SLR or point-and-shoot??

Question

I have a canaon powershot SD870 and like it, but I can't stand the delay when I'm trying to take pictures of my little girl ... she's fast! I was told to get a slr, but when I got on YA yesterday, a lot of people seemed to think I might not need all that expense for my needs, but didn't give any specific follow-up recommendations.

So, if I'm looking for a camera that will take better quality pics and have a faster response without sacrificing quality (I bought the Nikon P80 Coolpix and returned it b/c the pics were grainy and the sports feature sacrifices everything for speed), what do I get? I don't want to spend more than $800 on an slr, so - given that - any suggestions about slrs or any other kind of digital? Thank you!

Answer 1

my suggestion

go to yahoo shopping

digital cameras

digital camera GUIDE

be sure to check titles on the left side

the guide should answer your questions

Answer 2

I would suggest you look at the Canon Rebel XTi.  It is less than $700 and has been a very popular model.  I have one, and it is so easy to use with the automatic settings, yet as you become more familiar with it, you have the option of learning to use the manual controls.

I disagree with some of the people who say to use a DSLR with only the automatic settings is a waste of money, as you are getting instant pictures, and the quality is great.  Plus with a Canon, you have a big selection of lenses in case you want to learn more in the future.  

Go to a good camera store and handle some cameras in your price range.  See how they feel in your hands and how easy it is to use the controls.  You will have access to a salesperson who can advise you, and you will know the right camera for you when you hold it.

Children grow up so fast, and it is wonderful to have a good camera that will capture their cute little actions.

Answer 3

Of the 3 classes (and 2 sub-classes) of digital cameras, they all have their place in photography. Unfortunately, the consumer view finder cameras, costing $300 or less, have some inherent problems, such as the shutter lag problem and the viewing in bright or very dim light and reflection problems with the LCD screens. The Pro-sumer class, costing $1000 or less, has the 2 sub classes, the true SLR cameras that use a mirror like their film counterparts and the DSLR cameras, with their shutter lag problem, that use a TV like viewing system that reads the image from the sensor. The Pro cameras cost over $1000 and are a world in their own.

You may want to look into getting a SLR camera that is sold as a so called kit as it comes with a (typically) 18x55mm auto zoom lens. Look at brands such as Konika, Pentax or Olympus for example. They are much cheaper in the long run over a Cannon or Nikon and are of comparable quality. Quite often you can find a deal where a company has just come out with a new model and are discounting the older one. An example is, I bought a Pentax SLR with the 18x55 lens for $600 with a mail in $100 rebate. I did have to buy a SD card and a filter adapter to use my Miranda (film SLR) filters on it and a wired remote ($11 on line) and a card reader, for about $ 800 total. Never got around to sending in for the rebate so that is why the $800!!!!!

Answer 4

I really suggest you to buy A DSLR camera. The reflexes are pretty fast in it and the shutter speeds are customizable.

I have a Sony A200 and i;ve used a canon D40x.

They are both good. I even used it to shoot a f1 race and the picture didn't blur. I bet ur daughter aint faster than a f1 car.(no offence)...:-)

Answer 5

i assume you are a beginner. in that case if you want a slr go for the nikon d40. theres no other question about it. its great for beginners, quality is great, and its just a good camera overall. it costs around 500. it comes with batttery and lens. The powershot SD870 does have significant shutter lag. so if you're gonna buy any slr, get the d40. im getting my today :)

Answer 6

I am not clear, regarding the limitation, of your current camera.  Is the shutter speed to low, does it fail to freeze the motion, giving blurred photographs, when your daughter moves quickly, or, does the camera not allow you to take multiple photographs in rapid succession?

Regardless, Sony Cameras, including their entry level cameras, are great cameras.  I recommend, you identify the limiting specifications, on your current camera, and find the least expensive Sony Camera, that meets your need.

SLR cameras, both film and digital, are great.  However, unless you are pursuing photography, as an art, hobby, or vocation, i.e., you just want to take quality family photographs, you may very well spend, much more than you need to.  Also, if you are not willing to learn, how to use all the options and settings, such a camera provides, you may find using it frustrating.