I assume you mean compact camera, as in small, not Compaq camera as in sold by that low-budget computer mob? If the latter, stay well clear! :~D.
If the former, then the good points of the dSLR are that it will have much better image quality and response speed than the compact, with the ability to shoot, focus and write data to the card much faster than the compact. It also has the bonus of interchangeable lenses, so you can chose the best one for the job at hand..
Downside - the extra expense of a whole SLR system (can be a lot more), the size and weight (not pocketable, unless you have REALLY big pockets), and the extra work often needed to make the images 'pop' in the way that most compact camera photos do. In the compact this is done by the camera's inbuilt computer, with the SLR you'll most often need to do it yourself..
In the end, it comes down to your choice. You need to work out what you want from your camera - how often you'll use it, where you'll use it, and what level of involvement you're willing to put into using it. Also in the equation is how much you have to spend, which is something only you know. Once you work these things out, look around in the review and buying guides here to get a feel for what's out there, then come back to us with a short list of what you think you want - then we'll be able to give you a lot more specific help..
For the record though, the D80 really is a nice camera, if that's what you want/need..
Rob.
Everyone, everywhere, has to do everything for a first time. There is no failure in failure, only in failing to learn...
I think Rob nailed it in the post above..
Usually people don't understand that postprocessing and more importantly, the experience of the person behind the camera is what makes a great picture, not just the camera itself. I've seen examples of pictures taken with a P&S that blow most pictures I've seen taken with SLR's away..
I recently upgraded from my more advanced compact since I wanted extra reach and control. I also like the whole photography field and spend a lot of hours reading up on lenses and AF systems and whatnot..
Why do you want an SLR? I know a lot of people that think that an SLR automagically brings them good pictures. Quotes like "wow, this picture is good, but imagine if I had taken it with a Canon SLR" are too many. Some of my best pictures have been shot with a compact..
My suggestion is to look closer on "super zooms", and then decide if you really want to go to SLR. If you take the extra step, remember that it can get quite expensive since you'd need quite some equipment to fully take advantage of the system you buy into. (By this I mean that the kit lens hardly can be used for macros or long range shots)...
I have saved some money this year and really keep looking to buy one camera, by budget match with a D80 + 18-135 lents, as I don't want to have to change lents all the time... and I was thinking this one might be the right one!.
If my understanding is correct buying an SLR it's more about the desire to make photo than having a small one and shot what ever pops around!.
I will keep my 3 meg photo to mess around and go for a proper SLR!..
Don garder wrote:.
If my understanding is correct buying an SLR it's more about thedesire to make photo than having a small one and shot what ever popsaround!.
I will keep my 3 meg photo to mess around and go for a proper SLR!.
That sounds like a good idea BUT, what kind of photos are you not getting with your 3 meg camera now? Depending on the zoom reach of that camera (unless it's a really old single focal length model) you may not be gaining enough versatility. Ideally, go to a store where you can try out whatever camera you purchase..
'Nice pen, bet you write good stories with it.'..
The best camera for you depends a great deal on what you want to photograph, your skill level and your desire (or lack thereof) to learn more about photography. If you take shots of static (not moving) subjects in good light most of the time, then a point and shoot (compact as you referred to it) could be ideal. If you take action shots or low light shots, the fast focusing and better high ISO capability of a DSLR makes it a better choice. But some folks buy a DSLR and then fail to carry it around and use it because it doesn't fit in a pocket. The best camera is whatever camera you will use the most. Keep that in mind.
For my kid's swim team and dance recital shots, the DSLR is great. For most family snap shots and vacation pics, the smaller point & shoot is great..
Good shooting,.
GeneNorth Carolina..
BraveUlysses wrote:.
I assume you mean compact camera, as in small, not Compaq camera asin sold by that low-budget computer mob? If the latter, stay wellclear! :~D.
Ah, you mean that company that merged with HP in 2002? Funny enough for a low budget computer mob but HP took over most of the server line from compaq and dumped their own..
And you're accusing me of not knowing what I'm talking about?.
Don't wait for the Nikon D-whatever, have fun now!http://www.flickr.com/photos/j_wijnands/..
