Got a few questions to ask you guys

[Scottowl]

I have a Toshiba 3.2 megapixel camera. It has been serviceable, but there are many downsides to it, such as battery life and severe instability when trying to use it in anything but optimal lighting. The point is, I feel I will be ready and able to get something better by next summer.

I have begun some research into the subject, and the front runners were the Canon S3IS, Sony DSC-H2, and the Kodak P712.

Then I started paying attention to what was going on in here. It seems SLR is the only way to fly. However, such a purchase would bust my budget. Not to mention the editing programs you all use. Yikes!!

I have lots of questions. I would like to ask four.

1) Are the three cameras I mentioned capable of getting super macro results, such as the photo of a flys face in great detail? Are there different lenses that can be used on them?

2) Would the low-end SLR be superior in capability to the class of camera I have singled out? Enough so to justify the extra expense?

3) Image editing software. That Photoshop is an expensive program! Would Photoshop Elements be sufficient? Are there alternatives that I could afford?

4) Do you mind if I come back to pester you with more questions?

Any insight you can offer is most welcome. It will be awhile from now until I will be able to take the plunge, but I have identified this activity as one I will be interested in pursuing.

Thanks to all for your consideration.

 

[RM]

[quote Scottowl]I have a Toshiba 3.2 megapixel camera. It has been serviceable, but there are many downsides to it, such as battery life and severe instability when trying to use it in anything but optimal lighting. The point is, I feel I will be ready and able to get something better by next summer.


Digital SLR's (namely the consumer type like Nikon D70 and such) will probably be in the $300.00 range very soon.

I have begun some research into the subject, and the front runners were the Canon S3IS, Sony DSC-H2, and the Kodak P712.

Then I started paying attention to what was going on in here. It seems SLR is the only way to fly. However, such a purchase would bust my budget. Not to mention the editing programs you all use. Yikes!!

I have lots of questions. I would like to ask four.

1) Are the three cameras I mentioned capable of getting super macro results, such as the photo of a flys face in great detail? Are there different lenses that can be used on them?


I would not think so. That is asking alot of those cameras.


2) Would the low-end SLR be superior in capability to the class of camera I have singled out? Enough so to justify the extra expense?


Yes!


3) Image editing software. That Photoshop is an expensive program! Would Photoshop Elements be sufficient? Are there alternatives that I could afford?


Photoshop Elements. It just got upgraded.


4) Do you mind if I come back to pester you with more questions?

Sure!

Any insight you can offer is most welcome. It will be awhile from now until I will be able to take the plunge, but I have identified this activity as one I will be interested in pursuing.

Thanks to all for your consideration.[/quote]

 

[GaryM]

This is a Super Macro from a Canon SII Powershot

 

[GaryM]

Picture of the moon 48x digital zoom on the tripod.

The bad thing about SLR's after you buy the body, then you have to get all the special lens for it. You will miss more great shots because you are always changing lens, then you are always carring around a big bag with all the stuff it.

Light is better, one camera with one do it all len is best.

 

[Scottowl]

Nice shots, Gary. I wish I had a camera that could do that. I thought I saw somewhere there were different lenses available for the Powershot cameras?

RM, that is interesting news about the price dropping on some of the DSLRs in the near future. What would you consider necessary accessories for someone starting out, such as lens selection, filters, tripods and the like?