SLR or Not?

[lpj8]

To begin, my wife and I have decided that we would like to pursue photography as a hobby. I've had a cheap digicam for a couple years, and I've enjoyed it. It has served me well, but there are obviouly limitations to what it can do. We are certainly amatuers with very little experience, but we are eager to learn. I really can't afford more than $1,000 at this point, so a SLR body and kit would work, but I wouldn't have much left over for any other lenses. It is possible that my "wants" ouweigh what I can afford to buy (story of my life!).
I've done a TON of research and basically I'm trying to determine if I should go ahead and take the SLR plunge, or if I should get a nice mega-zoom, spend a little less and become more experienced before I get an SLR.

Budget

I can spend upwards around $1000

Size

Doesn't matter all that much, but I'd rather it not be any bigger than most of the entry line SLRs

Features

How many megapixels will suffice for you?

6 would do, but more is always nice!

* What optical zoom will you need? (None, Standard = 3x-4x, Ultrazoom = 10x-12x, Other - Specify)

I'd like 5x or more, the more the better.

* How important is “image quality” to you? (Rate using a scale of 1-10)

10

Do you care for manual controls?

Yes, I certainly want manual controls

General Usage

* What will you generally use the camera for?

I do a great deal of traveling, so for that first. I also will use it for nature shots, flowers, lightning, sunsets, and city landscapes.

* Will you be making big prints of your photos or not?

Yes, if possible.

Will you be shooting a lot of indoor photos or low light photos?

Yes

Will you be shooting sports and/or action photos?

Not really, but it would be really nice to have the capability.

Miscellaneous

Are there particular brands you like or hate?

Not really

Are there particular models you already have in mind?

For SLRs: Canon Digital Rebel XT; Nikon D50; Olympus EVOLT E-500
For Mega-zoom: Canon S3; Sony H5

Thanks in advance for any advice!

[some guy]

None of the above. Get a good P&S like a canon Pro1/G6 or a Sony R1. Those will suit you fine. And it has SLR-like features.
I highly suggest that you read up what SLR cameras are and decide if you want it. I see far too many P&S users switching to SLR cams and came back disappointed. This is my honest answer to your questions.

[lpj8]

None of the above. Get a good P&S like a canon Pro1/G6 or a Sony R1. Those will suit you fine. And it has SLR-like features.
I highly suggest that you read up what SLR cameras are and decide if you want it. I see far too many P&S users switching to SLR cams and came back disappointed. This is my honest answer to your questions.

I've actually looked at the R1, it seems to be an excellent deal for the money. Unfortunately, none of my local B&M stores carry it, so I can't touch it. I appreciate your suggestions.

Any others?

[Rhys]

Try this camera: Fuji 9000 (http://www.dcresource.com/reviews/fuji/finepix_s9000-review/). I looked at that and am in awe. I have a Canon S1 IS and feel this Fuji is a wonderful alternative. It takes AA batteries and CF or XD. It has a 10x zoom (28-300) and takes 58mm filters. It even saves RAW image files as well as doing videos.

I think it'll be a long time before you outgrow this. I have an XT and an S1 IS but even I drool when I look at this camera.

[Vich]

I highly suggest that you read up what SLR cameras are and decide if you want it. I see far too many P&S users switching to SLR cams and came back disappointed. This is my honest answer to your questions.
I second that. P&S has poor resale, unlike DSLRs.

If photography is a primary travel activity you might not mind the extra bulk of DSLR (I don't). Its also says "steal me" a little louder.

The top Digicams offer very nice photos and convenience, but have drawbacks too. My pet peeve is shutter lag. DSLRs are almost always instant. DSLRs also have higher basic image quality (important for blowing up photos).

Normally; I'd say go DSLR, but for travel, it can be less practical and convenient.

[Rhys]

I second that. P&S has poor resale, unlike DSLRs.

If photography is a primary travel activity you might not mind the extra bulk of DSLR (I don't). Its also says "steal me" a little louder.

The top Digicams offer very nice photos and convenience, but have drawbacks too. My pet peeve is shutter lag. DSLRs are almost always instant. DSLRs also have higher basic image quality (important for blowing up photos).

Normally; I'd say go DSLR, but for travel, it can be less practical and convenient.

I don't think dSLRs have greater resale value. In percentage terms it's the same. I paid $1100 for my XT and 18-55. You can pick the same up now for $550 approx. If I sold my XT and 18-55 then I'd probably get $250 at the most. That's 75% depreciation. With a $500 P&S over a year it'd drop to $250 and secondhand might get $125.

[timmciglobal]

The new pentax coming out with built in body IS sounds very interesting.

Tim

[Rhys]

The new pentax coming out with built in body IS sounds very interesting.

Tim

Yes it does. It'll be interesting to see how well it works with non-cpu lenses though. If it's a case of having to enter the focal length of the lens (as with Nikon's D200) then it's one that's worth missing - especially since it costs $100 more than its non-IS sister.

[Vich]

I don't think dSLRs have greater resale value. In percentage terms it's the same. I paid $1100 for my XT and 18-55. You can pick the same up now for $550 approx. If I sold my XT and 18-55 then I'd probably get $250 at the most. That's 75% depreciation. With a $500 P&S over a year it'd drop to $250 and secondhand might get $125.
Here's an EBAY auction (http://cgi.ebay.com/CANON-EOS-DIGITAL-REBEL-6-3MP-CAMERA-WITH-18-55MM-LENS_W0QQitemZ7623157859QQcategoryZ107908QQrdZ1QQc mdZViewItem) ending in 30 minutes for a used REBEL (not the newer XT even) with 18-55 kit lens for $405. I think you undervalue your stuff. (the kit lens excepted, they're value's a dime a dozen)

My real thinking was on the lens (about 30% of a typical SLR value) that holds about 85% of its NEW value for several years. Admittedly the body depreciates quicker.

