Need help with a decision

[G00fyDad]

Every year we go to Disney I always take a DSLR style Point and Shoot. It's bigger and bulkier than a normal PaS but it does have other features that normal PaS do not have. However, I found a standard PaS camera with a 15x zoom and most of the features (but not all) of the DSLR style. My question is this... which would you go for, the standard 15x zoom PaS or the DSLR style PaS? I think it would be nice to be able to stow away the camera when I don't need it but the DSLR styles have far more features. Keep in mind that I am nowhere near a camera buff and I definately don't want to buy an actual DSLR with a zoom lens you can literaly see AK from MK with. That would defeat the purpose here a little. Besides, my daughter has a Nikon D7000 so I could use that for any shots that I need it for.

 

[NowInc]

If your main concern is being able to stow it away, then the p&s should do you fine. Keep in mind this may come at the cost of losing some better quality photos..but in the end..evaluate what you'll be doing and decide if you want comfort or quality.

 

[wdwmagic]

It sounds like you are really favoring the size. The best camera is the one you have with you at the time you need to take the photo. If the larger size means you don't carry it as often, it isn't effective. I would go with the size that works for you, which sounds to be the point and shoot compact. In good light and in most scenarios, modern compact point and shoots deliver very good image quality.

 

[mickeysshoes]

I just got back from the world. This was my first trip with my DSLR and was worried about having to carry it all time and it getting in the way. In the end it was not a pain at all. It never really got in the way with rides and I loved having it with me. In 10 day (7 on land and 4 at sea) I took over 900 photos compared to about 250 i used to take with my PAS. It rained very day so i just made sure that i had a nice plactic bag with me at all times to make sure it did not get wet. I am very new with this camera so I dont have a collection of lens or other things for it...so I carried the camera on my sholder or in my hand and used the camera bag as my backpack...worked well for me!

 

[ddbowdoin]

I'll put it this way... I always bring my DSLR (used to be the D80 and now the D7000... soon to be the D800) but the primary issue is lenses. Bodies are built pretty well at that level and I have no concern with anything happening, but its easy to bang a lens and crack your front element. An inexpensive 35mm or 50mm is just fine, leave the $2200 70-200mm f2.8 VRII in the room, and only bring out for dedicated shoot days.

I have to say that the size is slightly an issue for me. I just cant find the quality I want in a PS. Maybe a G12 or G11... certainly a Fuji X100. Although a bit expensive, the X100 will deliver APSC sized images in a small body, with a fixed 35mm lens it easily fits in a backpack or a small case.