I'm really at a crossroads at the moment. I have a Nikon D50 (6 megapixel that I have had for about 6 years) and an Olympus point and shoot (8mp) that I use for my photos. I'm thinking of upgrading to a newer DSLR, maybe the Nikon D5100 as it has more mp and so many functions that my D50 does not have. (video for one!) However, I also saw the new Nikon coolpix 500 that has tons of really cool functions, great zoom and is also easier to carry around. Now I'm the very amateur kind of photographer who really just 'points and shoots' with my D50 and I dont use all the functions on it so would the Coolpix do the job for me? Does anyone out there have a D5100 or Coolpix 500 and could give me your opinion? I'd love to know what you all think and it may help me get my list for Santa ready ;)
Canon user here but I went from a point and shoot to a DSLR a little over a year ago. I went with the Canon 60D and thought maybe that would be too much to handle for me. I already want a 7D. No, I don't know how to use all of my 60D but I know I will learn and, as when I purchased it, figured I'd grow into it.
P.S. I use a Vera Bradley Villager Tote (and I understand from the girl in the Vera Bradley store that they'll have an actual camera bag - lined inside - in summer '12) and carry my Canon everywhere.
@kdrinkie
I have a Nikon Coolpix 100, but it certainly has more bells and whistles than I ever imagined. I am an amateur as well, and I feel it suits my needs perfectly. It's even challenged me to learn more about the camera, in order to produce better shots.
I have a bridge camera, but I prefer to call it a hybrid. It has all the settings of a DSLR and can also make movies. I like it that it has the eyepiece for when I want to use it, and it has 18x zoom, and also has 4 different lens focus settings, so it's almost like changing lenses. So I can take a far away shot as well as a macro shot with it. I like that it's lightweight, and the sensor can't get dirty because it doesn't get exposed. :-) Mine is a Panasonic Lumix FZ 38, and I have my eye on the FZ 40, which has a few more bells and whistles and more ZOOM! :-) It comes with a 200+ page manual, but you can always slip into auto settings while you are learning. Yu've seen my photos, it's the camera I have used for practically my whole project. :-)
There's a lot of noticeable differences between a bridge (I have a Canon one) and a DSLR (which I have 3 of)... granted, I do more than "point and shoot" so I can't deal with the restraints of a bridge and can't really see things from your perspective. But if that's what you feel you'd be comfortable with, get it. You are right, they are easier to travel with and pack around for daily use. That's why I got my bridge, to be my point and shoot for every day stuff, plus the one I have does HD video. Maybe you can find a store near you that has both cameras? Then you can hold them, use them, get a feel for both of the cameras before making a decision. You might realize you don't like the smallness of the bridge, or hate the DSLR when it's in your hands.
@kdrinkie - It's not ideal because of the cotton fibers of the bag but it's not too bad and fits the bill for size. It's my purse so I carry my wallet and other things in those pockets along the inside walls. I'm anxious to see what they come up with specifically for cameras!
@debsphotos I also use a Vera Bradley bag (the Pleated tote) as my camera bag. I bought an insert for it like this http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B004UO2W12/ref=oh_o02_s00_i00_details
(and I know photojojo has one too)
I still have plenty of room for my "purse stuff" and my ipad. Didn't know about the camera bag coming out! Cant wait!!
I recently upgraded my point and shoot from Lumix DMC-ZS1 to a Sony DSC HX9V. I love it, am still getting acquainted with it, carry it with me for daily use. It has HD video too. A friend that does some professional videography fell in love with it, and I have, too. Great image stabilization, very user friendly (not spending a lot of time thumbing through the guide, etc)
Having said that, I love my DSLR, even though I'm still such a novice with it, and need to buy some lenses. One main limitation of the Sony point and shoot is the lack of a viewfinder. I think that will be a primary requirement of any future camera I buy.
Sometimes
@twinsplusone - The girl at the Vera B store said she saw a prototype of it so I'll be watching for it! Great idea about the Pleated Tote. I had this insert but sent it back. I like the one from Calumet Photo better (it's like $21) and will spear that if I need one. The one from Calumet is bigger than the Villager.
Another thing you might want to consider is a Micro Four Thirds camera -- you get interchangeable lenses like a DSLR, but the camera is smaller than a regular DSLR and can be carried around in your bag. I have the Olympus Pen and really really love it - you can check out my project to see what kind of photos it takes!
@hmgphotos thanks Heidi, I have been into the stores and looked at a ton. I find the Cannons are too big for my little hands but I'm really leaning toward the D5100 at the moment. I appreciate your input :)
@twinsplusone Oh Sharon thats awesome help. I was looking at one of the really top of the line ladies camera bags that are hundreds of dollars but if I can get an insert to put into a Vera I would be happy!
Thanks for the tip!!!
Kim, I see you did get the D5100. I have had a D50 ever since..whenever it was they came out. I was also thinking about the D5100. Overall...what do you think?
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I have a Nikon Coolpix 100, but it certainly has more bells and whistles than I ever imagined. I am an amateur as well, and I feel it suits my needs perfectly. It's even challenged me to learn more about the camera, in order to produce better shots.
@mej2011 thanks for your help!
(and I know photojojo has one too)
I still have plenty of room for my "purse stuff" and my ipad. Didn't know about the camera bag coming out! Cant wait!!
Having said that, I love my DSLR, even though I'm still such a novice with it, and need to buy some lenses. One main limitation of the Sony point and shoot is the lack of a viewfinder. I think that will be a primary requirement of any future camera I buy.
Sometimes
Thanks for the tip!!!