Lets say I wanted to buy a camera...

[victorson]

I think that if I had a good camera, I would be way into photography. The problem is, I dont have a decent camera. What would be a good starting point? I really dont want to even consider a point and shoot, I cant drop like a grand on a top of the line camera, and I want it to be digital, no film. And I found two online
http://www.amazon.com/Canon-PowerShot-Digital-Optical-Stabilized/dp/B000Q3043Y
http://www.dealstudio.com/searchdeals.php?deal_id=69291
How do you guys think of them? Any other good opinions on a starting point?

 

[WilliamJ]

http://search.ebay.com/canon-40d_W0QQssPageNameZWLRS

http://search.ebay.com/search/searc...n=compare&copagenum=1&coentrypage=search&fgtp=

 

[allrightnow]

I am an unabashed Nikon devotee and this is where I'd start looking if I wanted to get my feet wet and cost was an issue. The Canon DSLRs are another good place to look. I just prefer Nikons myself.

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/500315-REG/Nikon_9420_D40_SLR_Digital_Camera.html

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/486469-REG/Nikon_9424_D40x_Digital_Camera_Kit.html

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/449066-REG/Nikon_9405_D80_SLR_Digital_Camera.html

 

[allrightnow]

I think that if I had a good camera, I would be way into photography. The problem is, I dont have a decent camera. What would be a good starting point? I really dont want to even consider a point and shoot, I cant drop like a grand on a top of the line camera, and I want it to be digital, no film. And I found two online
http://www.amazon.com/Canon-PowerShot-Digital-Optical-Stabilized/dp/B000Q3043Y
http://www.dealstudio.com/searchdeals.php?deal_id=69291
How do you guys think of them? Any other good opinions on a starting point?

Just my opinion: I have a Canon PowerShot Pro 1 I use at work. Not great but not bad either. Shutter lag is as bad as a P&S. The one you have listed may not be quite as bad with shutter lag. If that's important, I'd step up to a DSLR.

Again, my opinion: under no circumstances would I buy a a video camera expecting to use it as a still camera and try to get the best of both worlds. You will be disappointed.

 

[dig-it]

Don`t forget to take a look at Pentax. If image stabilization is an issue for you then put this one on the list.

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/514248-REG/Pentax_19157_K100D_Super_Digital_Camera.html

 

[Big Mark]

I think that if I had a good camera, I would be way into photography. The problem is, I dont have a decent camera. What would be a good starting point? I really dont want to even consider a point and shoot, I cant drop like a grand on a top of the line camera, and I want it to be digital, no film. And I found two online
http://www.amazon.com/Canon-PowerShot-Digital-Optical-Stabilized/dp/B000Q3043Y
http://www.dealstudio.com/searchdeals.php?deal_id=69291
How do you guys think of them? Any other good opinions on a starting point?

Both of the ones you listed ARE point and shoots. Granted, they're higher end point and shoots, but still P&S.

Just my opinion: I have a Canon PowerShot Pro 1 I use at work. Not great but not bad either. Shutter lag is as bad as a P&S. The one you have listed may not be quite as bad with shutter lag. If that's important, I'd step up to a DSLR.

Again, my opinion: under no circumstances would I buy a a video camera expecting to use it as a still camera and try to get the best of both worlds. You will be disappointed.

The Pro 1 is P&S too (and I totally agree on the video camera statement).

I've got a Canon XTi and I love it. They're down to around $700 with the kit lens on amazon now. If you wanted to save a little bit of money, the XT is a solid camera as well. If you werent dead set against P&S, I'd suggest the Canon G9. It has all the controls of a DSLR - even shoots in RAW - but still will have the shutter lag issues. I think it runs about $450.

I put my hands on the 40D that WillJ recommened the other night and LOVED it - it will likely be my next camera, but it's probably overkill for me, and would likely be moreso for you.

 

[DireWolf]

I think that if I had a good camera, I would be way into photography. The problem is, I dont have a decent camera. What would be a good starting point? I really dont want to even consider a point and shoot, I cant drop like a grand on a top of the line camera, and I want it to be digital, no film. And I found two online
http://www.amazon.com/Canon-PowerShot-Digital-Optical-Stabilized/dp/B000Q3043Y
http://www.dealstudio.com/searchdeals.php?deal_id=69291
How do you guys think of them? Any other good opinions on a starting point?

I had a Fuji S7000 before I stepped up to a Nikon D70 a few years ago. It was a good camera it did pretty much what my DSLR's do, albeit not as well. As far as performance, they tend to be slower and noisier (i.e. static in the images) than the DSLR's but they're not bad to learn on.
Nikon has the D40 out now which an economy priced entry level DSLR. Or if you want to save a little money until you feel more proficient, the update to my old Fuji is the S9100 which is a 9mp digicam much like the Canon you posted and it also features image stabilization.