Mary Fisher wrote:
I apologise in advance for this but if anyone can advise I'd appreciate it.

In the summer we're going on an Arctic cruise and of course I want the best
pictures I can afford. Digital camera makers seem to fall over themselves in
getting more and more sophisticated models at cheaper prices, it's very
confusing.

I wondered about having an SLR digital - I've heard about them but not seen
one, my old pro photographer boss has finally got one and is very pleased
with it but I don't think I could afford what he paid.

Has anyone here any experience or recommendations? I've used SLR manual for
nearly sixty years but do enjoy the computer-related functions of digital
and thought the combination might combine the best of both to advantage.

But I don't know ...

Mary



I thought of getting a DSLR two years ago when we went to Europe. I
decided against it, as it's heavier than a point'n'shoot. That's not to
say that a DSLR is a bad choice. It's just that a $200+/- point'n'shoot
set at the highest resolution these days does nearly as good a job as a
DSLR. If you're going on a trip, the weight of an SLR lens can get
tiresome, as you know. The main advantage of an DSLR is that it stores
images in RAW format, which allows for more image processing than the
JPG format used by point'n'shoot cameras.

We have two Canon Sureshots, and like them. My daughter's family has
Fuji Finepix. No difference in picture quality, just a different
arrangement of controls.

Last but IMO very important: avoid any camera that requires some
funny-shaped proprietary battery. No matter how good a deal it is. AA,
AAA batteries only - they are available anywhere. My sister-on-law
bought a deal-you-can't-refuse at Wallymart, and couldn't find a
replacement battery a mere six weeks later.

Oh, and buy at least two of the largest memory cards available for your
camera....

--
wolf k.