What camera to get?

Question

I am trying to decide between an SLR (camera you can replace lenses) to a compact that has the following features:
1. Digital with at least 6 million pixels (or more if recommended. if more than why)
2. Fast shutter speed
3. Good optical zoom as well as digital
4. Most flexible flash capabilities

Overall, I just want a better camera than what I have. I want the ability to get up-close shots that is fast and does not delay when I am trying to get a certain shot...
I currently have a Canon Power Shot A70

I would appreciate your help

Answer 1

If you want a responsive camera, get a digital SLR. None of the compact cameras/ prosumer models come close.
The above suggestions for the Canon 20D/ 30D and the Nikon D200 are overkill however. For most stuff an entry level model will do fine. I chose the $1600 Nikon D200 for a variety of reasons, but if your main concern is responsiveness, the $550 Nikon D50 is just as good. The image quality is also fantastic, of course. The cheapest Canon is the $700 Rebel XT. Also an excellent camera. Note that those prices are without lenses or a memory card. (With the Nikon D50, I'd start out with the 18-70mm Nikon lens. Dunno for Canon, and a 1 GB memory card should be plenty to start with.)
In case you decide to go with a compact camera, here's some thoughts on your other requirements:
1. 6MP is plenty for a beautifull full page print.
2. It's not shutter SPEED you're interested in, but shutter LAG. Those are different things. With most compacts, the shutter lag is 1/10 second. Another reason that compacts seem sluggish, is because of the electronic viewfinder - this introduces a small delay before you even press the button. A third reason that compacts seem sluggish is because the autofocus is crap. (They can be great for landscapes and such, but I've given up on them for people shots.)
3. Optical zoom and the quality of the lens is everything - digital zoom is a gimmick.
4. For really flexible flash capabilities, look for a camera that has a hot shoe, so you can attach an external flash unit. You'll only find that on the more expensive models however... at which point you might as well pony up the extra $200 for an SLR outfit.
-. Also look at the low light capabilities. With most compact cameras, the maximum ISO is 400, and the maximum ISO with decent image quality is just 200. What that means, is that the camera becomes useless at dusk, and you always need to use the flash indoors. Try to get something that will go to ISO 800 or higher.

Answer 2

I recently asked the same question...the best responses I received were the Nikon D200 and the Canon d30. Both read really well and will do the job. Both have features the other doesn't have. Although I like the d30 and it has some real advantages, I am leaning towards the Nikon because I can use my older Nikon lenses I already own and the metering system works but not the auto focus. the Canon has "steady shot" which really helps in many ways.
the Nikon is about 10 pixels where the Canon is about 8.

If you have the $$$$$ it is a toss up.

Answer 3

If you are serious about photography and are willing to haul around some extra equipment, as well as pay a bit more money, always go with an SLR. I have a Canon 20D and I love it, but you can also buy the Digital Rebel XT for about half the price and still get very good photos.

If you just want to snap casual pictures of your friends, and really want mobility, go for a point and shoot compact camera. The Sony Cybershot takes very nice pictures at about 7.2 megapixels. Most point and shoot cameras are going to be a little slow, however, and any sort of lens or flash upgrades are going to be mediocre and pricey. In other words, you'll be stuck with what you have for the life of the camera.

Megapixels are helpful if you plan on enlarging your photos or cropping them down a lot.

Answer 4

I have the canon 20D I love the camera! 8mp But dont get the kit with 18-55 lens! buy a better lens, maby 28-135 is nice! & 580ex is a nice flash! I have the canon 17-40 L lens that is a wide angle with macro ! L lens are canons best glass but $$$$ then i have a tamron 28-300 that is the most versital for long distant close ups!

Answer 5

If u r a amature photographer than u can buy a Sony Digi Cybershot 150 (7 + pixel).As u mentioned close up shot it is a good one i have found. specially for portrait/close shots .camaera has a carl zese lense which gives immense resolution that a digi camera needs.Shutter speed can be used 1/1000 to 30 seconds(manually).It has a good flash can be increase/decrease capability.

Answer 6

i would totally recomend a Kodak with 5 mega pixels, and 10X optical zoom. digital zoom just makes your pics REALLY pixelated. definately get a 10X OPTICAL zoom. i usually prefer Kodak over other brands.