Canon G12 or a DSLR for a beginner?

[karatava]

I am a beginner and what to buy a camera, but could not decide which one I will choose.

What are the difference between these two cameras. I like the Canon G12. It`s quite easy to use. But most of the advanced people to photography advice Nikon D3100. I am really confused prior to buy.

Need help and advice from the advanced ones.

Thanks.

 

[Light Artisan]

Get a DSLR unless you have the need for the smaller size of the G12. Hard to go wrong with either. The best one is the one that's with you, if you don't see yourself carrying around something like the D3100 then get the G12.

You'll get more depth of field with a DSLR, it has a larger sensor - something a G12 or other point and shoots can't touch, especially with the right lenses.

Having owned both I can say you'll most likely enjoy either one, go with what you think you'll use more.

 

[Ken Rockwell Fan]

I'd definitely get a DSLR. Being able to change lenses is a great tool for being creative. The lens is the most important part of the camera. The D3100 is a good choice but for less money you can pickup a D70s and 50mm f/1.8 lens (around $400ish). As with all used DSLR purchases, just make sure the D70s has a low shutter count.

 

[karatava]

I got a deal from tigerdirect for Nikon D3100, it's $579. Is it a good deal for a DSLR.

Or, can you advice any other on this price range or less?

 

[John Mc]

Im not sure,but it seems a good price,look at a few other site's/stores and compare camera's, if you havent bought a Dslr before,you should check out a few cameras,this includes other brands such as Canon. both brands have different ergonomics and both good and bad points.

 

[LoneWolfUSMC]

I am a beginner and what to buy a camera, but could not decide which one I will choose.

It really is going to depend on what you see yourself doing with it.

If you just want to take some nice looking snapshots on vacation or around and about, then many of the higher end point and shoots are going to work fine.

When you try to take close control over your photos, that is when the DSLR shines.

I have taken some amazing photos with my Kodak Z612. It's still a great camera for my wife, or for when I don't want the camera to get in the way of the activity. It just doesn't come close to the flexibility that my Canon Rebel XS allows. I think it's a good comparison because the z612 is at the upper end of the point and shoots (albeit its several generations old) and the Rebel XS is at the bottom of the DSLR group.

 

[karatava]

Everybody prefers mobility and so do i. I have a Canon Ixus65, extremely mobile, but the photos are not satisfying. So I decided to buy a new camera.

I got used to carry a micro-point and shot and so, don`t know how does it is like to carry such a thing.

But I am really confused now and don't know which one will be better ?

Does it worth to have a DSLR? I am not sure because I never used a DSLR before.

 

[Pepperpwni]

I was in the same situation as you and decided to get a starter DSLR (Rebel XS); I couldn't be happier. I highly recommend you do the same.

$479 on Amazon with kit lens. I don't have enough posts to link (lame =P) but look it up on Amazon

 

[LoneWolfUSMC]

Does it worth to have a DSLR? I am not sure because I never used a DSLR before.

If the photos you are getting from a point and shoot are not satisfying, then it may be worth it to upgrade to a DSLR. However it's only worth it if the picture quality is an equipment problem NOT a photographer problem.

It is still quite possible to take crappy pictures with a DSLR. I do it all the time.

 

[karatava]

I was in the same situation as you and decided to get a starter DSLR (Rebel XS); I couldn't be happier. I highly recommend you do the same.

$479 on Amazon with kit lens. I don't have enough posts to link (lame =P) but look it up on Amazon

Unless it`s $100 expensive, would not be the New Nikon D3100 better choice than Rebel XS on the DSLR side.

 

[usayit]

There are so many reasons to choose a DSLR over a P&S (even a high end one).

But

A beginner might not be as willing to carry a camera everywhere and I believe that's an important part of learning. For that reason alone, I'd probably lean towards the G12.

Once that person advances beyond the most basic, they are probably more willing to carry the DSLR more often, have a firm understanding of what they expect out of a DSLR and begin to "see" higher image quality that can be best obtained from a quality DSLR. There's more than enough time later down the road to jump into a DSLR.


A G12 is a fairly competitive and capable camera.... may not meet the needs expectations of a more advanced hobbiest, enthusiast or professional, but a beginner... I think so.

 

[Pepperpwni]

I was in the same situation as you and decided to get a starter DSLR (Rebel XS); I couldn't be happier. I highly recommend you do the same.

$479 on Amazon with kit lens. I don't have enough posts to link (lame =P) but look it up on Amazon

Unless it`s $100 expensive, would not be the New Nikon D3100 better choice than Rebel XS on the DSLR side.

Currently, the D3100 on Amazon is 629.

I'm a Canon fanboy so my thoughts will be skewed, but there is always something better out there. For instance, why stop at the D3100 when you can get the T2i? If you want to spend more money and get a higher megapixel camera along with video recording capabilities and a few more auto focus points, yeah the D3100 could be a better choice. With the right glass pairing, though, the XS is a very capable camera for a beginner.

Its your money you spend it as you see fit.

 

[karenli]

DSLR, for sure!

 

[karatava]

Is there really a big difference between a DSLR and a Canon G12?

 

[deudeu]

I think that I would go for the compact: G12 or S95.

I think that the S95 is a very good camera and you should consider it.
First and most importantly the IQ is surprisingly good. Certainly usable up to 800 ISO.
You also get a lens that opens at f2.0. This is better than the G12 and better than the kit lens on a DSLR. It compensates for the size of the sensor.
Finally it is small and cheap (kinda)! It is a real compact and you can easily take it everywhere! It has dual dials so you can learn all there is to learn about handling a serious camera you just don't have to carry a DSLR around.

I just sold my APSC DSLR to buy a S95 instead (which got stolen 5 days later). For 95% of my shoots it is good enough. If you stick with the kit lens on a DSLR, the image quality is comparable. Once you master the little thing, if you feel like you want more, then invest in a DSLR but get a real one: One that will give you great IQ and some real DoF: A full frame!