New member, need a camera.

[blueangelfightr]

Hey guys!

I'm new to these forums, but I don't plan to be a stranger. I have been looking for a new camera for a little bit and I came up with what seems like a pretty good one. It's the canon powershot S2-IS. But, after talking to my grandfather who is a real photographer, he wanted me to see if two things were equipped on this camera, those are shutter release and interchangable lenses. I plan on going to a camera shop this weekend to look at one. I'm not all that clueless about cameras, but I have a TON to learn. Is this camera a SLR? I went to a site and it said it was. And if not, why would a SLR like the rebel be alot better for me, or would it? I plan on using the camera for all around stuff and the occasional photoshoot of cars especially. I'm sorry if this is posted in the wrong section (I'm a noob), but the moderators may move it if it is. Thanks for any and all responses guys, and girls! I'll see ya around!

Daniel.

[PacAce]

No, the S2 IS is not a digital SLR although you can buy wide-angle and telephoto attachments for it but the original lens is pretty much fixed to the body and is non-removeable. And, no, it does not have a cable release (I'm assuming that what you meant by "shutter release").

[lostdoggy]

Let me tell you 1st, no the S2IS is not a SLR. It does not have interchangable lens.

The S2IS is by all means a decent Point & Shoot camera.

As far as is it the right camera for you depends on your intent. Let us know how you plan to use the camera? What kind of photography are you planning on shooting? Are you planning to and willing spend more money?

The DRebel & Drebel XT are great startup DSLR and you can learn a great deal with it and has the ability to grow with more lenses and lighting and stands. But, for most people the learning curve might be overwhelming if their interest fades.

If you have questions this is the right forum to post it in there are alot of very help people here.

By the way welcome to the Forum.

[blueangelfightr]

What I Think I meant by shutter release, is that there is no delay from the time you hit the button to take the picture to the time it takes to take it. (if that makes any sense) Like my camera now (sony cybershot P32, small 3.2) has a delay sometimes from the time I hit the button to take the picture till the time it actually does it. I know with the SLR's there is no delay.

I plan on using the camera for car shots mostly, some landscape, I live not too far from NYC, so maybe some skyline shots a few times. You know the average usage. I don't plan on taking day trips to only take pictures and using 5 different lenses, and that kinda stuff. I was interested in the SLR's because they seem really good and I know they take great pictures. But when this howed up, it seemed like a good alternative. I really don't want a $2000 camera with 10 lenses, but if a SLR would be alot better then I would definetally look into a rebel and a few good lenses to have. So I hope you have enough information, and sorry for the newbie bit. But hey, everyone has to learn right? Thanks for the welcome by the way, I'm glad to be here.

[guitarman]

You mean shutter lag. If that bothers you then you may well be better off with a DSLR. I'm pretty sure the shutter lag is quite bad on the S2 IS. Although the prosumer digicams are getting better. What I like about with DSLR is low nois fast start up times and no shutter lag. You will need to spend a fair amount on lenses to get the amount of zoom that is available on the S2. Although you can buy the Rebel XT and fairly cheap lenses and get better results than on a prosumer digicam.

[lostdoggy]

Taking quality pictures is not as easy as it seems. I'm thinking stationary vehicles. Lighting is essential in any photography and cars in particular can be very difficult to control lighting because of its size. The flexibilty of using a DSLR can difintely help. When taking shots of skyline, the ability to resolve in higher ISO with little noise will allow you take the image with faster shutter possiblely eliminate shakes. As mention by Guitarman DSLR has a very fast startup and minimum shutter lag then P&S cameras.

[grego]

Before you jump in, keep in mind, you'll have to spend a bit, and not just for the body, but for quality lens. 2-3 quality lens will cost a little bit. Of course you can go cheapy, but if you are buying the SLR for better quality, you might as well stick lens on it that give you something in return.A good wide angle and midrange zoom, would probably do the job for you in the interests you have.

[blueangelfightr]

Okay, I already know the prices of the lenses, that was the whole reason for trying to get away with the S2-IS. But if I can buy wide angle lenses with that model, like PacAce said, then would I be better off going with the S2-IS? Also if I go to the drag strip or race track would the shutter lag make a big difference in the shots that I take? I wouldn't mind at all spending the extra money on the DSLR if it was totally worth it, don't get me wrong. But I just want to make sure it's worth it before I spend the money. If I did get the DSLR, what would be good mm lenses to get?

[PhotosGuy]

If I did get the DSLR, what would be good mm lenses to get? These guys will be happy to spend your money for you, but you should mention how much you have to spend? (It will go FAST!) :D

[zacker]

get a used rebel to start out with and take the $$ saved and get a good telephoto with Image Stabilizer for thos long reach shots that allways come out blury!

even with the add-on accessory lenses and adapters, the s2is is not going to be too good at the track. For family shots and stills, it would be fine though.
-zacker-

[lostdoggy]

Okay, I already know the prices of the lenses, that was the whole reason for trying to get away with the S2-IS. But if I can buy wide angle lenses with that model, like PacAce said, then would I be better off going with the S2-IS? Also if I go to the drag strip or race track would the shutter lag make a big difference in the shots that I take? I wouldn't mind at all spending the extra money on the DSLR if it was totally worth it, don't get me wrong. But I just want to make sure it's worth it before I spend the money. If I did get the DSLR, what would be good mm lenses to get?

As mention before S2IS won't bemuch good at the track. With moving vehicle you'll need at least a monopod with a good ballhead and a long lens maybe a 70-200f4L or longer dpending on how close you can get at the track. The Rebel XT will let you take 3fps (3 shot consecutively) and have usale shots at higher iso which translate to higher shutter speed. I believe the S2IS topsout at 200 ISO before the grains take over.

[blueangelfightr]

These guys will be happy to spend your money for you, but you should mention how much you have to spend? (It will go FAST!) :D
Umm, I can get a kit with a 18-55 lens with the camera, and I planed on about 1 or 2 more for now. Like a 55-200 or something like that. I will eventually buy more as time goes on, I can deal with 2 or 3 to start. I figured it wouldn't be that great at the track. So it looks like the DSLR would be the best choice. Crap, I didn't want that. lol. But you get what you pay for, and If I'm already paying $500 then I might as well spend a tad more and get the better camera.