Point and Shoot w/ some DSLR qualities?

[dmw16]

I am interested in getting into digital photography. I really like the level of control and a DSLR gives, but I worry that I would buy it and opt to not carry it due to the size. So are there any good and easily portable digital point and shoots that would give me some control and good picture quality?

I will be using my camera to take pictures of my car, friends, and my fiancee and I will be taking it on our Honeymoon next year so I want something good to get nice pictures of whatever tropical local we choose.

So to sum up, I guess I am looking for a good point and shoot that I can carry all the time, but get SLR type pictures in terms of quality and some manual controls.

Does anyone have any suggestions?

Thanks.

 

[IeraseU]

Well you're not going to get the depth of field or easy access to controls of a dslr, but P&S cameras really deliver very good images. Definitely good enough for vacation shots, imo. There are also smallish dslr cameras like the Nikon D40 that are not much bigger then some of the P&S cameras out there.

 

[dmw16]

I will take a look at the D40. I guess I was hoping to find something that I could take to the beach and just slip into a beach bag and not have to have a separate bag that draws attention or requires extra effort to take with me. I love the idea of an SLR, Im just worried I won't take it with me as much as I'd like.

 

[IeraseU]

Well sure a dslr is never going to be as portable as an ultra compact like the Canon SD700 IS for instance, which can slip in your pocket at anytime (don't even need a case). If portability is a concern, get a small camera. It's not like they deliver 'bad quality' images. What's the old saying, "What's the best camera in the world? The one you have on you when you need it."

 

[dmw16]

Yeah, that's very true.

I think I am going to go see and hold a few SLRs and see if I can live with one and take it from there.

So for a good PNS, what would you suggest?

 

[IeraseU]

A lot of it depends on your style of shooting actually. I personally like it when a camera starts a bit wider at 28mm (35mm is about the norm), and I love IS/VR/(whatever you want to call it). Someone else might love a long zoom range, or a flash hotshoe or better high ISO performance.

I think you'll probably get Canon, Fuji, Sony and Nikon recommendations, and all of those make pretty good cameras. Just single out the features you want (wide angle, flash hotshoe, zoom range, ect) and narrow down the choice until 1 camera stands out from the pack.

Oh yeah, for me.....I like the SD800 IS and SD700 IS. These cameras may not do it for you because I do not think they have full manual controls (but this does not bother me in a P&S).

Edit: Looking up my requirements on Dpreview, the Panasonic Lumix DMC-TZ3 meets these also (starts at 28mm (even a 10x zoom), has IS/VR, and is pretty compact and portable)

Link to Dpreview Review

 

[dmw16]

Thanks for all the info. I think I'll start by going out to stores and seeing what I like and dont like and take it from there.

I really like the idea of having a dSLR, but I question if I'll really use it enough to make it worthwhile. Guess I gotta go check them out and decide.

 

[Canai]

I bought a TZ3 recently. After reading all the reviews I could find and playing with the various cameras I was looking at in my local camera shop, I decided on the TZ3, and I am very happy with it.

 

[kami333]

Originally posted by: dmw16
Thanks for all the info. I think I'll start by going out to stores and seeing what I like and dont like and take it from there.

I really like the idea of having a dSLR, but I question if I'll really use it enough to make it worthwhile. Guess I gotta go check them out and decide.

I use both a DSLR and PS and am considering getting something along the lines of a Canon S3IS for travelling.

 

[episodic]

Panasonic FZ8
Full Manual Controls
12x zoom
Leica Optics
RAW (usable too, with a shot to shot time of 3 seconds)
280$ shipped

 

[dmw16]

That cannon looks good. Might be a good "in between" choice.

 

[Canai]

Originally posted by: episodic
Panasonic FZ8
Full Manual Controls
12x zoom
Leica Optics
RAW (usable too, with a shot to shot time of 3 seconds)
280$ shipped

The FZ8 is a very nice and capable camera, and I would've gotten that instead of the TZ3 if the FZ8 came in a smaller package.