Sony Cyber-shot DSC-T5...

[Pneguin]

Yes I know it's old but it's all I have and I use it mainly for family photos but I'm now considering a DSLR. I've never used any features of the Cyber-shot (well, I have played around with them but wasn't overly impressed so I just stick to Auto settings unless I'm taking a photo of something right up close). The manual has long since disappeared and I find I am really disliking using this camera. Blurred shots despite supposedly selecting the appropriate setting, terrible lighting on video taken indoors (the videos turn out dark even if the indoors are well lit, outside video is okay).

With a new camera, I'd again be using it mainly for pictures of the children and family but also various touristy things, buildings, and outdoor activities. If I was to buy a DSLR I would be very interested in taking a course as I want to make the most of this investment and I enjoy taking photos of random stuff.

I am trying to budget but I am willing to fork out around $1500AUD for a camera. In the interests of budgeting, should I just stick to the Cyber-shot but learn all the available features in case the problems I have can be easily overcome?

Any advice welcome!

[samleo]

Keep in mind that if you go down the Dslr route you are investing into a system; you will eventually want further lenses and things can very quickly get very expensive.

[mr_lemon]

Also keep in mind that D-SLR's do not have any video features, except for the new Nikon D90, but it's 'video' mode is debatable.

It might just be a good idea to see how much Manual control the T5 has to offer. It might not be much, but it could be enough to do some learning.

There are regular Point and Shoot cameras that do offer manual controls, like the Canon A, S and G series of cameras. These would definitely give u a taste of what it would be like to control a D-SLR.

Most entry level D-SLR's have an Auto setting, which usually gets you some really nice pics, so as a walk around tourist thing, a camera like the Sony A200 or Nikon D40/D60 would be ideal.


TOM...