Members LoginWhat camera should I buy?
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Everyone loves taking great photos … but no one likes using dodgy equipment … like a camera that doesn’t produce the crisp, clear photos you wer’e hoping for.
That’s why when Robyn emailed me with a question about which camera to buy … I had to do something to help.
But rather than just answering Robyn’s question myself, I’ve decided to open it up to you, a faithful Photoshopzoo reader.
This way you can give your opinion on the subject AND get the chance to win a FREE CD in the
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July 16, 2009 9:39 pm
Dear Robyn,
in my experience, whatsoever price you pay for digital consumer range of cameras, all your problems will remain. basically they use a slower processing engine and a smaller cmos sensor. If you need to get rid of this problem, you should settle for atlease a nikon d60 with 18-55 kit lens for regular shots and 55-200 for your zoom requirements.
July 16, 2009 9:33 pm
a Nikon D5000 with the “kit” lens should do the job
July 16, 2009 9:05 pm
My recommendation is Sony Cyber-shot DSC-W7. It is a 7.2 m. pixel and 3.0x zoom digital camera.
It takes excellent pictures and good video.
July 16, 2009 8:56 pm
Panasonic Z28
I think that you would appreciate more even more flexibility in a lens from wide angle to zoom in, but you do not seem to need the features gained from changing lenses. They are also far, far more expensive. The camera I would recommend is, for lack of a better term, a “near SLR”. They are incredibly sharp and very fast if you stick with the most common photographic setting, JPG/. Still for a still-life or a nature photograph, you will have RAW settings, which are the sharpest and most flexible, but take a few seconds delay to process. You will have far more flexibility in your photos, from a modest wide angle to a telephoto zoom and many other options from all manual through the more used priorities by photographers. They also have all manual options, but you can ignore them or set them for less experienced photographers to use.
Of these cameras, the Panasonic Z28 is, in my opinion, best of class. It has a Zeiss lens, which is arguably the sharpest lens in the one lens camera market. The pre-processing in the camera is excellent and fast. This is a beautiful piece of gear to be used well an appreciated.
July 16, 2009 8:40 pm
Assuming you have a shop near you that handles several different camera brands may i suggest the following. Take a notebook and pencil and a memory card in hand and head for the store. Most stores have a rack of demonstration cameras.
Tell the attendant what you wish to do. Now keeping records, take pictures with each camera that you feel might fit your needs, taking into consideration the pixel count, weight, cost, and availability of accessories. If you get lucky and the store isn’t real busy, the attendant might accompany you to the parking lot for some outdoor shots, Attempt to take pictures with each interesting camera that might simulate what you intend to use the camera for. such as portraits of a friend or even the store clerk, closeups of objects if flowers are your passion.
Now take the memory card home and view them on your computer, review your notes, and your decision should be simple.,
July 16, 2009 8:27 pm
hi. I have two digital camers. one is a casio exilim, a point and shoot type. and an olympus e500. which is almost two years old. I understand your dillema and situation because i have been through that. choosing the “right one”. which one will give me good quality pics? but going through reviews, magazines, experiences from fellow photographers, I have finally made my choice. to own a reliable Olympus. Base it on your experience. there are new models coming out in the market. and like you, im planning to upgrade to an olympus e620. My choice for you, get an Olympus. its the right one!
July 16, 2009 8:12 pm
entered the website link wrong it appears:
http://www.pbase.com/mcolelli
July 16, 2009 8:08 pm
I am the owner of a Sony F717 (my very first digital) a Canon 20 D, Canon 40 D and a Canon 5 D II. All of them are excellent cameras.
I get fantastic results with them. I always buy the L series glass lenses. The lens is what makes or breaks a shot. Always invest in the highest quality glass you can afford.
