To D-SLR or not? Forums

Gingernutter

I'm looking to upgrade my current digital camera, a Sony Cybershot W15 (takes fairly reasonable pictures, but is now looking very worn (dropping while visiting Alcatraz didn't help matters!) and doesn't have the greatest feature set. So I've been scanning for weeks the various websites dpreview etc for info and I've got to the point were I can't decide between a SLR type e.g Nikon p80 or just making the switch to a beginners SLR eg Olympus E-420. The immediacy of the P80 or the like appeals as does the increase in user control, but then the total control and the improvement in picture quality scores for the E-420. There is not a lot in it price wise.
I want a camera that isn't too hard to start with, but that can grow with me as I learn more, oh and produce good clear natural looking photos. I'd be taking landscapes and buildings more then people.
This is a sort of please for help and a vent my spleen at my own stupidity cos I can't make up my mind ( choosing a motorhome was easier then this Smile

) I'm finding it rather frustrating.
Now I've said this I feel slightly better, but I'd like comments from people who have maybe made the switch either way.
I'm off for a lie down in a darkened room.
Thanks
Ginge

Zebedee · Forum Assistant

Hi Ginge

I can only add to your confusion I'm afraid.

I've got a DSLR and and am very happy with it - on the rare occasions it comes out of the bag. It's a Pentax *ist-D, which is a stupid name for a damn good camera. I also have a Sigma 18 - 200mm zoom lens which does everything I want it to. (That's 28 - 300mm in old money)

Trouble is my wife has a Ricoh Caplio R6, which is about the size of a packet of 20 fags and it performs almost as well as the DSLR. I very rarely bother with the Pentax now, and will flog it to you if you fancy it - at a price you can't refuse! (I'm not greedy!)

Hope this helps, though I expect it will leave you even more undecided.

Cheers

hilldweller

I used to haul a big bag with many lenses in my Pentax 35mm days.

When digital came along this was not an option at first.

I've found my ideal in a Fuji 9500 - one of the common breed of 10:1 or better zoom cameras with pseudo through the lens viewing.

The picture quality is better than any of my old 35mm Pentax slides.

One lightweight holder and I have all the lenses I need.

The viewfinder may not be as good as true through lens viewing ( though there is a bonus, in low light you get a boost in brightness ) and for me it's good enough.

The performance may not be as good as a bag full of digital SLR lenses.

But I carry it a lot and it costs little if it gets pinched.

Jagman

Hi Ginge.

Great web site at

artona · Moderator

Hi

Have a look at the Canon G9

stew

teemyob

Hello there,

I have just Bought the Nikon D40. It replaced a Fuji FinePix S9500 that is absolute rubbish. The Nikon D40 is superb for my needs and I just cannot believe how much better it performs than the Very Expensive S9500.

For Information I bought the Nikon from Tesco Direct The Price was £299, with Our Daughters Discount, Nikon Cashback and the Triple Tesco points converted to Deals the Price came out at about £233 + £5 delivery.

Highly recomend the Nikon D40

Trev.

DTPCHEMICALS

My first foray into digtal cameras was a fuji s 3500. Takes a long time to focus and record image.No good for moving subjects.
Then I broke my cannon eos slr. A good excuse to purchase a new Cannon 350D body to take my old slr lenses.
Absolutley no problems.
Dave P

Jagman

Hi

Nice to see thread revived - thanks Dave.

My main reason for going Canon (20D) was similar to Dave's - I could use my eos lenses. But although they worked I learned that as they weren't designed for digital they were not quite as good as lenses that were - I'm not an expert but something about the size of the image - so I have gradually bought some more lenses which are 'digital' including the sigma. Good excuse for spending a bit more on stuff long before credit crunches! Pity eos film cameras aren't worth much now, I don't use mine at all but its still a great bit of kit.

trevorf

I have owned a Panasonic FZ30 super zoom for about 18 months and very happy with it.

Recently grabbed a "bargain" on Ebay. Brand new Olympus E510 with 2 lenses for £355.

At first I was not convinced as I need 3 different lenses to do the same job as the Panasonics 35 - 420 zoom. Also the screen does not flip out and twist like the Panasonics.

I then took some test shots of the same scene with both camera's. The rsults from the Olympus were far clearer and sharper. Looks like I will now be investing in another lens and a backpack to carry everything in Shocked

Trevor

p.s. Anyone want to buy a Panasonic FZ30 ?