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10/25/2005 10:04:44 AM · #1
is this possible? do I NEED an SLR to take great pictures?

Here are the requirements:
at least 6 megapixles
optical zoom function
digital
manual apeture, shutter speed, and focus

Do I need an SLR for these requirements?

I have looked at "Canon PowerShot G6 7.1 Megapixel" and its on ebay right now for around 530 bucks with extras, it's a lot cheaper than the Nikon D70 $1000+ outfit I am using now, The only reason I have the D70 is that someone is letting me borrow it and I want a camera I can keep and always have with me.

really all I want is a digital with manual apeture shutter and focus with at least 5-6 megapixel and is not one of those tiny credit card digital cameras, I want something with a lense I can grab
10/25/2005 10:18:30 AM · #2
You can get a camera like mine for less than $400. I know that kodak is not someones first choice but I have many auto modes and all manual modes on my camera. There are filters you can purchase also. It is a 5 megapixel though. There is this new sony point and shoot that has all of the req you want but I can't think of the name for it.
10/25/2005 10:23:51 AM · #3
DSLR's are great and meet all your requirements, but so do a lot of smaller cameras. You mention the G6, but I'd suggest that camera is nearly as bulky as a DSLR. I'd suggest looking at either the Canon S70 or S80. Small enough for a pocket, but lots of features.
10/25/2005 10:25:06 AM · #4
that's the thing, I want a bulky one, not something I can put in my pocket
10/25/2005 10:26:16 AM · #5
Originally posted by mandyturner:

You can get a camera like mine for less than $400. I know that kodak is not someones first choice but I have many auto modes and all manual modes on my camera. There are filters you can purchase also. It is a 5 megapixel though. There is this new sony point and shoot that has all of the req you want but I can't think of the name for it.


did you take all your pictures that I have seen on here that are yours with that camera?
10/25/2005 10:40:23 AM · #6
Take a look at the Konica-Minolta Z6.
6.1 megapixel
12x optical zoom
Anti-Shake (this is wonderful!!!)
$400?

I've had the Z2 and now the Z3 - decent glass and a great super-macro mode.
10/25/2005 10:44:21 AM · #7
Originally posted by jfriesen:

that's the thing, I want a bulky one, not something I can put in my pocket


Stick with your D70 then
10/25/2005 10:46:09 AM · #8
Originally posted by Spazmo99:

Originally posted by jfriesen:

that's the thing, I want a bulky one, not something I can put in my pocket


Stick with your D70 then


yea but if you read, it's not mine, I am borrowing it. I don't have the funds to buy the D70, trust me, I wish I could!
10/25/2005 10:49:01 AM · #9
If your asking that question id say get a non-SLR, or borrow one and check it out. Remeber the major difference between SLRs and others is the interchangeble lense, now this is sweet but remember you'll willingly spend more money than you first intend to.

Im parting with my 300D but i think ill sell it in the Australian market where prices are ridiculous. but if your interested pm me.
10/25/2005 10:50:04 AM · #10
I like my 7590 too :-)
And the z-6 as mentioned I've heard good things about. I also checked out the Canon S2 IS, and the Fuji S5100. And there was some talk around here recently about the Fuji 9000, sounded pretty cool.

Dpreview.com is a great place to check out and compare lots of different cams. And for sure, go to a store and physically handle any models you're considering, see what feels good :-)
10/25/2005 10:55:19 AM · #11
Originally posted by jfriesen:



did you take all your pictures that I have seen on here that are yours with that camera?


yes I did...and to be honest, I rarely use the manual modes. I am haven't taken the time to play with them much. The first time I really used the manual modes was for this picture.



I adjust the white balance more than anything. Example:

10/25/2005 10:57:10 AM · #12
look at www.dpreview.com

will give you all the info you should need.

I was looking at the Canon S2.

I'm going SLR though. I'll be getting a D70 after christmas.

10/25/2005 10:58:01 AM · #13
Originally posted by henry_buckle:

Remeber the major difference between SLRs and others is the interchangeble lense,


In my opinion, the biggest difference between SLRs and others is NOISE. I had a high end 8mp P&S before I bought my XT, and when I look at the pictures I took with it, I am just depressed. The noise is horrible. They use MP as some sort of gauge as to how big of a print you can use, but without Neat Image or some other noise reduction program, I couldn't make big (sometimes even 8x10's) prints that looked decent. I was amazed that I didn't have to use Neat Image on EVERY picture when I got my XT. Get the D50, and a cheap kit lens. I used to argue that I didn't have the money as well, but I wasted my time going out and taking pictures that are worthless to print.

drake

Edit: I was also thinking that since you don't mind the size issue, you can get an original rebel (6mp) for dirt cheap now.