The one thing you really need to remember is to make sure that your shutter speed is higher than the focal length you are shooting at. That means if you are shooting at a 400 mm focal length then you need to be at least 400 shutter or higher. Not enough light also can make a picture soft, adjust your ISO and exposure to fit the situation. Use your external flash if you have one.Do not aim straight at the subject, angle it upwards a little bit using the built in reflector.
Nikon makes a very good camera also. I just spoke with a person that sales and trains over in Europe for Sony last night and he was showing me and telling me about some wonderful new Sony cameras they have on the market now. He has the Sony A900 and loves it. He said there is also a couple lower priced fixed lens models for those not ready for DSLR yet. One takes built in stitching panoramic for around $750. I think he said it has a couple of not so great features like the lowest F stop is 8 and the lowest ISO is 125. But he said it depends on what you will be needing it for.
You are more than welcome to take a look at my website to see the results of all the 4 cameras that I own.
http://www.pbase.com.mcolelli
July 16, 2009 7:55 pm
my suggestion would be the Nikon D90. Gives you the ability to take great pictures and has the video feature. I own a D200 and love it ! My husband has a D40x and loves his as well. I passed down my D70 to my son and he has enjoyed it. I know that the lenses contribute to taking good pictures and I have always used the Nikon lenses on all of them. I truly am sold on the Nikon brand.
I have photographed kids with all of the cameras. My first grandchild is due here in the next couple of days. If I didn’t already own all of the equipment I have, I would be out buying the D90 for the combined ability to take stills and video !!!
Good luck !!! Go to a camera shop in your area if you can find a one, and play, play, play !!!!
July 16, 2009 7:28 pm
Who DOESN’T feel your shutter-lag pain? You’re sophisticated–and confident–enough to understand that NOT all less-than-wonderful aspects of your photos are your fault. Shutter lag was what ultimately brought me back to SLR photography. I was a marginally good film photographer (back in the day). Why could I not get great shots of my kids’ sports events, even with a relatively high-end point & shoot camera (Nikon Coolpix 8800)? There’s nothing scary about SLR’s. Once you take the plunge, you’re not likely to look back. The plunge you must take is the choice of camera brand. If you already have useable lenses from a film camera, this CAN be an important consideration (example: older Minolta lenses work perfectly well with newer Sony cameras). Buying cameras, especially SLR’s, is like buying a computer. As soon as you get it home there will inevitably be a newer model that claims to leave yours in the dust. Purchasing high quality lenses will help keep you in the technology loop. What frequently seems to change, or get updated is camera bodies. You can keep your same lenses even if you ultimately upgrade to the newer camera body that can answer your email and purchase movie tickets for you.
Retiring my non-SLR cameras meant that I could no longer take the occasional video with my still camera. That is no longer the case. Cameras like the Nikon D-60 or D-90 now include this feature (which my Nikon D-40x does not). The issue of megapixels always generates controversy. Many believe that higher is ALWAYS better. I have found that there is SOME truth to this if you do more post-production (computer manipulation) of your photos. I routinely crop and enlarge aspects of my photos with simple, yet sophisticated software like iPhoto. Higher resolution photos (which higher megapixel cameras can produce) allow for better results in this regard.
While carrying multiple lenses can be cumbersome, I have found great satisfaction with a lens that “covers” the majority of situations, ranging from wide angle to telephoto. The Nikon 18-200 fits the bill well in this regard. With a zoom lens in this range, you may never need to switch lenses and are far more likely to “get-the-shot.” It is important for your lenses or camera system to have vibration reduction (VR) or image stabilization as a feature. While this was previously somewhat of a luxury, it is now considered a must. It allows for sharper handheld photographs in lower light situations than previously possible–it REALLY WORKS.
I have a bias toward NIKON as a result of many years of owning Nikon cameras. Brand loyalty can be an odd issue. Many people ALWAYS buy FORD or TOYOTA, despite the vast selections and available options. When purchasing an SLR, you are also buying into a system which you can easily add to (e.g., more powerful flashes, special situation lenses). Consider issues of reputation, reliability, and serviceability. My final recommendation: Nikon D-90 with a Nikon 18-200 VR lens. It would be very hard to not LOVE this system. BTW: Keep your little Powershot (unless you REALLY hate it) for situations where a larger camera is less practical–like skiing.
