Need some serious help here!

[Photo-John]

When you buy a digital SLR you aren't really paying for all of the features. Or rather, you won't use them all. They pack the features in them but no one uses them all. You choose the camera that has the features and quality you need and don't worry about the rest. And the main reason to buy a digital SLR is the sensor quality. They have larger sensors that capture much better quality images. But they will cost you more - a lot more.

If you're not really sure about digital SLRs, I think you should look at a high-end compact camera. I don't know what cameras you've had, but there are point-and-shoots and the then there are compacts that offer almost all the control and features of a digital SLR. They use a smaller sensor so the image quality isn't as good. But that doesn't mean its bad. Use them correctly and you can get wonderful quality. And most important for you - they all have built-in closeup capabilities. You won't have to buy a special lens to do the kind of closeups you're talking about. Nikon, Canon, Olympus, Kodak, Pentax, Fujifilm, Panasonic and Sony all make good compact "superzoom" cameras. They look like small DSLRs but they don't have changeable lenses. I think a camera like that might be your best bet. In no particular order, here are a links to a few of them so you can take a look:

Nikon Coolpix P90
Pentax X70
Olympus SP-590 UZ
Fujifilm FinePix S200EXR
Sony Cybershot H20

And for a more in-depth look at a superzoom compact camera, read our pro review of the Sony Cybershot H50. Personally, I like the look of the Fuji the most. I haven't had a chance to use it. But Fuji's new EXR sensor is supposed to be really good.

I'm sure you'll have more questions. Take a look at those reviews and let us know what you think. Read the Sony H50 pro review because it has a lot of general stuff on the benefits of a superzoom camera.

[heloderm]

When you buy a digital SLR you aren't really paying for all of the features. Or rather, you won't use them all. They pack the features in them but no one uses them all. You choose the camera that has the features and quality you need and don't worry about the rest. And the main reason to buy a digital SLR is the sensor quality. They have larger sensors that capture much better quality images. But they will cost you more - a lot more.

If you're not really sure about digital SLRs, I think you should look at a high-end compact camera. I don't know what cameras you've had, but there are point-and-shoots and the then there are compacts that offer almost all the control and features of a digital SLR. They use a smaller sensor so the image quality isn't as good. But that doesn't mean its bad. Use them correctly and you can get wonderful quality. And most important for you - they all have built-in closeup capabilities. You won't have to buy a special lens to do the kind of closeups you're talking about. Nikon, Canon, Olympus, Kodak, Pentax, Fujifilm, Panasonic and Sony all make good compact "superzoom" cameras. They look like small DSLRs but they don't have changeable lenses. I think a camera like that might be your best bet. In no particular order, here are a links to a few of them so you can take a look:

Nikon Coolpix P90
Pentax X70
Olympus SP-590 UZ
Fujifilm FinePix S200EXR
Sony Cybershot H20

And for a more in-depth look at a superzoom compact camera, read our pro review of the Sony Cybershot H50. Personally, I like the look of the Fuji the most. I haven't had a chance to use it. But Fuji's new EXR sensor is supposed to be really good.

I'm sure you'll have more questions. Take a look at those reviews and let us know what you think. Read the Sony H50 pro review because it has a lot of general stuff on the benefits of a superzoom camera.

Not sure if I gave off the wrong impression but I really want an SLR! All my friends have them and the photo's are unreal. I found this on Amazon:

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

$449 for a D40 w/ a lense. After speaking with my wife we want something good that we can grow with. I would always be able to buy a new lense and get better photo's down the road, if I get a point and shoot I'm stuck with whatever I have. I'm leaning on the D40 and I'm going to make a decision this week. The money is surely burning a hole in my pocket because I really want a new camera! Thanks so much for your help! With the reviews and info you 2 have provided I think I may just go with the D40. The D40 was replaced by the D3000, should I go for that one, Or should I just stick with the D40 and upgrade down the road if I really find the need to?

I keep saying Nikon, would you go with a different brand? Who has the best lenses?

Thanks again!!!

John

[Photo-John]

Not sure if I gave off the wrong impression but I really want an SLR! All my friends have them and the photo's are unreal.

Fair enough. I just wanted you to be aware that there are alternatives. Calling the superzooms "point-and-shoots" isn't really accurate, either. They have full manual controls if you want them. And for that matter, DSLRs also have full auto controls, so you can use them as point-and-shoots. It's really the sensor that makes the difference. And also keep in mind that the camera doesn't take the picture. A better camera offers more potential. But the photographer is still the one that makes the picture. You don't make delicious food just because you have nice knives and pans, right?

Ok, moving on... The D40 is a fine camera and a great way for you to get started. If you like Nikon, that's fine with me. Every camera company makes really good lenses - if you're willing to pay for them. I think you'll find the kit lens that comes with the camera just fine for general photos. But it won't do the closeup stuff you want to do. You will need a dedicated closeup lens for that kind of photo. We can help you with that now or later. Just keep in mind that you won't be able to get good photos of critter scales with what you're buying. You'll probably also need to learn some new technique. Proper technique is usually more important than the equipment you use. You'll definitely want to take a look at our Nature & Wildlife forum and ask those guys what they think you should buy. They're the experts on critter closeups.

[heloderm]

Fair enough. I just wanted you to be aware that there are alternatives. Calling the superzooms "point-and-shoots" isn't really accurate, either. They have full manual controls if you want them. And for that matter, DSLRs also have full auto controls, so you can use them as point-and-shoots. It's really the sensor that makes the difference. And also keep in mind that the camera doesn't take the picture. A better camera offers more potential. But the photographer is still the one that makes the picture. You don't make delicious food just because you have nice knives and pans, right?

Ok, moving on... The D40 is a fine camera and a great way for you to get started. If you like Nikon, that's fine with me. Every camera company makes really good lenses - if you're willing to pay for them. I think you'll find the kit lens that comes with the camera just fine for general photos. But it won't do the closeup stuff you want to do. You will need a dedicated closeup lens for that kind of photo. We can help you with that now or later. Just keep in mind that you won't be able to get good photos of critter scales with what you're buying. You'll probably also need to learn some new technique. Proper technique is usually more important than the equipment you use. You'll definitely want to take a look at our Nature & Wildlife forum and ask those guys what they think you should buy. They're the experts on critter closeups.

I want the best picture quality so I've decided to go SLR, now I gotta decide which one. I'm sure I'll have tons of time to get the pictures right! Do I need a uv filter shooting out in the sun? I also posted in the nature forum, thanks alot!