Message edited by author 2005-10-25 11:01:32.
10/25/2005 10:58:19 AM · #14
Originally posted by jfriesen:

Originally posted by Spazmo99:

Originally posted by jfriesen:

that's the thing, I want a bulky one, not something I can put in my pocket


Stick with your D70 then


yea but if you read, it's not mine, I am borrowing it. I don't have the funds to buy the D70, trust me, I wish I could!


What about the D50? Or Canon Drebel? Or Olympus E-500?

You can get the E-500 with 2 good lenses for $800, which is more than the G6, but also a LOT more camera.
10/25/2005 11:01:03 AM · #15
here's the link for the canon powershot S2
//www.dpreview.com/reviews/specs/Canon/canon_s2is.asp

I talked to a professional photographer the other day and he uses this camera as his every day camera- has a dSLR for his working camera. It's the one he actually recommended to me.
10/25/2005 11:11:21 AM · #16
whynot go in search for a D50 ... if you used the d70 it would be a step down. I found prices for the d50 under $700 with the kit lens..
10/25/2005 11:12:57 AM · #17
I also recommend the Kodak DX7590. (My camera's pretty much the older version of that one.. only 4 megapixels) I've had great success with my kodak. People are always surprised when they find out my pictures were taken with my little kodak. From what I've heard, the canon powershot S2 is also a great camera, but I have no experience with it.
10/25/2005 11:14:23 AM · #18
If you dont try the manual modes youll never use them, when you figure them out youll rarely use the automatic modes. thats in my experience anyway.
10/25/2005 09:25:03 PM · #19
Originally posted by henry_buckle:

If you dont try the manual modes youll never use them, when you figure them out youll rarely use the automatic modes. thats in my experience anyway.


I definitely agree. It's worth it to try to get used to the manual modes. I waited a couple months before attempting to use them. It really makes a difference, and once you're used to the way things work on your camera, changing the settings becomes an automatic thing to you.
10/25/2005 09:39:45 PM · #20
Have you checked out the Sony DSC-V3? I love mine! It has 7mp, all manual functions and lots of goodies to add on. It's great in low light situations. Super-quick shutter speed, and very comfortable to hold in your hand. The best thing about it is the giant LCD screen. It's about $450 now at Amazon.com.
10/25/2005 09:51:49 PM · #21
I totally love my Powershot G5, so I have to recommend the more recent models in that line if you require higher megapixels. You can take some really stunning pictures with the point and shoot cameras that are out there, and they are absolutely good enough to have prints made from. There are a lot of benefits to dSLRs, but I would definitely do my research if I were you and figure out if you really need one at this point in time.

As has been mentioned, the ability to change lenses is really, really nice - but it'll cost you. With dSLRs, the body itself is the cheap part. There are a lot of filters/add-on lenses out there to help you expand the capabilities of a P&S, and they're very affordable. As was also said, there's definitely a difference in noise - your usable ISO range is going to be dramatically less with a P&S. However, there are programs like Neat Image out there, creative ways to incorporate grain into your photography, and other ways of smoothing out unwanted noise. It really depends on what kind of shots you're going to be taking, the kind of speed you'll need, and the light levels you're going to have available.

You can take fantastic shots with P&S cameras - not all ribbons are won with dSLRs, and I can guarantee that plenty of prints that sell or are shown in galleries - or both - are taken with P&S cameras.
10/25/2005 10:14:00 PM · #22
How bout this?
10/26/2005 03:10:00 PM · #23
what do you guys think about the "Canon PowerShot Pro 1"
10/26/2005 03:20:12 PM · #24
as a g6 owner and a person who has shot with the digial rebel (and a number of other p&s) i have to say as far as point and shoots go you cant go wrong with a g6. The functions are comparable to the rebel (easier to use imho) and the dslr is FAR bulkier than a g6.

Not that i wouldnt jump at the chance to have a dslr of my own, but if your going to go for a prosumer g6 is where it is at.
btw they are about 530 from b&h which is a much "safer" buy than ebay for a new camera.
10/26/2005 03:45:45 PM · #25
You cna pick up a Fuji S7000 fairly cheaply and it is a bulky full function SLR-like camera. I did a quick search on ebay and found at least one auction (this one). I had the predecessor, the S602z and it was great, but the 7000 is better yet. The s9500 is out now if you want state of the art. Sample pics can be seen over at //www.fujimugs.com or here at DPC.
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