New camera buying advice

[dinkygreg]

I am going on trip very soon with my family and can't decide whether to buy a new DSLR camera or stay with my old point and shoot digital camera. It’s really uncomfortable to travel with a big camera, but DSLR cameras always provide best picture quality. Can anyone recommend me a smallest DSLR camera? Currently I am looking at Nikon D40. If you guys have any better recommendation, please let me know.

Thanks for your inputs.

 

[Gianna'sPapa]

That is a very open-ended question with a lot of answers. My first question back to you is, are you really sure you want to move up to a DSLR? Maybe a bridge or superzoom camera would be more to your liking. They are smaller than a DSLR and have some manual controls. I have heard them described as a P'nS' on steroids. There is also the mirrorless cameras that are smaller than a DSLR and have full manual controls with interchangeable lenses. If you really want to move up to a DSLR, then I would next ask what is your budget? Do you have any experience with a DSLR? If you could further enhance what you are looking for, there are plenty of good photographers here to help. They will just need more information.

The thing to remember is that when you see a good photograph, it is more photographer than camera!

PS The Nikon D40 is getting a little long in the tooth being introduced in 2006 and being a 6mp camera.

 

[Pugrpooh]

I am going on trip very soon with my family and can't decide whether to buy a new DSLR camera or stay with my old point and shoot digital camera. It’s really uncomfortable to travel with a big camera, but DSLR cameras always provide best picture quality. Can anyone recommend me a smallest DSLR camera? Currently I am looking at Nikon D40. If you guys have any better recommendation, please let me know.

Thanks for your inputs.

I don't think anyone here would recommend not getting a DSLR and staying with an old p&s.

A lot of people have praised the D40, but that camera came out several years ago and there are a lot better cameras out there now. If size is the main issue with you, check out the Olympus E-450. It is the smallest DSLR made and you can get one at a good price. Staples has it with the 14-42mm lens for $399 and Walmart has the 2-lens kit for $450. Both have free shipping.

Also go and handle the new Canons, Nikons and Pentaxes. I think the entry level models will be around the size of the D40, or at least a lot smaller than the pro level DSLR's. See which one feels best in your hands. That's really as important as size. A larger camera may be more comfortable for you to hold.

Any DSLR will give you better quality pictures than a point and shoot.

You can also check out the EVIL cameras like the Olympus Pens, Sony Nex, and Panasonic. They're smaller in build but picture quality is on a par with DSLR's.

What is it about your point and shoot that you're unhappy with?

 

[boBQuincy]

Check DPReview's reviews for the size *and* weight of current SLRs. In general the entry level models should be the smallest and lightest.
Since lenses can add a lot of the bulk and weight you may want to look for the lenses that are made just for crop sensors, these are likely to be the smallest and lightest.

Fwiw I carry a Canon Xsi because of the size and weight, with a 18-55 it is a pretty small SLR.

 

[Groucho]

For a small DSLR, I would recommend checking out the Pentax K-x or its new replacement, the K-r. They're about as small as any DSLR and are quite highly spec'ed (especially the K-r).

If you want small, you may want to considering one of the mirrorless compacts - Olympus, Panasonic, Sony, and Samsung make them. The Olympus Pen seems to be fairly popular. These give you a larger sensor than a PnS but in a small body than a full DSLR.

If zoom is important to you, you may need to stick with a PnS, though. If you want a lot of zoom on a DSLR, you'll need a bigger lens, or two lenses.

If comfort is a concern, you should consider an alternate strap for a DSLR. Op/Tech makes a popular Pro Strap which is about $20 and is much easier on your neck than the strap that comes with the camera. Another new, popular choice is BlackRapid's R-Strap, which lets you carry it at your hip, but it's a bit pricey at $50+.