Please tell me what I need!

[mykidsintow]

I would love some input in deciding what I need...

My camera is taking blurry pictures and I am looking for a replacement. My current camera is a Canon P&S.

I have been *seriously* debating another P&S vs. an SLR. Obviously price is one aspect. Other considerations:

I am a single mom. I am at the point that my kids aren't babies anymore. No diapers bags and extra gear, mostly. However, my daughter (5) is special needs. I do have to lift her a lot. At Disney I have to transfer her out of her chair and carry her onto rides, etc. She is currently 26 lbs. I also lift her into and out of the car, on and off swings, etc etc. She isn't a "typically mobile" 5 yr old. She does awesome, but I do have extra lifting. I would not carry a bag... I would carry the camera diagonal across my chest when I took it. I could put it in a backpack on her wheelchair when I needed a break. A P&S and throwing it in my pocket is AWFULLY nice....

On the flip side.......
My daughter is *very* hard to get good pictures of. Often the good pictures I get need to be zoomed/cropped and once I do that... they aren't a quality to print any longer.

I would be happy to answer any other questions you may have.... but I would *LOVE* some guidance on what camera I should buy and why....

Help!

 

[revrob]

I prefer a DSLR for a few reasons.

1. I really enjoy the fact that when I look in the viewfinder, I see the area that is going to be photographed. I don't have any surprises.

2. For some reason, I have difficulty taking pictures with a P&S. They end up out of focus or something. I think my hands are too shaky, or the camera is so light that I jiggle it when I'm pressing the button or something. I don't have that problem with a DSLR.

3. I really like the fact that I can turn on automatic and, as a general rule, get good pictures. Much better than I would with a P&S.

4. I really like the fact that I can grow into some of the more manual modes on my camera as I learn what I'm doing. I can progress at my own pace, and progressively take more control of my camera as I learn.

I personally own a Canon Rebel T1i. I purchased Canon because I've owned a rebel for almost 15 years. My first rebel was one of the first automatic SLRs (if I remember correctly). When I went digital, I stayed with Canon because they were the first DSLR, and I had lenses that would work. I've just upgrade my body and stuck with Canon because it's familiar and I've enjoyed it all of these years, I didn't feel the need to change. I have heard great things about Nikon cameras, however. I've also read a lot lately about the Sony DSLR (sorry, don't know what it's called).

My best advice is to go to a camera store and hold them, and see how you personally feel the learning curve will be for you.

I hope you find the perfect camera for you!

 

[bob100]

I would love some input in deciding what I need...

My camera is taking blurry pictures and I am looking for a replacement. My current camera is a Canon P&S.

I have been *seriously* debating another P&S vs. an SLR. Obviously price is one aspect. Other considerations:

I am a single mom. I am at the point that my kids aren't babies anymore. No diapers bags and extra gear, mostly. However, my daughter (5) is special needs. I do have to lift her a lot. At Disney I have to transfer her out of her chair and carry her onto rides, etc. She is currently 26 lbs. I also lift her into and out of the car, on and off swings, etc etc. She isn't a "typically mobile" 5 yr old. She does awesome, but I do have extra lifting. I would not carry a bag... I would carry the camera diagonal across my chest when I took it. I could put it in a backpack on her wheelchair when I needed a break. A P&S and throwing it in my pocket is AWFULLY nice....
On the flip side.......
My daughter is *very* hard to get good pictures of. Often the good pictures I get need to be zoomed/cropped and once I do that... they aren't a quality to print any longer.
I would be happy to answer any other questions you may have.... but I would *LOVE* some guidance on what camera I should buy and why....

Help!

if you go the DSLR route expect a larger, heavier camera with extra lens, something you may not want to deal with. You say your "camera is taking blurry pictures", maybe increasing the shutter speed or changing some other settings can help, Why don't you post a pic and indicate what camera you are currently using?

 

[VVFF]

if you go the DSLR route expect a larger, heavier camera with extra lens, something you may not want to deal with. You say your "camera is taking blurry pictures", maybe increasing the shutter speed or changing some other settings can help, Why don't you post a pic and indicate what camera you are currently using?

exactly what I would like to see. I have a feeling that we're talking about low light situations without a flash. If so, a different P&S won't fix that.

 

[mykidsintow]

No my current camera is toast. Its not focusing properly. there is something wrong with the focus, inside, outside, high light, low light. It won't zoom and it doesn't focus.

I had this same cannon before and had the same issue. They sent it off repeatedly and replaced it and now here we go again. Its something to do with the focus. I love taking photos, but admittedly I am not the most knowledgeable.... I do know tho that my camera is really messed up .

