specs-4-bats Loc: Berkeley originally

Actually right now I'm leaning towards an SX-700 for my travel, a Panasonic FZ-200 for my super-zoom and/or the Canon rebel T3i for my SLR/like camera. I think I could at least 2 of those and probably 3 pretty close to budget. But this is by no means final. We could opt for the Canon 7d and one travel camera if I am not happy with any of the above. Keep in mind that I probably will not be able to use the canon 7d from the stands per stadium rules. I should find this out before I make my final purchase(s).

I will review my notes and the reviews on the SX-50. That might be a better option as there are complaints about the battery life and the wi-fi on the SX-700.

I was very interested in the Nikon 5300, 5100, and 7000 but I got scared away by reports that the Nikon's start having blackout s or equipment failure after a year or two and then it is hell getting Nikon to deal with it in a way that permanently solves the problems. I don't know to what degree that is true but even some of the better rated reviews from customers on Amazon mentioned such problems.

I was tempted to go with an Olympus OMD-E-M-10 so I could use my existing lenses but I don't really want to commit to Olympus as a company because, overall, I think they won't really be able to compete should I want to upgrade to a better SLR.

I'm not sure what I am going to do with my existing Olympus stuff. One option is to buy some film and use them to practice with. I'm sure I could learn a great deal using the older equipment.

CHOLLY Loc: THE FLORIDA PANHANDLE!

DO NOT LEAVE SONY OUT.

Sony cameras are EXCELLENT, but once you buy a system you're stuck with it after you purchase the first additional lens. ;)

specs-4-bats Loc: Berkeley originally

I did not leave Sony out.
I considered the RX-100 and Rx-10 as well as the A77 and the 65. I also looked at the NEX 3(N) and the NEX 7.

After reading CNET, consumer reports and Amazon, those cameras, while good were never the leader in their class, especially for the price.

GaryI Loc: NY & Fla

I'm very happy with my SX50, and recommend it. But there is one downside you should be aware of (same problem with most superzooms and most longer distance lenses). The aperture range is not that great. In normal lighting this is not really a problem. But when taking a picture in lower light settings (nighttime or low light indoors), the ISO has to compensate. Which means that the picture will be grainy. This is correctable with many editing packages.

Hans Glauser

Here is a thought. I have only Olympus Cameras and I use them underwater and above ground. Just a few weeks ago, Olympus brought out a new camera, Stylus TG 850, which I think is absolutely incredible. Macro, Landscape, Portrait, and to top it off, take it underwater, down to 30 feet, trick photos, all in one, amazing. This would probably fill one of your criteria and sells for about $250.00 on Amazon.

Cdouthitt Loc: Traverse City, MI

Not meaning to tempt you again...but...you'll be hard pressed to find a smaller more capable camera than this.

http://www.getolympus.com/us/en/outlet/reconditioned-cameras/e-m10-silver-body-reconditioned.html

marki3rd Loc: Columbus, Indiana

Uhhh, the OP did say it was not possible to use lower case because of a computer problem, and did oppoligize. Is the rule so strict that the OP shouldn't have posted at all until the computer was fixed?

specs-4-bats Loc: Berkeley originally

This is more than tempting considering the price. Most quotes had it closer to twice that. Tomorrow we are going shopping in the San Jose, CA area for camera. I will include this on the last. We intend to buy several on our list and return what we don't want. We are going to call around for stores that have good return policies. We probably won't end up buying from any store-front. We will see what works and then buy it on-line.

Unfortunately Santa Cruz Co. is completely devoid of camera stores. But I plan to combine trips and get my keyboard returned at the Apple store in Los Gatos at the same time.

Cdouthitt Loc: Traverse City, MI

It's for just the body...but you could easily find the following lenses for it if you are patient:
used, but like new 17mm 1.8 for $325
used, but like new 45mm 1.8 for $300
reconditioned 75mm for $560

Michael66 Loc: Queens, New York

On some sites, yes, and they would have been booted. They knew the rule and posted anyway. I'm glad this site isn't as anal. IMUHO.

CHOLLY Loc: THE FLORIDA PANHANDLE!

The pocket and ILC's I can't speak for, but the A77 WAS superior to it's competition, the Canon 60D and 7D, and the Nikon D7000 in most categories, equal to them in most others.

The same is true for the A77 mk II, which is just 1 point behind the D7100 in overall image quality, but with superior video capabilities over the Nikon, and superior to both the 70D and 7D in EVERY respect. ;)

Kuzano

Be Very Careful when looking at these model designations. I fear you are confusing the EM1 with the EM-10

The EM-10 was $699.95 when it came out NEW a few months ago. It has all the best parts of the $1200 EM1, except 5 axis IBIS and weather proofing. (I don't shower with my camera's). The EM10 will be the next camera in my bag.

I have been shooting Olympus Since 1972 with a few departures along the way. I have been shooting Olympus DSLR since the E-1 and E300 came out in 2003, again with a few departures including Nikon and Canon full frame.

I always end up back with Olympus, currently using the E-pl5 PEN. Oly creativity and size considerations do it for me. Price is a factor, as smaller lenses cost less money to manufacture and are less expensive new, although the IQ is often as good as or better than the competition, particularly including Nikon and Canon.

specs-4-bats Loc: Berkeley originally

Thanks. I did notice that I might have confused the 2 EM- cameras. It still seemed like a pretty good price but maybe not so much as a body only. However, I'm not sure I need lenses for the Olympus since I already have some.

bull drink water Loc: pontiac mi.

I wish you guys a lot of fun with your cameras. as useual, the first bunch criticized your typing, and the next telling you what you couldn't get for $1500.00. horse hocky, bridge or dslr you will find good used lenses and cameras in your price range. while they are nice you don't need "G" quality lenses to shoot sports. you don't need a top of the line camera for good fotos.

Jiminyclicket

I had purchased the DSLR years before bridge cameras reached their present stage of excellence. I was getting tired of carrying the heavier camera with at least two lenses. Especially the 70-300 zoom. If there is a special event that the slr is better suited for I use the slr. Most of the things I shoot are fine with the Fuji HS 50 which has a 28- 1000 mm lens. It has a full manual zoom which is a prerequisite for sport/action photography. Electronic zooms are way to slow.