A DSLR alternative?

[toetheline29]

Does such a thing exist? I would love to buy a Nikon d40 (or newer model), but that's at least $500. I realize cameras are costly, but my understanding is that you have to then buy a whole bunch of accessories (specifically lenses), and I just can't responsibly buy all that now. I am a student with a budget, and it all gets expensive. So I'm hoping you all can help point me in the right direction, at least. $500 is about my maximum budget for the whole set (camera plus any other accessories).

Let me explain a little about my photography goals. I've had a point and shoot camera for years, but I feel like I'm at the point where I would like a little more control over my photos than whether or not to use the flash and how far I zoom in. I would like to be a little more serious about photography (as far as hobbies go). I'm especially interested in playing with depth of field, in addition to being able to take better pictures in low lighting/at night and at sporting events. I would also like whatever camera I end up with to be able to shoot in RAW, as I am interested in playing around with HDR shots a little. And, I won't lie, it would be nice to be able to take the awesome Disney shots you all have

Now, I also know that how well one's shots turn out depends greatly on how well they understand their camera. The camera I currently have, though, gives me no control over aperture, shutter speed or ISO, so there's very limited opportunities for me to grow as a photographer. I need something a little more manual. I'm planning on getting a few photography books so that I understand how my new camera works, whatever it may be. I know Understanding Exposure and the National Geographic Field Guide are well-liked around here; the former I've found at my library, and I think I might buy the second.

Is a DSLR the only type of camera that will allow me to take the kind of shots I'm interested in? Is there something inbetween a point and shoot camera and a DSLR? Something that gives me more control over my shots, without breaking the bank?

 

[CAPTAIN HOOK]

Essentially, there are two types of camera. Those where you view the image through a viewfinder and the image is taken through a second lens (point and shoot). And, Single Lens Reflex cameras where you view and take the image through the same lens (DSLR)

Of course, there are cameras within both groups that are basic and there are advanced models and a lot which lie inbetween.

I suggest a trip to your local camera store, explain your needs and more importantly, your budget. Also check on line - the D40 has been superceded many times over in the last few years and if thats the camera you want you should be able to pick up a bargain from a reputable on line supplier

 

[Master Yoda]

What you will be looking for is a high end point and shoot DSLR like camera. These cameras will have full control over aperture, shutter speed, ISO, external flash, etc and have a professional style body. They are a great middle ground between a crappy $200 point and shoot and a $1000+ professional setup. Where most tend to fall down is in low light performance as as you can only turn the ISO up so high before noise becomes an issue. In this small sub group of cameras my personal favorite is the Panasonic FZ-50. The controls on this camera are simply incredible. Shutter speed and aperture can be controlled on the fly via jog wheels while still looking through the lens. The zoom is on the lens and not some crappy switch on the shutter button. It has a hot shoe for an external flash, ports for remote triggers, large and movable LCD screen, and a manual focus on the lens. In a nut shell it is a professional camera with point and shoot guts. The base price for this camera at BH-photo is $330 but you will want to add an additional battery for about $50 and of course you have the typical SD cards, case, tripod, etc. By the time you are done you should be able to set yourself up pretty well for about $600. This will hold you until you can afford to drop $2k+ on a real good DSLR setup.

 

[Unomas]

My vote goes to the Canon G9 or newer Canon G10. Both are excellent alternatives to a DSLR. You can still get great performance out of those cameras in addition to HD video recording.

http://www.usa.canon.com/consumer/controller?act=ModelInfoAct&fcategoryid=144&modelid=17624

 

[maelstrom]

You want what I've seen referred to as a "semi-DSLR". I have the Panasonic DMC-FZ7, which is old now, but I'm sure they have come out with a newer one. It has aperature priority and shutter priority, which are great things to have.

 

[Master Yoda]

You want what I've seen referred to as a "semi-DSLR". I have the Panasonic DMC-FZ7, which is old now, but I'm sure they have come out with a newer one. It has aperature priority and shutter priority, which are great things to have.

The current model is the FZ-50. I borrowed a FZ7 from a friend and fell in love with it. I purchased a then current FZ-30 shortly after that trip.

 

[toetheline29]

Thanks for all the suggestions! I was doubtful that a good in-between camera existed, but you sure proved me wrong. After looking at some reviews, those cameras look great. I think I'm going to head to my camera store in the near future so I can look at the Panasonic FZ-50 and the Canon G9/G10 in person and see which one feels right. Thanks again!

 

[Master Yoda]

Thanks for all the suggestions! I was doubtful that a good in-between camera existed, but you sure proved me wrong. After looking at some reviews, those cameras look great. I think I'm going to head to my camera store in the near future so I can look at the Panasonic FZ-50 and the Canon G9/G10 in person and see which one feels right. Thanks again!

When it comes to buying them I would look not further than B&H photo for the main camera. They will have the best honest prices. Their accessories can be a little high, especially with memory cards, but for the most part they are inline with everyone else. Do be wary of places that offer the camera for an extremely low price. (ie everyone else is $500 one place is $300). In the past places like bestcameraprices.com would offer the camera for next to nothing but what they would do is open the box and strip out all the accessories (battery, charger, cables, etc) and sell them back to you at a huge mark up. As a general rule they would not sell you the camera unless they sold you a "package deal" at their inflated price.

 

[WDWFigment]

I'd go with the D40. Go to a deal site (I like Slick Deals), create an account, and set up an alert for it. I have one for all Nikon products, and I've seen the D40 come up for ~$350 (with 18-55 lens) several times. It may be dropping in price even more as the D3000 replaces it. I normally wouldn't recommend old technology, but if money is an issue, go for it. You're better off with it than with the point and shoot cameras recommended (unless size is an issue).