"Framing" is something that you can do a much better job of after the event in photoshop. Those LCD's will only get you close.

DSLRs are like the stickshift of the camera world - not for everybody, some, I guess would prefer the ease of use of an automatic.

Here is an early morning soccer photo where the camera is obviously on the grass. My face is not. Taken with a DSLR with me on 1 knee holding the camera so that it is in a shadow to keep the silhouettes, with no glare from the sun. No LCD, no diffuculty with framing, no lying in the mud, NO PROBLEM.http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1165973683.jpg

That's a nice shot! Interesting activity and composition, and good exposure throughout.

Of course, with the wide-angle lens used, you could simply hold a DSLR at your feet and fire off 5 or 6 shots at 4 frames per second, pick one of those shots, and crop to suit.

This whole problem is not new (if you're old enough!).

Remember the 1970's and the Canon AE-1? Everyone ran to get the first popular/easy to use aperture priority mode SLR - trading in their simpler 110 cameras or whatever it is they were using. There was a huge boom followed by a huge bust because most people really don't need or want to fiddle with camera settings and the special complications and/or limitations of SLR's. That's why point and shoots were developed.

Same thing today. The digital SLR's are wowing SLR people - I can take 2500 photos on an 8 GB card at decent JPEG quality! - and thus feel freed of the limitations of film rolls - and free to be a little more "anal" about settings and taking a dozen shots to get the right ones (took 114 at my daughter's 30 minute concert last night - will sort the good from the bad later).

But most people don't need or want this either. I saw the Wall Street Journal too, and many people will likely buy SLR and be dissapointed this holiday season. Too bad, because the point and shoots take great pictures with today's electronics, and this is just money down the tubes.

Basically, it's a fundamental American belief that the Wall Street Journal and others are pushing - and one you need to keep fighting against: bigger and fancier and more expensive isn't always better.

We're all fighting this to some extent. There's probably a moment everyday that I forget this truth - like when I see a shiny new 911, or a big McMansion, or a cool camera or some other such frippery.

Just trying to get what YOU need in a world that wants to sell you more and more and more is a tough thing.....

Resist the Mp urge. The industry has used this as a main selling point much like the audio amp wattage wars a few years ago. After a saturation point, manufacturers will have to think of something else to differentiate themselves. I wonder what's the life expectancy of a dig. camera? My P&S died after 3 years. Whatever it is, they plan it that way.

Sherwood

very nice shot kb

If you dont want a SLR - get this


New G-Series Flagship Incorporates Latest Canon Technologies

Canon's acclaimed G-Series has a new top-of-the-line model, and serious photography enthusiasts have a lot to be excited about. A matte black, retro-hip design houses impressive capabilities and top core specifications, including 10.0 megapixel resolution and a powerful 6x optical zoom. Loaded with Canon's latest and most advanced technologies, including an Optical Image Stabilizer for clear shots throughout the zoom range, PowerShot G7 is a camera to be reckoned with.


Stylish, retro design 10.0 Megapixel digital camera with 6x Optical Zoom with Optical Image Stabilizer Technology for steady, long zoom shooting

DIGIC III Image Processor with Face Detection Technology for superior image quality, fast operation and low power consumption

Large 2.5-inch LCD monitor with wide viewing angle for easier on-camera viewing

ISO 1600 to reduce image blur and expand low-light shooting capability
Compatible with a number of auxiliary lenses and EOS Speedlite flashes for extended photographic capabilities

Easy to access ISO and Mode dials for convenient, customized shooting

Improved High-Resolution Movie Mode at 15 fps XGA (1024 x 768)

Print/Share Button for easy direct printing and downloading, plus ID Photo Print and Movie Print with Canon CP and SELPHY Compact Photo Printers