Digital Camera Recommendations, High End P&S or DSLR?

Question

I have a Vivitar X30, 10MP right now. I want something with a better response time. I can never get the best shots and am missing tons of great pictures!

Answer 1

You could spend $500 on the best digital point and shoot on the market and still have terrible shutter lag, poor image qulity, slow start up, and bad AF. For about the same price, you could have short shutter lag, excellent image quality, fast start up, and amazing AF. With this said, the most expensive digital point and shoot can in no way compare to the cheapest digital SLR.

An example is the Pentax K100d Super. Compared to other DSLRs, it is crap. Compared to digital point and shoots, it is amazing.

Here is side by side comparison of the top leve point and shoots compared to the cheapest DSLR cameras: http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/compare_post.asp?method=sidebyside&cameras=canon_g9%2Ccanon_s5is%2Cnikon_d40%2Cpentax_k100dsuper&show=all

The most noteable difference is the senosor size. Also, the max shutter speed and other features. One large difference is the fact that with the DSLR, you can use interchangeable lenses.

The best entry level DSLR for the price is the Nikon D40. Great quality, great lenses, great build, great images, all for $550. You cannot beat it. The only problem I have with this camera, besides the size, is it cannot AF with older screw driven Nikkors. The only lenses that will AF are AF-S/HSM or equivalent. This just means the older lenses will not AF, not that they will not work.

The reason why this camera will not AF with older lenses, is because Nikon took out the in camera motor. At first, this seems very ignorant. But when you think about it, it was very smart. The Nikon D40's target audience are for people like you. They want the quality and features of a DSLR, but in a small package. They do not plan on buying more than the kit lens, except for maybe a longer telephoto lens, the 55-200mm/VR. This is why the kit lens on the D40 is $120 and the 55-200mm/VR is $200 to $250. There are many other AF-S Nikkors, but these are very expensive. Such as the 17-55mm VR. It's over a thousand dollars. But, it is well worth the money. For Nikon D40 owners, the two lenses will be more than enough.

For you, I would have to suggest you getting the Nikon D40.

Hope this helps.

Answer 2

Time to begin DSLR shopping. Most who answer this will say Canon or Nikon and both are very fine cameras. IMO, however, you would be remiss in not checking out the new Pentax DSLR line: K100D, K100D Super and K10D. All 3 have Image Stabilization (IS) in the camera body; all 3 will accept every K-mount lens made since 1975. Sure you'll have to use manual focus but at least they'll have the benefit of IS.

K100D : 6.1mp

K100D Super : 6.1mp and dust removal for the sensor

K10D : 10mp, dust removal

Just remember that regardless of what camera you buy you'll need to set aside some quality time to thoroughly READ & STUDY the Owner's Manual that comes with it. You can also find plenty of on-line tutorials that will help you master your camera.

Answer 3

Before you spend a lot of money on a high-end camera or SLR, you should consider your technique. Most P&S cameras have some kind of lag, but you can minimize this by pre-pressing on the shutter release halfway. By pre-pressing, you force the camera to lock focus and exposure, saving time. You can use this technique on action shots by pre-focusing on the area where action will occur.

If on the other hand you are consistently just grabbing the camera, turning it on, and just shooting immediately, then a digital SLR is your best bet for a near-instantaneous response time. Be prepared to spend $500 to 1000 though.

Answer 4

Sounds like you're having a problem with shutter lag. The thing is, most point and shoot do have shutter lag. Even the better one does have them. Most DSLR have no perceived shutter lag, but they are bigger than point and shoot camera, and sometimes more expensive.

So... yeah. It's a tradeoff between price and dimension to the speed and flexibiltiy.

Answer 5

No there is stilla great divide between point and shoot camera's and DSLR. You get what you pay for.

Answer 6

canon .. I highly recomment the SD 850IS because it has image stabilization and its fast...It has continuous mode for fast action and takes great indoor pictures without the flash..I own this camera and it took me two years to pick on out. I work at best buy and spent a year in the camera department..its really the best for your money.