New Baby = New Camera

[Madwand1]

If I understand him correctly, his wife will be using it.

"new camera for her birthday" and "keeps in her purse" should be figured into this topic.

I totally doubt she wants to lug a DSLR around, even though we all agree the photos / features trump P&S's.

This is just the expression of a bias. There are women who lug around DSLRs, and entry-level DSLRs are arguably very well suited to them, because they're smaller and lighter than the others. My wife lugged around a 20D with a big lens for years, which she did for the image quality, but she also sometimes enjoyed the attention she got as results -- from people asking her if she was a pro to random guys discussing gear with her until she mentioned that the camera was a hand-me-down from her husband and she was really clueless about brands and models, etc...

Similarly, I've seen other mothers come to kids' birthday parties with DSLRs. At one time, DSLRs were the domain of pros and serious geeks, but they're more commonplace now.

That said, a high-quality P&S like the Canon S100 and similar Panasonic is likely to be enjoyable for its results, and carried more often.

 

[CuriousMike]

This is just the expression of a bias.

Yes, absolutely.

My template of a wife starts with my wife, and the dozens of wives i've seen at my three childrens events over the last 17 years.

In general, I don't see many women carrying a DSLR.

 

[radhak]

I agree with CuriousMike - from the OP's description, neither he nor his wife are ready for a DSLR, particularly with a newborn in their arms. The best camera for them would be the one (a) easily at hand (b) easily pocketed away (c) easily used one-handed.

Since his budget is rather generous, he should go for a high-end P&S like the S100. In a year or so he'll in a position to know if he wants a bigger camera, a camcorder, or maybe just the latest iPhone.

 

[woodman1999]

What are you waiting for? Borrow from him, like, right NOW, and use it for a couple of days (or weeks or - ) and you will know far more than anybody can advise you. Or maybe at least enough to ask more.

I don't like Sony myself, but have heard good things about the HX5. I still think the S95 / S100 / Elph 300 are solid performers, but don't let that stop you from using the HX5 to get some nice baby pics.

Wait-a-sec <scrolls down to check OP>, you are just getting ready for October, right? Lots of time for you to try out and select a nice camera by then!

He lives in MA, I'm in NJ and my wife's b-day party is saturday, so it makes it a little difficult. I am going to B&H in NYC tomorrow night to do some hands on work with a list generated from this thread. Thank you guys for your suggestions and information. I'll let you know what the final decision is so I can get both congratulated and/or mocked.

 

[CuriousMike]

I'll let you know what the final decision is so I can get both congratulated and/or mocked.

The beauty of the internet.

 

[woodman1999]

Well, I hate to disappoint, but I didn't stray to far from the suggestions here. Went with the S100 as that was the recommendations here and just about everyone at B&H (which btw, is a complete madhouse). It does everything we need, is an f/2.0, does HD video, is compact, and does rapid fire. Picked it up in silver with an 2 8 GB memory cards, carrying case, extra battery, screen cover, and 2 year complete coverage for 527 w/ tax (which is significant in NYC). Thanks to everyone for their suggestions and education. I really appreciate it.

 

[JohnnyRebel]

Great camera. I shoot the S95 (it is the camera I always have with me). One suggestion if you don't just love the case you have already purchased, the Canon PSC-900 is designed for the S90/S95/S100 and is perfection. It is always on my belt and never in the way.

http://www.adorama.com/ICACSPSC900.html

JR

 

[notposting]

Congrats on the camera and good luck (and congrats) with the baby!

 

[slashbinslashbash]

The S100 really is the best available in many ways. For general purposes, it makes all the right compromises.

Just remember to keep it all the way zoomed out when you're shooting in dark places. That keeps the lens at f/2.0. If you zoom all the way in, you're at f/5.9 which is ... 2.8, 4, 5.6... a little more than 3 stops smaller aperture, or allowing in about 1/10th of the light that it will do at f/2.0. So you will have to get fairly close to your subjects.

 

[woodman1999]

I'll take a look at that case, JR. It's really up to the wifey, since it will be hers (even though I am pretty sure I'll be the one carrying it around)

Thanks for the congrat np and thanks for the suggestion Slash.

 

[CuriousMike]

I think you made the absolute right decision... congrats!

 

[Madwand1]

I'm sure your wife is going to like it. Congratulations.