20x superzoom compared to DSLR with 200/300lens

[mhdick]

I currently have a canon SX10is (20xzoom with 4x digital) 10 MP P&S superzoom.
I do really like it for the most part. I like the zoom for taking pictures of deer while outdoors - sometimes from a long way out (have one picture at 1/2 mile on FULL 20+4x zoom - not super quality picture, but it was fun to do).
However, I am frustrated with being unable to get any DOF in my pictures of my 11month old, HAVING to use the flash indoors - or just have crappy pictures (or use the flash and have many blown out). And, full zoom only really works in very good light.
I'm considering a new SLR - beginner to mid-range type. NOT the $1000+ cameras!

My main question is this: How close will a 200mm zoom (or 300) come to the 20x zoom on my current camera? Not only actual zoom, but picture quality. Also I would assume I could crop better having the SLR and a zoom, where cropping from a full 20x on my P&S isn't very likely to work much.

please let me know here if I'm close on my math: my 20x is up to 560mm (35mm equil per canon website). On most mid-level SLR's, the 35mm equiv is the lens x 1.5 (depending on camera) - right? that would make a 200mm zoom equilavent to 350mm and 300 to 450?? If so, (and I know - depends at least some on quality of lens, use tripod...) what are thoughts on quality of shots with both zoomed out?

hope I haven't rambled on too much to answer this decently.
thanks in advance.

[RichardTaylor]

I've used both, super zoom & long lenses on DLRs and photographed wild life for fun. (Canon gear)

300mm will get you approx 450mm

In good light and filling the frame with the subject you will not notice a huge amount of difference.

However with good technique, and lens dependant, A DSLR will run rings around a superzoom when it comes to IQ if shooting in poor light or you need to crop.

You will be looking at least $US500 of a half decent lens (eg Canon EF 70-300mm f/4-5.6 IS USM Autofocus Telephoto Zoom Lens) without a body


.

[mhdick]

Thanks for the reply.

I am considering the following camera with lens kit: Pentax K-x 12.4 MP Digital SLR with 2.7-inch LCD and 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 AL and 55-300mm f/4-5.8 ED Lenses.

What quality is this lens, figuring on taking wildlife and sports photographs (NOT pro, but personal use)? Mostly 4x6 photos, maybe occasional blow-ups. Sports stuff could be indoor HS bball, vball, etc and some outdoor sports anytime during the day.

[mattdm]

Originally Posted by mhdick

Thanks for the reply.

I am considering the following camera with lens kit: Pentax K-x 12.4 MP Digital SLR with 2.7-inch LCD and 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 AL and 55-300mm f/4-5.8 ED Lenses.

What quality is this lens, figuring on taking wildlife and sports photographs (NOT pro, but personal use)? Mostly 4x6 photos, maybe occasional blow-ups. Sports stuff could be indoor HS bball, vball, etc and some outdoor sports anytime during the day.

The 55-300 is pretty well regarded for a low-priced zoom. See SMC Pentax-DA 55-300mm F4-5.8 ED Lens Reviews - Pentax Lens Review Database for reviews.

PS: the current prices on this combo are ridiculously good.

[Mr Guy]

Fortunately, you've found the limitations of your compact camera so it's going to be easier for you to make the transition cause you can focus on the problems you want to fix.

The downside is a lot like trading a Swiss Army knife for a tool box. Once you've FILLED your tool box, you'll rarely miss the Swiss Army knife, however with the toolbox, you need the right tools to cover the job first. Until you get all the tools, you may end up with gaps you didn't have.

For example, if you get a DSLR and a kit 18-55mm, obviously you're going to have a gap until you buy a zoom, while the super zoom keeps giving you averagely good pictures with averagely good convenience. Just like if you buy a tool box and a hammer, you can't cut down a tree like you could with the tiny saw on the knife (which may take forever and leave a rough surface, but you CAN do it).

Because of that, make sure you at least cover your most common shooting range and have a versatile zoom (or pair of zooms) handy. For most of us here, swapping lenses is a small price for quality and comfort, but that's not true for everyone. If you want an always ready camera, you'll need to start with a set of with versatile zooms and keep replacing them with the best you are willing to get. If you want absolute quality, do the same thing, but supplement a low end versatile zoom with a hand full of prime lenses at your favorite lengths.