Good luck!
July 16, 2009 6:47 pm
For me I prefered D-SLR cameras , Ireid alot with different types of camera but the more easy and perfect camera is Sony Alfa 200.
Sharm photos,very fast all the techniques requird by perofessinal in this camera.
July 16, 2009 6:44 pm
I have a Fujifilm S9500 and a Nikon D80.I bought the Fuji several years ago.It does everything a DSLR does but you don’t have to change lenses,so no danger of dust contamination.It has a 28-300 (35mm equiv)lens,so covers a wide range.It will shoot RAW.Photographs are very crisp and are capable of large enlargements.I suggest looking for a good secondhand model.They can be found quite reasonably priced.The D80 is also very good with the ability obviously to change lenses,but with all the attachments can be cumbersome to carry around.Go for the Fuji,you won’t be dissapointed.
July 16, 2009 5:52 pm
I would always suggest sticking with a brand you trust – it is easy to forget how much this can matter in how you take your pictures.
My dad and I have always been Canon users but this is because, mainly, they feel comfortable for us.
Stick with Olympus, go to a shop that is likely to have the largest range and ask to try all the Olympus cameras.
I would suggest a pocket size as I have a six month old and trying to wield an SLR for those really quick moments is sometimes tricky and you need something that is easy to carry with you.
If you dont mind an LR then the Olympus E-620 looks a good bet or for a compact then there is the mju-9000.
Hope that helps!
July 16, 2009 5:25 pm
I am with you 100$. My husband and I both have the same experiences with the D200 and our Coolpix S710 as you describe. I myself am not quite so adept with the camera as he is and i am using a Canon S5IS but am ready to move up to a SLR. I do not want a heavy camera and to carry around much lenses as my husband does. However I am having trouble choosing between a Niikon and a Canon. I wish someone would reccommend which one would be best for me.
July 16, 2009 5:16 pm
I use a Nikon D2xs and the results are superb, but no better than a D50/60/80 etc, when used with the correct lens. The difference comes when you have to use the camera every day for your living and the professional cameras can take the wear. I would recommend that you visit http://www.kenrockwell.com and see the stunning photographs taken with the “amateur” nikons and follow his recommendations
July 16, 2009 4:31 pm
I would bet for the new Panasonic DMC-GH1 or Olympus E-P1.
July 16, 2009 4:24 pm
My choice would be a D-SLR camera, I like the Canon 50D or 5D. Problem is the lenses are the more important consideration with these cameras. They will cost more the cameras themselves and be heavy to carry around. The results will be superb, if you understand photography and can use the manual settings. The compact camera I choose is the Panasonic Lumix TZ7. Small, but has 3 inch screen and 12X optical zoom. Photos are largely automatic and look sharp thanks to the Leica lens. Panasonic boast a minimal lag of 0.02 seconds! The pictures are 10 Mega-pixel and the camera also features the ability to record in HD video using AVCHD or MPEG-4. The video zooms during recording which is great. Price is $649-$688 depending where you buy.
July 16, 2009 3:58 pm
I suggest to take a DSRL (even the less expensive) and to invest in a good fast lens. I recommend you a 50 mm f/1.4. I said that because most cameras (DSRL) have almost the same features irrespective the brand, whereas the lens make the difference.
Of course, you should learn how to use a DSRL, but I think it’s not a waste of time. You will love the true photography and probably you will became addictive!
Good luck in taking the best decision for you!
July 16, 2009 3:46 pm
Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS3
Excellent optical zoom in a DSLR camera. The quality of pics absolutely superb with vivid colors. Intelligent Auto features. Light and Compact for travelling. High resolution of 10 Mega Pixels.