However; I haven't seen 3 year old P&S cameras selling for anything at all.

Also; if the OP purchases a P&S then upgrades in 6 months, there won't be room left in the budget and the P&S will have lost nearly half it's value on the used market.
New auction for Canon S80 = $650 (http://cgi.ebay.com/Canon-PowerShot-S80-8-0-Megapixel_W0QQitemZ7621889527QQcategoryZ107900QQrd Z1QQcmdZViewItem)
Used Powershot $410 with 2 hours to go and 21 bids (http://cgi.ebay.com/Canon-PowerShot-S80-8-0-Megapixel_W0QQitemZ7621889813QQcategoryZ107900QQrd Z1QQcmdZViewItem)
Another used for $380 with 2 hours to go (http://cgi.ebay.com/Canon-PowerShot-S80-8-0-Megapixel_W0QQitemZ7622563283QQcategoryZ107900QQrd Z1QQcmdZViewItem)

I think the OP is on the right track by deciding what the'll be satisfied with and just getting that on the first time around.

There's also the matter of accessories and possibly extended warranties, tax, shipping, etc that will be losses.

Perhaps a used older SLR is the ticket. That way it won't loose much more value then in a year.

Or, decide the Fuji 9000 (or similar) is OK and go that route and keep it.

Yes it does. It'll be interesting to see how well it works with non-cpu lenses though. If it's a case of having to enter the focal length of the lens (as with Nikon's D200) then it's one that's worth missing - especially since it costs $100 more than its non-IS sister.
I'm completly ignorant about this. I don't understand. "Non-CPU"? I've never heard anyone saying the Nikon D200 is one to miss - just the opposite.

How is the Pentax high-ISO performance? If it's comparable with the Nikon and Canon's (ie: ISO 800 is acceptable for prints) then in-camera IS + the other SLR advantages (high ISO performance, instant shutter response, exchangable lenses, more natural colors, larger sensors, greater Depth of Field control, etc) makes that one well worth considering!

[lpj8]

I definitely appreciate all of the discussion here. Thanks for the advice.

I'm weighing the purchase cost of a fixed lens (such as the Fuji 9000) versus an SLR.

The Fuji certainly has its advantages, and it seems to have quality glass. I guess it would be difficult to spend that much on a camera ($550) or so and not be able to take the lens with me if I were to replace the body. Reviewers also suggest that the picture is not as good as an SLR. Of course, I may find that the Fuji caters to my needs for a very long time.

I think they deal right now on the Olympus is pretty nice. Its $799 with two kit lesnes (40-150 & 17.5-45mm). There is also a 100 MIR as well, bringing the cost down to 699. However, I've heard that there are not many lenses available, and my future selection may be limited. But then again, I may never find the need to upgrade my lenses and be perfectly happy.

The deal that I could get on an EOS 350XT is good as well; 699 with the kit lens after a MIR. However, from what I've read in the kit lens isn't all that spectacular, and I'd probably want to get another lens to unleash its potential

Part of me tells me to get the Canon, as people and reviewers seem to think its one of the best bodies out there for the price. But, then again, thats a nice deal on the E-500.

Am I way off base with my decision making process here?

[Vich]

The Olympus doesn't have very good high ISO performance. That means if the light is low, you can't just crank it up to ISO 800 or 1600 without serious image quality sacrafice.

Otherwise, it's not an awful choice. Several people here have them and post amazing shots. They are also experts on Noise Ninja or other noise cleaning software.

The future lens choice is a valid consideration. Also; you won't have a lot of company unless you stick with Nikon or Canon. There's a lot of Pentax owners here too.

Good point on the lens being stuck to the body - true that lenses don't tend to go obsolete.

If you don't mind the bulk, and you have $1000, then DSLR seems obvious.

[drew_viii]

if you are planning photography to be your hobby, then why dont you just skip buying a new P&S and go directly to entry level dslrs? like nikon D50 or canon rebel xt? surely, some compact semi pro cameras offer almost similar functions, but what if one day you've decided to go for DSLR... then you've just seems like wasting your money on the semi pro, unlike DSLR... life expectancy of DSLR are like 5 to 10 years... worth a lot.. .and produce good quality of image as time goes by when you develop your skills... you'll realise that after you've handled DSLR...

surely, some people regret getting a DSLR, well i think its just because they dont want to do the settings.. which most people only stick on auto programs for camera shootings... you have to know that, once getting to DSLR, you have to do some studies too in order to maximize its ability and potentials...

you can try to go some magazine stands and get some photography mags and read a bit... and maybe you would know what you really like... and some explanations... most photography mags have this section like "which camera suits you etc..." and also some comparisons with different products... i found them useful and really saves a lot of time as well compare on doing some researches on net...

Vich made a good point aobut future lens choices... stick with nikon or canon for better options... if you go for olympus, yes, its a great camera, but... nois e problems, and also limited lens choice... canon and nikon? great cameras, no noise problems, and also wide lens choice... so guess whose the winner? :D

[lpj8]

Well,

I finally broke down and purchased a Rebel XT. I ended up getting it from Costco because of their excellent return policy. It takes Excellent pictures. Even with the kit lens, it is much better than any digicam I've had.
Thanks everyone for your comments and suggestions.

[Vich]

Congradulations! Should work great!

Hey, you still have time to enter the May assignment (http://www.dcresource.com/forums/showthread.php?t=20100&page=2)!

[lpj8]

Awesome, thanks for the heads up!