I want to step into the world of DSLR photography and learn photography. I am a complete novice and have only had a Sony point and shoot camera. While I want to learn every aspect of DSLR photography but since I’m a beginner I don’t want to spend too much. I have shortlisted Nikon D5100, Nikon D90 and Canon 600D. Although I prefer the image quality of Nikon entry level DSLR I’m still ready to go for Canon but in the future if my progress is good I would like to purchase Nikon full frame camera. Actually I’m leaning towards D5100 but I’m not sure if this camera has everything. I do not want to choose a camera that could hinder my learning graph. I wanted to go for Nikon D7000, but after hearing a lot of focus related problem I don’t want to invest double the amount of the camera I’ve shortlisted on a camera with so many problems. Is D5100 capable of auto bracketing for HDR photography? Please help.

I want my first DSLR to be easy to use. And it’s video mode should be really nice too, it should be easy to capture videos. ( like you do on an iPhone) you press one button and it records videos, and everything is in focus, I don’t want to manually focus which is hard. and I’m not serious about photography, just want to take good pictures when with friends and family. just want best image quality possible on an entry level DSLR

Pentax K-R ( 18-55mm )
Nikon d3100 (18-55mm)
Sony a33. (18-55mm)
Sony nex 5 (18-55)

I’m upgrading from my point and shoot, which has been great, but I just need something better. I’m looking for something that will provide quality that’s semi-professional but with simple functions and relatively portable. Basically, an entry-level camera for someone who needs more than what a point and shoot has to offer. I’ve searched relentlessly for high-quality cameras within my price range and I’ve narrowed it down to the Olympus PEN EP1 with a 17mm lens and optical viewfinder for 0 or the Pentax K-x with a 18-55mm lens for 0. Both are 12 mp. From what I’ve researched, the Pentax seems to give slightly better image quality, however the Olympus has a sleek, compact design that is definitely more appealing. The Pentax is a true DSLR while the Olympus is a micro four thirds. Everyone always says that when going for professionalism, the DSLR is better, but it’s bulky size just makes it a bit inconvenient and the Olympus seems to give pretty high quality images as well. I don’t want to sacrifice image quality for camera size, though, so I’m a bit torn.

Which would be better for someone looking for an upgrade from point & shoots who expects high quality images but without the complicated controls of higher end DSLR’s? I still enjoy shooting with manual focus and settings, but I just want something where the settings will be simple and user-friendly, as they were on my point & shoot.

hi,
i want to purchase a entry level dslr camera that has the best image quality (not resolution) and is good for begginers to practice with (i.e has a fully manual mode). i dont mind if it has video function but i am not particurlaly bothered if it doesnt. im wondering wether anyone has used the above 2 and can advise me on wich one would be better suited to me. Any other suggestions are welcome

cheers

Panasonic is an up-and-coming manufacturer of compact digital cameras. The Panasonic Lumix ZS7 is one of their best and most highly regarded models.

Before you buy your Panasonic Lumix ZS7 digital camera, there are a few things you need to consider. More accurately, there are 5 that will be mentioned here.

The first issue before getting into this amazing camera from Panasonic is to give you peace of mind about NOT selecting a Canon or Nikon compact digital camera. Sure, they are the leaders in sales of digital cameras, but that is in no way proof that there are not others with excellent quality models. In fact, Panasonic has been a leader in the digital compact market for a few years now. They are a quiet leader, drawing attention to their products with quality and performance that is second to none.

My passion for Panasonic Lumix ZS7 is based on personal experience. You see, I recently purchased one for my own use. I have been a long-time digital SLR owner, and I still contend that they are superior to point and shoot cameras in terms of image quality, but that is not an issue up for discussion. Most photographers will admit that a point and shoot camera will not outdo a digital SLR. The sensor size is the determining factor in image quality, and until someone can figure out how to get a large sensor into a point and shoot camera, it will always be the case.

OK, that disclaimer is out of the way. Now let’s talk about the Panasonic Lumix ZS7.

Number one reason that makes this camera special is Ease Of Use. There are a couple of reasons to buy compact cameras, and the most popular one is that they are “point and shoot”. You want to be able to take out your camera and take the picture without fuss or fiddling with dials and settings. This little Panasonic will fill the bill.

Second is the image quality. If you realize that you will not get the pixel quality of a digital SLR, you will be far ahead of the game here. Actually, the engineers are finding new ways to improve image quality with every release. The ZS7 is ahead of the pack. I put mine through the paces and was extremely happy with the image results in every situation. With a 12-megapixel sensor, you get pictures that can be printed at 16×22 inches (at 180 ppi). Now, that’s a huge picture.

Reason number 3 is a little magical item called Intelligent Auto. So far, this is my favorite feature. When set to Intelligent Auto, it’s almost like the camera knows exactly where you are. The camera automatically selects the right settings for you, including ISO, shutter speed, and everything else to make the picture come out perfect (almost every time). How the camera knows it’s a people picture as opposed to a landscape, I have no idea, and I don’t care. I’m sure you will be as amazed as I am. To me, the most intriguing part is how well it does with night photos. Intelligent Auto is not totally auto, which is really nice, too. You can turn off the flash and still have the camera in the Intelligent Auto mode. “Flash Off” gives really natural light. Did I say that I love this feature?

Number 4 on the hit parade is the Super-Zoom lens. By Super Zoom, we are talking about a 12x zoom factor. That equates to 25mm – 300mm. Being a bit skeptical about the image quality of such a lens, I did a simple test. I took a picture at 25mm of a birdhouse in my yard, then zoomed to 300mm and took the same picture. Both were very good quality with no hint of distortion. I will say that they were not as sharp at my digital SLR image taken at the same time and place, but I already explained why this is true. I was quite happy with the results.  The quality of the lens can’t be questioned, since it is made by Leica, a very highly respected lens maker.

Price is the final factor. I was looking for a great camera that I could carry everywhere without having to haul my massive camera bag along. I can carry the ZS7 anywhere and everywhere in  a pocket. The price was only about $250. I feel that is very reasonable for what I got in this camera.

For these reasons, I wholeheartedly recommend the Panasonic Lumix ZS7.

There are sample photos and more information at http://hubpages.com/hub/Buy-A-Panasonic-Lumix-DMC-ZS7. Feel free to browse and comment on the images there.