DSLRs-enable me

[Ginger_79]

As everyone said, a DSLR is a matter of personal taste. I LOVE my Canon, even though it is the smallest, 1000D (Rebel XS?). I hope to update next year to either the 550D or 60D.

But I would also like to point out another option to you. From what you told us, I gather a DSLR will be a BIG investment for you and you will likely want a decent zoom lens. Problem with those is: A bigger zoom range comes by the cost of lower light sensitivity. Unless you pay a LOT of money! So for someone shooting fast kids, indoors and who isn't used to the weight of a DSLR, you might want an image stabilised lens. These things are pricey. Then add a good bag (and with a zoom attached you can't go too small), extra batteries, memory cards, tripod ect. It's not a cheap hobby. Especially considering you plan to shoot in Auto for a good bit that might not be worth it.

So to me it sounds like you're a good candidate for what in Germany we call a "bridge camera". Those look like really small DSLRs, but you cannot change the lens. So it's in the middle between a p&s and a DSLR. They come with bigger sensors than a p&s, better/bigger lenses, a good zoom range, build in stabilisation and usually you can turn them to manual mode, too. They do not offer all the freedom of a DSLR system, but I think they will get you very decent photos for a cheaper price. And it might be a good option to take some steps into manual, without the guilt having spent tons of moneys on features you rarely use.

Don't get me wrong, a DSLR with a good lens will give you superior image quality in Auto, too. But if you don't spend a good bit of time learning manual I think the difference won't be as big as to justify the money, IMO. And a lot of people buy a DSLR and then don't want to drag the heavy thing around all the time. And a normal body with a bigger zoom IS heavy.

For example this is a Canon "bridge camera", the PowerShot SX20 IS.
http://www.amazon.de/Canon-PowerShot.../dp/B002LISH1I (sorry it's in German)

As you can see it has a lot of features a normal p&s hasn't, the same range of auto and manual settings as the DSLR and you can even attach an external flash. I believe there is a 30XS out now, but you'll get the picture.

[Ginger_79]

Oh, afterthought. Please don't think I see you unsuited for a DSLR! That's totally not what I mean. It's just my experience, that a lot of p&s users want better features and image quality, but not necessarily a system camera.

[Gemma]

I agree with the others about getting a feel, I'm Nikon through and through, I was going to change to Canon but didn't like the feel of it, so I upgraded to a Nikon D90 instead!

[julia]

Originally Posted by Gemma

I agree with the others about getting a feel, I'm Nikon through and through, I was going to change to Canon but didn't like the feel of it, so I upgraded to a Nikon D90 instead!

Ditto! As for P&S's, I love Canon. When I was getting my DSLR I thought about Canon first, but fell more in love with Nikon. I have a Canon p&s that I really like, and my Nikon D80 DSLR that I love.

Good luck!

[littlekiwi]

Originally Posted by Ginger_79

So to me it sounds like you're a good candidate for what in Germany we call a "bridge camera". Those look like really small DSLRs, but you cannot change the lens. So it's in the middle between a p&s and a DSLR. They come with bigger sensors than a p&s, better/bigger lenses, a good zoom range, build in stabilisation and usually you can turn them to manual mode, too. They do not offer all the freedom of a DSLR system, but I think they will get you very decent photos for a cheaper price. And it might be a good option to take some steps into manual, without the guilt having spent tons of moneys on features you rarely use.

I agree - I have what Canon calls a Prosumer camera
This is the one I have but I'm sure there are others out there as well http://www.amazon.com/Canon-PowerSho...5878419&sr=8-1

[*Celeste*]

my first dslr was a canon xti - i went with canon because i had a canon point and shoot for years and the controls were similar. i upgraded to a 50d a fwe years ago - I love it but someday I will go full frame.

as for lens, i would buy body only and pick up another lens - I walk with my 50mm 1.4 on my camera. no zoom but i just love that lens. the kit lens has not been on my camera in years.

getting out of auto is easy - even if you just turn the dial to av or tv - you will have more control of the photo. i just took a class from katrina kennedy at get it scrapped - it was relatively inexpensive and i think it would be perfect to get you out of auto quickly!

[MamaBee]

I can't really add anything that wasn't covered by the others. I remember someone posted many moons ago that unless you are a professional, go inexpensive on the body and invest money on the lens. So, I keep that in mind when I have camera envy... . I have Canon Rebal... why? Because that is the one that my hubby surprised me with...

But I'm totally checking out the Bridge/Prosumer cameras... I'm sick of P/S cameras I'm getting that are seeming like disposables in needing a new one every year... my last P/S, just not happy with it - granted it's been banged around a few times...

[sprauncey1]

Only other thing I'll add (all other good advise) is maybe instead of a 50mm lens for indoors you get a 35mm lens for indoors. On a lower end (crop) dSLR the 50mm is pretty tight for indoors for most people. I think several people here shoot with the Sigma version of it (which comes in both canon and nikon versions).

Then get a basic zoom type lens for outdoors catching the kiddos. I used my Tamron 18-300 lens for years before I upgraded and it works very well outdoors (good light). Plus I love that I can zoom in on my kiddos when they run away from me and my camera!

So yes, try them out, see how they feel. Don't buy the kit, buy the body only (unless you decide that you really do only want the lens that comes with the kit which is not good inside). Or go the bridge camera route.

[livelys]

Great thread!! I'm liking the sound of the 'bridge' cameras - I'm upgrading from a point & shoot too, but am definitely not into photography other than family snaps & photos of stuff I make, so maybe the DSLR's aren't what I need?

I guess I really want an all rounder that does most of the 'thinking' for me, ...and that won't break the bank too

I think I should go a-wandering into some stores, and have a play & chat as you all suggest.

[ColleenSwerb]

I think Ginger made some really awesome points. I would definitely look at some of the prosumer/bridge models that are out.

[MommaTrish]

I have a bridge camera!!! I have a Nikon P90 and I loooooove it. I'm thinking of upgrading, but just because I want to see if there's sooo much of a difference to make it worth it. (Which is why I'm begging my friends for someone to let me borrow one lol) You can set and customize so much on it, and it really does take good pictures. One of the things I love the most about it is that you can program in 2 different fully customizable picture setting groups. For example I have two programs, one for low light outdoors, and one for bright sunny day outdoors and I almost always use just those two settings. You can customize your focus, ISO, white balance, and um.... other stuff too. (lol can't get to it right now to look) The battery life is amazing. So is the zoom.
Downside, I paid a TON for it, and sometimes I wish I'd just paid a couple more 100 to just get a DSLR. But I honestly LOVE my camera to death.

[cardinalskate]

I'd never heard of these "bridge" cameras...they sound really interesting. I have DSLR envy, but I know it's not really what I need and I'd be overwhelmed. And not breaking the bank is a must...

[mariewilcox]

I have the Canon T2i also but I still have my "bridge" camera, which is an Olympus SP-500UZ. I've had it for over 6 years and it still takes great photos. I use the T2i for my daughter's sports events because it catches much better photos on low light/fast moving sports situations (think swim meets and basketball games). Otherwise, I still use my Olympus a LOT - it's smaller to carry around and even though it only has 6 MP (gasp) it has a 10x optical zoom and takes a beautiful picture indoors and out. I'm sure Olympus has a newer model that is even more MP and zoom than the one I have now.