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Digital cameras: SLR vs "point & shoot"
Newegg has the D50
by Marie Boyer - 10/1/05 3:03 AM In reply to: D-50 vs RebelXT by ThePonymanright now for around $740. Thanks for the tip about the child mode. I will be taking MANY child photos. Let me know if you see a better deal than Newegg. I am leaning toward the Nikon D50. Thanks very much.
the new ones are getting better
by blufin - 10/1/05 9:15 AM In reply to: SLR vs "point & shoot" by Marie BoyerI got a Canon S-60 a year ago and like it, but I've missed plenty of shots, such as if a bike is moving at you and the auto focus has to work. I bought my girlfriend a Nikon 5600 for her birthday and it seems to be a lot quicker (except for a very slow flash recycle). I think the latest models are are a lot better.
You mention one situation where servo focus is a big help.
by Kiddpeat - 10/1/05 1:42 PM In reply to: the new ones are getting better by blufinIf the camera has servo focus, it will hold the focus on a moving object as long as you keep the camera on the object. As it gets closer, the focus will constantly adjust for the new position. My Canon 20D has this feature.
P&S vs. D-SLR
by JTHunter - 10/1/05 1:14 PM In reply to: SLR vs "point & shoot" by Marie BoyerMarie,
Having started as a teen with an OLD Minolta SR-1 (non-electronic, all manual - not even batteries!), I still shoot weddings with film. I do like digitals and have an older Canon PowerShot A40 (2mp) P&S. If you haven't been using a 35mm SLR for at least a couple of years, I hesitate to recommend such a pricey upgrade to you. There was an article from PC Magazine about 2 weeks ago that you might find interesting. It covers not only the P&S and D-SLR's, it also talks about the non-SLR "superzooms". This might be a better option as you don't have to worry about lens changes, focal lengths, etc., at an inconvenient time. Here is the link - http://www.pcmag.com/article2/0,1895,1857844,00.asp
Check out those "superzooms" and see if that might be preferable. PaintShop Pro and PhotoShop Elements are both good middle level editing programs, but if you decide to get the D-SLR, I do recommend getting PhotoShop CS. If you have a local college that offers classes in PS, DO TAKE THE COURSE!! The PS learning curve is a doozy! And you can get PS at a "student discount" from some sites. I got PS 6 through JourneyEd.com for half of the shelf price at Best Buy at that time (2001). Happy shooting!
Try a photographer's site.
by Joe845 - 10/1/05 1:26 PM In reply to: SLR vs "point & shoot" by Marie BoyerMarie,
If you have not already done so, you might want to check out dpreview.com for reviews, owners comments, and forums. Ask your same question there. The community is photographers of all types.
One owner comment there is that the shutter lag is short compared to similar cameras, but that the auto-focus is slow. You might try prefocusing to see if that reduces your problem.
The S410 is aimed at a very different photographer than an SLR user. Do you want the additional weight of an SLR? Do you want to learn how to use the many controls? If you just want less shutter lag, you might be able to get that by changing your procedure or getting a newer/pricier P&S.
Try a photographer's site
by Joe845 - 10/1/05 1:32 PM In reply to: Try a photographer's site. by Joe845The owner comment came from the thread starting at http://forums.dpreview.com/forums/read.asp?forum=1010&message=10857132.
dSLR
by meanoldmom - 10/2/05 9:03 AM In reply to: SLR vs "point & shoot" by Marie BoyerLike many of the commenters above, I am a throughly happy owner of a Canon 20D. I bought it almost a year ago to be able to take pictures of my high school daughter's show/swing choir at competitions. I absolutely love this camera. It is ready to shoot immediately, no lag between pictures unless I am in continuous burst mode and fill the buffer faster than it can download to the high speed CF card (only happened once when trying to catch a whole song/dance routine), the lenses change quickly and easily, it is not really that heavy to hold.
I have three lenses that cover the majority of distances that I will want to shoot. Even though my 75-300mm lens has image stabilization, I have found that it helps to have something to brace the camera on at full zoom. I bought a monopod with a quick release to take on the occasions that I know I will need the long distance zoom support. It is a lot easier to carry than a tripod.
For carrying the camera around I purchased a camera bag a little bigger than I need for all the camera gear. That way I can throw my wallet, keys, etc. in one of the compartments and not have to carry a purse as well.
This camera goes with me everywhere, even in the boat to bass fishing tournaments.
If you can afford to buy a digital SLR and the associated lenses, I highly recommend the Canon (20D or Rebel XT). It will definately spoil you from ever wanting another digital camera again. The speed, picture quality and ease of use are terrific.
Bought Nikon D50 -- Thanks!
by Marie Boyer - 10/12/05 9:47 AM In reply to: SLR vs "point & shoot" by Marie BoyerThanks for all your help. It was invaluable. I agonized. I went with the reviews and price. Top notch for the Nikon D50, and right in my price range.
Had I bought a P&S, I would have gone with the Panasonic Lumix FZ30. Based on my research that was the fastest (in terms of shutter lag) and offered a huge zoom with nice photo quality (so long as not in low, low light). The price of this P&S was not MUCH less than the Nikon D50, so there's my two cents.
Thanks again!
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