Need some digital advice

[Chazs]

I'll be traveling to Sweden at the end of the month fofr a ten day business trip (hopefully 3 or 4 "play days" however). I currently have the Canon S40 (2 years old now), which was a great camera to take tripping to Yellowstone. However, I've seriously considered moving up to the Digital Rebel for all the obvious reasons, but have not yet committed the $1000. Here's the dilemma.....

buy the D-Reb for better pictures, but harder to pack around with luggage, or

keep the S40 for the convenience of havening a decent camera in pants pockets.

What would you do????

Thanks in advance.

[PeterS45]

I had the same dilemma when I went to South-Africa for business (and a few days pleasure). I decided to stick to my G3 because the difference between 4 & 6 Mp is in fact very small, and the DRebel only has advantages if you spend more than $ 1,000.-- and add some lenses. But then you will have to carry around even more.

My next dilemma will be next year's vacation, because then I'll be travelling through the USA for a month. Is that going to be worth a DRebel, or maybe even a better camera Canon will have by that time :? .

[Gerdav43]

Sounds like a great excuse to buy new toys! It's not that much to pack! You'll love it. I have a d60 which is heavier than the drebel and I get buy (notice the subliminal spelling error,noticed after I typed it). Just do it :D

[richpix]

I'll be traveling to Sweden at the end of the month fofr a ten day business trip (hopefully 3 or 4 "play days" however). I currently have the Canon S40 (2 years old now), which was a great camera to take tripping to Yellowstone. However, I've seriously considered moving up to the Digital Rebel for all the obvious reasons, but have not yet committed the $1000. Here's the dilemma.....

buy the D-Reb for better pictures, but harder to pack around with luggage, or

keep the S40 for the convenience of havening a decent camera in pants pockets.

What would you do????

Thanks in advance.

Does it have to be either/or? I would go for both. It's always good to have a backup in case something happens to one camera.

There will probably be situations where the larger camera will be inconvenient, but the pocket model would come in handy.

There are lots of reasons for having more than one camera along. You'll probably wonder why you didn't think of it sooner.

[Canuck]

I'll be traveling to Sweden at the end of the month fofr a ten day business trip (hopefully 3 or 4 "play days" however). I currently have the Canon S40 (2 years old now), which was a great camera to take tripping to Yellowstone. However, I've seriously considered moving up to the Digital Rebel for all the obvious reasons, but have not yet committed the $1000. Here's the dilemma.....

buy the D-Reb for better pictures, but harder to pack around with luggage, or

keep the S40 for the convenience of havening a decent camera in pants pockets.

What would you do????

Thanks in advance.

It all is pending how much u are willing to spend. It can cost upwards of $2000 to set up a 300D. That is my question, budget? Next, you will need a lot more stuff and do you have hte time to gather it all before going? If you aren't bothered about a ton of stuff, stay with what you have, otherwise get a 300D, and lenses. You realise that the 300D needs lenses to work correctly, I hope!

[Jim_T]

See what the camera is worth and decide if you need the money to put towards the Rebel..

If you can, keep the S40..

I've got an old 2 megapixel Canon S100. I bought it new and I've kept over the years. It's just the thing for when you want to travel light. A pocket camera is unobtrusive and always available.

I keep it in my camera bag and I use it quite a bit. I recall being on vacation a few years ago and wishing I had a camera with me.. I touched my pants pocket and suddenly realized.. I DO have my camera with me :)

[arthurb]

Sweden for me would be a trip of a lifetime, so I would want to have the best pictures possible. If I were going I would take my Drebel -- maybe.

My lifetime trip was to South Africa and I wish I had one then, about 6 years ago.

I still make those same decisions though since the Drebel is too large to put in your pocket, and I have a Powershot S20 which does. For example I went to the state capital about 2 weeks ago, and it would have been ackward carrying the Dreb around, but with the Powershot I was able to carry in my suit pocket and get a vew candid shots, and hand it to someone to take my picture with semi-famous folks...

I guess it also depends on the type of trip. As I think back to my South Africa trip, I had only had my Elan IIe for a couple of months and it was a major investment. It stayed within a few feet of me for the whole trip, and the guys kinda laughed each morning at breakfast when I carried it with me because I didn't want to chance leaving it in the hotel room. (It wasn't a bad hotel, I was admitedly just paranoid...)

[randyk]

I moved up from a G2 and S230 to the 10D last summer. Once you use a DSLR at least for me, its very hard to use a lesser camera. And the increase in MP's is the least of it. The huge advantage is the increased size of the image sensor. See the diagram on this page that shows how much bigger a typical DSLR sensor is than in a camera like the compact powershots:

http://www.imaging-resource.com/PRODS/E10D/E10DA3.HTM

Cramming more MP's on a small image sensor (all the rage with 8MP compact digi cam's) is not the answer.

When I go back and look at my older pictures, they just don't compare to what I can capture today.

Its very true that DSLRs are much more expensive than digicams. The entry price isn't that bad, 1000-1200 but thats with a single small zoom. But if you don't need longer reach, that may be all you need.

I would take a hard look at that new Nikon D70 but you may not be able to get one in time for your trip.

