English_Wolf Loc: Near Pensacola, FL

After making deep inquiries on Nikon and its practice I do not suggest Nikon to anyone. They RAW proprietary captures (NEF) are created in such a way that even if imported with the 'right' image 'importer or codec' you lose data.

I AM FURIOUS AGAINST THEM.

AND I recently was reading some information that made me deeply suspicious of Canon, (I still have to check on that)
Panasonic has new cameras out, don't overlook this brand.
Also check http://www.dpreview.com/ to check cameras side by side and look at full size realistic image galleries of the cameras you are most interested in.

That said, not everyone is a creep like me that wants everything to be perfect.

FredD Loc: Eastern Shore/Chesapeake Bay area

Perhaps now would be the time to post a less furious avatar...

English_Wolf Loc: Near Pensacola, FL

No.
Been using this for years, you can even find me on facebook with it (and other place). I have another even more 'offensive' avatar but I do not think you will see it here, ever.
I had a third one but that one is too depressive for many reasons so it stays 'at home' for now. (my wife took MY pastry roller out, came near me and said: take that thing off or else)

Sensei

consider used from places like Adorama, BHphoto, Keh or a refurbished from the mfr, they all come with guarantees. You can ask to be sure. The ratings at Adorama, and BH are pretty accurate. You might find something out there you like. I found the difference between the a35 with a 18-55mm Zoom lens and an a55 body only to be about $50. On a tight budget, You might want to consider a body only camera and pick up used glass.
In general I give Sony an edge for the IS built in to the camera.

RMM Loc: Suburban New York

Thanks for the recent replies. I'll look into these. Budget is really tight these days, so maybe I'll have to take the FZ-20 swimming. ;)

Rhino

Love the nex5. And the even better nex7. Very nice street photography set-up.

Rhino

, i am a sucker for gear on occasion simply because i like finding limits of different systems, but in the end, it is the image that matters. In the right hands a cell phone can be used for gallery work. (Which has been done)

Elle Loc: Long Island, NY

Ya got that right...being in the right place, at the right time and/or having the imagination and eye to see what others pass by.

RMM Loc: Suburban New York

Can't use the micro four-thirds. My nephew has a Panasonic GH3 and a couple of good lenses, and gets some terrific results. But when i tried out a 4-3 camera, I realized I'd either have to put on reading glasses, or hold the camera almost at arm's length, which means the image appears very small at that distance, and I can't hold the camera steady. I need the viewfinder, which I can adjust to my eyesight.

chapjohn Loc: Tigard, Oregon

Another consideration that no one has mentioned yet is that Nikon and Canon use Sony componets to make their camera. I would suggest getting a Sony. Have you looked the A-580 yet?

MtnMan Loc: ID

Hi,

Go to snapsort.com. You can compare any cameras.

You may not agree with their weighting criteria but they give a quick and easy comparison of any two camera.

I recommend going for the largest sensor with the greatest dynamic range in your price class. The Nikon D5100, which I settled on, has the same sensor as the significantly more expensive D7000. Costco sells them and the Canon T21 and 3i at great prices with lens kits.

Regards,
Larry Leach

MtnMan Loc: ID

I agree with you for another reason. The LCD displays are useless in bright sun. I cannot believe they would market such expensive cameas without a viewfinder.

You can get a loupe that will magnify the image and solve the sun problem but that's anohter part.

Regards,
Larry Leach

Nikonian72 Loc: Chico CA

Sony makes excellent sensors, which are used in Nikon cameras. Nikkor lenses are known for their glass, superior to Sony lenses. You get both with Nikon.

dpullum Loc: Tampa Florida

RMM, Two things you asked one is low $$ "I'm not sure when the budget will stand for a new camera" The second is Eye View. Sony is a to the eye viewer camera it magically (OK Sensors) turns on as your eye approaches. The old Minolta - Sony alpha glass is very good, NO, Excellent. So If you buy Sony you benefit from the Sony/Minolta compatibility. (I know Nikon is the favorite of Mr Nikonian but $$$$ for new Nikon glass is high not fitting the budget of many.) From a forum on old and new lenses I wrote: ===========================
Comments about new and older lenses perked my inquisitive nature primarily because I have a new Sony Alpha which uses my old 1985 Minolta Maxxum lenses. I also have some M-42s that are from 1972 which work (manual focus) prime lenses that fit with an adapter. I found many comments that quoted my great aunt Sally said that, but discarded them as finger in the wind hearsay. There were however useful comments that have the bite of control and history authentication. Frankly, Sony was good to many of us using Minolta AF lenses so that we could afford excellent (award winning) cameras with classic high standard glass. Wasn’t there a song call Classical Glass; www.classicalgas.com/

The following are quotes from References:
“Against all odds with only 18MP, the lowest-resolution LEICA M9 with the oldest lens from 1964 have as much— or more — fine detail than the best from China (Nikon) and Japan (Canon) today.” … “ I should have used a modern lens on the Leica. Using a 45-year-old sample puts he Leica at quite a disadvantage, but tough, it still comes out on top.”
www.kenrockwell.com/leica/m9/sharpness.htm
=================================
“1972 –Leica collaborates with Minolta in the introduction of a more modern, smaller and affordable rangefinder camera. The Leica CL, Minolta CL, Leitz-Minolta CL and later the Minolta CLE are a result of this collaboration”

www.friedmanarchives.com/Writings/A_History_of_Minolta_Innovation/index.htm
===============================
“But in a way it is all irrelevant now as lenses are not made the sameway, or to the same targets, today. … If you collect vintage Minoltaglass - 1970-80s MD/MC, 1985-1990 AF (particularly) you can enjoy thecolour and contrast matching which made Minolta unrivalled for
audio-visual production.”
http://sites.google.com/site/seevve/historical-perspective-on-minolta-lens-design-philoso...

Rhino

I would suggest the sony your best choice as they are all three comparable. The sony will give you minolta glass which i assume you own from having the srt. So its a no brainer..sony.