Digital SLR Style camera - £300

[wilsongd]

Hi,
I currently have a 35mm film Canon SLR and a digital olympus mju compact.
I am now looking to buy a new digital camera to replace the SLR. I am interested in the SLR style cameras - such as the Fuji finepix S5500 and wanted any suggestions/opinions.
My current list is:
Fuji Finepix S5500 (or wait for the new S5600 since I'm in no rush).
Fuji Finepix S7000
Konica Minolta DiMage A200

Any thoughts on these - and of course other cameras to look at would be very welcome.
I do some walking so take lots of landscapes, as well as the taking pics of family, holiday shots etc.
Many Thanks
G.

[VanillaKisses]

I'd definitely vote for the A200, as I have one... it's an awesome camera!
I did test drive the s7000, and wasn't really happy with the coloration

Have a look at the reviews here for each of those cameras, They're from "real" people, whjoo actually USE these cameras... not pro's and manufacturers (although John is a pro.. *s*)

A200 - http://www.pcphotoreview.com/cat/dig...-higher/Konica Minolta/PRD_330010_5648crx.aspx

S7000 - http://www.pcphotoreview.com/cat/dig...6_5648crx.aspx

also, I encourage you to go to a camera store, and HOLD the camera, see which feels good in your hands.. comfortable holding, where you're not going to accidently bump buttons is something to think about, before buying

good luck in your hunt

[wilsongd]

Thanks for that.
I just discovered that Olympus are releasing a new camera soon - the SP 500. Does anyone know much about it - experience of other similar olynpus cameras? I'll add it to my list of considerations.
G

[IamIcan]

Kinda hard to compare the A200 which is a DSLR and the other two wich are professional.
Even though I respect user's testimonials, I still dont think they can exam the cameras in the same manners professional photographers can (how many users know how to messure purple fringing?)

Based on professional reviews I would say the S700 got the lesser grades, I suggest you go through these reviews, and like the rest of the people here say, go to a store and see which camera feels right in your hands.

Here is some professional reviews (from professional photography sites) for you to read (homework, yey !!)

Konica Minolta DiMAGE A200 (9 Reviews)

Fuji FinePix S5100 / S5500 (13 Reviews)

Fuji FinePix S7000 (19 Reviews)

In addition, here is a list of the cameras under 300 US$, you can farther filter them by MP or Type, Manufacturer and so.

A list of < $300 cameras

I hope you find that helpful.