I keep waffling between the ideas of upgrading to a entry-level DSLR, or finding a better suited P&S for my needs. I'm hesitant to jump into the DSLR pool, as to get a decent tripod (as recommended here), along with a battery grip, new storage media, and other accessories pushes the price above my comfort level. I have a Canon A570IS, which is great, and I'm slowly learning the manual settings. What I'm looking for (I guess in a prosumer model): Bracketing for HDR (though I know I can shoot these manual) AA Batteries (I get paranoid about running out of juice) Shutter release cable for shooting at night SD Card Anyone know of a good camera that meets these, I've been searching all over the web.
I wouldn't step up to a new point and shoot, buying a new point and shoot you're probably going to want to upgrade to a DSLR sometime which means less money right now but more in the long run. I don't know about the bracketing but the Pentax K100D and I think the K10D fit those requirements. Don't be fooled by the name the K10D is the higher end of the two.
I believe the kind of P&S you would need would cost about as much as en entry level dSLR with kit lens. Also, check out eBay for older model dSLRs. You might be able to find a real bargain there. What kind of storage media do you use now? IMO (biased I know ), unless you like the convenience of the P&S type of camera which is all in one, then stick with it. If you feel you'd like to move up to a dSLR, then I feel your money would be better spent in going there.
I use SD cards, so I don't really want the collection I've accumulated to go to waste. I am looking at an entry level Canon Rebel DSLR, which by itself the price isn't too bad, but adding on accessories is tough on the wallet.
Okay. Let's see. I'm pretty sure that every dSLR on the market has this. I'm pretty sure that there are no dSLRs that use AAs "out of the box". More on that later. I'd say every one either has a cable or a wireless remote. You're looking at the Nikon D40 or D80 series at this point. Or Pentax. Canon is CF only (except in the 1D series), Nikon is CF in all but the D40 series, and their new D3 is dual CF rather than CF/SD. Sony is CF/Memory Stick, Olympus is xD/CF. The only thing missing is the AA battery issue. Canon's XT, XTi have a vertical grip option that either uses 6 AA or 2 of the rebel battery packs. I checked Pentax briefly, doesn't say AA. Nikon's D40 doesn't appear to accept a vertical grip. The D80 accepts a vertical grip that has 6 AA battery option. So it seems the winner here is the D80. Now the D80's been around for a while, you may want to check out what Nikon does in the next 2 weeks, since if they replace it, the ones left in stock should be discounted.
I'm not in a hurry to get an additional camera, my hope is to have the funds saved by spring, to give myself plenty of time to learn how to use it.
Now I'm digging into to PMA rumors, and if some random snippet about the upgrade to the Canon Rebel is true, I may have to make the investment in that. This is the rumored upgrades: "It will be the Rebel XTs. Same sensor, 3″ screen, live-view, dust remover (already had in XTi), increased noise and DR performance (gaining of 2 stops more or so claims Canon), support for UDMA cards, Digic3, Canon wireless master built in, improved AF performance and 4 new cross sensors around the center AF point. Lastly from what I hear it should be priced at $599. Not too shabby."
Now where they'll fit a 3" screen in a small form factor, that's unknown. But Canon is due to update their Rebel series this year at PMA, but remember that it'll be CF only. The wireless master is an interesting issue. People have been asking that for a long time.
Based on the board here, and lots of internet research, I'm going to make the switch the DSLR, and then slowly build up accessories. Likely it will be a Canon, as I'm used to them, and like the results I've gotten so far. Thanks for the advice and I'll post when I get a new camera (and likely before)
Also be sure to try them out at a store and make sure it fits well in your hand. I almost bought a canon but it didn't feel right in my hand and I didn't care for the screen so I went with the D40 instead.
If the new Canons (including the Rebel) are announced as expected at PMA, you'll be able to grab the excellent Rebel XTi for a song soon thereafter. If the new 5D successor is announced as expected, you'll be able to grab the fabulous 5D for a great price as well (though substantially more than the Rebel XTi).
The current rumor is that Canon IS NOT replacing the 5D until Photokina, which is either: 1) not true or the fact that they are just doing a minor "upgrade" without more MP, so the 5Dn will be more of a true upgrade. or 2) Canon didn't learn their lessons from Nikon's latest cameras coupled with the MkIII fiasco. In which case, cheers to Nikon and Sony.
Well Jeremy, Canon's XSi meets all of your specifications - the current Rebels have a vertical grip that can use AA batteries, so I'm assuming they will continue that. And it's all SD now.
It sounds like a winner, now I need to save the money for it. I've also been looking at the Olympus SP-560UZ, which fits most of my needs, except for the xD memory cards, which I don't hear too much good about, in terms of speed. I know there is a new, faster format coming out, and I do like the sample photos I have seen taken with this camera. I'll have to check this out in person, and wait to see if the price drops closer to the release of the 570.