 

[zackiedawg]

Like the others...some posted examples might help. Most of us who have become more proficient with cameras had to go through a learning curve to understand how cameras work, in order to prevent situations that result in blurry photos by setting the camera correctly for the intended shot. That's not to say that a camera can't take blurry photos - there could be problems that result in issues like that - but most of the time, when folks complain about blurry photos, it's not the camera doing it - it's the photographer.

Many recommendations will tell you to go to a DSLR. While they are superior cameras for many situations where a P&S camera will struggle, the simple fact is: not everyone wants to go to a DSLR. It's a bigger, heavier camera that will require more maintenance and depending on the kit lens, possibly additional lenses to achieve the same range a compact can in one tiny box. Low light, action sports, handheld night shots, etc - those are the types of things where a DSLR will shine. But average vacation shots, landscapes, good daylight photos...a P&S will do just fine.

So you need to decide if you want a smaller, lighter camera with some compromises in the range of situations you can get good photos...or if you want a camera with less compromises in what you can get good images of, but compromise on the size, weight, and cost. Can't get both, unfortunately!

With your portability and convenience needs...a DSLR would improve your chances of getting the shot, but be a much bigger, heavier camera that would not be easy handling or storing while moving around or helping your daughter. I'd guess you really might be a better candidate for a good P&S cam, preferably one that keeps the size down. Yet you want something better than the average P&S camera, that can shoot in lower light situations with reasonable quality, and maybe have some controllability you can grow with and learn from.

So here's my suggestion - go for a high-end compact P&S designed for enthusiasts, and spend a bit more on it. It will run nearly the cost of a basic DSLR with kit lens...but it will perform nearly as well and give you the compactness and convenience you need. The best one I can think of right now is the Panasonic Lumix DMC-LX3.

Here's a few reasons why this is my main recommendation over other fine compacts by Sony, Canon, Nikon, etc (I actually shoot with a Sony DSLR and compact, BTW - lest you think I'm brand-loyal!).

1. This camera has a 24mm wide end. This is VERY rare on a compact camera, and very useful.
2. This camera has an F2.0 Leica lens. This is a very big aperture for a compact, and will embarrass most DSLR kit lenses.
3. The camera has a fairly large (for a compact) 1/1.6" sensor. Most good compacts have a 1/1.8" sensor, and a majority of them have a 1/2.5" sensor. So the 10MP has a larger sensor to spread out on than most other compacts.
4. The camera shoots in RAW, and has a flash hotshoe...so enthusiasts who want to play and expand have that ability. You can still stick it in 'auto' and use the pop up flash...but it's nice to know you can grow with it.
5. It has a very nice 3", 460,000 dot LCD. Most compacts have a lower resolution LCD, of 250,000 or less dots.
6. It has a very effective built-in stabilization system, making handheld at slow shutters for non-moving subjects easier to get.
7. Unlike most compacts, you get roughly the same jpg detail at ISO400 as you do at ISO80...not a small accomplishment...and up to ISO800 is usable at nearly the level as entry-level DSLRs. At 1600 and up, it will lose out to pretty much all DSLRs...but ISO800 would be clean enough for some very nice prints...and remember that the lens is F2.0, giving you a very large maximum aperture for shooting moving subjects in low light environments - most likely the scenarios giving you the blur with your daughter.
8. It's a compact, pocket sized camera.

I don't normally recommend a specific camera - you'll see on any other post here, I'm usually the voice of reason to shop around and try things out, and usually steer folks who want better quality towards a DSLR. But your situation is somewhat unique, in that a compact, small camera still seems to be a very important factor and something I don't know that you should compromise on.

There are other very good compact cameras - Sony W300, Canon SD880, Fuji F200FD...and some good not-so-compact P&S models like the Sony HX1, Canon G10, Fuji S100FS...these are chunky, ultra-zoom or DSLR-like cameras that aren't quite as portable. But the Panasonic LX3 is a bit more of a true enthusiast camera, with some specific photographic capabilities designed to provide some of the DSLR abilities in a true pocketable package.

 

[PhotobearSam]

Maybe a bridge camera is right for you...Not a DSLR but not your typical point and shoot either. I have the Canon S5 IS and there are others out there too that are amazing...

 

[YesDear]

How much do you want to spend?

Or

How much can you spend?

 

[mykidsintow]

Thanks very much for the responses thus far! I am going to look more into the camera suggested above.

I have been seriously eyeing the Canon Rebel XSi. I have gone and oogled it and drooled over it. I have played with it and held it and petted it. Its currently on a decent sale locally. The camera, standard lens, and the 55-250mm lens for under $900. I admit its a stretch, but it is so nice to hold and pet.

On the other end.... my current canon powershot SD870 IS does go so nicely in my pocket. However, as I said this is the 2nd one that won't zoom or focus properly and even when it did... the zoom on the smaller P&S is seriously lacking. The other was sent off 3 times before replacing it. Its fairly frustrating....

