No offense, but this is not a beginner question... Try here, these guys are pro'shttp://forums.dpreview.com/forums/forum.asp?forum=1014.

Warm regards,DOF..

Hello Shoockei,.

Getting better image quality is not a matter of choosing between a compact or an SLR-like compact. There are compacts that give you nearly as much control over exposure, aperture, etc. as a true SLR, and there are SLR-like cameras that offer virtually no manual control at all..

The advantage of an SLR-like camera can be the fact that it's bigger, heavier and therefore easier to hold steady. Downside is of course it's not as easy to carry around in your pocket as a true compact. Some -but not all- SLR-like models may have a bigger sensor than real compacts, which usually means less noise. However, there are also compacts that will offer you very high IQ with low noise, full manual control, etc..

In the end, let the feel of the camera decide which one you choose. The differences in IQ are not clear enough to be the deciding factor here..

Regards,PeterThere's no problem so big that you can't run away from it!..

That is a good point that you're making. I would choose a compact over an slr, but I'm having a hard time choosing one. When you say there are compacts that offer same manual settings as some slr, are there any particular ones that you are referring to?..

If you have good light, then most cameras will do well. DSLRs provide the capability to get a good shot under a wider variety of conditions than you can do with a compact. Shooting RAW provides more capability. Larger sensors generally have less noise for a given number of pixels and less magnification is necessary to get to any given size print. Also, DSLRs have interchangeable lenses so you can get lenses more specialized for given tasks. Of course, all this has a price both in money and in a learning curve to get what you want out of a DSLR.Leonhttp://homepage.mac.com/leonwittwer/landscapes.htm..

There is the Fuji 9100 (please see the introduction in my 'Back to The Bridge Camera' link below, and also the Panasonic FZ50. They are as large as a SLR but are not able to produce such good image quality because of their small sensors, however they have live preview, flip out LCDs and hot shoes for flash. More convenient than a DSLR, good for photo enthusiasts who are prepared to get the best out of their camera rather than complain that it's not a DSLR..

I have DSLR and a Fuji 9100, the Fuji is used more often than the DSLR at the present time.John.Please visit me at:http://www.pbase.com/johnfr/backtothebridgehttp://www.pbase.com/johnfr..

Shoockei wrote:.

That is a good point that you're making. I would choose a compactover an slr, but I'm having a hard time choosing one. When you saythere are compacts that offer same manual settings as some slr, arethere any particular ones that you are referring to?.

Well, the first model that springs into mind for me would be the Canon Powershot G7. The Powershot G-models usually offer a very good balance between automatic options and manual settings..

There's no problem so big that you can't run away from it!..

Oooh no thanks, the g7 is too expensive for me...

Then sorry, you are not looking for a DSLR quality, but for "a good enough IQ budget advanced P&S". You might consider F31 which has very good overall IQ thanks to Fuji's sensor..

But as mentioned, compacts close to DSLR DO EXIST, but are on par with the price... see the G7, then Ricoh cameras...Oo...

Have you considered the Canon SD850 IS?Owners are very satisfied. Reviews are good...

Shoockei wrote:.

I'm torned between getting a compact camera (canon sd1000 or sd750 ormaybe the canon A570) or getting a slr-like camera (thinking of thekodak z712 or z885). I guess my question really comes down to whethera compact cameras will produce better or similar quality pictures asthe slr-like cameras without the use of manual adjustments. It soundslike a pretty dumb question, but it'll be great to get some advice..

Good pictures require some technical knowledge, and talent..

I just read a post from a guy who bought a Canon 5D (3000$ DSLR, and that's without lens) and cannot figure out how to expose to get a non white sky...

Sanfranc wrote:.

Have you considered the Canon SD850 IS?Owners are very satisfied. Reviews are good..

The fuji F series deliver much better IQ espeacially in low light. SD850 images have visible noise even at ISO 200...

When I was looking for a camera I went to pbase dot com and clicked on the cameras link to look at the pictures from several cameras as well as researching the forums here before deciding on a camera. My decision was based mainly on the pictures that I saw there. I also went to Fry's Electronics to hold the camera to make sure it was a good fit for my hands before ordering it online...

Hi,.

You asked if there's a compact as good as a near -SLR or perhaps even a dSLR: I'll let you into the secret..

All cameras are good these days with a couple of exceptions out of hundreds and all of them are only as good as the photographer..

There's no more to it than that..

Regards, David..