I will be out of town in Philadelphia this weekend and will return Monday.  Not sure if I will have internet access but with three shoots in 24 hours I will probably be too busy to be ON the internet 🙂  I will return all calls and emails on Monday!

-Amy

One of my good friends, Susan of Whimsical Photo Design wrote a great article on her blog a few weeks ago about which cameras she would recommend buying.  I thought that it would be a great thing to post now as we close out October and people begin to think about cameras for holiday presents.  I know a new point and shoot is on MY list!!

For full disclosure purposes, Susan shoots using the Nikon system. She uses a Nikon D3 and has approximately 9 different lenses that she uses with it. I shoot with a D700 and a few different lenses but do plan on upgrading to the D3 at some point in the (distant :)) future.  Both of our biases, especially for the higher end DSLR cameras do lean towards Nikon, because we are familiar with it and we really feel like the system is more intuitive.   However I have also shot with a Canon and respect it for the good camera and system that it is.  Please do realize, as with all things, just because you buy something nice doesn’t mean that you will automatically be taking great pictures.  Photography takes a lot of work, a lot of studying and a lot of time to get good at.  BUT having a decent camera is a good starting point.  Keep reading for her thoughts!!  (And by the way, definitely check out her work – she does GORGEOUS weddings!! – when you’re done reading.)

So with a little help from the newest issue of Consumer Reports, Shutterbug Magazine, and Popular Photography, here is my list of recommendations.

Point-and-Shoot
Point-and-shoot cameras are the most popular out there, because essentially, the user just “points and shoots.” Pretty self-explanatory there. Pros of these types of cameras: Small and lightweight, easy to put into a pocket, easy to use with little to no photographic knowledge needed, take pretty dang good pictures. Cons of these types of cameras: Limited photographic abilities, takes poor action and night shots, delay in pressing the shutter and the camera actually taking the picture, sensor is smaller and therefore blowing up pictures can be difficult.

My picks: I like the Canon PowerShot series in this particular category. I think the image quality is great for these little point and shoots and the price is reasonable. There is one Nikon I think is great as well.
Canon PowerShot A1000IS
Nikon Cool Pix L20

Bridge Cameras
Bridge cameras essentially gap the bridge between a point and shoot camera and a more advanced DSLR camera. These cameras typically have more functionality, more control to the exposure and essentially are the first step into a DSLR camera. In this category, there is one powerful Canon that I think it a wonderful little camera!
Canon PowerShot G11

Entry-level DSLR Cameras
This is the first step into the Digital SLR category. The pros to these types of cameras are: More control over exposures, fully manual modes, the ability to pick and choose different lenses, and better image quality. The cons are: Heavier and bulkier to lug around, more expensive, have to purchase lenses, can be more difficult to use.

The Canon Rebel T1i has gotten superior reviews in everything I’ve read. But in this category, you are buying into a system, not just a brand. Since I really believe in the Nikon system, I have to recommend the Nikon D5000 as well. Regardless of which you choose, plan on spending ~$1,000-$1,200 on this entry level system.

Mid-Range DSLR
In this category, I only have one recommendation. The Nikon D90 which also has HD Video capabilities. Expect to spend about $1,200-$1,500 depending the kit and accessories you need.

As for retailers, I prefer B&H Photo Video, Adorama, Amazon.com, (and, for RIer’s, Hunt’s Photo and Video). If you are buying a point-and-shoot, places like Best Buy work just fine.