As for my camera habits... I LOVE taking pictures. I almost always have my camera. I love to take pictures at homeschool events and on field trips, at the park, in the yard. I even take pictures of pretty weeds and my garden, our chickens.... yeah its pretty bad, LOL. I am not great, but I love it and I would like to know more and improve in this area. I really do love photography.

 

[Pea-n-Me]

I am a single mom. I am at the point that my kids aren't babies anymore. No diapers bags and extra gear, mostly. However, my daughter (5) is special needs. I do have to lift her a lot. At Disney I have to transfer her out of her chair and carry her onto rides, etc. She is currently 26 lbs. I also lift her into and out of the car, on and off swings, etc etc. She isn't a "typically mobile" 5 yr old. She does awesome, but I do have extra lifting. I would not carry a bag... I would carry the camera diagonal across my chest when I took it. I could put it in a backpack on her wheelchair when I needed a break. A P&S and throwing it in my pocket is AWFULLY nice....

Based on this I would really think that having a dSLR would be cumbersome for you right now. You risk bumping it if you keep it on your neck and/or dropping or getting it stolen if you have to put it down quickly.

I feel for you, though, because I can see you really want a dSLR.

Why don't you look into the Canon G9 (or 10?) - it's the camera that many dSLR users have as their second camera and supposedly takes really nice pictures. (Don't know much about it myself.)

I was going to say a bridge camera at first, but even those can be pretty big as well (I have a Canon S3 that I keep in my purse); not exactly easy to stick in your pocket. So for that reason, I'd say stick with something that can fit in your pocket.

 

[bopper]

The other thing to keep in mind is how long is the "lag" factor...that is, how long does it take between when you push the button and the picture is taken? The faster that is, the better the pictures you will get of your daughter.

 

[Angrypenguin]

Thanks very much for the responses thus far! I am going to look more into the camera suggested above.

I have been seriously eyeing the Canon Rebel XSi. I have gone and oogled it and drooled over it. I have played with it and held it and petted it. Its currently on a decent sale locally. The camera, standard lens, and the 55-250mm lens for under $900. I admit its a stretch, but it is so nice to hold and pet.

On the other end.... my current canon powershot SD870 IS does go so nicely in my pocket. However, as I said this is the 2nd one that won't zoom or focus properly and even when it did... the zoom on the smaller P&S is seriously lacking. The other was sent off 3 times before replacing it. Its fairly frustrating....

As for my camera habits... I LOVE taking pictures. I almost always have my camera. I love to take pictures at homeschool events and on field trips, at the park, in the yard. I even take pictures of pretty weeds and my garden, our chickens.... yeah its pretty bad, LOL. I am not great, but I love it and I would like to know more and improve in this area. I really do love photography.

If you're serious about the XSi, take advantage of the Canon rebates right now. You get 200 off if you order the XSi kit along with the 55-250 lens. On Amazon, that equates to:

699 (Xsi) + 253 (55-250) - 200 (instant rebate) = 752. Keep in mind that it'll show higher in your cart in Amazon, but on the second to last screen (payment page) it'll do a -200 "promotion discount"

Your local place is taking most of the rebate (if not all of the rebate) for themselves right now.

The XSi is a great beginner DSLR, and you'll get wonderful shots if you read about techniques and keep at it!

 

[mykidsintow]

If you're serious about the XSi, take advantage of the Canon rebates right now. You get 200 off if you order the XSi kit along with the 55-250 lens. On Amazon, that equates to:

699 (Xsi) + 253 (55-250) - 200 (instant rebate) = 752. Keep in mind that it'll show higher in your cart in Amazon, but on the second to last screen (payment page) it'll do a -200 "promotion discount"

Your local place is taking most of the rebate (if not all of the rebate) for themselves right now.

The XSi is a great beginner DSLR, and you'll get wonderful shots if you read about techniques and keep at it!

Thanks! I will definitely go this way if I go with the Rebel. I am honestly leaning towards the rebel. I know its a more bulky larger camera, but I think of places like Disney and the park. My daughter always has her power wheelchair or a stroller with a backpack. I would still have a place to stash it if I need to help her (potty, swings, etc).

The only time I can think it may really be an issue is if I were to take both kids to Disney by myself with her service dog and her power chair and the camera... yeah I would be left juggling. However, there are a few CMs floating around I think would likely be along for most of the week if that situation were to unfold . My little one has a bit of a fan club, or something...

I appreciate your thoughts! I hope to make a decision very very soon. I need the camera! Days are passing without pictures! Eeeep!