[PeterS45]

I would take a hard look at that new Nikon D70 but you may not be able to get one in time for your trip.

Nikon?????? Is it allowed to swear in this forum :twisted: :twisted: ?

[karusel]

He who swears so nastily shall be banished from these boards! :twisted:

Going from compact cams to SLR is a big step and there are a few things to consider, first, why would you want an SLR? This simple question arises because compact cameras make good photos, SLRs make superb photos, so the difference is not extremely noticeable. If don't print above, say, 10*15, it probably makes very little difference to an expert and none to an average viewer of your photos (friends, mom, dad :D ). In order to beat the compact cameras you have to carry enough of focal length around to meet that 5x or 7x zooms that they have.

So, what I'm saying is, going SLR is costly in many ways, the luggage, weight while holding the camera, switching lens and possibly getting dust on sensor (but only when you're far away from home and there is no way you could clean it, while you'll probably get no dust on the sensor if you're at home and are switching lens in the middle of a sandstorm), high risk of theft, expensive L glass and unless you're some kind of a genious - steep learning curve.

[Claire]

Sweden's sunny right now, but it goes up and down a bit. Spring's here though. :)

I've been running around with my 300D when out for a walk and can't wait to bring it into Gothenburg. Want to just walk around and see if I can take some decent pics.

[tivoli2]

An important trip is not the time to be experimenting with a new camera. If you buy the 300D, make sure you learn it completely and test all its options *before* you leave.

[Chazs]

Hey folks, thanks for ALL your advice (and supporting me in convincing the wife.) :wink: . I do think, that if I get a 300D, or even the 10D, I'll take both the S40 and the new with me.

Karusul:""Going from compact cams to SLR is a big step and there are a few things to consider, first, why would you want an SLR?""

The S40 is actually my first compact. The first time I went to Europe (in 1983) a took my trusty Olympus OM1, 4 olympus zuiko fixed focal length lenses from 24mm to 200mm, and an olympus zoom, plus flash. Talk about serious weight, but I was much younger then. Since getting the S40 I felt likean SLR traitor, (but not a film traitor). Finally it looks like I can get back into the SLR race.

The next decision will be... do I part with all my trusty Olympus gear, and start amassing Canon lenses. Hmmmm?

Claire, any "don't miss sites" between Helsingor and Stockholm?

Thanks!!

[KiwiRob]

Since you are an Oly man why not look at the E1.

I'd just like to point out that Helsingør is in Denmark, I think you mean Helsingborg which is in Sweden. There are quite a few good spots to visit but it all depends on how you are going to get there.

If you are driving I would suggest the following route Helsingborg to Malmo, Malmo to Karlskrona, Karlskrona to Kalmar then Kalmar to Stockholm.

If you take the train here are a few of options.

Option 1
Helsingborg, Goteborg, Stockholm

Option 2
Helsingborg, Malmo, Linkoping or Norrkoping(stop to see the Gota kanal) Stockholm

Option 3
Helsingborg, Goteborg, Oslo, Stockholm


If tou have 3 - 4 play days I'd be quite tempted to take option 3, this way you get to see 2 countries, Oslo is a nice city and has some great spots to photograph.

If you want anymore info drop me an email.

[Chazs]

Hi KiwiRob. We actually are flying in to Denmark, then taking the train to Sweden to visit several universities. Option 1 is pretty close to our planned route with Kristinehamn thrown in. Sounds like I'm set for a good trip.

I've looked at the E1 a bit, but since I have the S40 and two canon printers I feel a little loyalty to Canon (and very pleased with all my Canon gear.) So many decisions, so little time, money, etc. :) :D

One of everything, please.

[clemjj]

DO IT! Spend the money, no regrets, full speed ahead! You're an SLR man, it's in your blood... More power ugghh, gruuuunt...

Hey my theory is if you can swing the dough, go for it... maybe that's why my credit cards are maxed :wink:

[Chazs]

Finally did it. Got the DRebel over the weekend for my Sweden trip in two weeks. Already looking at more lenses after having the thing for two days. Aargh. What a hobby me thinks me got into.

[rick barclay]

You're right, chazs. I was the same way-bought my DRebel after Christmas
to take to my 30-reunion with some blokes I lived with. I enjoyed taking
pictures so much that I joined several forums, scanned Google for every
digital photography link I could find, and even reactivated my Sleeze-Bay
account in the hopes of finding some "bargains." Fortunately, I've calmed
down some, although I did just spend a ton for my first L lens (not on ebay).
My advice is simply enjoy a delightful new hobby and try not to get carried away with it all.

[karusel]

Yeah, good luck trying. The board is full of people who are getting carried away... I think support groups will form eventually... :D

[Claire]

Sweden in two weeks. Well, it's been warm lately, but today it's drizzling. I personally don't know much about what to see in Sweden as I normally holiday outside of the country.

Gothenburg is small and down to earth, Malmö I have never been to, but I'd go there. Stockholm is beautiful in spring and summer. I like the place big time, international feel yet not overly city like. If you get time Oslo would be a great detour too.

Oh, I think they are opening up Liseberg this weekend, it's the amusement park in Gothenburg. You should go there. :)