Have SONY DSC-R1 - want DSLR. price/needs inside...

[EricLThomp]

So, the DSC-R1 (10MP) has been good for me for the last 5 years or so, but looking to upgrade. I am fearing aging equip could mean failure (I'll make the R1 my back-up), and it was $1,000 when I got it in early '06, so I figure by now there has to be something out there better for not much more $. Wouldn't mind a few more MP (so i can blow some shots up into nice posters)...

I don't know much about lenses (since DSC-R1 has a fixed lens). I know they are expensive, but I need one for doing landscapes (I like going to Big Sur) and one for shooting concerts and some close portraits (macros are cool too). Recommendations for a good move? Not too expensive on the lens

Is this Canon D90 w/lens a good deal and a good upgrade to the SONY R1?

http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg...X0DER&v=glance

I have a Big Sur trip coming in 6 weeks and want something nice by then.
Thanks,
Eric

[Photo-John]

Sorry no one has answered your post yet. I started to a few days ago and messed up the post and lost what I'd written

The quick answer is yes - the D90 is a great upgrade from the R1. That looks like a good kit and price, too. You will get better image quality from the D90 for sure and you'll be able to buy a faster lens if you want better gear for shooting concerts. The lens that comes with the camera has a nice range, although I'm not sure it will be as good as the R1's built-in lens. The R1 lens has a faster aperture across the range, but it's a bit shorter when you work in the D90's 1.5x digital crop conversion. I'm not telling you that to discourage you, though. That D90 kit is a good investment if you want to step up. But you just might find that the R1 had a better lens. On the other hand, you can always buy a better lens for the D90 if you want.

Once again, I apologize for screwing up my first post a few days ago and not following through. I hope this wasn't too late to help you make a decision. If you have more questions, please ask them. We're here to help