i plan to buy my first digital camera.. i am undecided whether i would purchase a bridge camera or a dslr..?

Question

need ur opinions on this options sony h9, olympus e410, canon 400d

Answer 1

I would purchase the Olympus because of the "Live View" function, although, for the price difference, I would probably get the 510 because it also has Image Stabilization (IS). IS helps to get better pictures by moving parts inside the lens or camera to match the motion of the user, it improves sharpness and makes it easier to get clear pictures in lower light.

I have used many Olympus cameras over the years and they are very experienced at making both electronic and optical equipment. They make a lot of medical equipment including microscopes & their optics are superb.

I switched from another popular brand to Olympus 35mm cameras quite a few years because Olympus made the lightest, most innovative products. I already knew they made some of the best optics and compact electronics available and they usually offer more for the money then most of their competitors.

I have the E500 which was the original model in the E400, E410, E500 & E510 group and it is an excellent camera.

Hope this helps. Email me if you have specific questions.

Also check out Steve's Digicams for previews and reviews of various cameras. He has a section in most reviews called "Steve's Conclusions" that can be a big help in deciding if you want to read details.

Answer 2

Add to the list the Nikon D40, D40x and D80, all sneak in to that price range. All of those Nikons (and I assume the other brands) have auto modes where you can simply point and shoot so these systems are easy to use from the start. The advantage with the SLRs is that the system will grow with you endlessly.

If you buy a bridge camera, the day you want to move beyond what that one camera can do you are instantly stuck with the purchase of a whole new camera. With an SLR you may only need a new lens. Even if you later upgrade the body the chances are the lenses will still work so you are never replacing the entire system.

I bought two bridge cameras and I think that was a mistake. They had electronic viewfinders that couldn't see in the dark. They were slower to auto focus than the SLRs. I could also not accesorize them with different lenses etc. Whilst I could put external flashes on them, they were not integrated into a system the speedlights are with Canon and Nikon.

You can be a lot more creative with an SLR camera and I believe having an SLR camera pushes the level of your photography along much quicker than using a compact. The price of SLRs is dropping all the time.

My advice, even if you suspect that you will end up with an SLR then don't waste money on anything else. Start on an SLR system that can grow with you. Stay with Nikon or Canon because there is a very large range of genuine and after market accessories made for them that will allow you to be even more creative.

Answer 3

Well it depends on what you're used to, what you want to shoot and what is important to you. The H9 zooms to like 15x or so. Is that important to you? SLR's produce great pics, but unless you're blowing them up (larger than 8x10) it is hard for most people to tell the difference (a trained eye can). Furthermore, you have to buy and change lenses to get most any zoom out of an SLR.

I have a DSLR and I love it, but it was what I was looking for but truth be told, sometimes I miss my point and shoot and the ability to almost instantly zoom. To do that on a DSLR you have to change the lens (if you even have a large zoom lens). On the other hand, I love the results, take lots of pics, blow them up, etc. so it was the right choice for me.

I would also look at the new cannon superzoom camera as well. I've always been a big fan of sony but the cannon doesn't have as much purple fringing as the sony. Check out www.dpreview.com.

Answer 4

I have been using Pentax SLR 35mm for years. Tried a "pocket" digital (Viewfinder) couldn't get on with it. I now have a Pentax K10 dSLR. Get one. U look through the lens, and see exactky what ur going to photograph. U can also change lenses, for Telephoto or wide angle. Can't speak as to make, but I'm very satisfied with my Pentax. Go dSLR though. Hope this helps.

Answer 5

the H9 would be my choice

my suggestion
go to yahoo shopping
digital cameras
digital camera GUIDE
be sure to check titles on the left side
the guide should answer your questions

Answer 6

You should get the PENTAX Optio W30. It has TONS of features, VERY good picture quality, its sleek & stylish. And to add to all that, its waterproof! You can see the camera here: http://www.pentaximaging.com/products/product_details/digital_camera--Optio_W30/reqID--9587364/subsection--optio
I have had the PENTAX Optio W10 (a slighty older version) for a few years now and I absoloutly LOVE it!