 

[mykidsintow]

1. This camera has a 24mm wide end. This is VERY rare on a compact camera, and very useful.
2. This camera has an F2.0 Leica lens. This is a very big aperture for a compact, and will embarrass most DSLR kit lenses.
3. The camera has a fairly large (for a compact) 1/1.6" sensor. Most good compacts have a 1/1.8" sensor, and a majority of them have a 1/2.5" sensor. So the 10MP has a larger sensor to spread out on than most other compacts.
4. The camera shoots in RAW, and has a flash hotshoe...so enthusiasts who want to play and expand have that ability. You can still stick it in 'auto' and use the pop up flash...but it's nice to know you can grow with it.
5. It has a very nice 3", 460,000 dot LCD. Most compacts have a lower resolution LCD, of 250,000 or less dots.
6. It has a very effective built-in stabilization system, making handheld at slow shutters for non-moving subjects easier to get.
7. Unlike most compacts, you get roughly the same jpg detail at ISO400 as you do at ISO80...not a small accomplishment...and up to ISO800 is usable at nearly the level as entry-level DSLRs. At 1600 and up, it will lose out to pretty much all DSLRs...but ISO800 would be clean enough for some very nice prints...and remember that the lens is F2.0, giving you a very large maximum aperture for shooting moving subjects in low light environments - most likely the scenarios giving you the blur with your daughter.
8. It's a compact, pocket sized camera.

I don't normally recommend a specific camera - you'll see on any other post here, I'm usually the voice of reason to shop around and try things out, and usually steer folks who want better quality towards a DSLR. But your situation is somewhat unique, in that a compact, small camera still seems to be a very important factor and something I don't know that you should compromise on.

There are other very good compact cameras - Sony W300, Canon SD880, Fuji F200FD...and some good not-so-compact P&S models like the Sony HX1, Canon G10, Fuji S100FS...these are chunky, ultra-zoom or DSLR-like cameras that aren't quite as portable. But the Panasonic LX3 is a bit more of a true enthusiast camera, with some specific photographic capabilities designed to provide some of the DSLR abilities in a true pocketable package.

Thank you very much for this post! This is the camera that my soon-to-be-ex/friend recommended. He is wanting this camera. I would like to hold and see it, but I can't seem to find it locally which is my main concern. I would hate to order it and not like the buttons or layout... or it feel odd to me! Thanks again!

 

[mykidsintow]

I also wanted to add I think Shutter speed is a HUGE factor in getting good pictures with my daughter.

huge huge huge factor.


I was thinking, while eating dinner

 

[boBQuincy]

Another option is Panasonic's G1. The G1 is functionally a SLR, with all the good things of one but with no mirror (and an electronic viewfinder). I have been watching this camera to see how it goes, the reviews have been very favorable but there are still really only two lenses available.

It is also smaller and lighter than any SLR. Canon's Rebel Xs and Xsi are not a lot heavier but are considerably larger. If this system develops with more support and more lenses I might just switch brands!

http://www.luminous-landscape.com/reviews/cameras/panasonic-g1.shtml

 

[mykidsintow]

I went to the camera shop. I held and oogled cameras. I tried various P&Ss. I tried the G10, SLRs.... Nikon and Canon, etc etc. I was there a good 3 hours. There was a very nice older man also shopping and we compared and chatted together.

I left with the Canon Rebel XSi. I may not always love the size, but it was definitely much more what I wanted in a camera!!! I *love* it! I have been snapping away since Friday. Now..... to learn all the settings!

I took pictures of my daughter swinging yesterday and they were all blurry. So I need to play with it some and head back out to the swing again.


Thanks everyone for your input. i am sure there will be times I will be frustrated with the size of the XSi, but I think overall its much more the camera I was wanting. I love the 0 lag!

 

[Todd_H]

I went to the camera shop. I held and oogled cameras. I tried various P&Ss. I tried the G10, SLRs.... Nikon and Canon, etc etc. I was there a good 3 hours. There was a very nice older man also shopping and we compared and chatted together.

I left with the Canon Rebel XSi. I may not always love the size, but it was definitely much more what I wanted in a camera!!! I *love* it! I have been snapping away since Friday. Now..... to learn all the settings!

I took pictures of my daughter swinging yesterday and they were all blurry. So I need to play with it some and head back out to the swing again.


Thanks everyone for your input. i am sure there will be times I will be frustrated with the size of the XSi, but I think overall its much more the camera I was wanting. I love the 0 lag!

Congratulations on your XSi! That is a great camera that will serve you well. I encourage you to read your manual. It's about as interesting as watching paint dry, but it's really the only way to learn about your new sophisticated toy's functionality. Also, study some of the other board members photo galleries and study their shot settings to see how they achieved the end result (many links to their galleries are posted in their signatures - there are some extremely talented photographers on this board). A great beginner book to read is Bryan Peterson's "Understanding Exposure." It's not an instructional book, but he does a good job of demonstrating, through his own pictures, the relationships between aperture, shutter speed, ISO/film speed, and the camera's internal light meter.

Enjoy your camera and welcome to the incredibly wonderful (and expensive) world of the DSLR!