Next Level Camera

[gb775]

I have been into photography for a few years now, and all the cameras I have owned have been for the most part simple point and shoots. When I take a picture I rarely fiddle around with settings. However, this year I was thinking about purchasing something a little higher level. I have always been interested in DSLRs, but their price and size detoured me. I really want a camera which will allow me to learn some of the more intricate settings of a camera (aperture, exposure, metering, F-number, etc.), but at the same time not require the mastery of these. Basically, I want a camera which will allow me to learn, and grow as my knowledge grows, but not blind me at first. I was looking in to the G10, which looks amazing. I was wondering if anyone can recommend a camera which will fulfill my current and future needs.
Basically, I am considering the G10/G9, the Nikon P1500, the Nikon D40, and the Olympus E420 (Amazing deal at amazon (http://www.amazon.com/Olympus-Digital-Camera-14-42mm-3-5-5-6/dp/B0015ASYJ8/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1?ie=UTF8&s=electronics&qid=1228186669&sr=8-1), , if anyone could give some insight on those or other suggestions along those lines/price points, that would be great!

[SpecialK]

You should not create multiple threads on essentially the same subject. Even though they are in different sub-forums, we don't want to answer 3 times :-)

The Nikon D40 is a decent and now-inexpensive 6 MP camera. The lack of a built-in focusing motor means you have to buy lenses that do have the focusing motor, or focus manually, which some people prefer. I lean toward Canon, though, so the XS is another decent basic camera with more MP which can be useful.

[gb775]

sorry, I did not mean for them to all be the same, I just didnt want to post an irrelevant post in the wrong place.

[GoneTomorrow]

I have been into photography for a few years now, and all the cameras I have owned have been for the most part simple point and shoots. When I take a picture I rarely fiddle around with settings. However, this year I was thinking about purchasing something a little higher level. I have always been interested in DSLRs, but their price and size detoured me. I really want a camera which will allow me to learn some of the more intricate settings of a camera (aperture, exposure, metering, F-number, etc.), but at the same time not require the mastery of these. Basically, I want a camera which will allow me to learn, and grow as my knowledge grows, but not blind me at first. I was looking in to the G10, which looks amazing. I was wondering if anyone can recommend a camera which will fulfill my current and future needs.
Basically, I am considering the G10/G9, the Nikon P1500, the Nikon D40, and the Olympus E420 (Amazing deal at amazon (http://www.amazon.com/Olympus-Digital-Camera-14-42mm-3-5-5-6/dp/B0015ASYJ8/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1?ie=UTF8&s=electronics&qid=1228186669&sr=8-1), , if anyone could give some insight on those or other suggestions along those lines/price points, that would be great!

Start with an entry-level DSLR, like the Nikon D40, or Canon XTi/XS/XSi. No point in spending $3-400 on a point-and-shoot when entry DSLRs can be had for not much more. They are fully manual cameras, but they still have program auto and full auto modes which let them function essentially as a point-and-shoot.

[raven15]

$384 ?!?!? I'd definitely be after that E-420! Of course I'm biased, since I own an E-410.

About the only thing the D40 has going for it over an E-420 is slightly lower noise at 800 and 1600 ISO (but the E-420 would be pretty good at high ISO too with only 6MP), and a slightly larger viewfinder. Otherwise, I believe the E-420 is better in every respect, sometimes by quite a bit.

Now, the Canon XS is tougher. With a nice(r) autofocus system, stabilized lens, viewfinder and ISO similar to the D40, and 10 MP it can't be ignored. Though it is larger and costs $200 more, up to you.

If I had the choice I'd still pick the E-420 personally. Most significantly for me, the usual upgrade lenses for Olympus tend to be smaller, cheaper, and better than their Canon counterparts. Other things I like about it: more control over the camera, very nice dust reduction, better build quality, better live view, and easier control layout in my opinion.

Be sure you test drive all of them before you buy.

Wish you hadn't pointed that out, you almost make me want to upgrade. Must.... resist.......wait...for IS!

[tizeye]

As stated earlier, eliminate the non-DSLR high end P&S when there is little price premium for the DSLR. Three good possibilities mentioned earlier - Olympus E-420, Nikon D40, and Canon XS. Might add is going to the price level of the Canon, also consider the Nikon D60.

Now go to the store. Leave your credit card home and play with them. Several stores if necessary for multiple 'playtimes' without appearing obnoxious. How do they feel to you? Convenience of controls to your hands? Viewfinder (That is what ruled the Olympus out for me - notably smaller). Have fun - but will be able to make an informed decision personalized to you.

[ghost]

Get the new Pentax k2000! http://www.pentaximaging.com/slr/K2000/. Great little camera!

4.5 out of 5 (http://www.photographyblog.com/reviews_pentax_km_6.php)

Get it for about $550. not bad. (http://www.amazon.com/gp/offer-listing/B001GAPHOC/ref=dp_olp_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1228233971&sr=1-1)

don't exclude options because you dont know too much about the lenses. You have IS for every single lens ever made, including some of the best primes on the market!

[speaklightly]

raven-

Isn't the Christmas Special at B&H with the E-420 equipped with the 25mm pancake lens a better deal? I think it is if the 25mm lens is on your goodie list.

Sarah Joyce

[raven15]

Ha ha yes. But I am fighting off temptation! In any case, I asked for either the Sigma 30mm f/1.4 or the 25mm pancake for Christmas already, so I'll wait and see which one I get.