Best compact/non SLR camera ??

Question

Hi ..

What's the best compact camera ?? I'll say almost canon G9 , am I right ?? if not what's better ?? Why ??

and What's the best non D-SLR camera ?? is it still canon G9 ?? if not what's better ?? Why ??

I'm a young good photographer .. but I haven't ever used a DSLR camera .. so I said I'll start with semi-pro SLR camera ( or lets say a presumer camera - like compact , right ?? ) and after 2 or 3 years .. or as soon as I be a better photographer .. I'll move to SLRs ..

My question is .. is that a good & wise decision ??

thanks alot

Answer 1

Unless you really need the compact size of the G9, I'd strongly recommend that you look at the beginner Nikon and Canon stuff.

With the G9, I think that you have to go through the menu, to do many of the adjustments,

With the Nikon D40 etc, a lot of the manual controls that you will want to access, are right there at your fingertips, much easier and quicker to use>

And, you won't have to mess with that nasty "shutter lag" that you get with any non - DSLR

It's not that much more $, and you can "build" your system.

MUCH more control, since you already know that you want to advance to DSLR's anyway

Answer 2

You can start with an entry level DSLR like the Olympus E-510. These are priced competitively and offer the benefit of shooting modes. This means you can set like your point and shoot to get started, then you can also go manual, selecting all the parameters yourself. If you are ready to step up from point and shoot, go to the DSLR's. You will save money and time in the long run.  

I actually use Olympus and like them because they tend to be a better value. The E-510 has in body image stabilization (IS), so the IS works with all lenses, just just a few expensive ones. I even works with a T Mount lens I use. The E-510 also has live view, so you can use the screen, just like a point and shoot, or the view finder. And the dust reduction system is the best available.