Help me decide! I'm not exp with cameras.

[Cixxy]

Hi guys. Im a graphic designer/illustrator and i love photo-manipulations.

I'm not that committed to photography and have little experience with cameras so I think I will want something more lightweight in volume and features but also able to achieve effects such as custom areas of focusing, custom f/stops, stutter speeds, etc.. so that photos it takes would have an artistic foundation to start working on via Photoshop. So basically I'm looking for manual camera adjustment options like you have in a SLR but also the option to "point and shoot" (auto settings) at will.

After reading a few reviews here I'm leaning towards the Sigma DP1 because of its huge sensor and SLR features. But please if you know of a better camera recommend it to me.

For examples of the photomanips I do go to my deviantart page - http://cixxy.deviantart.com/gallery

Thanks in adv for any good help/advice.





Budget

* Under AU$800

Size

* hopefully not too big that i will get robbed carrying it.

Features

How many megapixels will suffice for you?
10mp-

* What optical zoom will you need? (None, Standard = 3x-4x, Ultrazoom = 10x-12x, Other - Specify)
not sure, just enough so that I can take a picture from like 100m away and still be able to see the object clearly due to opt. zoom.

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

Do you care for manual controls?
yes I would like SLR-like customization but also without the hassles of it sometimes.

General Usage

* What will you generally use the camera for?
Stuff to use on photo manipulations, artistic photography, normal friend/family photos.

* Will you be making big prints of your photos or not?
yes, for the photo manips.

Will you be shooting a lot of indoor photos or low light photos?
no

Will you be shooting sports and/or action photos?
no... maybe I need about 1/500 , that's all.

Miscellaneous

Are there particular brands you like or hate?
Im not exp with cameras but I tend to think Nikon and Canon are the best. I particularly like Canon's RAW software from what I see in the reviews.

Are there particular models you already have in mind?
G10 Powershot, Sigma DP1 or an SLR like Canon EOS Rebel XSi.

(If applicable) Do you need any of the following special features? (Wide Angle, Image Stabilization, Weatherproof, Hotshoe, Rotating LCD)
N/A.

[Cixxy]

bump can i get an answer soon? I'll be going to a camera shop in about 5 hours

[KCook]

Personally just not a fan of Sigma. For a high end fixed lens camera try a Canon G10 or one of the numerous SLR types. For more of a budget manual camera go with the Canon SX110. SLR cameras are not my bag, try browsing some of the existing SLR threads here, there are a bunch of them.

no help Kelly

[Cixxy]

thanks, I've had a good look at Canon G10 before, it seemed really good except the small sensor and the 350g it weighs for a compact. Same with the SX110 you recommended the sensor is pretty small. I mean a SLR cam's sensor is about 10x bigger. Question - does this matter a lot if you're trying to take detailed images in general?
Well why arent you a fan of them? is it because theyre not mainstream enough? I read about sigma using Foveon sensor technology and I'm quite impressed with it.

[KCook]

Here is a link to sample shots taken with the Canon G10. Decide for yourself if it fits your needs -

http://www.pbase.com/osusana/canon_g_10_test_shots

The main advantage of a big sensor is dynamic response, and less noise. Not greater detail or resolution. As a side effect when the big sensor camera lens is wide open you will also get less depth of field. But that does not mean the small sensor cameras have endless DOF either. Just a matter of degrees. Sorry I'm no help with the SLRs, but they will be even heavier than the G10. If a Sigma is what you want, then that is what you should get.

Kelly

[jekostas]

thanks, I've had a good look at Canon G10 before, it seemed really good except the small sensor and the 350g it weighs for a compact. Same with the SX110 you recommended the sensor is pretty small. I mean a SLR cam's sensor is about 10x bigger. Question - does this matter a lot if you're trying to take detailed images in general?
Well why arent you a fan of them? is it because theyre not mainstream enough? I read about sigma using Foveon sensor technology and I'm quite impressed with it.

If you're going to get the DP1, expect to be doing a lot of work in Photoshop or your editor of choice and shooting in RAW a lot - in camera jpeg processing on that camera is notoriously bad. It's also a very slow camera in terms of operation, shot-to-shot, etc. Playing with one it kinda felt like using my old A540 again, just with a nicer body.

If you're looking at at a high-end point and shoot, the Panasonic LX3 gets generally positive reviews, and should be in the same price range, if not a little bit cheaper.

[KCook]

Thank you jekostas. I had a vague memory that there was something wonky about the Sigma, but could not recall the details. I really LOVE the f/2.0 lens on the Panny LX3. Wish very much that more makers would take that route. But handling the thing the little joy stick did not go down well. I much prefer the extra rings and knobs on the G10.

Kelly

[Cixxy]

cheers guys. I really liked the LX3, it got better reviews overall than the DP1 and I see it takes quality photos like a SLR. Ive had a look at Olympus E-420 and it's really small and light for a SLR (380g body), so I think now its between that and LX3.

What do you think would be better for me?

[AndyfromVA]

Personally, I'd go with the Canon Rebel XS. It has better picture quality, especially at low light, than either the LX3 or the E420 and it's small and lightweight for a DSLR. I've seen it for sale from reputable online retailers for $470, including a pretty good lens with a 3x optical zoom.

[Cixxy]

thanks, had a look in the reviews here and compared quality of photos I like the E-420 better, its sharper and better colours IMO.

heading to store now most likely picking up the E-420 Thx all!

[KCook]

Panny LX3. Mostly because it's a "keeper". Buy into the Oly 3/4s DSLR system now, and you may have second thoughts later. Better to leave your DSLR decision until you have more experience.

cautious Kelly