Do i need a DSLR?

[FOACAD]

Ok, so id like to get a new camera to take advantage of the amazing scenery here in Germany.

I really dont want something to crazy awesome, but id like something with a nice zoom and some good features for different scenery, lighting and distances etc.

Is there a "basic" DSLR that wont break the bank? Or am i better off with just a top notch point and shoot that would be cheaper than a DSLR?

[grunt2001]

I picked up a canon rebel xs for the wife and she loves this thing.You can find used for a cpl hundred

[KC_Si]

Short answer is no.

When you purchase a DSLR you have to understand that it's really only a piece of the puzzle. If you are not taking advantage of it's capabilities to switch out lenses (many of which cost more than the cameras themselves), flashes, and other accessories then you really aren't getting your money's worth. Not to mention that if you are going to shoot on automatic or automatic modes (sport/portrait/landscape/etc presets) then even a decent point and shoot is going to do that just as well.

A decent idea to look into would be purchasing a "bridge" camera. This is what's in between a point and shoot and DSLR. They are usually just DSLR guts stuffed into a point and shoot body with some high quality optics up front.

If you really think that you'd like to take advantage of an SLR's functions but don't want to have to worry about buying lenses/flashes/etc down the road that's not a bad idea.

But many point and shoot cameras out these days take amazing photos. If you mearly want to document your stay over there that'd be a better idea. If you want this to become a hobby look into a bridge or, if you really want to spend a lot of money, an SLR.

[smaeda]

That depends. A DSLR is big. Are you prepared to carry that thing around everywhere? If your taking outdoors photos, a nice point and shoot like a Power Shot does the job fine. Plus you have to remember that even if you get the DSLR, your still going to have to get some lens for it which can cost more than the body.

[FOACAD]

I was thinking of a budget of 600 max because i really have no clue what the market holds for cameras.

I also was not thinking of getting one that was just the body or without a flash etc.

Just glancing at bestbuy before i started this thread, this is what i had in mind....or similar

http://www.bestbuy.com/site/Canon+-+EOS+Digital+Rebel+T3+12.2-Megapixel+Digital+SLR+Camera+Kit/1987075.p?id=1218304513854&skuId=1987075

The thing i like is the manual focus. The size i am fine with, i have held these smaller ones and they seem fine for me. If there is something else along the lines of what you were suggesting, Kyle, then please post the links so i can look at them.

:cheers:

[KC_Si]

Have you looked into the Canon G12? A lot of pro photogs like having them for their "personal" camera because they pack many of the features of the SLRs but without the headache of an SLR.

http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/CanonG12/

And manual focus isn't really that big of a deal. With any decent point and shout you can select the AF point and tell it where to focus anyhow.

[FOACAD]

I meant manual zoom not focus, but thanks for the link. ill look into that.

[smaeda]

The T3 you posted is a damn good entry level DSLR but your gonna find that the kit lens sucks. Your probably gonna end up buying new glass within a month of owning it.

[Scooby24]

A bridge sounds like what you're looking for, with crazy zoom. Something like the P500

http://www.digitalcamerareview.com/default.asp?newsID=4716&review=nikon+coolpix+p500

[KC_Si]

I meant manual zoom not focus, but thanks for the link. ill look into that.

As long as the cameras zoom ins't a digital zoom (which is just like zooming in in photoshop) it'd fine.

Nothing about an SLR makes it "zoom" any better than a regular camera.

[Azrael]

x2 on the G12.

[FOACAD]

So between the p500 and d12 is it just a pissing contest between nikon and canon? or are there distinct differences that make one better over the other?

Im gonna hit up the PX in the next day or two and see what they have, if they have one of these i will get hands on with them and see what i like. If they dont ill probably have to just wing it with an online purchase.

[BDoty]

Does the size of the camera matter?

If the answer is no, then get a cheap SLR. Bigger sensor, more adjustments, easier to adjust, etc.

A nice bridge P&S is going to cost you $350-450. A Canon Rebel T3 is $550. You will get $100 worth of image quality, for sure.

And 'lots of zoom' is a common thing people look for in a camera, but rarely use or need. The 18-55mm kit lenses are just fine for most amateur shooting, and would wide enough for shooting the countryside.

[titaniumSS]

Agreed with Doty. It's not difficult to learn about the functions of a DSLR. All it really takes is reading the manual and maybe a Scott Kelby book. If anything, we can talk DSLR's while playing SW:TOR. :lol2:

[FOACAD]

Picked up a Nikon P500 today at the PX.

Seems like a nice camera so far. I have a lot of reading to do though before i know how to do more than just turn it on, set to auto and push the button.

The PX pissed me off, though, because they wouldnt price match best buy. Even when i flat out told them that i would just be buying it so that i have a camera for the trip this week and christmas and then would order it from best buy and bring this one back. They just said "ok....". I laughed and said "wow, sucks that the PX doesnt give a shit about soldiers."


Annnnyways, thanks for all the suggestions guys.

[titaniumSS]

:lol2: wow, fuck that shit. Glad you got something it seems you like though!

[Mantooth]

Nice purchase. If you would have been looking for a point and shoot, I would have suggested the Canon S95. It's a KILLER point and shoot camera. It sucks that a lot of point and shoot cameras nowadays are so simple to use, that even in auto they take exceptional pictures. Hell, even my iPhone takes pretty damn good pictures, haha.

[FOACAD]

Pretty happy with this camera so far.

It definitely has enough features to keep me busy. Plus its a good size for my wife to handle.

I have been messing with the different features a lot this evening. Different flash modes, night shots etc. Cant wait to get out in the mountains later this week and get some nice shots of the beautiful scenery over here.

[FOACAD]

Best buy has the P500 for 319 with free shipping!

Looks like the PX one is going back this week.