One of those fancier digital point and shoots. Like a Canon G9 or a digital SLR like a Nikon D70. I mean they seem to be able to create quite similar photographs with the exception being the lens on the D70…but the digital SLRs are sooo freaking expensive…is it worth it?
With current technology… I'd immediately say SLR over any point and shoot any day… 'unless' you let the size of the SLR stop you from using it… but then again, there are so many more times when even the highly touted G9 wouldn't be able to get the shot.
Oh, and FWIW, I own a Samsung NV-11 12mp point and shoot, Olympus C-8080WZ 8mp prosumer, and a D70 with a variety of lenses. I use all 3 but most almost always prefer the image quality and capabilities of my Nikon over the Samsung or Olympus.
HTH
Meg
January 31st, 2008 at 2:14 pm
I'm really partial to Nikon and I think they are well worth the money. I love mine!
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offroader_ii
January 31st, 2008 at 2:37 pm
With current technology… I'd immediately say SLR over any point and shoot any day… 'unless' you let the size of the SLR stop you from using it… but then again, there are so many more times when even the highly touted G9 wouldn't be able to get the shot.
Oh, and FWIW, I own a Samsung NV-11 12mp point and shoot, Olympus C-8080WZ 8mp prosumer, and a D70 with a variety of lenses. I use all 3 but most almost always prefer the image quality and capabilities of my Nikon over the Samsung or Olympus.
HTH
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electrosmack1
January 31st, 2008 at 2:42 pm
To answer your question, the best digital point and shoot on the market today cannot compare in any way to even the worst digital SLR. In the world of digital point and shoots, the G9 is pretty good. But when compared to the great Nikon D70, there is no comparison whatsoever.
The Nikon D70 is a great camera, and like all DSLR cameras, has many advantages over digital point and shoots.
-Interchangeable lenses
-More features
-Better build
-Virtually no shutter lag
-Quick start up
-Excellent image quality
-Much larger sensor
-Better high ISO quality
Of course, there are others, but these are the most important in my mind. Yes, DSLR cameras are expensive, but as you can see, a point and shoot is nothing compared to a DSLR. And besides, a Nikon D70 can be picked up for about as much as a Canon G9. Then there is the Canon XTi and the Nikon D40. There is plenty to choose from, all offering a great step up from the digital point and shoots. In short, yes, a DSLR is worth every penny.
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Bobby
January 31st, 2008 at 2:42 pm
Hi!
I've shot 35mm film through SLRs my whole life, so, as the 'digital revolution' really kicked in, my (personal) obvious choice was a DSLR…
They cost a bit more up front, but, IMOHO, the cost easily recovers when the final images are processed…
A point- and- shoot camera is fine, if all you're interested in is 'snapshots', but a DSLR is a much more versatile tool.
Myself, I'm into astrophotograghy, whereas the camera (most of the time) needs to be hard- coupled to the rear cell of a telescope, and you can't DO that with a 'point- and- shoot'.
So, yes… I'd say it's VERY worth it!
BTW, I use a Canon XT (350D).
I hope this helps!
Peace,
Bobby
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perki88
January 31st, 2008 at 2:45 pm
OK, your basic question has been answered, but I'd like to add that if I WERE in the market for a P&S I would buy the G9!
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April D
January 31st, 2008 at 2:45 pm
Your missing a whole category of cameras kind of in between the two your looking at. Their is quite a number of entry level SLRs by Canon, Nikon and others. They have all the benefits and image quality of a SLR, with the extra bonus of running in auto mode like a simple point and shoot. You can read about a few of them here: http://ezinearticles.com/?Simply-The-Best-Digital-SLR-Camera—Period&id=944233
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http://ezinearticles.com/?Dont-Ever-Buy-A-Canon-Digital-Rebel-XTi&id=868538
http://ezinearticles.com/?What-Is-The-Best-Digital-Camera-Brand?&id=942210
Iris R
January 31st, 2008 at 3:11 pm
I am a Canon person myself. For professional results I use my SLR. But when I don't want to carry all the gear I take the G9. I found myself missing photo opportunities as I did not want to carry the heavy gear. The G9 gives me a good file and allows me to shoot in raw format. Would I use it on a job not likely. But I sure love some of the fun features it has. When choosing between Canon and Nikon go Canon they spend a lot more money on product development and are far quicker to come out with better cameras. You can't beat their lenses.
Don't count out buying used cameras to start out. Many pro photographer sell their used gear when they upgrade to a newer camera. They are most all in mint condition.
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captsnuf
January 31st, 2008 at 5:01 pm
i'm partial to my DSLR and it wasn't that freaking expensive… but now i'm drooling over more expensive ones…
it's kind of like an addiction.
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vienna2001
January 31st, 2008 at 6:33 pm
DSLR.
Up to ISO 200 (lots of light) the point and shoot may be able to keep up.
But above that the DSLR tears the doors off the dinkycam.
HTH.
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Ara57
February 1st, 2008 at 5:59 am
Certainly a dSLR will be more versatile and have better performance than a digicam, even a great one like the G9. I have a G7 that I adore, and have used it in a few weddings for detail and macro. Before you discount being able to produce portfolio material with a prosumer digicam, look at this link. He does this with an A series Canon, the A-620.
http://photo.net/photodb/presentation?presentation_id=317651
The best camera is the one you have and know how to use,
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