Camera Recommendations

[ttora4runner]

I'm looking at possible moving up to an entry-lvl dSLR camera since my current point and shoot camera is leaving me wanting some and I'm tried of the shutter only open part way without some help. I've been reading though reviews on the entry level camera's from Canon, Nikon, Panasonic, Sony,etc and my head is kind of spinning on which direction to go. Each has their pro's and cons's but not knowing enough is kind of hinderence when trying to weigh them out. So I guess what I'm asking if you where in the market for an entry level dSLR camera which would you chose and why.

The one thing that is kind of a turn-off to me with dSLR is the size of camera and still prefer the size of a point and shoot since it's easier to store while out and about.

 

[RangeBrover]

I was in a similar boat, I picked up a Nikon D5200 from Costco. I think it's a great unit that's going to do everyone I want for the forces blue future. I'd have to recommend buying from Costco to, they seem to give you the best bang for your buck.

 

[esh]

I'd buy used to begin with. For Canon something like a 40D would be a good body to start on. Rebels are a pass because they are more of a menu driven interface, whereas the next level lets you adjust with your fingertips as you shoot.

 

[justfred]

Micro four thirds

"if you where in the market for an entry level dSLR camera which would you chose and why."

Used Canon 40D or Nikon D3000 (?) would be a good choice.

I'd also look at the new "micro four thirds" format cameras. Size is closer to P&S, capabilities are more like DSLR. I like the Nikon 1 series or the Olympus PEN.

http://www.nikonusa.com/en/Nikon-Products/Nikon-1-Cameras/index.page

 

[LR Max]

I would like to recommend the Canon G15 or the S110. I think both of these offer the compromise you are looking for.

Some background about myself: I did pro photography for a while and I've got all the blah blah blah fancy this fancy that blah blah (long story short, the $$ of the gear in the trunk of the car was > the $$ of the actual car it was in). So image quality is my game. However when on vacation, having a good time, etc the big DSLRs sucked so I chose a Canon S95 (the S110 is the evolution of the product line). What you get is the same sensor as what you get in the entry level DSLRs in a point n' shoot body. I love this camera. I'm doing more vacations and whatnots these days and I see the guys lugging around DSLRs. Its a pain. Instead I have a little camera in a little case on my belt. I can put it in full manual mode and have a dude dressed up like a pirate take our photo or go to full manual mode and shoot a long exposure night photo. Then the next day I wanted to get a photo of a trolley so I set it to continuous shooting. It just worked.

Bottom line is these days, I carry that camera more than any of my old DSLR crap. I'm not saying it replaces my DSLR kit, I'm just saying these days when I want a nice photo for facebook or want to travel light, I take that camera.

The G15 is a setup up in giving you more options and convenience of controls. It is bigger, but not that bad.

Nikon has similar cameras (The P60 or something?) and they are good. However for the "DSLR sensor in a smaller camera" genre, it seems like Canon is the benchmark. Also take a look at older versions that might be for sale on craigslist for a fraction of the price of a newer camera. The G15 is the newest but I know the G12 and G10 are also very good cameras. Same with the S series. Current top dog is the S110, but the S100 and the S95 are also excellent performers.

Dunno, just another option since you want the DSLR performance without the hassle...like me.

 

[ssssnake529]

If you want DSLR quality, but also want small size, then go with the Olympus line. The OMD-EM5 is a stellar camera. The Olympus PEN line is less expensive, but still very good. The whole Olympus micro 4/3 line is designed to be very small and compact. Much less bulk and weight than a DSLR system.