July 16, 2009 3:17 pm
The Panasonic Lumix is a great little point and shoot, easy to use, and beautiful pictures. 10X optical zoom gets you in close. If you want the fast shutter speed the DSLR is the only way to go. You cannot go wrong with the Rebel XT. Fast shutter speed, sharp clear images and not too big to handle. I have the 18-55mm lens and the 55-200 which is my favorite. I get my grandson’s football and basketball action without a hitch. I got so many great results with my Rebel that people are now offering to pay me for pictures of their families! For that reason, I have just upgraded one week ago, to the Canon 50 D. I miss the light weight easier to handle Rebel. My husband is very happy to have it now! I cannot say enough good things about it!
July 16, 2009 2:45 pm
Hi,
I was taught on a 5×4″ Linhoff, but too big and cumbersome.
My number one choice would be a Hasselblad Digital, with a 60 Meg back. Between the lens shutter with fantastic optics.
Second choice would be a Nikon. Don’t worry about the model number as they are bells and whistles which change rapidly. Invest in the optics, as they will still be useful with later bodies. They have a good range of zooms, which is great for shooting kids etc. But you for quality, you can’t beat a Prime Lens (NON Zoom) as they are always better with a lower fstop. I use to shoot weddings with a Film Hasselblad with the standard 80mm lens and you just learned to shoot with it. Spend your extra money on a good flash, with plenty of power. The Nikon have a good range and work with the electronics of the camera. For an add-on go for a Metz “hammerhead” with the SCA adapter that will work with the Nikon or Hasselblad etc.. A good flash will allow you to use bounce flash either off the ceiling or a wall. The difference in your results will be amazing, and will mark you as a cut above the rest. Both of these flashes will allow “fill-in” flash or “syncro-sun”. Takes some getting use to but remember this: set the shutter speed to the effective film speed and shutter to the sun. I normally shot at 125th and f8 and the flash did the rest. Bounce – would open up 1 or 2 stops.
Hope this wasn’t too complicated.
Enjoy!
July 16, 2009 2:36 pm
If you are looking for a easy to use camera, a good zoom, drop dead gorgeous photos I would suggest starting with a great lens, the Nikon 18-200mm VR. This lens works well indoors and grabs far away shots (grandson running in the park)with motion stopping clarity. It’s a great Lens.
Nikon has 3 dSLR bodies to consider in the prosumer range. The D90 is fantastic, a very good camera if you want to exert full control of the image. The D50 is a smaller body, simpler to use, but it still gets great photos with it’s 3rd gen electronics. If you want a budget body to use with that great lens the D40 is a super nice small easy to use dSLR body.
July 16, 2009 2:29 pm
Dear fellow avid photographer,
Have you ever had bad lemonade? And of course had some to die for! Canon cameras are great ways to express yourself.
I have a 40D and 50D EOS with no complaints of DEP or focus issues. My brother-in-law asked a few months back should he buy a Nikon or Canon kit which sold around the same price. Without hesitation I replied Canon! Since his purchase of the Canon XSi w/12.2 mp he’s been eternally grateful. I’m amazed of the shots he has taken so far.
PS I don’t own Canon stock, just their great cameras. Dennis
July 16, 2009 2:22 pm
I agree that massed produced cameras can be a problem. I am a Canon user only because when I started shooting sports, Nikon did not have a comparable camera in their prosumer division. I have had a lot of issues with My Canon 40D and professional lenses – it took a lot of effort on my part to get everything finally calibrated (and by the way, Canon would not fully elaborate on what was done to finally get the camera and lenses to auto focus correctly) – the equipment never worked this well out of the box. I believe Canon has major issues with their quality control (witness the AF issues on the Mark III when first released and this was a $5,000 professional camera). If you have the money (in my opinion, money should not be a major issue only if you are serious about leaning photography, which is a life-long endeavor), I would seriously suggest the Nikon D300 – photojournalists in my area use this camera exclusively and they are very happy with the images and the reliability of this camera. Until Canon gets their act together with regards to quality control, I would strongly recommend Nikon. Thanks and enjoy your photographic journey!
