Digital Camera advice please ....?

Question

Currently own a Canon Ixus 750 Compact Digital but considering getting a digital SLR ( haven't used an SLR for years! ). Do the modern digital SLRs have the same versatility and performance of their old roll film counterparts, and is it a case of the more megapixels, the better the overall performance?

Answer 1

The biggest difference with new digital SLRs with compact digital cameras other than the flexibility is the great ability to take pictures in low light. I just got a Nikon d300 SLR and the image taken on ISO 1600 is so good, my old Nikon SLR can not compete with it. In addition to the great image quality at low light levels at high ISO, is the  ability to change the lens that you need. The availability of high end flashes so you can take indoor pictures with very good light, the quick response time of the shutter(very low shutter lag) and the quick auto focus that you only get from SLRs.

If you are ready to move to digital SLRs you may want to check out the newest Canon Rebel XSI. It has 12mp, live view, 3 inch LCD screen and you are already familiar with Canon.

Don't be too caught up in megapixel, the 10 megapixel in a compact camera is not as good as a 6 megapixel SLR for the simple reason the SLR has a bigger image sensor than a compact one, it has less enlarging to do therefore, has better images.

Answer 2

DSLR's are leagues apart from compact cameras, you have so much more versatility including being able to change lenses and use external flash.

Any entry level DSLR will do the trick and anything above 6MP is good enough for A4 size prints, the larger MP cameras come into their own when using imaging software.

Answer 3

In some ways, more megapixels is better, but lens quality, sensor size, and other things also affect image quality.

Megapixels do not affect performance of the camera, just image quality.

Please see the megapixel myth: http://kenrockwell.com/tech/mpmyth.htm

Yes, digital SLRs and just as good as film SLRs.  I recommend a Nikon D40 or D80, depending on how professional you are.

Answer 4

Not necessarily - need to also compare the features of the camera and especially look at digital/optical zoom rather than just seeing the megapixel number. Also remember if you buy a video camera which takes stills, they won't be as good as a camera that takes video and vice versa. Consider battery life as most with the display will only last a short time if the display is turned on whilst taking pictures. Remember that most high end SLRs also have the ability to change lens types/attachments in the same way as traditional SLRs but then some effects can obviously be added/changed with software. Although not ideal, could always go into your local Jessops or Sony centre and ask questions - you don't have to buy until you're happy!

Answer 5

SLR are the dogs bollox.  I own a Canon Ixus but would love SLR.  Apologies for not being more specific.