What's better: a whole new camera, or getting new lenses for my current one (canon s31s)?

Question

i have a canon powershot s31s, i was wondering which would be better.

to get one or two new lenses for that one, or to purchase a new one, like a nikon d60 or 70.

would getting new lenses for my current camera give the same quality that i would get with that one?

Answer 1

The Canon PowerShot S3 IS is a bridge camera. The only available lenses for these advanced point & shoot cameras are conversion lenses (tele converters, wide converters) that s***w onto the filter threads/adapter. These lenses are used when you hit a ceiling of ability and are not used for the aspect of increasing quality (they actually do the opposite).

The cameras you suggested, the D60 and D70, are both digital SLRs. These cameras alone with their kit lenses would blow your S3 IS out of the water. Keep in mind though that a conversion lens costs about $40+ while a DSLR sells for $450+. Also, don't expect to enjoy the same ammount of reach that the 12X zoom on the S3 IS offers.

Answer 2

If you mean a Canon Powershot S3 IS then the answer is simple. You can not buy replacement lenses for your camera, it is not an SLR.

You can buy add on lenses that will give you a bit wider angle or more reach but these will only reduce the image quality, not increase it.

If you want SLR quality then realistically the only option is to buy an SLR. SLRs are not a cheap investment as the body and kit lens is only the begining, and you can spend many thousands of dollars on lenses and other add ons. They also have a rather steep learning curve if you want to get the most out of them.