July 16, 2009 2:22 pm
Robyn,
Although money is not an issue, it can be. Speaking of shutter lag, the camera that nikon no longer makes ( the nikon D50 ), but can be found on craigs list etc.. has a very fast shutter lag of 37 thousandths of a second, faster than either the nikon d200 or D300. With a good lens on this camera you can shoot some amazing pictures right off the camera.
The battery life is better than any of the nikon cameras. You can use a delkin light deflector that closes to help you see the review of pictures on back of camera.
I have kept the D50, the D200, the D300, the D3 of the DSLR. There are many other cameras on the market also. YOu did not mention night or daytime shooting — but there is an on body flash as well as a shoe to connect , say a SB600 or SB800 flash unit.
Good luck with your photography.
July 16, 2009 2:17 pm
I have two Canons, a 5D and a 20D backup which was my first DSLR. Having seen the significant increase in usefulness going from 8.2MP to 12.8MP, I have to say the more MPs the better. However, the quality of those pixels is just as important, if not more so, than the number of them. A high useable low noise ISO paired with a wide aperture is a necessity if you want to maintain a good shutter speed to prevent blurring in less than optimal light conditions. This is one of the reasons I love Canons although Nikon D3 and others have good ISO range now too. There are several possible combinations I could recommend but I think since you said cost was not an issue I can suggest what a really think a photographer with your experience and goals would want. My suggestion would be a Canon 5D Mark II, which is a 21MP with low noise extended high ISO range. As someone else has already mentioned, the lens is extremely important too so I’ll also suggest the 70-200mm F2.8L with or without stabilization and a 24-105mm F4L. Oh and everyone should have the very surprisingly inexpensive 50mm prime 1.8. Also go to some user review websites like fredmiranda.com and see what actual photographers report from the field.
July 16, 2009 2:15 pm
Hi Robyn
I recommend the Canon G10. It is the prosumer compact flagship. The top of Canon’s compact range. Its features are very impressive.: choice of 16×9, 4×3 and 3×2 formats, 14.7 MP. It has face detection, a fast lens, F2.8 and offers full photographic control. You can save in JPG or Canon’s RAW format. At 80 ISO resoloutio and digital noise are very impressive. Autlfocus and exposure control is very good.
This package gives you the chance to learn enough that you may feel brave enough to take on a full SLR nrxct time. (There will always be a next time!
July 16, 2009 2:02 pm
Sorry to hear of your Canon problems, the problem seems to lie with the dealer, as Canon have been around a very long while. I have had a few Canon’s with excellent results. So would recommend them.I have also had Sony Cameras and would of course recommend them too.
From your post you are interested in Prosumer models, the one I have at present is the Panosonic FZ50, which has all the Manual as well as Auto exposure focus facilities, along with optical zoom up too 420mm. I find this camera to be excellent. There would be more up to date models now, so it would be worth taking a look at those.
I also use Olympus DSLR’s E410 and E520, also excellent cameras if you choose to go in that direction. Ernie
July 16, 2009 1:47 pm
Robyn,
I’m an amateur too and went from the Canon XS110 which I didn’t have a problem with, it was a good purse camera, to a Canon Rebel Digital XSi. I was ready to move beyond point and shoot but I didn’t want a huge learning curve with more professional equipment, and with cost being no option, you can play with different lenses. The 55 – 250MM lens works well for getting photographs of my daughter from a distance without the teenage attitude coming into play when she sees the camera trained on her. I absolutely love my XSi and highly recommend it.
