What camera ????

[Rlagroon]

i need your advice on purchasing a camera. I have always been a point and shoot girl...just don't want to mess with having adjust so i think i am looking for a "bridge camera" - friends have recommended the nikon p90 or an olympus - please help me with your thoughts!!! thanks

[Avas Mom]

ohhhhh! Canon 7d. [wait..... that the camera i want] I'm sure the girls will give you a better suggestion

[katrinak]

If you can afford it I would suggest a dslr over a bridge camera. You'll get the point and shootness you are looking for with the ability to use more in the future if you decide to go that way. Go with one lens that works in most of the situations you like to photograph and you'll be pleased.

What ages/what do you typically shoot? What point and shoot did you use? Sticking with the same maker for a dSLR helps in the transition with similar language and even similar settings/indicators on the camera.

[digigrandma]

I agree with Katrina on sticking with the same make of camera when you upgrade.

I am an amateur compared to Katrina and so many of the gals here who are like professional photographers, really. When I upgraded to a DSLR it was because I wanted to be able to take photos in succession of fast moving grandchildren. I, too, didn't want to make too many adjustments, but, I also wanted the capability of some day having more lens choices.

I had a Sony Point and Shoot (Sony Cybershot) that I was pleased with, so, when I wanted a DSLR camera I looked at the Sony Alpha 100 (there are newer models now) as a good entry level DSLR. The price was good and I have been very satisfied with it. For the first year I just stuck with the kit lens that came with the camera.

A couple months ago I bought on a new lens: a Tamron AF18-200 mm LD Asherical (IF) Macro. I love it!! This is my new leave on the camera lens all the time.

Here is a link to a layout with pics of my new grandson taken with my camera and my new lens.
precious baby - Digital Scrapbooking Ideas - DesignerDigitals

[cedarhil]

I would love to have one of the new Olympus Pen or Panasonic DMC-GF1 interchangeable lens cameras that look more like a large point and shoot as opposed to a DSLR. It has no mirror box so the size and weight is considerably less.
The Panasonic has some beautiful lens and the reviewers are bragging on it, and the Olympus is right up there.
If this type of smaller system had been available when I first began buying my gear, I would have given it serious consideration. Check them out on Amazon or B&H

[Rlagroon]

Thank you so much for all of your help!! You've definately talked me into a DSLR~! I will continue my shopping with that information. I currently have casio point and shoot - not really impressed with it other than it's small and fits in my purse so i always have it with me....i don't care about the size - i am wanting those great pics. I have a 5 month old and a 4 year old - my husband races cars - so speed of shooting would be nice....and then of course i coach a dance team so that's pretty active also....i don't want to spend much over 500.00 - is that possible -

[katrinak]

You might consider buying used. You can hit your price range and get more camera for your money! Camera models change so frequently you can get an almost new camera from someone who is upgrading to something with more bells and whistles!

[donitab]

Amazon has a Canon Digital Rebel for less than $500.00 with the kit lens. I have used this camera for 5 years & love it. I started out using auto & the point & shoot options. Katrina has a great class at Get It Scrapped that helped me perfect my manual skills. But I had had the camera for 4 years before I really learned to use manual. Check it out - it is a great price for an AWESOME camera.

Amazon.com: Canon Rebel XS 10.1MP Digital SLR Camera with EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS Lens (Black): Electronics

Unfortunately I won't get any kickback from Amazon for this great advertisement, but that is just how much I believe in this as a beginner DSLR.

[Melissa6169]

Rlagroon -
I had the Canon Rebel XT (DSLR) w/ the 50mm, which I highly recommend having this lens in your "bag" for whichever camera you decide. I recently sold it to a friend because I just felt I wanted a more point, shoot and carryall camera. I will admit that I miss my camera and it's ability to shoot really quickly.

I am eyeballing the new Nikon D3000, which looks great for beginning DSLR users. You might want to look at this one as it seems rather affordable for all it's specialties.

Good luck with your decision