I need a great 'non' DSLR

[inkista]

Hmmm... might want to add the Olympus Stylus SW series to the list, then, since those babies are waterproof and shock-proof.

[zcfd02]

Originally Posted by Booter

I'd like to upgrade from my Nikon Point and Shoot but I don't have the budget for a DSLR. I'm not loyal to any brand right now.

I'd like to know what the best choice for a non DSLR would be. I'd like to improve on the zoom while keeping reasonable clarity in low light if possible. If I can keep it as small as possible, that would be good too. Any ideas?

Not too small, the Panasonic DMC FZ-28 is totally amazing. Best price I found was 86th Street around $200. That allowed me to spend money where it really counts in digital - an 8 MB fast card and a couple of extra high capacity batteries.

Low light performance is very good and exposures to 1 minute are available.

You can drop the density to 5 MP and the zoom equivalent is over 800mm!

[dlaf]

Check out the Canon Powershots that have the tilt and swivel lcd. There's only 2-3 models that have this feature. It's an amazingly useful feature that I've come to depend on quite heavily. I can shoot, with control, from all sorts of camera angles. This helps me brace my camera better, get shots I normally would only guess at, and get shots I might not get at all because I'm just not that agile anymore!

The downside, for some people, is that it uses 4 AA batteries. I, however, like the extra stability the weight provides and the grasp I can get on the camera.

Here are just a few semi-obvious examples.

I braced the camera on the ground (not my head) and flipped and swivelled the screen to get the flower in frame the first time.


I was able to put the camera directly against the tree trunk, rotate the flip screen to get my best angle and adjust the camera position.


I did not have to put my face on the cement to get this shot framed (not that there was much to frame, but you get the idea).

[fletch]

Have a look at the reveiws over at DP review. if you are the sort of person who likes to do a lot of research before purchasing its a great site that goes into loads of depth about each camera.

http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/Q408enthusiastgroup/

[Moonlighter]

to stay Nikonian, you may consider Coolpix P80 or new P90.

[Wooglah]

Hm, can't you find Nikon D40 dslr for 350$ in your area? They are 360 euros here, but we have high import taxes and prices are overblown... I've checked on the google now, they can be found for 300$ or less, and it would fit your budget, your dream about dslr, and it is smallest dslr out there... And wolf and many ppl here can tell you more about this camera, or you can check flickr pool to see pictures...

Just my 2 cents.