July 16, 2009 1:40 pm
Robyn
I would recommend that you review the Nikon D90 (or the Canon equilavent). You mentioned a grandson and the D90 is a great camera to capture both digital stills and HD video at a reasonable cost. Lenses you could start with the 18-200 to assist you in capturing both wide angle and close ups. You can use the D90 as a basic point and shoot and as you become familiar with the camera move over to more advanced techniques (shutter and ISO settings) In video mode a good tripod or mono pod is a must especially as you pan or zoom in on your grandson.
July 16, 2009 1:33 pm
Robyn,
If you prefer to use a point and shoot with exceptional image quality I would recommend the Canon G series cameras (i.e. G10). When I am not using my high end dslrs, I am using a canon g10. THe quality of the images often leaves me going back intot eh data because I cannot tell cometimes whether it was shot wtih a 5d or the point and shoot. THe G series cameras also allow you to dabble in the slr world with full manual shooting and external flash capabilites…
July 16, 2009 1:33 pm
I shoot with Canon and Sony DSlRs but I agree on the Canon G9 or Canon G10. I would also try an Olympus since you seem to like your old Oly so much.
July 16, 2009 1:28 pm
I have been in the photographic industry for over 30 yrs and have been a consistent Canon user. Each time I need an upgrade I do my research and it has always been a close call between the Canon and the Nikon (and of late I have kept an eye on the Sony with interest) but I always come back to Canon. The product is immaculate – nice sharp, consistent images; quality lenses and electronics; continuous software support and the after sales service is second to none!
July 16, 2009 1:26 pm
I own 2 digital cameras, I use my Nikon D80 SLR for professional work with a high end Nikkor macro lens. I recently got a Nikon Coolpix L20 and was really amazed how fast it is. Of course, I can’t beat my D80 for image quality, but it comes suprisingly close. And it is a hell of a lot more intuitive to use.
There are a whole bunch of menu presets that fit just about any demand the average user may have. I think in this price range, Canon, Nikon, Sony and the rest are pretty much comparable. My Coolpix is a 10 Megapixel camera. Using anything with a higher pixelcount is going to slow the camera down. I still can crop an image and blow up to 8 by 10 with no degradation of the image with the Coolpix.
For Photoshop CS4 users, you can open any image in raw for fine tuning, so not having a raw mode in a digital camera is not a hindrance. I use the raw format always in my D80 as a shooting mode, but as my Coolpix doesn’t have a raw shooting mode, Photoshop takes care of that problem. Hope all this helps.
July 16, 2009 1:25 pm
Since you have had a bad experience with a Canon, the only other option would be a Nikon. Since money is not an issue, I would definitely go with the D90. I would also look to buy the 18-200 VR lens, it’s a great carry around lens and would work well in most situations. The other positive is the D90 has video function which would be cool to take candid videos of the kids that can be transferred directly to the computer. With the D90 and the lens combination you would be set for most situations. The “VR” on the lens will allow you to hand hold the camera even with slower shutter speeds. The D90 also does great with higher ISO images…..you would be able to shoot pictures in low light with ISO’s as high as 2000 and still get great quality prints. There will be a learning curve but with a little guidance from internet websites for tutorials and good ole trial and error you could be producing superb images in no time. The only thing you might have to add later is an external flash but I would get used to the functions of the camera and lens before getting a flash. Hope this helps
July 16, 2009 1:25 pm
I have had several Olympus cameras and have to say that they have amazing optics and give great pictures. My last two pocket cameras are the Olympus Stylus 750 and 780 (you might still get these at Ebay, but they are out of production). Both have been reliable, and give me great shots, although I have to say the LCD screen in sunlight can be a problem, with the 780 being a bit better. I also have purchased a Leica V-Lux 1, and it has great pictures, long zoom range (420), does movies, and is light enough to carry about on hiking trips for bird, wild animal and nature photos, as well as being good for photos of my active dogs. I also have an Canon 50D, which is fast, and I mean so fast it sometimes startles me when I have it set to continuous photo. My main complaint about the Canons, and I had the 20D as well (SLR cameras), is the photos are a bit on the soft side for my liking (portrait photographers like this), and I need to do more work on them in the Computer to sharpen them up. Also, it is heavy to carry around on a daily hike. But all the cameras I have, get regular use depending on my task of the day. My Olympus are my carry everywhere cameras. I still say you can’t beat Olympus for great detail in their photos. If it wasn’t for the fact I inherited a Canon film camera with many lenses, I likely would have gone for an Olympus SLR instead of the Canon 20D I purchased when I got my first SLR. I think the Panasonic are a similar camera as the Leica, with their lense being made by leica.
