Am I crazy to consider a prosumer over a DSLR? - SBB Digital Scrapbooking Forums | Scrapbook-Bytes

ChristusG · #1 (**permalink**) 05-13-2005

I'm in the market for a new camera. I currently own a Nikon Coolpix 4500. It's a good camera, but I want to upgrade to something a little better. I've been looking at EVERYTHING out there. I have no idea what I want. I've looked at the Canon Digital Rebel. And I've also looked at the Sony V3, the Panasonic DMC FZ20, and the Nikon 5700. The Rebel is just so much more expensive than the other 3 prosumer cameras. I mean, are the DSLR's really that much better? I like the Sony cause of the large LCD. But the other 2 seem good too. I have the money to get a digital rebel, but it just seems so confusing. So am I totally crazy to consider a prosumer camera when I could get a digital SLR? What's the major difference in them? I'm not a professional photographer.....but I would like to start doing some photo sessions for people in the family and maybe the occasional stranger. What do you guys think?

shelleyrae · #2 (**permalink**) 05-14-2005

I have a prosumer the Nikon 8800. I chos enot to go for the SLR not only because of the price and the necessary extras that you need to buy with it but also because i wanted the option to just point and shoot sometimes. The prosumer has all that I want , i can switch between totally manual and totally automatic.
The Nikon 8800 is 8MP with 10x optical zoom and has vibrration reduction technology. Before that I had the Nikon 5700. When i decided to upgrade i wanted to stay with the familiar brand as each has such different menus and ways of doing things and it cut down my learning time on the new camera. I definately suggest the 8800 over the 5700.

HTH

brcrn · #3 (**permalink**) 05-14-2005

I too looked at all of those camera's and think all would be good and like the idea of an all in one piece of equipment. I ended up buying a Panasonic FZ5 though (5 mp 12x zoom stablized) because for me I thought I would like a smaller camera I could carry in my (large) purse anywhere I went. I like the camera and LOVE the zoom. Just in case you haven't, check out dpreview for great digi cam reviews and news. The hot new compact camera coming seems to be the Canon Powershot S2 IS (5 mp, 12x zoom stablized). But... if size is not an issue, I've seen SR's pics and they are AWESOME!!!

jmgconner · #4 (**permalink**) 05-14-2005

Well, I'm all for a DSLR. I know very little about cameras and photography, so maybe others will chime in here. I do know that if you want to do some photo sessions you'll probably want some of the benefits that I believe are only found in a DSLR - mainly the ability to use a flash that isn't sitting on top of the camera. I'm sorry, I don't know what they're called, but it gives you the ability to move the flash from on top of your camera to different spots around the room.

Also, if you think you may want to get into photography a little more, I think the DSLR is the way to go. You'll be able to get different types of lenses for different types of photography (like macro lenses).

Another plus of DSLR is that the picture takes immediately, no delay when you press the button. I don't know how long the delay is on your camera, but my Mom's Nikon Coolpix 7900 has a slight delay. The DSLR comes in handy when trying to take pictures of my very active boys.

Since you're familiar with Nikon, why not add the Nikon D70 to your list of cameras to check out? In another month, I believe Nikon is revealing the D50 - a DSLR in a more affordable price range.

It's a lot to think about. I just went through all of this before my Dad bought me a Nikon D70 (thank you Daddy). I couldn't decide if I should get a DSLR or prosumer because I don't have much camera or photography knowledge. However, I got the DSLR and photography has become one of my newest passions.

HTH!
Jeanne

Candiflip · #5 (**permalink**) 05-14-2005

I think you will have to really sit down and think about if you are going to get more in to photography and if you REALLY want more from a camera in the future because I bought the V3 in march for $1100 then 2 weeks ago spend $3000 on a DSLR because I wanted more from my camera. (My husband thinks I am a little crazy

)
If you are just looking for a Point & Shoot the V3 is a great camera, if you are looking for a DSLR the only one I have used is the 20D and I can say it is great too!
Good luck in your camera making decision!

shelleyrae · #6 (**permalink**) 05-15-2005

Just a note . you can add a bounce flash to most proumers as long as they have a hotshoe - which the Nikon 8800 has - you can also buy additional wide angle, telephoto and even fish eye lenses as well as lens filters for a prosumer like the 8800 just like with the DSLR's

The macro setting on the Nikon 8800 is already 3cm

kindarana · #7 (**permalink**) 05-15-2005

I have to admit I love my teeny tiny Canon because it can go everywhere with me and I end up getting lots of pictures I wouldn't otherwise have because it's already there - like a cameraphone, but with decent resolution.

Do you already have an SLR? Then there's really no question in my mind, you get the DSLR you can use with your lenses. Given that my SLR can do full automatic, I'd be surprised if there wasn't an automatic mode with a DSLR too.

So here's my guidance questions:
-How much $$ are you willing to spend, and how much can you afford today?
-How much space do you want your camera taking up?

p.s. I would really recommend getting the fast speed memory cards, it makes a huge difference.

Betty E · #8 (**permalink**) 05-15-2005

Why not have both? I take both on vacation & special occassions. I always take my little Olympus Ultra Zoom with me when I take my daily walks walks around the lake or bike riding. I've gotten a lot of pictures that I would have missed without it.

I love having a DSLR because of the variety of lens I can use. My nephews participate in a lot of sports and I wouldn't be able to capture the shots with the Olympus.