Just looking for a little advice here. My dad has a Nikon D70. I love the quality of images it takes and want to do some photography myself.

With that said, I'm a little worried about durability, size and weight. I often take shots when I'm out mountain biking, snowboarding, hiking, kayaking (this summer) and travelling.

Sounds like a perfect fit for PnS, I know. But, is there any PnS camera that approached the quality and features of a DLSR? Or on the flip side, is there a very compact DLSR?

I'm looking in the 1k range.

 

I'm in the same predicament. I want quality, but I don't want the bulk.

The actual full bore weatherproof SLRs (Canon 40-50D and 7D ... etc) are just heavy and large ... plus I'm scared to lug 2-3k worth of equipment through dust, water and mud

The entry-level SLRs I don't think will take such abuse.

I have looked at the new micro 4/3 cameras out there (Olympus e-p1 & e-p2, Panasonic GF1), they are definitely compact, less mechanisms to go wrong (no mirror), the image quality is pretty good although the wide angle distortion looked a bit odd to me. Plus I'm waiting to see if it actually catches on, because as it stands now there are only a few lenses out there.

 

Interesting, I hadn't heard about these. Something like the GF-1 with the 20mm pancake lens would be great for active use. And then maybe a larger lens for touristy travel stuff. Cool.

 

Look at stuff like the Canon G11 or S90.

 

Skipp the kayaking and buy a Dslr.

No seriously, if you're just a little interested in photography you will like the Dslr. If you buy a PnS, you'll maybe get bored of it while with a Dslr you can keep getting better.

If you're careful with it, or put it in a backpack that won't give any problems with Mountain biking, snowboarding and stuff like that...

 

I shoot a Nikon D70 and a Canon SD940is.

The Nikon's (or any DSLR) advantage is that it gives full flexibility when shooting. That is, you can (quickly) control aperture, shutter, ISO, lens preference, etc. The result is that you get a more involved and rewarding shooting experience, and when lucky, a better photo. The downside is its size and expense. 90% of the time, a P&S is more appropriate for what I do.

The Canon is a terrific little camera. Tons of technology packed into a very compact and handsome design. Still, I find myself controlling little more than the flash preference. I generally just turn it on, adjust zoom, and click. The other neat feature (and a selling point for me) is the 720p video capability. The result of all this is a pretty boring interaction, but a good result.

If you're active, and want to document your journeys with quality photos (or video) in a convenient way, buy a P&S (like the SD940is). If you're looking to get into photography (that is, the hobby), look into a DSLR.

My GF shoots the Nikon D60, which is a more compact body, but a very nice entry level DSLR. Still, she often does bring it along, because it's a hassle.

If you have any more questions, ask away....

 

I went through the same predicament a month or so ago.

Finally decided to pick up a Panasonic LX3. My philosophy is that the worst photos are the ones you don't shoot, and since I knew I didn't want to lug around a DSLR, the choice became obvious.

An added benefit of a p&s is that it's a lot easier to take close-range candid shots. Everyone notices when you whip out a DSLR and start banging away.

I came ever so close to pulling the trigger on a micro 4/3, but it's not pocketable and the stats don't quite stack up to a mid-range DSLR, so IMHO it's all compromises.

I was in France for 10-days with a photography-buff friend of mine, who was traveling with his DSLR and two extra lenses in a bag. The photos he took were awesome, but he didn't get photos of the entire experience the way I did.

I'd give the LX3 a long, hard look too. It's got a fantastic Leica lens. I wish I could post some photos, but my internet connection is pretty shoddy. I'll make a big post once I get back to the states.

 

For a little more than $1k, you can do what I did... I got a D90 for "real" pictures and also picked up an Olympus Tough 8000 for walking around/kayaking/hiking, etc. Totally water/shock/weatherproof to 10M. Canon makes a really nice one too, probably better than the Olympus.

One thing about the SLR is that you can't take it into concerts and a lot of events like that. It's really worth it to have both options, for just a little bit more $, and the waterproof cameras are awesome.