Camera dilemma.

[BRPORSCHE]

Guys,

I have graduated from a point and shoot into semi-slr to full blown SLR. On black Friday I bought this camera.

http://www.usa.canon.com/consumer/controller?act=ModelInfoAct&fcategoryid=144&modelid=17630 .
It's a Canon SX10 IS for those of you who are to lazy to click on the link... I bought it for $349. It comes with a fixed lens 5.0-100mm 20x optical zoom. By far the nicest camera I have ever played with.

Here's the camera that is got me second guessing...

I can buy in the box a brand new spankin real DSLR with a EF-S 18.00-55mm lens for $399. This is a sweet deal that I don't really want to pass up on. It's the Canon Rebel XTi. I really like the fact that I can buy an SLR for $399 with lens for the same price as a very nice point and shoot.

http://www.usa.canon.com/consumer/controller?act=ModelInfoAct&fcategoryid=139&modelid=14257

Now here's the dilemma.

Do I return the point and shoot for the SLR and not have to worry about buying a SLR body in a year when I get bored of the P/S? Or do I hang onto the P/S and just wait till I find another sweet deal on another SLR later?

P.S. This deal is at Office Depot for the Canon Rebel Xti. It was $699 last week but is now $399 with lens. The Sku number 910-635.

[slodave]

Seems pretty simple to me, but 55mm is still pretty wide. At least you can invest in more lenses and upgrade bodies later.

Maybe this will encourage you take more pix of ur friends and POST them.

[porsche4life]

I would go with and SLR. Just so much more you can do with different lenses. That P/S will do nice but eventually you will want more/less macro and well the DSLR just needs a new lense change and you are good to go. I recently bought a new P/S but it is also a nice video recorder. I lust for a DSLR but just cant afford to have 2 cameras at the moment and liked that this XACTI could do both.

[87coupe]

I own the Xti and feel it is a great little SLR. Keep in mind that it does not have a live view capability - you have to look through the viewfinder. I don't mind this at all as it's what I'm used to, but for some people the live view is very important.

[87coupe]

Ok, just read up on the SX10. I gotta say, unless you plan to spend some dough on lenses it's the better system for the average user. IS built-in, 5mm-100mm, focus from .39" - Infinity, hot shoe, ISO 80 - 1600, that's an impressive package. BTW, the Xti takes CF not SD, so if you have a bunch of SD already that's something to consider.

[BRPORSCHE]

Thanks so much Brandon! Yea, I just bought a 8 gb SD card.

[ChkbookMechanic]

Personally, I like the XTi and the ability to buy different lenses to take pictures. But as others have said if you don't want to mess with the lenses and CF memory.. you are better off with the SX10. I just know that eventually everyone ends up with a DSLR or regretting buying the p&s and wanting the DSLR. Just something to think about .

[id10t]

Not a camera junkie, but I'd go with teh SLR also. Then haunt pawn shops, etc. for lenses.

[Halm]

XTi has been replaced in the Canon line by the XSi. The primary difference is Image Stabilization. Also the Nikon D40 can be had for smoking prices these days because it has been replace by the D60. Both are great cameras. FWIW, I bought the XSi a couple of months ago and have been very pleased with it.

To your question, I would return the SX10 and go for any of the SLR's you like simply because of lens interchangeability. My bet is that as your skills improve you will want to do more and /or different things than the SX10 is capable. My only caveat is the IS lens are like any newer technology and are still very expensive. The one I lust after (18-200mm f3.5-5.6 IS Lens) is around $600.

[whiskyb]

I have an older model Rebel and love it. Have picked up 4 extra lenses through e-bay and papers. It is definitely the way to go. Really the sx-10 is a point and shoot with zoom and focus. If you want to graduate from point and shoots you need to jump up one more level

[stomachmonkey]

You will take better shots with a true SLR. Framing a shot is just more intuitive.

[Noah930]

I purchased an entry-level DLSR a year ago and have absolutely no regrets. It's been a blast, and I'm far happier than with any P&S I've ever had.

In the meantime, I've purchased a cheapo P&S for the wife, as she just wants to take snapshots of the kids. She notices that it's not nearly as nice a camera, but at least it fits in a bag/pocket, so it's a lot easier to manage. She also has no respect for taking care of stuff, so it's a lot cheaper to total a P&S. I had a minor coronary when she dropped my DSLR in the sandbox at a playground last week. Finally, though not safety-recommended: the P&S is also a lot easier to use while driving. I find it a bit more challenging to go on a canyon run (i.e. with slodave) and have an SLR hanging out a window or sunroof to catch a pic, than it is to one-hand a P&S.

[BRPORSCHE]

Thanks guys for the all the info. Looks like I am going to get the SLR, and go buy a IS lens later when my skills sharpen.

[BRPORSCHE]

Man, did I make the right choice! This camera is awesome! Let me take some more pics and then I'll upload some.

Question: If I shake the camera body a little I can hear a rattle. I took the lens off to see if it was that and it's definitely coming from the body. Should I be worried and just return this one?

[BRPORSCHE]

nvm seems to be a common problem.