Which would you pick

[jennine]

So I don't have the cash (or the skills yet) to go to a DSLR, but would like to upgrade my point and shoot. What would you pick between these two:

Sony Cybershot DSC-H20 or Nikon Coolpix L100?

My previous ones have been cybershot's and I like them, but am unsure which way to go!

 

[ssanders79]

You should seriously consider spending $100-200 more and getting an entry level dSLR. The skill will come with practice, you can still shoot P&S style with the dSLR's auto or program modes. Think of it as in an investment in the future. You buy a entry level dSLR now and over the next few years you add a lens or two. Then as your skill set grows you can upgrade your camera body.

Just something to think about.

 

[KarenAylwood]

You should seriously consider spending $100-200 more and getting an entry level dSLR. The skill will come with practice, you can still shoot P&S style with the dSLR's auto or program modes. Think of it as in an investment in the future. You buy a entry level dSLR now and over the next few years you add a lens or two. Then as your skill set grows you can upgrade your camera body.

Just something to think about.

I second this idea. I have a few friends who bought the Canon XSi after playing around with mine and they love it. Actually... four friends to be exact Only one of them has actually learned anything about the camera in terms of skill set and shooting in manual. The others just use the auto functions and are perfectly happy with that. I've started to teach one a little about manual settings.

I too went from a point and shoot to a bridge camera, and then to a dSLR. To be honest I wish I had skipped the few years I had with my bridge and just took the plunge and bought the dSLR. Hindsight is always 20-20 though

If you're set on a bridge- I don't think you can go wrong with either. Nikon is a great brand, and I had the Sony DSC-H5 as a bridge and loved it. Great quality pictures for not being a dSLR!

 

[jennine]

I second this idea. I have a few friends who bought the Canon XSi after playing around with mine and they love it. Actually... four friends to be exact

You should be charging commission!!

Thanks for the opinions. I'll definitley consider maybe skipping the step and just going for it.....I'll have to look and see if I can make the budget fit!!

 

[KCmike]

Maybe look at buying an older SLR like the XT or XTI. You can find those cameras for around $399.

 

[raysnkaysmom]

dslr? I keep seeing this, but can u tell me what it is? Thanks!

 

[WDWFigment]

Maybe look at buying an older SLR like the XT or XTI. You can find those cameras for around $399.

I have a deal alert set up for Nikon on SlickDeals, and I've seen D40s (with the 18-55) for $350 on multiple occasions, so I know a sub $400 DSLR is definitely possible. Sure, you won't get one for that price if you just walk into Best Buy or some other B&M store, but does anyone really buy electronics from those places anymore anyway?

 

[raysnkaysmom]

I have a deal alert set up for Nikon on SlickDeals, and I've seen D40s (with the 18-55) for $350 on multiple occasions, so I know a sub $400 DSLR is definitely possible. Sure, you won't get one for that price if you just walk into Best Buy or some other B&M store, but does anyone really buy electronics from those places anymore anyway?

Making mental note not to buy my first camera from Best Buy

 

[Pea-n-Me]

dslr? I keep seeing this, but can u tell me what it is? Thanks!

An SLR is a Single Lens Reflex camera.

A dSLR is a digital Single Lens Reflex camera.

Generally, there are three types of cameras referred to here most often:

Point and Shoot

Bridge

dSLR

 

[Frantasmic]

I agree, try to go with a low-price dslr. Just make the jump like most posters here have.

However, if that's not an option, I vote for the Nikon L100.

 

[WDWFigment]

Making mental note not to buy my first camera from Best Buy

Don’t get me wrong, Best Buy does serve an important purpose–it’s a great tangible showroom for internet purchases. If you feel guilty about trying out the items in their store when you have no intention of purchasing from them, just remember that the Monster Cables, POS Sunpak filters, and unnecessary warranties and other useless crap they push on you (and they’ve only gotten worse with no competition from Circuit City). That more than justifies it for me.

Same goes for local camera shops. There’s a reason Ritz/Wolf filed Bankruptcy reorganization (and will likely shutter completely), and it’s not because they’re selling their products too cheaply...

 

[wdwwishes]

Definitely go with an "entry level"DSLR. they all have an auto button to use until you get the hang of the other features.

 

[YesDear]

Do not give up on Best Buy. I believe a frequent visitor here and camera enabler, GDAD!!!!!!! got his D700 with some freaky 20% off coupon at his Best Buy! That was a deal.

I buy 90% of my stuff online but also have a local shop I frequent for most of the other stuff.

I am a weird one (careful now some of you) and will go into Best Buy and start asking all kinds of basic photo stuff of sales people to see what kinds of wild answers I get!

 

[Icemann]

I just upgraded from a p+s bought a nikon d40 and love it i just bought a new lens yesterday on-line just from all the information on this board and the tips everyone has giving.i'm starting to get away from the auto setting on the camera and trying different things myself,thats what good about digitial have fun