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Anonymous
Fujifilm S700 opinions? Looking for basically my first real camera, don't need a full DSLR, and I don't want a generic little P&S, so this seems like a good middle ground.
>> Dude Who Sells Cameras All Day
This is the camera I sell to people who are too cheap to buy something better.

Take that as you will.
>> Anonymous
So what, in the DSLR/ P&S combo category, is better?
>> Anonymous
>>228658
Willing to process raw files? Panasonic FZ-8 or FZ-50 if you don't need wider than 35mm equivalent, Panasonic FZ-18 if you do. (Great cameras, bad JPEG processing.)

Not? Canon SxIS series.

Though you should know these are in no way "combos" with an SLR. They're shaped and handle roughly like them, but the viewfinders are very different (I personally actually prefer them, but I'm in a stark minority) and, in contrast to almost all DSLRs, they're stuck with one lens and have a much smaller sensor, which the latter means more noise, less dynamic range, and more depth of field.

And any DSLR can be used as a point and shoot. Set it to continuous AF and automatic/program mode, and it's a point and shoot, just as simple as the thing the size of a deck of cards you see in Best Buy.

For most people, if a DSLR is within your budget, it plus a kit lens and/or a 28/2.8 and 50/1.8 is the best call.
>> Anonymous
I had one, they take amazing macro shots, but other than that it doesn't take any better pictures than a compact p&s. and my screen quit working (even the viewfinder) which forced me to replace it with a d40.
>> Anonymous
Just get a silly ZLR then.
Cheapskate.
I just bought a XTi last week, and I'm really glad I only spent 693$ even with a warranty
>> Dude Who Sells Cameras All Day
>>228658

I dunno, almost anything.

At the risk of sounding like myself at work: What do you plan to take pictures of, and what are you going to do with those pictures?

Once you answer those questions, it's a lot easier to move forward with recommendations.

Also, like the other guy said, the S700 and cameras like it are not "combinations" of SLR's and P&S'. They're called "Bridge" cameras, and for all intents and purposes they are identical to P&S's, except that they look sort of like SLR's and they typically have long-zoom lenses. Think of P&S's as cars, and SLR's as tanks. Bridge cameras are like SUV's - sort of halfway between cars and tanks, but much more like a car than a tank.
>> Anonymous
hahahahahahahaha, real camera?

leave, now
>> Anonymous
>>228834


Surprised it took an elitist this long to show up, now fuck off.

To the "Dude who sells cameras all day" thanks for the advice. I hate to be cliche, but I need a camera that does most things. Obviously won't do anything great, but I plan on using it for some wildlife and sport photography (skating, surfing, fairly fast)
>> Dude Who Sells Cameras All Day
>>228839

If manual controls and accessories such as extra flashes or lens adapters are unimportant to you, you might look into the Panasonic TZ5. It's a very capable 9.1 MP camera with a 10x zoom:

http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/panasonictz5/

If you prefer control, and don't mind AA batteries, a similar unit is the 8MP 12x Canon S5 IS:

http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/canons5is/

Alternatively, if your budget can sustain it, you could look at any of the entry-level DSLR's. They start at around $500 and will let you do almost *anything* that a novice could want. As for which DSLR to choose, it's really up to the individual, so find a store near you that has cameras available for touching and try them out. In the US, I think the most likely places would be Circuit City or Best Buy. Don't listen to anything the salespeople there have to say - it's more than likely that they don't know shit and just want you to plunk down your cash. Research this shit carefully and place your needs and desires above those of the internet goons and big-box store salespeople.
>> Anonymous
>>229134


That Canon is exactly what I'm looking for, thanks.
>> Anonymous
I've got the Fuji. Had it before getting a DSLR. It works very well for what it is and the low price. Didn't regret buying it. Still have it as a spare "compact".
>> Anonymous
I have the s700 too. It's nice for what it is. If you can spend the money get a canon G9, if not the S5 IS is a great camera.
>> Anonymous
Well, if you've got the budget, but don't want an SLR style camera, you could get this awesome motherfucker.

http://exilim.casio.com/browse_cameras/exilim_pro/EX-F1/
>> Anonymous
OP here: thanks for the input everyone, but I'm starting to think getting an entry level DSLR is the best choice. The Canon S5 IS is $300 on Amazon, while a Nikon D40 is only $170 more.
>> Anonymous
>>229377

Here's something about Nikons that drives me crazy, and you should check this out before buying one:

Their VR (stabilized) lenses make a VERY high pitched whining sound. If you can't hear it, GREAT! If you can, it will drive you FUCKING INSANE. Find a working display model somewhere, and turn on the VR lens. It will make the sound while it autofocuses. Once again, if you can't hear it, awesome! If you can, shit.

Note that the D40 doesn't come with a VR lens, but VR lenses are great, and you might want one someday (unless it murders your ears like it does mine).
>> Serenar !m827jEgWi.
>>229687
I have a feeling that could be the SWM motor in an AF-s lens. Canon's USM lenses do this too.
>> Anonymous
imo you might aswell just get a second hand entry level dslr.
>> Anonymous
>>229687
yea the motor is ultra-sonic, some ppl can't stand that
>> Anonymous
>>229863

But that's just the motor that actuates the focusing, isn't it? I'm talking about a sound you can only hear when VR is switched on.
>> Anonymous
>>229939

Once you get into your mid twenties or your thirties you'll not have to worry. ;)
>> Anonymous
>>230036

Yeah, that's cold comfort to someone buying a camera -now-. The technology will go obsolete before they lose their hearing enough to stand the sound they make.
>> Anonymous
I have this camera, its great for point and shoot. but if you want finer details and more options..go with a slr.
>> Anonymous
>>230157

I don't give a rat's ass about the kiddies. They can go complain to their parents for another camera if it matters so much to them.