I'm interested in getting a digital/ SLR camera.?

Question

What should I be looking for? I used to have a Nikon SLR and sold if for a straight digital, big mistake..... Should I stick with Nikon ? This will be my last camera as I'm retired and it's got to last for a long while.

Answer 1

Go Canon digital SLR: They have high quality optics, their controls and menus are easy to learn and understand, their imaging sensors are thought to be the best by many photography experts, they are reasonably priced, their products more than live up to their claims, you won't be thought of as a "snob" for having Canon equipment.

I currently have a 3.2 megapixel Canon point-and-shoot and have blown images up to 11 X 14 with excellent results. Most camera people say you can only expect quality prints up to 8 X 10 with a 3.2 mp camera but Canon proves them wrong. I've was even asked to hang my Scotland prints at my church's gallery after one of the elders saw them at my home.

I have been a Canon user for over 35 years starting with a 35mm SLR while in the service, which I still have. I'm now deciding on my next Canon which will be either the digital Rebel, the D20 or the D30. Since I, too, will soon be retired, my wife is encouraging me to go with the best of the lot, the D30. I intend to ease into photography as a major avocation, minor moneymaker and great excuse to travel. She's probably right on the D30 as all the reviews of this camera give it glowing endorsements and my wife has been pushing me in the right direction for over 35 years.

Hope this helps.

Answer 2

I love my Nikon D70, I went with it because I already had lenses to interchange with my film camera (N80). Even though I've had it a year, I still forget to turn the lens the opposite way as the Minolta SLR for changing lenses! (Check to make sure you like the mount. )Canon is great, too-- they seem to keeping up with each other. I recently picked up someone else's Canon Rebel XT and it seemed to weigh less but the Canon owner liked the way the Nikon fit his hand. If you loved your SLR, you will want to stay with a SLR-- the lag times on the other cameras will drive you crazy. Make sure to get a great zoom lens with image stabilization and remember that there is a multiplication factor when used on the digital camera -- a 200mm zoom for a film camera is about the same as 300mm on a digital. Have fun!

Answer 3

I recently had to chose a retirement camera, and ended up deciding on one of the newer digicams with integrated long zoom. These take high quality pics in almost all circumstances, and avoid the much higher cost and inconvenient aspects of d-SLR's.

Advantages of "d-SLR-like" digicam:

Zoom between 35mm to 430mm (equivalent) without carrying around multiple lenses.
Image Stabilization system to avoid camera shake
6 to 8 megapixels resolution
Video clips with sound
Choice of full automatic, partial automatic, or full manual controls
Smaller size and weight than d-SLR
Much lower costs ($400 to $500)
Add-on wide-angle and telephoto lenses and filters available

d-SLR Advantages:

Higher quality photos in difficult settings
Larger image sensor
More "artistic" capability
Controls easier to handle
More attachments available

I bought the Sony H1 last year. Close competitors were the Canon S2 IS and Panasonic FZ20. The convenience and cost advantages sold me, and the pictures have been outstanding, except in very low light situations.

The 2006 models are the Sony H5, Canon S3 IS, and Panasonic FZ30.

There are certainly good reasons why people choose d-SLR's. But I thought you should be aware of another alternative that has become available since you bought your last digicam.

Best Wishes in your retirement!

Answer 4

The best digital SLR is the Samsung Digimax Pro 815. It's almost $700 but it's the only digital camera with a 15X optical zoom. It has a high powered flash. It's 8 megapixel. It's has a 3.5" LCD.

Answer 5

Did you still have your Nikon lenses. If so, I will buy a Nikon digital camera because you might be able to use those interchangeable lenses and that will save you some money to buy extra lenses in the future if you need one zoom lens for example.

Answer 6

Consumer Reports rates digital cameras in this issue.

Answer 7

My love has gone to Canon because of the results I have had with mine but it isn't a SLR.

Here is a link to a digital camera forum that I think will be very helpful to you - http://forums.photographyreview.com/forumdisplay.php?f=27

Answer 8

There is some good info here.