Looking to buy a Camera

[zen]

If you like photography and wanna get into D-SLRs I suggest you buy this one instead of the starting range of D-SLRs. This is better than many D-SLRs except the really professional ones that would cost over a grand.

FYI, any DSLR will perform better than the mega-zoom you have for the simple reason that DSLR have bigger sensors. The entry level D-SLRs from Nikon, Canon and Sony will have APS-C senor. The one from Olympus and Panasonic will have 4/3 (slightly smaller than APS-C) .... Sony NEX has APS-C sensor too The pro-level cameras tend to have full frame sensor (35mm). These cameras cost aorund US$2500 or more. Then you have to pair them with good glass which would usually be over US$1000 (usually $1500 or more) .... I have a full frame DSLR (nikon D700) The mega-zoom may work for you but they are usually very slow. Basically, you are just carrying something heavy for its zoom (the fixed lens would be not that good too) which has a P&S sensor. Which is why mega zooms are more of a compromise .... you are better of getting advanced P&S like Fuji X10 (probably the new king in advance P&S, 2/3 sensor), Canon G12 or Nikon P7100. Or if you prefer to change lenses, mirrorless interchangeble lens cameras like Olympus EP series or Sony NEX (APS-C sensor) Also you talked about over exposing to make the pic brighter in low light but that could slower the camera. And by over exposing you are well "over exposing'. The better way is to shoot at a slower shutter speed to allow the camera to gather enough light (you may have to use a tripod) or use an external flash. To use a faster shutter speed, you have to increase your iso but because your sensor is so small with increase in iso you also add noise to the picture. Which is why a larger sensor helps. Larger sensor also helps you to get a shallower depth of field where you can isolate the subject (you can even isolate the subject using a tele lens but with a larger sensor you can get a shallow DoF) PS If you still have the Canon film SLR, I suggest you get a CAnon 50mm F1.8 prime lens, which is very cheap at around US$100 link - Canon 50/1.8 .... use it with your slr and you will get some exciting results

[Rajiv]

I never got int Cameras, but its really fascinating to see the different technicalities it has. My friend bought a 2K camera since was taking photography classed, some pics he took were breathtaking

[zen]

I never got int Cameras' date=' but its really fascinating to see the different technicalities it has. My friend bought a 2K camera since was taking photography classed, some pics he took were breathtaking[/quote'] Photography is an expensive hobby I started out with an Olympus DSLR, then switched to Canon 40D and finally went to Nikon D700 to improve my photography. I have even invested in Carl Zeiss lenses :P .... At the end of the day, all I need is a bit more skill Below is what happens to many in photography, I am at the 'I suck' stage