New camera - decisions, decisions !! HELP !
 

Hey ladies

I have been backwards and forwards for weeks now trying to decide what new camera to get. At the moment I have a little Canon P&S but I want to have a bit more control over my photos and get them that much better.
I am kinda torn over getting a bridge/hybrid camera over a DSLR because of the size/weight of the DSLR's - not to mention talk of lenses, bodys etc confuses the heck out of me ! lol
I think I can go to about £600/$800 at a push so am wondering what you'd recommend. I'd love to hear WHY you prefer a certain camera.

Thanks

I was in the same position in November Andrea! I have a Canon powershot digital elph p & s that I have been very happy with but I have reached a point where I wanted something a bit more. Like you, I was afraid of how complicated (and heavy) DSLR's can be and knew I was not likely to use that type of equipment to its fullest potential. My main goals were something that would be quicker, function well in low light, had a good zoom, and a variety of available settings to give me options if I wanted.

After a lot of research and reading reviews I ended up selecting the Canon Powershot SX40:
http://static.bhphotovideo.com/image...345/822123.jpg

I just got it for Christmas so I have not gotten to use it under any extreme picture taking situations (like a Disney trip for example) yet but thus far I am very pleased. It functions so much better in low light than my p & s and I love that it has a "hot shoe" where a larger external flash (which my hubbie already has) can be added.

If you have any questions please don't hesitate to ask and happy shopping!

I've been using the Canon line Kathryn juat posted for years, they are as close to a dslr as you can get without being one. I've had 3, the one I have right now is the sx20. If you can't tell, I love mine. :) I really need to get a new camera, though, I've had this one for over 2 yrs. I'm probably going to get the newest version of this camera. I keep thinking I should move up to a dslr, but the thought of lugging around all that goes into it all the time always changes my mind. Hopefully I'll decide before my next trip ;)

Anyway, I definitely recommend this line of canon cameras if you decide not to go to a DSLR.

I purchased a Nikon D3100 with the 50-200 lens. The camera ran me about 400 and the lens was about 500. I had to shop around. I am totally thrilled with the quality of photos I get from it. It is so easy to use and wow what a difference in photo quality. It is pretty light for a DSLR although larger than a point and shoot. My daughter just purchased the Nikon1--its the new compact DSLR that comes in pretty colors. It has 2 lens and islight and compact. Its price is still a little high --around 1000.

Funny, I have been going through something similar the past few days. Someone on another forum offered to sell me just the body of her Canon Rebel xti. I bought a used lens from my local camera store. The lady selling me her camera also sold me her adorable camera bag and is including a free camera strap and a photo card. Everything together from the lens to the camera to the camera bag to the card etc including shipping and insurance was under $400. The camera should be here in a couple of days. I basically made my choices based on finances. This was the only way I could afford an SLR. I'm trusting the lady selling me the camera as she sells her products at a digi scrapping store. Keeping my fingers crossed. I wouldnt do it if she was a complete stranger. I'm totally overwhelmed by everything like you mentioned. I have no idea what I'm doing so I'm off to the library tomorrow. I'd be happy to let you know how I like my camera once I figure out how to use it lol! Lots of luck! I know you will make the right decision. Not to sound silly but have you had a chance to see take photos with each camera? I went to a local store and took some pictures with a DSLR and fell in love with the quality. I fell in love with the look of photos which have a super blurry background which I learned is called shallow depth of field. It is tough to really get that without an SLR. That is what made my decision. Knowing nothing standing in the camera store I was able to take a photo with a wonderfully blurry background. Sold! Best wishes, Roni

Thanks for all your replies.

I eventually decided against the DSLR's - I've bought a Canon G12 :)

Hi, Just have to put my 2 cents in... I've always owned high end P&S b/c I felt all I needed was good zoom, less shutter lag.. etc. BUT I finally got a Canon t3i this Christmas with a couple of lenses and I have to say it's a drastic improvement from what I had before. To be able to buy lenses in the future and flashes, I have more control over the quality of the pictures. I can change the aperture, shutter speed, etc... which you can learn over time. I LOOOVE my DSLR and wouldn't go back. Good luck in your camera shopping! Even if you decide to stick with a high end P&S, you can always get a dslr later on! That's what I did and am completely happy with it! :yes: