I'm looking at upgrading my camera. I currently have a Canon A95. I like it, and I haven't even learned how to use all its features, but I'm looking for more zoom and, if I can find it, something with less shutter lag. Am I understanding correctly that with DSLRs you need to change the lens if you want to zoom? Or how does that work? How many lenses do you generally need as a beginner photographer? And they don't do video, do they?

You can probably tell that I don't know very much about photography, but I want to learn. The cameras I've been looking at the most are Sony DSC-H5 and Canon S3-IS. I've seen a lot of great reviews for the Canon, but I'm a little worried about what I've read about problems with image stabilization. Or does somebody have a recommendation for another similar type of camera?

As far as the kinds of things I know to look for, the two cameras seem very similar. Using the side-by-side comparison feature at dpreview, I see they're different in things like macro focus range, aperture range, auto focus type, and metering. Do these things make much of a difference? Can you give me any hints of what to look for?

Of course I'll be going out and actually holding and testing these cameras before I make any decision, but I could use some pointers for making sense of all these terms and features.

Sorry it got so long. I'm just full of so many questions!

Thanks,

Megan

__________________

Hi Megan
While a DSLR is always the ideal - a prosumer camera is often a better choice if your knowledge of photography, ready cash and time is limited.
I had a quick look at the specs of both cameras and they compare pretty favourably. though each as some features that may be a decider depending on what you will be using the camera most for. If for example you do a lot of macro then the Super Macro Focus on the Canon would be a big advantage, same with if you take a lot of action shots - the Canon has a slightly better shutter speed range. Another advantage of sticking with the Canon as a brand is that you are already familiar with the menu set ups etc that are very similar between models but not between brands so you have a head start so to speak.
We have a small article here you may want to read and the link below it is worth reading to http://scrapbook-bytes.com/cgi-scrip...icle_323.shtml

HTH

__________________
see my gallery here My Gallery!
Need help with your program? Check out the new Tutorials!

I purchased the Sony H-5 a few weeks ago. I LOVE IT! I already had the Sony 717 and DH had a compact Sony and we have both been very pleased with all of them. Check out this link for some acutal photos from the Sony H-5..

http://forums.dpreview.com/forums/forum.asp?forum=1009

Ditto above.. you might want to look into a camera like the Canon S2 IS.. you can get one very nicely priced since the newer S3 came out (and actually took only a small step forward).

For true photography with a DSLR.. expect to pay around $500 for a body, $300 for a decent lens (18-70) and $600 or so for a good zoom (18-200).. Good Luck!