"Marutchi" BarbaraH*REMOVE wrote in message
...
Wolf K. wrote:


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....

I tend to agree with most of the above. Just as important, to my way of
thinking, is to go to a camera shop and actually handle the camera and see
how it feels in your hand and if the buttons/menus are a comfortable
arrangement for you to use.

Good point.

I use a DSLR, started of with a Canon G2 (point and shoot) and progressed
through to a Canon 40D. I still use the G2 occasionally, it shoots RAW
files too.

No idea what RAW files are ...

For the most part, point & shoot cameras take better looking photos, out
of the camera, as they do "in camera" editing, a DSLR photo will, more
than likely, need a little bit of tweaking with an editing programme.

I seem to need - that is WANT! - to edit most of the pictures I keep. The
editing is part of the fun - I did the same in a darkroom.

When it all boils down, for mine, it comes down to budget and ergonomics.

Budget is a concern to a point - but compared with the cost of the cruise it
will be irrelevant :-) What's more, the camera will still give me pleasure
when we're back home.

Having said all that for my forthcoming trip overseas I will be taking two
DSLRs, as I am quite used to carrying them around, so I don't think that
will be a problem for me.

Carrying a heavy camera never was a problem, with a decent bag of course. We
shan't be doing long treks ...

Thanks, Barbara,

Mary