Which Camera? Cheaper alternatives to a DSLR? (Quick answers needed!)

[MHT223]

Hey,

I've currently got a Sony DSC T1 (5MP). I'm going travelling and want something that will produce cleaer, more defined images that I can have the option of making really big prints from for round my house.

I was considering the Canon 350d (Rebel XT). Its £580 ($985) here with a 18-55mm lens. Ideally I don't want to spend that much though, but will I regret not spending that little bit more??

Had a quick flick rund the net and found a few options which can all be had for under £400 ($680). Namely these are ---->

Fuji S9000/S9500
http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/fujifilms9000/

Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ30
http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/panasonicfz30/

Kodak Easyshare P880
http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/kodakp880/

Konica Minolta A200
http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/konicaminoltaa200/

Anyone have opinions on the above? I like the idea of being able to go to 24mm on the P880 and A200. Is the A200 getting on a bit now?


ANY suggesitons welcome

I'm going away in 3 days so need to sort things out!

Many thanks,

Mark

 

[Big Mike]

One of the most important things to look at is the size if the Sensor. If you look at all of the ones listed and compare them to the 350D...you will find that the 350D has a much bigger sensor. This is especially helpful if you want to make large prints.

I think this where you want to spend that little bit of extra money up front...and get the better camera, if you can afford it. There are also many other benefits to the 350D over those cameras. It is a real SLR...I've listed the benefits on here many times...try a search.

The kit lens that can come with the 350D is not the greatest. It's only an extra $100 or so...so it's worth getting IMO...but if you really want crisp large images...invest in a prime lens. (the 50mm F1.8 is cheap). At the very least, you have the option of getting better lenses at a later time...which you can't do with those point & shoot digi-cams.

Another option might be the Nikon D50....or even the Sony R1, which is not a digital SLR but does have a fairly big sensor.

As always, it's a good idea to feel them out in a store...see which one feels the best in your hands.

Good luck and have fun.

 

[Fate]

I have afew models down from the panasonic lumix fz30.. i have the fz5 and even that kicks ass. Its a great camera with a great lens and zoom. Its accompanied me to scotland, turkey, USA so far and got great pics... so i recon the FZ30 would kick ass!

 

[Lesjordans]

The Canon EOS 350D costs £570 here with the kit lens in Photo Optix so theres a tenner saving , Or i've saw it some places cheaper online

 

[Rob]

I was considering the Canon 350d (Rebel XT). Its £580 ($985) here with a 18-55mm lens. Ideally I don't want to spend that much though, but will I regret not spending that little bit more??
Mark

It's better to regret something you have done than regret something you haven't done.

I always go over budget because I stick with that motto!

Rob

 

[hobbes28]

It's better to regret something you have done than regret something you haven't done.

I always go over budget because I stick with that motto!

Rob

QFE.