July 16, 2009 1:16 pm
One factor that no one up to this point has mentioned is the vast difference in the bundle software with either Canon or Nikon. I own a Canon 20D and the software to use the camera and to do post processing with the photos is vastly superior to the very limited software that comes with the Nikon D90, which I seriously tested out before returning the Nikno D90 to the store. I am going to buy a Canon 50D in the near future due in no small part to this software issue, both bundled with the camera and continuously supported and upgraded by Canon. You have to buy additional software if you purchase a Nikon camera.
July 16, 2009 1:16 pm
I’d suggest an entry level DSLR like the Nikon D5000 or Canon equivalent. This can be used in the same way a point and shoot can but will allow you to advance over time. Since you said money was not an object you can either use the 2 kit lenses, 18-55 and 55-200 or if you don’t want to switch lenses the Nikon 18-200 or Tamron 18-270.
July 16, 2009 7:47 am
Buy a Canon or a Nikon, it matters not. Both have excellent characteristics, and have a long track history with Pro’s. I personally have a Canon 350 XT with several lenses. Sharpness and speed are the keys. I have a couple of very fast (1.8 and 2.8) L lenses that handle everything you would want with fast moving Grandkids. The down side is a camera body and multiple lenses. I also had a G9 for a compact, which I sold and bought the G10 when it came out. The G series are the top of the line for compacts with Canon. I would suggest either the G9 or G10 for you, as they have a hotshoe, shoot RAW, have 12 – 14 MP sensors, and fast lenses. The main difference between the G9 and the G10 is Zoom. The G9 has a longer zoom but a narrower wide angle with 12MP, while the G10 has a wider wide angle and a shorter zoom, but has 14MP.
Either the G9 or G10 would fit your needs, and act as a bridge camera to a DSL. Both G9 and G10 has the capability to accept a telephoto or wide angle accessory lens to increase its capabilities.
July 16, 2009 12:32 am
I would suggest going with a reliable manufacturer that you already have had good luck with in the past OLYMPUS.
I have used Olympus from my original OM1 and have had good luck with the digital conversion to the E-Series. I own an E500, Good starter/basic DSLR. E420 – Compact and good for trips. And for my paid work I use the E3 and love everything about it including the in body image stabilization. The color out of the box was great with all of these cameras and the lenses are swappable. (My partner uses a Nikon and is forever having to play match up with his color balance etc.) I can also use my lenses from the older OM series with the adapter.
For the price, quality and outstanding support any of these Olympus models or their newer versions E600 series etc. would be a great choice and you will be pleased with the results.
I also have an older point and shoot Sony DSC and have had favorable results with it as well.
Good luck on your journey.
July 15, 2009 10:17 pm
I suggest the Canon Rebel Digital. I suggest the SLR only because you have complained about the lag time after you press the shutter release. This is an excellent quality entry SLR Digital and the price is reasonable and I notice that you say price is not a concern. I suggest that you buy the 28-138 zoom lens as your main lens as this comes with the Image Stabilizer and is a relatively fast lens at f3.5-5.6. Canon is an excellent family of digital equipment and you can most times find reasonably priced additions to your needs.
July 15, 2009 8:25 pm
I have just pruchased a Olympus FE-370, a handbag camera.
