A digital SLR, namely, Canon Rebel XT.
A high end Point and shoot, namely, Canon S5
Every time I think about it, I end with a different conclusion. It's really been frustrating. So, in order to help clear my head, here is a pro/con list for each of them. Feel free to chime in with your opinion on which I should choose.
Rebel Pro's
-Nicer camera in general
-professional looking pictures
-ability to upgrade who camera with a new lens purchase
Rebel Con's
-about $150 more just to get started
-new lenses at least $200/piece
-the trap of always needing (wanting) some new accessory
-too nice to take to the beach
-switching lenses around
-have to get a new camera bag
Canon S5 Pro's
-lightweight
-costs less (I could get it this weekend)
-fits in my old camera bag
-great zoom with the attached lens
-face recognition (great feature!!)
-takes up less space on my computer per file
-has a video setting with audio
Canon S5 Con's
-not an SLR :*(
-it will probably be outdated in another 4 or 5 years
-not the rebel.....
ok...now I'm more confused than ever!! Someone help me!!!!! maybe I should set up a poll or something. Just feel free to leave a comment and chime in! I welcome all opinions, criticisms etc. Thanks.
9 comments:
It all depends on whether you want a camera you don't have to fuss with or one you really want control over.
The Rebel takes awesome pictures if you know how to tinker with it. Otherwise, it's full potential is never unleashed and you'll get frustrated with the initial outcome.
So I'd decide on whether or not you want to hassle with taking the time to learn all the technical terms and how to use them to your benefit. I actually just bought a video I could send you way to help with that part...thereby making your decision process easier! LOL
And...I think you can actually use your desire for new accessories as a weight loss goal! Decide that if you lose XX lbs, you'll get to buy one new accessory. It's a win-win situation!
I'm not helping much am I? hahaha!
OK, Alicia, we have the Rebel. Here's my pitch since I love my camera...
I've never wanted a new accessory, it works awesome with the lenses we have. I almost never switch lenses. We have a great all-around lens and another one with incredible zoom. We only pull that one out for major photo taking adventures. You'd probably be happy with an all-around lens most of the time, or at least for a long time. You can save up for another one. There are several (like 5?) settings you can choose from on how big the picture will be (smaller files, or like 5 mg each). You can set it to take your every day photos on a smaller setting, and then change it (it's easy) when you want great detail for special occasions. We love ours, even though it's bigger and we have to be careful with it. Happy shopping!
OH, and also...we bought ours online from B & H and saved a couple hundred dollars. Worth looking at! www.bhphotovideo.com
I too have been considering a better camera. I have my little Canon PowerShot SD750. It's 7.1 megapixels, but with only 3X zoom and such a small lens all the pictures look the same (mostly too far away). Does the Canon Rebel X come in different flavors? e.g. 8 MP and 10 MP? Are there specific model numbers that you have considered? I would appreciate more details on the research you have done up to this point on that camera.
I'll then have to go to someone like Vince so he can school me on the rules of picture taking (horizon, framing, or whatever mumbo jumbo that he knows in his sleep)
It seems like, in my little world anyway, having the Rebel is the thing to have so everyone gets it and then instantly thinks they're a photographer. If you get the Rebel make sure you learn all the manual modes to get the full effect.
I think you have a natural eye at taking good pictures so the Rebel would be a good investment for you. But looking at your lists it seems like the Canon wins.
Ask the Taddickens to chime in. They're both really good at taking pictures and have had a Rebel for a long time. They have lots of accesories and know what they're doing. They got a point and shoot to take to Hawaii and I think Andrea has said Matt actually likes it almost better.
Remember - A good deal is a fair price on what you really want, not a smoking price on something you only kinda wanted.
Get the SLR. Take the camera you have now to the beach.
vince brings up a good point, you don't have to throw away your old camera just because you get a new one.
As far as always wanting new stuff for your camera... I want a point and shoot that will fit in my purse for non wedding and portrait occasions. If you like photography you will always want more camera stuff. I wouldn't really give that particular con a lot of weight.
Hi Alicia, this is Kelly's sister. I have a Rebel so I thought I would give my 2-cents. I agree a lot with what mafiosos said. I love the camera but have invested the time to learn the camera inside and out. I never use it on auto. You will definately have the desire to buy the lenses etc. too. :) I didn't care for the kit lens at all but to me the investment in other lenses was worth it because I have the "passion" for photography. If you don't have a desire to learn photography and learn about the camera or invest the time and money in it then I wouldn't get it. As Kelly said, by looking at the pictures you have posted in the past on your blog you seem to have an eye for photography. I guess it just comes down to how much you want to be in control of the camera vs. how much you want to let the camera do the work. Good luck with your decision! If you do decided to get it BHPhoto.com is a great place to buy from from. Also, fredmiranda.com is a great place to go to for reviews when it comes to buying a new lens.
Hi,
Here's my two cents. I did consider Canon Rebel Xt, when I was looking at cameras. I think that, in the long run, you'd be happier with it.
Sure, you might not be able to afford oodles of lens right now, but in a year or two, you might have extra cash to spare.
My suggestion is to buy the camera body, and a decent lens (not the kit lens)...look fo lens in range of, say, 30-60 mm (or whatever's close) and as low F-stop number as you can find. Shoot for 3.5, although if you can find one in your budget with fstop 1.4, that'd be great - let you take pictures in low-light situations more easily (such as indoors). And it's faster - you'd be able to capture action pix...
For example, I see on B&H that they have a canon prime lens, 50 mm F/1.4 for $290. That takes some practice to use, but can produce fabulous pictures.
I don't suggest getting wide-angle, since you'll probably be shooting indoors.
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