Don garder wrote:.
If my understanding is correct buying an SLR it's more about thedesire to make photo than having a small one and shot what ever popsaround!.
I would view an SLR as another tool. In certain situations an SLR with an appropriate lens and possibly other accessories will have advantages over others. There are also situations where a traditional SLR is at a disadvantage; for instance, photography where a flip/twist live-view LCD would be preferred (above-head shooting, for instance)., or where one needs to absolutely minimize weight/bulk but still needs a long zoom range...
Leejay Wu wrote:.
Don garder wrote:.
If my understanding is correct buying an SLR it's more about thedesire to make photo than having a small one and shot what ever popsaround!.
I would view an SLR as another tool. In certain situations an SLRwith an appropriate lens and possibly other accessories will haveadvantages over others. There are also situations where atraditional SLR is at a disadvantage; for instance, photography wherea flip/twist live-view LCD would be preferred (above-head shooting,for instance)., or where one needs to absolutely minimize weight/bulkbut still needs a long zoom range..
So true. I once read an article where this professional photographer actually recommended leaving the SLR at home and bring a P&S in some cases since that would yield more usable pictures..
Also, if you are going with a body and kit lens and not buy anything else (flash, another lens etc), you might want to look into getting a super zoom...
I didn't know about the merger - but then, I'm not in IT. HP/Compaq do assemble good high-end systems, which is something I did know. Up there with the best. But not too many average people get to bring one home, which is where most of us do our photographic work. Their consumer systems are junk. Always have been, and always will be, as they're built to a price.
You can't repair them when they fry - ask me how I know. I've lost count of the number of people I've had to tell that their not-too-old-but-out-of-warranty system is now only good as a big doorstop, as I just can't get parts, software or even find a non-genuine mobo that'll fit. Maybe that's changed in recent times, but I always advise people to stay away. As always, YMMV. That's why there's different brands of everything..
And if you can't take correction when you're incorrect, then maybe you need to re-assess your attitude, or be somewhere else. Did you do a dummy-spit at Brian too?Rob.
Everyone, everywhere, has to do everything for a first time. There is no failure in failure, only in failing to learn...
BraveUlysses wrote:.
I didn't know about the merger - but then, I'm not in IT. HP/Compaqdo assemble good high-end systems, which is something I did know..
But didn't slip into the conversation..
Upthere with the best. But not too many average people get to bring onehome, which is where most of us do our photographic work. Theirconsumer systems are junk. Always have been, and always will be, asthey're built to a price. A low price, at that, which is still enoughto make a profit for the retailer. You can't repair them when theyfry - ask me how I know.
Which is a bit weird. Never had the problem, always could find either spares or something to cannibalize..
Maybe that's changed inrecent times, but I always advise people to stay away. As always,YMMV. That's why there's different brands of everything..
It has. Even their low budget cams aren't that bad anymore..
And if you can't take correction when you're incorrect, then maybeyou need to re-assess your attitude, or be somewhere else. Did you doa dummy-spit at Brian too?.
Just funny. You're accusing me of posting BS and not even 5 minutes later I come across this piece of nonsense by your hand..
Don't wait for the Nikon D-whatever, have fun now!http://www.flickr.com/photos/j_wijnands/..
Wijnands wrote:.
Just funny. You're accusing me of posting BS and not even 5 minuteslater I come across this piece of nonsense by your hand..
Don't make the mistake of confusing facts and opinions. I stated an opinion. You might not agree with my opinion, but that doesn'tmake me wrong. Your stated fact was incorrect, and you were corrected. Deal with it, don't lash out..
Rob.
Everyone, everywhere, has to do everything for a first time. There is no failure in failure, only in failing to learn...
Like I said, if you wanna be right, you're right. I've seen superzooms at 5.6 50mm and I've seen a 50 at 5.6. The 50mm would shoot at 1/90 or even 1//125 whilst the superzoom just pulled in 1/60..
But hey, that's just my imagination playing tricks with me.Don't wait for the Nikon D-whatever, have fun now!http://www.flickr.com/photos/j_wijnands/..