Here?s the background: I had an Olympus digital camera that I loved. Well, it broke and I replaced it with a Sony. This camera makes me nuts. I?ve read the manual and tinkered around, and I just don?t like the way it takes pictures. The shutter lag is FAR too long, it constantly over-exposes, and I never know if it?s going to flash once or twice. All problems with squirmy toddlers.
I take 10-20 pictures a day, and I can?t have a huge chunk of the boys? lives with crappy pictures. I?m getting a new camera. So, if I?m going to spend $150-200 on a new digital camera, would it be worth it to spend $500-600 to get an entry level DSLR?
My dad has a upper end DSLR, and he loves it. It?s way too much camera for me, but I always enjoy taking pictures with it. The lack of shutter lag alone might make my own DSLR the money. The downside, however is:
1. The money- that?s a lot of diapers and daycare!
2. The manual settings- I don?t know that I have the time, skill, or desire to learn how to properly use a fancy camera. I?d probably take most everything in manual mode. (Shameful, I know.)
3. My camera habits- I love the durability of a digital camera. It lives in my purse or stuffed in the couch so the babies don?t steal it. Not sure I?m careful enough for a $600 camera.
So what say ye, ladies? I plan to go to NFM/Best Buy to talk to the camera people, but you never know how much they actually know. I tried to do some online research yesterday, and it?s pretty over-whelming. Where would I even purchase one? Locally? Online? Try to find one used? TIA!
Re: Camera questions- thinking about a DSLR?
I have something similar to this and I really like it. It has the option to shoot manual, and has quite a few settings, but not as much as a DSLR. I like that I am getting better pictures, but not being overwhelmed at all the settings that I don't know how to use.
Examples of some pics I've taken w/ it:
(I like this one because I think it focused in on her really well, and blurred out the back a bit. I don't know what the technical names are for it
)
http://pandce.proboards.com/index.cgi?board=mm
For the amount of quick photos that you are going to be taking I say NO to the SLR (and you know me....I'm all about the SLR). I think that with your lifestyle you need a camera like this. It is a GREAT little camera and takes super pix. I keep this camera (older model) in my purse at all times. It takes pretty good video as well. You can mess with the manual settings and I have shot a few pix that you can't really tell if they were shot with my big camera or not.
Edit: if you are totally set on buying a SLR...I have a Canon 30D body only that I would sell you.
I think my mom has this one:
http://www.nfm.com/DetailsPage.aspx?ProductID=34340505
I know she went to NFM and wanted the nicest P&S that would be similar to a SLR. I love canon and have no issues with them. I really like the Canon Rebel. My brother has a super fancy one he got at Rockbrook Camera but I don't need that professional of something and like the small and compactness of a P&S.
That's one I've been watching on Amazon and they have it for $129 also right now in several colors with free shipping. I want pink.
I have the Samsung NX10 and love it. It is a very simple DSLR that has a setting for making it basically a point and shoot. As with any camera, if it has the burst option to take multiple pictures with one click that is when I seem to get the best pictures of my nieces/dog
http://www.amazon.com/Samsung-NX10-Digital-prosumer-supported/dp/B003CY9RWS/ref=pd_sim_sbs_p_1
I have the elph 300 and LOVE it! Just dont switch it to manual on accident if you dont want to do manual. Whoops! I also have a Cannon DSLR. I keep the cannon with me at all times, and then just use the DSLR for special occasions or when I am trying to get good ones of the kids for cards or to actually hang up. Im not great at taking pictures by any means. I seriously just took some for the first time yesterday that I actually liked the color (that is always my WORSE feature)...I have had the camera for a year. I would say if you want a good camera for just everyday pics get a good cannon P&S. If you are looking to take some great pictures on occasion...get the DSLR.