Need a new camera, upgrade from my Elph...

[SoNewToDisney!]

The long loved Canon Elph has died. I would love to get a Rebel just because I want to play & have fun with it but I know it is out of my level of expertise (essentially none).

So can anyone point me to a camera that is between a Rebel and an Elph? I want more features to tinker with and clearer close ups, quick action shots and quality images. Also, not overly ginormous, so we can take it out on day-to-day activities.

Things I did not like about the ELph was even on the kid/action mode by the time the shutter went the shot was gone (darn kids!). Also using the digital zoom was tricky, the images were blurred. Anything past 3.0 was poor image quality. And the colours were never that vibrant on the actual prints.

Any suggestions? Thanks, and we are going to Disney in a few weeks so I would like to get one within the next few days and have some time to familiarize myself with it.

 

[Pea-n-Me]

It sounds like you're looking for a bridge camera. For Canon, it used to be the S2/S3/S5 IS line, now it's the SX10IS, I believe.

There's a long running thread for users of this line here: http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1235546&referrerid=70088

 

[bdtracey]

You may also want to check into Canon's G10. From what I've read and heard many people using dSLR's choose this camera as their point and shoot.

I was in the same boat as you back in September. I had a piece of junk Sony P&S and wanted a new camera. I was looking at the S5 initially, then at the G10, then finally succombed (sp?) to the XSi. What a wonderful little camera! The wonderful thing about going the dSLR route is that you have so many different options when it comes to lenses. That being said the one thing that I truly didn't realize when I bought the camera (and lens it came with) was that I would be wanting a few more lenses. These lenses alone cost more than the camera itself.

Basically, if you're looking to take the jump into the realm of dSLR's don't be surprised when you realize that you're always looking for your "next" lens. That being said I've never regretted getting my XSi vs. the S5 or the G10. The one thing that both the SX10IS and G10 have over the lens that you get with the XSi is the zoom.

My suggestion would be to go to your local camera store and play around with each camera. If the salesperson is serious about making a sale they'll let you tinker with each camera to your heart's content.

Hope this helps!

 

[SoNewToDisney!]

Thank you for your replies -- I saw these at the store and am waivering between which one:

Canon PowerShot SX110IS 9.0MP Digital Camera $299

Or This:
Canon PowerShot SX10 IS10.0MP Digital Camera $449
http://www.bestbuy.ca/multimedia/products/pdp/10112402.jpg


The SX10 seems like alot of camera, but I worry that the SX110 might be too close to my Elph...and I will wish for the higher end one. Thoughts?

On the other hand, for $299 maybe it is a good introduction to some more advanced photography for me?

 

[Pea-n-Me]

I would love to get a Rebel just because I want to play & have fun with it but I know it is out of my level of expertise (essentially none).

Based on this I'd think you'd want to go for the one that has more features to learn on. It won't go to waste as even if you do move on to a dSLR, you can have it as your back up.

OTOH, maybe you really should consider the dSLR to start with. The learning curve may not be *too* much more than that of the bridge camera. Lots of us here had very little knowledge of using a dSLR but bought one anyway and we're doing ok. If you'd said you didn't want to carry the dSLR or change lenses, etc, I'd probably say just stick with the bridge, then. But it sounds like you're open to the idea and just need to get over the hump of learning to use it. Give it some thought. I bought a bridge and wound up buying a dSLR a year later anyway. No regrets as I learned a lot, but if I'd just bought the dSLR in the first place, I'd be a year further than I am now in my knowledge of using it. Food for thought.

HTH http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1794070&referrerid=70088

 

[SoNewToDisney!]

One of my real priorities is being able to take vibrant, close up shots of my kids where the background goes soft/blurred. YWIM?

Also to be able to take quick action shots that are focussed and quick, "in the moment".

Hhhmmm.

 

[pnutmnm]

Canon PowerShot SX10 IS10.0MP Digital Camera $449

Seems high...I just checked the price through Best Buy (on another forum) and it was $399. I bought mine (on March 8) and paid $379.

 

[jann1033]

as far as i know every entry level dslr has an auto zone where it acts just like a point and shoot but you can get other lenses for it. if you are thinking of spending up to $500 you can get an slightly older entry level dslr for close to that, stick with the kit lens till you get the hang of it and shoot in auto while you learn. the only con will be you won't have as long a reach as a bridge camera but eventually you can get another longer lens. the pros will be better photos, training and speeds. ( well i haven't checked bridge cameras lately but that would have been the pros a few months ago)

 

[SoNewToDisney!]

Seems high...I just checked the price through Best Buy (on another forum) and it was $399. I bought mine (on March 8) and paid $379.

aaah, we Canadians always pay more

 

[mescad]

You may also want to check into Canon's G10. From what I've read and heard many people using dSLR's choose this camera as their point and shoot.

When I saw the topic, I was expecting someone to mention the G10, or the older Canon G9. I was looking to upgrade from a basic P&S to something more feature filled, but I'm not quite ready for the size and expense of a dSLR. I settled on the G10 about a month ago, and I'm very happy with my purchase. I was recently among two professional photographers who, upon seeing my G10, could not stop singing the praises of the G9/G10 line.

 

[bdtracey]

When I saw the topic, I was expecting someone to mention the G10, or the older Canon G9. I was looking to upgrade from a basic P&S to something more feature filled, but I'm not quite ready for the size and expense of a dSLR. I settled on the G10 about a month ago, and I'm very happy with my purchase. I was recently among two professional photographers who, upon seeing my G10, could not stop singing the praises of the G9/G10 line.

The G line has been one of the best lines of camera's out there. I'm still seriously thinking about getting one but I haven't had a need for a smallish camera yet. I think my money'd be better spent on a new lens.

OP: jann1033 and Pea-n-me have really good points and I completely agree! The SX10IS has some good points but I think the dSLR will win hands down. I'm already looking at my next lens and, like most dSLR shooters, I know exactly which lenses I'd be buying if I had the $$$....24-70mm f/2.8.....70-200 f/2.8.....10-20mm....the list goes on and on and on and on. OTOH, I know people that are just fine with the kit lens.