What should I buy

[hvp05 (Premo)]

Originally Posted by ylexot

Learn first. Get camera second. Things to learn:

Originally Posted by jbr13

This does two things, one it lets you learn how to use a camera and these modes for a much smaller investment. Secondly, you can find out if you want to take to photography further.

Also good points...

[Phyxius]

workaholic, you've gotten some really sound advice here.

Think of cameras sort of like cars, cell phone providers, rival sports teams, etc. There will be lots of fighting and name calling, but it basically comes down to personal preference. Dispite long years of tension and competition many photographers have gotten over the Nikon vs Camera debate and as you can see in this thread we like to have a little fun with it.

Which is better, Canon or Nikon? Well, that can't really be answered as each, as a whole, are better at certain things and then within the brand certain bodies perform better than others.

Three brands that I stand by are Nikon, Canon, and Olympus. I have three Nikon DSLRs, one ancient Canon film SLR (shhhh, that's a secret!!), a canon video camera, and I'm on my third Olympus point and shoot (the first was stolen, the second was given to a friend).

An SLR is a big investment because after you buy the body you have to look at what lens(es) you want or need. Then, you get into accesories, like filters, speedlites, specialty lenses, etc. Getting a point and shoot with M/S/A (manual/shutter/aperature) modes is a great way to see a) how comfortable you are outside of preset modes b) how often you'll really use non-preset modes c) what limits you can live with with your camera and d) what expectations you have for your camera.

Another small hit on the subject of pixels, sometimes bigger isn't better. It's already been mentioned that unless you're planning to do some severe cropping or huge prints you can't tell a dig difference in MP. I've gotten terrific 8x10s out of 8 year old 2mp point and shoot. However, when you get to the bigger MP cameras you can see YOUR imperfections more clearly. Many inexperienced photographers believe that entry level cameras take better pictures because when they jump up to a higher MP camera without the know-how they can't get the same results they were getting with the basic camera.

[MrX (Premo)]

You have definitely been given some great advice here, and I'd agree with what the others have said.

If you'd like to compare different cameras, DSLR or P&S....Id visit Digital Camera Reviews and News: Digital Photography Review: Forums, Glossary, FAQ as they have reviewed nearly every camera out there and in the buyers guide section you can compare them all (you pick which to compare) side by side and see the differences in features.

[jbr13 (Premo)]

A few point and shot cameras that are SLR-like to look at would be....

Canon
S3 IS - $300
SX100 IS $250

Sony
DSC-H7 $320
Prices from PriceGrabber.com - Comparison Shopping Beyond Compare


Good place to compare is:
Buying Guide: Features Search: Digital Photography Review

[ylexot (Premo)]

I wanted to compare my 5D to the new XSi, but the XSi isn't listed yet. I'm thinking that the XSi might match or beat the 5D in a lot of ways. Not bad for an $800 camera.

[MrX (Premo)]

Originally Posted by ylexot

I wanted to compare my 5D to the new XSi, but the XSi isn't listed yet. I'm thinking that the XSi might match or beat the 5D in a lot of ways. Not bad for an $800 camera.

Ive read that they are going to be pretty close when it comes to features, but there will be some things the 5D has that the XSi doesnt and vice versa. Def not a bad deal for the money! Big difference in price between the two.

[ylexot (Premo)]

Originally Posted by MrX

Ive read that they are going to be pretty close when it comes to features, but there will be some things the 5D has that the XSi doesnt and vice versa. Def not a bad deal for the money! Big difference in price between the two.

Well, I know that the 5D wins on sensor size (full vs crop), shutter speed (1/8000 vs 1/4000), and highest ISO (3200 vs 1600). But I'm not sure what else (if anything). XSi gets live preview and sensor cleaning....and ~$1600 in the pocket

[workaholic (Premo)]

OK I just ordered the Canon S5 IS from B&H Photo. I will let you know what my thoughts are. I paid for overnight shipping it was only $10.00 more so it will be here tomorrow.

[MrX (Premo)]

Originally Posted by ylexot

Well, I know that the 5D wins on sensor size (full vs crop), shutter speed (1/8000 vs 1/4000), and highest ISO (3200 vs 1600). But I'm not sure what else (if anything). XSi gets live preview and sensor cleaning....and ~$1600 in the pocket

Canon EOS 450D / Digital Rebel XSi: Digital Photography Review for the full specs.

Originally Posted by workaholic

OK I just ordered the Canon S5 IS from B&H Photo. I will let you know what my thoughts are. I paid for overnight shipping it was only $10.00 more so it will be here tomorrow.

Congrats, i think you made a wise decision...let us know how it works out for you and be sure to post up some shots!

[GWguy]

Originally Posted by workaholic

But I know I want to get the most mega pixels I can but what else do I need to look for.

You've already been smacked for that, so I won go there! More important than the mega-pixel capability is the CCD size. Someone mentioned having the largest somewhere back in this thread. A larger CCD will capture a much better picture than a smaller CCD at the same megapixel rating.