out. An if anything, you seem to at least be very conscience of the pricing.

But you'll definitely love the speed of a dslr. And as far as night shots, you might not get anything super spectacular without a tripod, but going handheld will still prove easier than with a p&s.

But maybe look into a newer Rebel, like the T1i or T2i.

 

[Wadecool]

I don't want to throw cold water on your idea to purchase a DSLR, but what you are looking for probably does not exist. DSLR's are not going to magically make good pictures. There are photogaphers here (not me) who could take your P & S and knock your socks off with the images they could produce. The perfect camera is what you are describing and all of us would like to see. Without a tripod and additional lenses it is very difficult to produce the images it appears you desire. The DSLR should be looked at as a tool with attachments for different jobs similar to a Dremel or multi-tool. Based on what you state you want, I, in good conscience, couldn't recommend a system for you. If you are willing to learn more about what it takes to produce better images and realize you will probably have to compromise on what you are looking for, then that is a different story. Otherwise, I believe you are going to spend a good chunk of money and be severely disappointed. An example is the XS. While its still a good camera, it does not have Canon's latest technology with usable higher ISO's (sensor
sensitivity), so with kit lenses you probably wouldn't get that much better
lowlight handheld images. There is a learning curve so please don't think that
the camera is automatically going to produce for you.

As the new owner of a DSLR, I'll say that you are right on in your assessment, at least in my
situation. We have owned a Sony p&s for several years, and like the OP I got sick of the shutter
delay when trying to catch DD3 doing something cute. I bought a Nikon D3100 and thought it
would just take amazing photos on auto but after buying and reading "Understanding Exposure"
I'm learning that certain shots, like those at night aren't as easy as I initially thought. Granted,
this new Nikon will still take WAY better photos in auto mode than my old p&s, and that's mainly what I want it for. I'm actually looking forward to learning how to shoot more and more in manual mode.

 

[Pea-n-Me]

since you have a preference for olympus p & s cameras, have you considered their pen lineup? It has the same sensor that's in the olympus dslr's but in a more compact package. Unfortunately the only drawback in your case may be needing additional lenses. Most of the major electronics stores carry them so you can check them out.

Here is a link to the olympus pen line up

http://olympusamerica.com/cpg_section/cpg_digital_slr.asp?section=pen

+1

 

[bob100]

My trusty and beloved Olympus FE point and shoot has finally stopped taking satisfactory pictures. I've always been underwhelmed by the night pictures it took so I'm looking to upgrade into something that will hopefully make me happier.

I'm not looking for anything too fancy. My biggest complaint about p&s's has always been the horrible pictures at night. So that is the one thing I want to overcome with a new camera purchase.

I'd prefer to not NEED to lug a tripod (2 kids under 2, the amount of stuff I lug around is overwhelming already). I doubt I'll ever get into wanting multiple lenses or anything like that but as of right now I know nothing. I'd like to be able to go to the parks and just take nice, clean, crisp, colorful pictures at day and night without lugging a bunch of lenses or anything around. They don't have to be spectacular...

I would prefer something that can take a picture relatively quickly. I had bought another Olympus point and shoot last year but the lag was HORRIBLE! I returned it because by the time I could get the camera on and ready to take the picture whatever cute action my son had been doing was long gone. So that is important to me.

We're heading to Pittsburgh tomorrow so I planned to play around with a few, see how I like their feel, etc. while we're up there but other than that I don't know which ones to start with.

I've been reading reviews on the Canon Rebel XS on a friends suggestion and all seems well except I can't understand all the terminology they use in the reviews.

Anywhere under $1k is fine. So ... I'd like something with a decent battery life, good night shots, no lag.

Any suggestions?

I realize you guys get this all the time and I have read a few threads already and noted most of the suggestions! just looking for any specific recommendations on what I feel is most important to me.

Don't get the XS, although it's inexpensive there are newer and better Canon models,
Look at the Canon T2i (550D)
http://www.bjp-online.com/british-journal-of-photography/test/1650985/canon-eos-550d-tested
or maybe the Canon 60D
http://www.popphoto.com/reviews/cameras/2011/01/tested-canon-60d

 

[zackiedawg]

Some options for you to consider have been mentioned above - which should include some strong consideration for Olympus or Panasonic's 'micro 4:3' camera lineup like the PEN by Olympus or G/GH line by Panasonic. These are smaller, compact interchangeable lens cameras that handle and shoot a bit more like a P&S camera, but with better, faster focus and shooting, and near-DSLR-like high ISO performance.

Another strong consideration for Sony's NEX line, similar to the PEN line in being a compact interchangeable lens system, even a little smaller-bodied than PEN, and with a larger, full APS-C (DSLR) sized sensor which equals the performance of a DSLR in low light.

Going almost to the DSLR level, you might consider the compact SLT from Sony, the A33 or A55 - these are sort of like compact DSLRs, but with a non-moving mirror and permanent live view. They are fully DSLRs in operation, including superfast focus, shooting, etc and low light performance, along with full range of DSLR lenses (Sony/Minolta mount), but using a high-grade electronic viewfinder or tilting LCD to shoot with.

In the DSLR range, it might be worth looking at some of the smaller DSLRs like Pentax's KX or KR, Nikon's D3100, or Olympus' E620...these are just normal DSLRs, but as entry-level models are a bit smaller and lighter than the larger mid-body enthusiast models.

Otherwise, the Canon 60D, Sony A580, Pentax K5, and Nikon D7000 are larger bodied, fuller DSLRs with better controls and maximum low light/high ISO performance - if willing to spend a little more and really go fully into DSLRs.

The Sony NEX and Olympus PEN (& Panasonic G) are all barely bigger than a regular P&S compact camera with many many times better performance - with basic lenses they can remain compact, but have the option to accept myriad additional lenses if you decide to get serious and abandon the compactness in order to play around with the versatility.