High Level PnC or Entry dSLR?

[JenD]

I'm trying to figure out whether to get a high end point and click or an entry level dSLR. I've now read so many reviews that my eyes may be permanently crossed.

I took photography in college and have been taking pictures since I was about five. I wouldn't call myself a pro- but I know how to tweak settings to get the shot I want.

Lately I've been feeling very very constrained by my mid-level pnc and am now thinking about moving into the dSLR from my old trusted film Pentax SLR. Problem is- I don't have a thousand dollars to spend- even though I can easily dream of the shots those cameras could get me.... *sigh*

I've been looking but it seems that the 'entry' dSLRs have tons of things I don't think I'll need. I really just want a bare bones dSLR. Or a pnc that's so high it'll let me have more control and give me better saturation.

So with a budget of 500 US (I know it's not a lot) here's what I'm hoping to find-

Features I'd like (I know I won't get all of these and that's ok)-
-Low noise ratio (why I hate my camera right now)
-Good enough to get a low light shot I can fix later in photoshop.
-Bulb setting or at least longer than five seconds. I could work with fifteen.
-Raw would be fun to play with.
-SD/SDHC
-Hot shoe would be fun but not necessary.
-Image stabilization that doesn't add grain would be a plus too.
-Ability to use filters (dSLR only I'm sure) but not a deal breaker.
-Sharp shots with minimal 'purple haze'. I don't like soft photos.

What I'm taking shots of-
-Wide landscapes at all hours (even 3 am)
-Indoor shots of kids/pets/people
-Architecture in all light.
-Macro nature in good light.
-'Artsy' shots as the mood strikes (hence the B setting)

Prints-
-For sale/gifts I print out around 16X24 maybe eight times a year.
-Mainly 5x7's and web with an 8x10 as a viable option.


Things I don't need-
-Movies, LiveView, flipping screens,super high megapixels,11 point AF, Face tracking, 10 different 'style' modes.

I really just want some more freedom artistically, sharper images, and more depth. I love my bare bones film SLR and wish I could find that simplicity in a digital version.

I was looking at the Nikon D40- only 6.1 mpx and a CCD sensor, yet it's quite affordable. I know that CMOS is very good but is it possible to get an equally good pic out of a CCD?

I'm fine to use an 'old' dSLR too- I don't care how new it is. As long as the shots are right- I'm a happy grub.

If you read all of that- thanks a million!

[Frog]

Welcome to photography review forums, JenD.

I'll only say that if you spend your 500 on a p&s, then that's 500 you won't have saved up for a dslr.
Of course I don't know what your financial situation is but you'll never be able to match a dslr with a p&s.
As far as I know and I'm sure I'll be corrected if I'm wrong, there is no p&s that can match a dslr for noise at high iso. You can make pretty good prints with better p&s but 16x24 is gonna be pushing it hard.
Let's imagine you manage to save up a thousand dollars and buy a good dslr with a decent lens...probably a wide ranging zoom...18-105 or even an 18-200 with vr.
You'll want/need more stuff such as a dedicated macro lens or extension tubes, a fast lens for those indoor shots, maybe an even wider lens for those landscapes and architecture shots. I think you must already have a tripod if you've been doing 3am shots.
I've been putting my stuff together for 3 years with my last purchase being a macro lens and I now have a fast 50mm, a wide ranging zoom and a more powerful one(70-300) a wide angle, and a macro lens. They are not the very best lenses but they are good ones.
I had to save for each one I wanted. I also have purchased different filters for each one and GOOD filters aren't cheap plus doo-dads.
If that is too much to think about and you aren't patient enough to get what you really want, and I'm pretty sure you really do want a dslr, then go with the p&s. There are very good ones out there.
Since you do seem to know what you are talking about and if you want to develop your passion.....save up and get the dslr.
And since you don't mind if it isn't brand new, look for re-conditioned or demo models.
Several of the good dealers have them. KEH specializes in used and I know Cameta on ebay(one of the few trusted dealers on ebay) sells demos and re-conditioned.
Check our dealer feedback forum before ordering online.
If I were you, I'd look for a d5000 instead of a d40. Better sensor, more megapixels, good reviews.
Good luck and hope to hear/see more from you!

[Franglais]

....
I've been looking but it seems that the 'entry' dSLRs have tons of things I don't think I'll need. I really just want a bare bones dSLR. Or a pnc that's so high it'll let me have more control and give me better saturation.
...
I really just want some more freedom artistically, sharper images, and more depth. I love my bare bones film SLR and wish I could find that simplicity in a digital version.
...

You are looking for an "open" solution where you have control over the system and can fine-tune it to do what you want (either directly at time of shooting or after in the RAW file).

Point-and-shoots are closed systems - you can set a some parameters yourself and for the rest the manufacturer has bundled the options into program modes (which are actually very intelligent choices). However the image quality is limited by the little sensor, most won't do RAW - forget point-and-shoots

Professional DSLR's are "open" systems where you have complete control and can produce RAW files. Anything from the D300/D300s upwards, though even the D80/D90 offer pretty good control. This is what you're really looking for.

The entry-level DSLR's (D40/D40x/D60/D3000/D5000) are like the point-and-shoots in that some parameters cannot be set directly and are only accessible by program modes. But the possibilities are there (including RAW). You'll probably never love your D40 but look closely and you'll find it will do most things that you need.

Most of the time I use a professional DSLR (D200/D300) because I need control. In risky situations I use an entry-level D60. I still have control - if I need to I select one of the program modes to get a specific function and I don't feel handicapped.

BTW - don't underestimate the usefulness of the new functions that you didn't have in your "bare bones" SLR. Features like continuous focussing, TTL-BBL flash and auto-ISO are really useful in some circumstances

[reklov]

Hi JenD
Some very good advise so far....the only thing I can add is that point and shoot cameras are very slow, start up, shot to shot, flash shots, etc. Not sure if this matters.
Save up enough money for a D5000, you won't regret it.