Getting married and I need a camera!

[tnelson42345]

I'm going to St. Lucia on my Honeymoon and I would love to get some nice photos while I'm there. I currently have a 4 megapixel camera that cost about $150 3 or 4 years ago. So obviously it is cheap. I was hoping to get the Canon 30D, but financially that isn't going to happen before the honeymoon. :(

First question - Is the only difference between SLR and SLR-like is the interchangeable lenses? I want to the camera to take the picture instantly and not have the delay like my still camera does.

2nd - Where will be the best place to purchase this camera?

Here is what I am looking for:

1. 6+ megapixels
2. I'm into sports so a good shutter speed would be nice, it doesn't have to be great but at least decent.
3. As much optical zoom as I can get.
4. One that will take several pictures on one charging
5. Preferably one that uses a SD memory card, since I already have one
6. I'm not overly concerned about having interchangeable lenses
7. Cost! Has to be under $400, preferably closer to $300. I would go up to $400 if the camera is worth it.
8. Brand? I'm not bias to anything really..

Let me know if you need any more info! And thank you for any assistance!

[chardog]

I'm not aware of any camera on the market that would have the shutter and quality of a dslr. I'd suggest a rebel xt or xti. I've seen the rebel go on sale for 400 and bought my xti for 600. if those prices are too high, consider a canon s3. zoom is good, picture quality is good, but other than that, you really cant compare a PnS to a dslr. I'm getting married soon as well, so good luck to you ;)

I own a canon sd600, canon s2 (similar to s3), and xti specs in the sig.

the sd600 is nice when you need a camera on the go and dont have space for a bigger camera.

the s2 is good when you need zoom. you can skip the sd600 all together if you dont mind a little bulk. the xti (dslr) is when you want top quality pictures, and they are definitely noticeable in comparison, but it will cost at least 2x more than a pns, not including lens and accessories.

[Vich]

What kind of sports? Field? Indoor? Outdoor? Do you participate (like skiing) while photographing or would you just be a spectator?

DSLR really shines for low light stuff. In bright sunshine, a quality P&S is a good option for an amateur, IMHO, and has some advantages over DSLR such as:


More is in focus (large DOF - less artistic but not so critical to get the focus)
Handier size
Simpler to operate
Smaller lens for telephoto (like; a 480mm-like Field Of View tele may only be 3 inches long, as in, purse sized)

[mcenut]

You mention the Canon 30D so I assume you prefer Canon. So I wont bother with other brands.

If it were me I would buy a high end point and shoot like the Canon S3 or S5 to take on the honeymoon. Chances are you aren't going to make it out of the hotel if you know what I mean. ;)

Then when money isn't so tight, add the 30D (or equivalent) to the camera collection. You will still have a great point and shoot when using the 30D would be overkill.

[tnelson42345]

80% of my sports photos would be taken outside at Softball and Baseball games. And most of these would be in the daylight. The 20% would be taken at basketball games. It is probably more like 90% to 10% to be honest.

My HP that I currently have has always performed DECENT for what I have done indoors. So I don't BELIEVE the low light would be a big issue for me.

My biggest concern is the delay on taking the picture. Will the S3 and other SLR-like cameras take the picture as soon as you snap it? I hate trying to guess when the fielder is going to make the catch or when the batter is going to hit the ball. I have played with a few Canon Rebels and I love the fact that I can hold down the button and continue to snap shots one after another.

I also plan to upgrade in 2-3 years for a real DSLR...Assuming a SLR-like will do what I want.

[photowire]

I'm going to St. Lucia on my Honeymoon and I would love to get some nice photos while I'm there. I currently have a 4 megapixel camera that cost about $150 3 or 4 years ago. So obviously it is cheap. I was hoping to get the Canon 30D, but financially that isn't going to happen before the honeymoon. :(

First question - Is the only difference between SLR and SLR-like is the interchangeable lenses? I want to the camera to take the picture instantly and not have the delay like my still camera does.

2nd - Where will be the best place to purchase this camera?

Here is what I am looking for:

1. 6+ megapixels
2. I'm into sports so a good shutter speed would be nice, it doesn't have to be great but at least decent.
3. As much optical zoom as I can get.
4. One that will take several pictures on one charging
5. Preferably one that uses a SD memory card, since I already have one
6. I'm not overly concerned about having interchangeable lenses
7. Cost! Has to be under $400, preferably closer to $300. I would go up to $400 if the camera is worth it.
8. Brand? I'm not bias to anything really..

Let me know if you need any more info! And thank you for any assistance!

I think a Canon S3 would probably be a good choice, they are going for around 300-325, has a 12x zoom...

[tnelson42345]

Thanks Chardog and good luck to you also!

I don't plan on being outside a whole lot that week. :D I just had another comment, but I had better keep that one to myself LOL

[mcenut]

My biggest concern is the delay on taking the picture. Will the S3 and other SLR-like cameras take the picture as soon as you snap it? I hate trying to guess when the fielder is going to make the catch or when the batter is going to hit the ball. I have played with a few Canon Rebels and I love the fact that I can hold down the button and continue to snap shots one after another.


All of the cameras using Canon's DIGIC II processor enjoy a fast shutter and fast continuous mode shooting. The newer ones use the upgraded DIGIC III processor which is, well, "upgraded." You also enjoy greater battery life with the DIGIC II and III processors.