I’m looking for a new digital and have managed to confuse myself beyond all reason!

I am looking for a camera mostly for car related events (meets) and also for a few weddings and other indoor events I have coming up. I’m looking to stay around 400. I don’t think I want an SLR as I don’t see myself taking the time to learn everything I need to effectively use one or investing in lenses etc. That being said I would like some amount of manual control over the camera.

I have run across a few cameras and was wondering if someone would help me decide!

1. Panasonic DMC-FZ18
2. Sony DSC-H50
3. Nikon Coolpix P80
4. Panasonic DMC-LX2
5. Canon S5 IS
6. Anything else you guys think I should look at!

I know most of you guys are shooting with SLR’s but if someone could point me in the right direction I would appreciate it!

 

Canon S5 IS. I had an S3 (previous model) and it was awesome. Have almost all the capabilities of a DSLR but in a point and shoot.

 

look into the sony DSC-W300 $349

I don't have this camera, but it has the same sensor as the new nikon p6000 that is coming out. It is supposed to be easy to use and the low light sensitivity is supposed to be one of the best in the point and shoot world.

 

The more I think about it the more I’m leaning towards just getting a DSLR Canon XSI...

I was originally worried about not being able to use it to its potential since I'm a complete photography beginner but it seems like with enough practice reading its possible to get pretty good results.

 

Either the canon xsi or xs and save a few bucks. It may take you a little bit to fully understand the controls but so does an S5 IS. Plus the xsi and xs just came out but the S5 is on its way out. Don't know about the other brands but you really cant go wrong with a DSLR even if its entry level. You will get SHARP and BEAUTIFULLY colored pics.

 

Canon Elphs are the way to go. I've gotten numerous compliments on picture quality and mine is an older 4mp one. Small, light, durable, and great lens. just bought me their new HF100 HD flash camcorder. Keepin it in the family!

 

I had an s2 is it was a great camera now I have an an XTi. If you can spend more I'd go with the XSi. It will be a better camera and its really not much harder to learn than the s5 is.

 

go with Canon PowerShot G9... not a true SLR but its highly rated at $500.


I have the Sony DSC-H50 ($370) ... it has awesome zoom and tons of goodies, but the sensor is nowhere as good as dSLR.... I also have the Rebel XSi ($700), it's pretty pricey but better than its rival, the Nikon D60....

 

Thanks for all the help...I’m leaning towards the XSI at this point. I figure if I'm already spending $3-500 I might as well spend a little more and get a far superior camera to everything on the list...just need to learn to use it but that would have been the case with any of them

 

a downside to a DSLR at events is that you lose the ability to capture candid shots. You have a huge camera and everyone is aware of it. You cant put a DSLR in your pocket and wait for the moment everybody is laughing or whatever. It's a very purposefully carried camera, if that makes sense. So, very often, you will carry a P&S camera as well. :/

anyway, I'm just starting out and found this a useful resource on a variety of subjects.
http://www.adorama.com/catalog.tpl?op=academy

http://www.adorama.com/Catalog.tpl?o...article=042706

you know what they say about spending alot more money on lenses than the body? yeah, you'll do what I did and ignore them.. Here I am 3 weeks after getting my XTi, I set a budget of $500 for the body... and I've already bought a lens (sigma 18-200 DC OS)... and borrowed a flash, but will eventually buy one ($300+).. Thats $750+ more than I spent on the body. Dont let that scare you off. Its worth it. Just understand the commitment... or end up being one of those people that fuels the endless supply of new (used) DSLRs at very reduced prices..

 

I am selling my canon xti if you are interested
https://my350z.com/forum/not-z-relat...-xti-dslr.html

I can sell it for $600 shipped without 75-300mm lens.

 

you can get the XSi with 18-55mm IS lens kit for $645~ at DBUYS.COM

then go to Adorama/B&H to get accessories

 

yeah, I wasnt going to say anything as it seemed the OP knew current pricing, but Canon's $100 price drop on the XT/XTi/XSi about two weeks ago was pretty painful for recent purchasers like myself. I was 2 days outside my window to go get money back from CC.

 

I purchased an XSi yesterday with a 28-135mm lens. Do it, you will not regret it.

 

RE: Rebel XSI

first thing you need is a 4GB SanDisk Extr III card, then 58mm B+W UV multicoat filter for protection, and 'no name' camera bag... I got the Tamrac Veloctiy 7x...