I had bought one for my husband, as it has a anti shake, and this was a problem with him taking photos on my fuji 7000, after seeing the wonderful photos this 8.0 mega pixel 5x optical zoom and 2.7″ LCD monitor, I invested the under $200.00 price tag, also XD picture card, and micro SD card compatible. micro SD attachment is included. I take lots of photos 1000′s monthly and this has been a fantastic camera for those shots of family and friends when every one else has left their camera at HOME!!! also easy to recharge battery all included.A lot lighter than your SLR.
July 15, 2009 6:37 pm
Get the Panasonic Lumix TZ7.
Reasons: It has a very sharp Leica designed DC Vario Elmar lens equivalent to 25-300mm (f/3.3-4.9); an effective pixel count of 10.1 million (not some crazy 14MP which gives a lot of digital noise); the layout of the buttons is intuitive, making the camera very easy to use. The TZ7 is easy to take along everywhere. The images on the LCD are very crisp and sharp (460,800 dots resolution). The shutter time-lag is small (though not as small as in some D-SLRs). The camera uses SD memory cards and battery life is OK.
July 15, 2009 6:13 pm
Nikons are quite good, but the new SONY Reflex cameras are marvelous too. Easy to handle, fast, I feel a dream camera without taking away any accolades from a Nikon (the photographer’s standard) or Cannon (also a heck of a good camera).
How to test them… go to a store, feel the cameras, see them working, select which you like best and then… buy in Amazon!!!!!
July 15, 2009 5:51 pm
The answer is really simple: Canon 50D!
I use Canon 40D and i love it. It gives you everything that an amateur or semi prifessional need.
And as they said – there are two kind of photographers, the ones that use Canon and all others!!!
July 15, 2009 5:33 pm
I would say, if you’re in it for the long term? Canon or Nikon, does not really matter which, but you need to decide before you start as the lens mounting is different and are not interchangeable. I’m a Canon man personally and shoot with a 5D and a G9, both of which I would recommend depending on what usage you are going to put them to.
*IMPORTANT* I have no doubt you will get a ton of good opinions here but In my opinion the Camera is not the most important piece of equipment, the lens’s are, and can frequently be the most expensive as well, but unlike camera bodies they tend to hold their price.
What do you have against your daughter?
July 15, 2009 4:25 pm
As you are referring to compact cameras, I can only assume you are not yet prepared to dip your toe into the big bad pool that is SLR photography.
If this is the case, then my recommendation would be the Canon G10. Yes yes, I hear you cringe at the name Canon as you had a bad experience with the brand, but the Canon G10 is a completely different kettle of fish. It will work for the happy snapper as well as the advanced amateur. Heck, its a great second “bag” camera for the pros!. It will grow with you and is well featured for the money. I have tested this camera and it performs very very well.
If you are wanting to take the SLR plunge, then it matters less on the brand and model of the camera (as they are all fairly competitive on features and price these days) but focus more on the lenses. You will have the lenses way longer than you keep the body. (unless of course you buy non full frame and then change to full frame :-0
Either way…good luck!
July 15, 2009 2:49 pm
the Nikon Coolpix S710 is a fantastic little camera,giving enough zoom,clear,sharp pictures and much speed. Ev erything you need to take wonderful pictures of the grandkids. The optic is fantastic. We also have a D 200 which is great but find this little one does almost as good a job. Good luck
July 15, 2009 2:43 pm
we have a Nikon d200 and just bought a coolpix s710. Fantastic sharp pictures ,speed and everything you could possibly ask for equivalent to the SRL cameras. One drawback,you must get a sunvisor for the monitor to enable good shooting on sunny exposures. No comparison to the SRL pictures but very sharp and clear. A super camera. We bought it also to take of the grandkids and to be able to carry it in our pocket so we do not miss any precious moments to photograph.
July 15, 2009 1:49 pm
the answer is simple: Nikon D90.
July 15, 2009 1:53 pm
Thanks J. Murdoch. For your chance to win, tell us why? Why Nikon D90?