I hate to do this

[Angdvl089]

But what are some (advanced?) P&S cameras that are better or equal to the Nikon P5100? I really want something with a rechargeable battery
and something for $400 or less. Right now I just don't have the money to spend on a 400D like I wanted initially. Some help please?

[Anke]

You might even be able to pick up a Canon Rebel 300D for that much, no?

[shannyD]

for about 70 dollars more you can get something that you know that youll get a lot of use out of. and some just awesome pictures.
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/540504-REG/Canon_0209B029_EOS_Digital_Rebel_XT.html

[Glasstream15]

I have an XT and it is a fine camera. Missing a few bells & whistles from the XTi (400D) but it is a great camera. I don't know much about the lens because mine came with the 18-55 standard kit lens, but that would be the equivalent of what is called a "normal" lens and a short tele on the XT/XTi.

B&H is as reliable as sunrise. If you can swing a few extra bucks, you won't regret the XT over XTi unless you just have to have the latest. Personally, I don't so I'm happy.

[Angdvl089]

Yeah the thing is money is kind of tight right now. I have enough for a camera but not one that I really want. I REALLY want an XTi but after the price for a card it's pretty much out of my range. I'm not too worried about the buffer size or the screen size of the XT but how much slower does it focus than the XTi?

[Anke]

Yeah the thing is money is kind of tight right now. I have enough for a camera but not one that I really want. I REALLY want an XTi but after the price for a card it's pretty much out of my range. I'm not too worried about the buffer size or the screen size of the XT but how much slower does it focus than the XTi?

Perhaps saving for a couple more months for the camera you REALLY want would be the best thing in the end. Just saving $10/$20 a month for six months will get you in XT/XTi territory.

[Glasstream15]

Yeah the thing is money is kind of tight right now. I have enough for a camera but not one that I really want. I REALLY want an XTi but after the price for a card it's pretty much out of my range. I'm not too worried about the buffer size or the screen size of the XT but how much slower does it focus than the XTi?

Never had an XTi so I can't answer. I don't have much of a problem with focus though. I have read that there is an improvement in the XTi, but, I have an XT with no plans to change. It works great, the 8 MP sensor may even be better than the 10, it focuses well for me, except on my black cat and I have never seen an auto-focus work on her, saved me money to get a Tamron 18-200 and a 430EX flash. Yeah, I'd rather have a 40D. But IQ wise it is no better and the XT is smaller, lighter and easier to carry.

BUT, if your mind is set on the XTi, you may be better off waiting. "I coulda hada" is not a good feeling.

YMMV

[Angdvl089]

Perhaps saving for a couple more months for the camera you REALLY want would be the best thing in the end. Just saving $10/$20 a month for six months will get you in XT/XTi territory.

Never had an XTi so I can't answer. I don't have much of a problem with focus though. I have read that there is an improvement in the XTi, but, I have an XT with no plans to change. It works great, the 8 MP sensor may even be better than the 10, it focuses well for me, except on my black cat and I have never seen an auto-focus work on her, saved me money to get a Tamron 18-200 and a 430EX flash. Yeah, I'd rather have a 40D. But IQ wise it is no better and the XT is smaller, lighter and easier to carry.

BUT, if your mind is set on the XTi, you may be better off waiting. "I coulda hada" is not a good feeling.

YMMV

I know what you guys mean...

Glasstream, what do you usually shoot? Any action stuff or sports?

[Glasstream15]

Don't do much action or sports. I may try to track birds in flight occasionally, but focus is not my problem, but actually following the birds. with my 18-200 or especially the 75-300 zoomed way out, following is tough, but if I stay on them, they seem to stay focused fairly well.

Just my experience. YMMV

[audiobomber]

Another possibility. Buy an A570 or A720 and put off buying the camera you really want for a year or two. Then you'll still have a flexible p&s for times when you don't want to carry the DSLR.

[JustShootin']

It's true that with four hundred bucks, you're not too far from an entry level SLR. But we all know that when it comes to SLR cameras, that the camera and kit lens is just the beginning, and to be barely satisfied, you will need to spend several hundred more bucks for glass. There are so many great compact cameras that can be purchased for the money you have. There's one thing for sure though. Every week month, year that you research and drive yourself crazy trying to figure out what to buy, about one zillion photos are waiting to be taken, and you're missing them all. So for goodness sakes man, go buy a camera, and take some pictures!!

Gary

[_aravena]

If you want something new than you're a long ways off. But if you hang around ehre long enough you'll learn used equipment from us is not a bad thing.

Rebel XT's go for sale quite often with batteries, grips, lenses, and what not for right around $400.

[TroyRaymond]

I just purchased a slightly used XT from this site with battery, charger, 1GB CF card, case and all the cd's and cables for $360 (but no lens) I have a lens for it already.

Be patient, the right deal will come along.

[JakeF150FX4]

I just sold my XTI :( and got me A570 IS for $130 :) at Staples.

Canon A570 IS is really good, and like it.

I love XTI but my wife and i just dislike viewfinder, i prefer viewlive on LCD oh well. I cant afford 40D.

Jake

[ceriltheblade]

No offense meant, but the user asked for a point and shoot. I think we can respect the fact that his budget will not be able to produce enough to come up with a camera he likes and the various lenses mentioned here. Hell, even the simple lens 18-55 nonIS USM new is $135 and $74 used on Amazon which is almost a quarter or more (depending on which one he chooses) of his budget he noted.

