The answer to your question involves a lot of variables. The answer you are most probably going to get is buy camera X because it suits the person making the recommendation - not necessarily you..
An example of the variables would be:How much effort in learning how to use your camera do you want to expend?Will you want an external flash?Are you going to only print your pictures or only view them on your pc?Do you want to get involved in post processing?What lenses do you want?What do you want to photograph?Etc., etc., etc...
I suggest you purchase a book written about one specific DSLR with all the bells and whistles. Become familiar with the language and features. From this you can determine which camera is right for you even if it is not a DSLR. At least at the time of purchase, you will know what you are not getting..
This was my approach when I purchased my D200. I knew what I was getting and that is suited my needs..
FINE PRINT: I reserve the right to be wrong. Should you prove me wrong, I reserve the right to change my mind...
Thanks Bill for your reply.
I have noted your comments and I understand where you are going so I have replied to your comments thus;.
QUOTE; How much effort in learning how to use your camera do you want to expend?.
I guess at my age and considering I have always used P&S (I am currently using a fuji A345)I guess not too much..
What I want is a bit more manual control and a stabilisation facility..
I used my son in laws Canon 350D the other day and it was chalk and cheese even without stabilisation..
Hence my main criteria being a chunky body and stabilisation..
QUOTE; Will you want an external flash?.
Not particularly.
QUOTE; Are you going to only print your pictures or only view them on your pc?.
Printing not much, PC yes I have a gardening website with in excess of a thousand pictures on it and I would like to improve the quality of these, so macro springs to mind..
QUOTE; Do you want to get involved in post processing?.
Depends what you mean, I have some processing software that I use as necessary..
QUOTE; What lenses do you want?.
Basically one versatile lense, I don't think I fancy changing lenses too much..
I am not too concerned with mega pixels around 6-8m would possibly do and depending if it is a true SLR or look alike an equivalent zoom of around 4-6X.
QUOTE: What do you want to photograph?.
As I mentioned previously mainly flowers, plants and my grandchildren plus a few holiday snaps when applicable..
I hope this gives you experts some ideas of my needs..
I have done some searches by 'criteria and I keep coming up with the Fujifilm FinePix S8000 fd when it comes on the market..
What do you think?.
Thanks in advance.
TG..
Hi, Tee Gee,.
I have been looking with interest at the fuji 8000fd because it seemsto give many of the benefits of a true SLR without getting into therealms of carrying various lenses.>>.
I don't think you'll be getting enough of the top bridge camera benefits here with that 8000fd. The most lacking being a reticulating LCD and the option to mount an accessory flash gun. If the Fuji 9100 had IS it would be much better for you; but would you actually need IS when there is a very clear camera shake warning? (If you have time, take a look at the introduction to my "Back to the Bridge Camera" link below for some insights into the various issues.).
Another big factor I have to seriously consider as a three scoreyears and ten user is 'hand shake' and this model seems to cater forthat.>>.
Your three score years and ten will have given you plenty of work-arounds for camera shake. Using a camera with self timer on a rock, wall, bench, bracing against a tree etc - all so easy with a flip-out LCD.>>.
So hopefully you good people are going to point me in the rightdirection.>>.
I'm going to point you to a Pentax K100 or Sony Alpha DSLR with built in image stablisation, for without the reticulating LCD most of the live preview advantages (except for people like myself who like to see all the data nice and large in an electronic viewfinder) are lost and there are huge gains in image quality and subject isolation potential as a result of having an much larger, and therefore more noise-free, sensor..
On one of these cameras consider mounting a Tamron 18-250 zoom (28-380mm in 35mm camera terms).
Regarding price! I consider 'value for money' the main factor when Iam buying things and obviously I would like to keep my cost as low aspossible without sacrificing quality.>>.
I think one of those DSLRs will best do that for you..
I envisage most of my photography will be portrait, macro andpanoramic as my main interests are my grandchildren, my garden andholidays.>>.
DSLR is the best option for all except perhaps holidays. You have to make several compromises and perhaps the convenience of the new 8000 might swing it. Though you'd get a better all-in-one package with a Pansonic Fz50 which has IS and a good lens starting from 28mm and reaching out to 420mm..
At your stage of life you deserve something that actually works well without you having to make excuses for it. I think the DSLRs or that Panasonic Fz50 just might tick all of those boxes..
I hope this helps you in making what is quite a difficult choice..
John.Please visit me at:http://www.pbase.com/johnfr/backtothebridgehttp://www.pbase.com/johnfr..
Hi,.
Firstly let me thank Bill and John for their input plus all you others who indirectly helped me when I read your requests/queries..
I have now narrowed my choice down to two cameras and they are the;.
Fujifilm FinePix S9100/9600 and Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ50.
Now it's a case of push coming to shove as to which one to choose and I was wondering if you would like to help with this?.
I appreciate the final decision is mine but I would be interested to see what you would choose and why..
It is my plan to go into town this week and get the feel of both cameras before I finally decide but meantime yours views would be appreciated..
TG..
I have an S9600 after owning an S5600. my first impression on buying the 9600 was dissapointment at the poor lens and noisy image.I think tho' , I was expecting too much..
It is possible to get some good photos from it but I nearly alway have to fiddle with them in PhotoShop..
Here are some examples:.
Image control:Zoom outZoom 100%Zoom inExpand AllOpen in new window.
Image control:Zoom outZoom 100%Zoom inExpand AllOpen in new window.
Image control:Zoom outZoom 100%Zoom inExpand AllOpen in new window.
The macro and super macro are really fun and the tilting screen is really useful, but the background blur isn't as nice as it could be..
The lens redeems itself with the very handy and quick manual zoom and it's versatility, but dissapoints again with the manual focus which is more or less useless..
It is a very attractive camera and would make a great holiday tool. It is quite heavy, which will help with the shake, but the high ISO modes (which could also help) are useless if any kind of quality is required, as the noise is appalling on anything above 400ISO..
It is almost useless indoors as the lens seems to be very slow, causing motion blur, the low light causes too much noise and the focus is so slow (in low light) I never catch my kids doing anything funny!.
I am now resigning myself to forking out for an SLR and carrying 3 lenses with me because the quality and slow focus speed in low light is really starting to annoy me. But I will keep it for when I just want a convenient camera..
On balance I think it might do the job for you as it represents exceptional value for money and reducing the images for web work or email is usually enough to cure the noise. But keep your point and shoot for snapping the grandchildren...
TG,.
I think your heading in the right direction. I have not experienced either one, but I've read some good things about that Panasonic..
I'm bias to Nikon, but I'm reading some of these posts because I am looking for a future gift for my niece..
Good luck.Mike.
Just starting out and having fun at it!.
Nikon D80 18-135mmNikon Coolpix 3100 (Hey, I had to start somewhere)..