Can you help me find a camera?

Question

Ultimately, I want to get a DSLR, but they're so dang expensive when you include the lenses... Meanwhile, I'm looking for a good (prosumer range) digital "point-and-shoot" camera until I can better afford something from the SLR world. Basically, my budget is under $500.

There are a few creative controls which I need to have a wide range of (manual) control over as well as automatic settings. In order of importance these controls are: aperture, focus, shutter speed, exposure, and manual zoom. More than anything, I really want the best possible macro capabilities available. And minimal shutter lag. It's kind of a pet peeve of mine. ;)

Could you please point me in the right direction? I'm kind of leaning toward the Nikon Coolpix S10 or something like the Canon PowerShot S2 IS (I really like the swivel screens). Compact is awesome, but full body is okay too.

Thanks for your help. :D

I can get a cheaper DSLR to start with, but I don't want to, and I chaged my mind about full-body cameras. I also want a compact because I can just stick it in my pocket and take it with me anywhere. Some of the places I go, and some of the things I do, I want to bring a camera, but not something big or expensive because of the higher potential for damage.

Answer 1

Try dpreview.com --- they have a feature search that will help you find a camera that fits your needs. Go to "buying guide" in the side bar. A fly-out menu will appear; choose "feature search".

I suggest the Canon A630. It has aperture- and shutter priority modes and accepts accessory lenses (sold separately).

dpreview will also have vendor suggestions with prices.

buydig.com or beachcamera.com usually have the lowest prices but I checked and it's listed at $300. I got mine for $190 from buydig.com. I wonder what happened...

Answer 2

Check out the Pentax K10D. I saw one for $629 with lens. If you really really shop you can probably find an even better price. It has 10mp and Image Stabilization in the camera body. Plus it can use every Pentax K-mount lens ever made. Of course that would be manual focus but Pentax made some excellent glass.

Honestly, you can spend $500 on a digicam and hate the shutter lag and the inability to change lenses and not have near the control and versatility of a DSLR. Add a couple hundred $$ and go all in for the DSLR.

Answer 3

You know, I am going to encourage you to find another twenty-five bucks and buy a Nikon D40. The camera and 18-55 lens is actually $499.95 at B&H, but you will want a Sandisk or Lexar card. You can get a 1 GB card for about $25. Shipping would be about $10 more, too.

Actually, you might already have an SD card around that you can use.

Just buy the D40 and you'll have a real DSLR instead of trying to convince yourself that you will be happy with a "bridge" camera.

Answer 4

I was researching cameras recently and I found you can get an OK DSLR for $500-- complete with 2 lenses. It's the Olympus EVOLT E-500. It made Steve's Digicams "Best Cameras" list, has many features of the much more expensive Nikons and Canons and costs much less. Read the reviews on this one. It's going to be my next camera.

Answer 5

Rather than go for a low end or used D-SLR, I'd go for the new Canon S5is for $400 or less.

All the features of a SLR (except for interchangable lenses, of course), but the 12x optical zoom it has is outstanding! And the quality of the glass in that lens is WAY superior to any SLR kit quality lens you'll find.

I have the earlier S3is and love it. I wish mine had the hotshoe that the S5 has.

Answer 6

I suggest you go to BetterPhoto.com, and check out the camera reviews there. Some of the best phototgraphers in the world have online classes on this site, there are free newsletters, blogs, newsletters, clubs, and you can even start with a free gallery of your own to post 30 photos on.

The community is very friendly and immensely helpful. I have learned so much there in just a short while. Check out my gallery if you like, too:

http://www.betterphoto.com/gallery/gallery.asp?memberID=196745

Blessings