I believe that if you're looking for a highend P&S you can definitely find one for under the $400, if it is the S3, or S5. The G9 is out of your budget - ranges from $450-500. I am unfamiliar with the rest of the lineup on the side of the A series.

If you can swing the extra money in the end, I think you will be more than happy with the abovementioned DSLR options, but if not you will be happy as well with the S3 or S5, IMHO

[n1as]

Here's the problem. Point & Shoot cameras all use little itty bitty sensors that really hamstring the cameras when it comes to low light performance. The lenses on P&S cameras, even good ones, are good but not great. All of this is just fine & dandy when the P&S camera costs $150 or $250. By the time you're spending $400, you're putting a lot of money into a camera that just doesn't have $400 worth of overall image quality.

The DSLR, even though it is more money, uses a larger sensor and better lenses. Compared to my A720, a DSLR is a lot of money, but if you're talking $400, then you're getting within spitting distance (sort of) of a "real" camera.

I believe the best DSLR for those stepping up from a P&S is the Nikon D40 (not x). IQ and usability is head & shoulders above the P&S. I sold mine used for $425 with a skylight filter, extra battery and a case. The only drawback to the camera is lens compatibility. That camera is AF with only some of the Nikon lenses. Also, Nikon glass is more costly than Canon glass. But, if you treat the D40 like a P&S (i.e. never put a different lens on it) then it is an absolutely wonderful little camera that works better and produces better images out of the box than the Rebel XTi.

In summary, I recommend either spending less than $400 on a P&S (I love my A570. SX100 is also sweet) or use your $400 to pick up a used D40. If you decide you want other lenses, sell the D40 later and move to a Canon Rebel XTi (used) so you have access to the world of Canon lenses.

[JustShootin']

It's a pity when a person can't go on a forum named "small compact digitals by Canon" requesting suggestions for buying a compact camera, without being told to forget the compact and buy an SLR. And what's even worse, is to be told that a compact camera isn't a "real" camera! Only a true bona fide equipment snob would say such a thing. "Real' photographers know better than that!

Gary

[Angdvl089]

Hey everyone, I guess I forgot to write back. I ended up saving a few hundred more and bought a mint condition used 30d. I'm definitely happy I didn't settle for a P&S. Thanks everyone.

[JustShootin']

That's great! Glad you got what you wanted.

But point and shoots are still "real" cameras! :D

Gary

[n1as]

It's a pity when a person can't go on a forum named "small compact digitals by Canon" requesting suggestions for buying a compact camera, without being told to forget the compact and buy an SLR. And what's even worse, is to be told that a compact camera isn't a "real" camera! Only a true bona fide equipment snob would say such a thing. "Real' photographers know better than that!

Gary

Well, I don't think there's any equipment snobbery going on here. Just people who have experience with both P&S and DSLR making recommendations based on that experience.

Who ever said P&S wasn't a real camera anyway?

Your signature tells me you have both. What are YOUR recommendations? Should OP spend $400 on a P&S? Should he spend less, should save a bit longer and go DSLR?

Oops, never mind. OP went DSLR. Seems the DSLR advice wasn't so off-topic after all.

[JustShootin']

Dang, I think I just got out-blabbered! ;)

Anyway, I'm just glad Angdvl089 got what he wanted, and sure wish him much luck with his purchase! Now I'm going to grap my Kodak instamatic and a fresh 110 cartrige and go shootin'!

Gary

[Glasstream15]

Dang, I think I just got out-blabbered! ;)

Anyway, I'm just glad Angdvl089 got what he wanted, and sure wish him much luck with his purchase! Now I'm going to grap my Kodak instamatic and a fresh 110 cartrige and go shootin'!

Gary

Actually, the Pocket Instamatic 50 and 60 were incredibly advanced cameras. The 60 even had a split-image rangefinder. And the AE on both was incredibly accurate. I sorta wish I had my 50 back now, although finding film might be a bit of a hassle. But a small, very capable, pocket sized camera. What a brilliant idea.

:rolleyes:

[JustShootin']

Actually, the Pocket Instamatic 50 and 60 were incredibly advanced cameras. The 60 even had a split-image rangefinder. And the AE on both was incredibly accurate. I sorta wish I had my 50 back now, although finding film might be a bit of a hassle. But a small, very capable, pocket sized camera. What a brilliant idea.

:rolleyes:

Believe it or not, but our local Walmart still stocks 110 film.

Gary

[pregnantcowlady]

It's a pity when a person can't go on a forum named "small compact digitals by Canon" requesting suggestions for buying a compact camera, without being told to forget the compact and buy an SLR. And what's even worse, is to be told that a compact camera isn't a "real" camera! Only a true bona fide equipment snob would say such a thing. "Real' photographers know better than that!

Gary
he said he wanted the xti though, so im guessing he'd like our input on both cameras and how they compare (almost quoted from him)

dont make it a fight :) stay happy.

and my input is, i just bought an xt and kit lens for my boyfriend for $300 altogether.
save 100 more for a cheapter zoom like tamron and YAY! fine quality sports pics with an option to upgrade in the future.

edit: Hey everyone, I guess I forgot to write back. I ended up saving a few hundred more and bought a mint condition used 30d. I'm definitely happy I didn't settle for a P&S. Thanks everyone.
see what patience does? :)

[JustShootin']

dont make it a fight :) stay happy.


Gosh, Im not looking for a fight. Never been in one in my life. As for being happy, I've never been any other way! I'm also very happy that the OP found a deal on what he wants.

Gary