What would be a better entry level SLR? I know The XSi has more MP but I doubt that this will make much of a difference because I don’t plan on cropping much or blowing up photos. I’ve heard that both cameras have about the same amount of noise, except the XSi has spot metering. What’s spot metering, is it worth it, and would I just be better off getting the XS and a new lens? Does continuous shooting in raw matter if you’re seasoned with P&S but new to DSLR?

Thanks, any help [hopefully from the more experienced] would be appreciated.

After doing a bit of research, I’ve come to the conclusion that an entry-level dslr is way out of my budget, & I definitely still fall under the category of beginner so I don’t think that would be worth it; however I need something better than the standard cheap point and shoot camera. I photograph jewelry a lot so I need one that will actually focus manually (the auto-focus function on my old compact digital camera just made everything blurry). so, does such a camera even exist?? I’m completely willing to look at used/refurbished cameras if that’s the only way I can get a good price

I’m 14 and as a late birthday present, my parents decided to get me a DSLR because of my interest in photography. I really didn’t want them to spend too much and I’ve had my eyes stuck on 2 cameras.
The Canon Rebel XS:http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001CBKJGG/ref=ox_sc_act_title_1?ie=UTF8&m=AHVUXX1NUM5OB Which I will be able to get for 0.

The Fujifilm FinePix S4000: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B004HO58O8/ref=ox_sc_act_title_2?ie=UTF8&m=A29PHU0KPCGV8S Which I can get for 0.

I know most recommend the XS, but what is different about the S4000 other than a non-removable super-zoom lens?

So I have a "point&shoot" Powershot camera, and I’ve started to get extremely frustrated with the lack of settings/options/general control over how the picture is going to turn out. I’ve been looking at all sorts of entry level DSLRs, but I’m worried I might grow out of something that’s entry level, and just need a new camera in a few years. Should I look at some of the "prosumer" cameras? Or just go with a good entry level, like the Canon XSi or Nikon D40 or D60? Most consumers buying entry level DSLRs don’t really know how to do anything but point and shoot, but as I know a fair amount about cameras, I’m not sure if entry level is what I need. Also, I’m trying not to spend too much money, I’m mainly looking for something sub-00. Thanks!

I was checking out these one’s,

http://www.dpreview.com/products/compare/side-by-side?products=fujifilm_f500exr&products=sony_dschx9v&products=canon_sx230hs&products=nikon_cps9100&products=panasonic_dmczs10&sortDir=ascending

& have narrowed down to the Finepix F500EXR & the Cybershot DSC-HX9V
The larger sensor in the Finepix & a high ISO range attract me
The Cybershot has Manual Focus mode which is the main plus for me

Still images in demanding conditions like low light are my primary requirements.
Video capabilities are not important & Megapixel count is meanigless for me, lol
I am fully aware that even entry level dSLR’s have a much larger sensor & total manual controls, but then I cannot lug it around everywhere. Maybe I will get one in a years time or two
Plus my better half simply finds those unwieldy !

Which one will give me better results from among the Finepix & Cybershot