mericando Loc: NASHVILLE TN

I read all your comments re my indecision whether to purchase a dslr - 1st, think I lost my mind when I said Canon G12, I am using Canon SX40 - I had taken the G12 with me on a trip a couple of weeks ago-guess that why I had it on my mind. I've spent the last 2-3 days trying to make a decision. I am attaching a few of the basically undedited pics I took last yr out west. Some I took from the plane as we flew over the Rockies (I think) and over the Grand Canyon. What I need to know, would I get better pics with a DSLR -with the basic start up DSLR camera. My SX40 is missing, not sure if it was stolen or during some remodeling is hiding from us. We are going back to AZ/UT in Sept so need to make a decision soon. I have always been a Canon girl, but the Nikon 5200 has a lot of extras that I like-and is rated a little better than the T3 or T5 Among my friends and family I am the only one that has the photo bug so I get no help - The difference in the size of the SX40 and the Canon or Nikon is min. so that will help if I chose to go the DSLR route I have probably put more pics than I should but just wanted to have a range of things I shoot - More nature than family - Leave that to the family : ) Thanks for your input/insite

nite shot in sedona

(Download)

shot from the plane

(Download)

above hoover dam


from plane


Cave dweller home AZ


Part of Painted Desert


Honeycone in small cave at the Cave Dwellers site about 100+ feet up




Colorado River Shot from Top of the Grand Canyon


Desert Brush


Disney on ice - no flash we were about 50 rows back




sunset Grand Canyon


Red Rock Sedona




Sun Rise GC

MadMikeOne Loc: So. NJ Shore - a bit west of Atlantic City

Hi there,
I'll try to take a stab at helping you out here. I am not really sure if your question is whether to purchase either a Canon DSLR or the Nikon D5200, to replace your SX40 or in addition to your SX40.
I have a D5200 and I love it. For right now, it meets my needs and then some. I travel with it and shoot landscapes, wildlife, architecture, you name it. I currently own 2 zoom lenses for it - 18-105 and 55-300. I "need" a longer reach and have the Tamron 150-600 on order.

I also just purchased a Canon SX50 HS (the predecessor of your SX40) and am trying to get used to it. That purchase was made because of restrictions on an upcoming trip where it may not be practical to have my D5200 at all times. It is my understanding that the SX40 and the SX50 are very similar. That being said, you made an interesting comment regarding the size difference between the Nikon or Canon DSLR and the SX 40 is minimal. I took both my SX50 and my D5200 out and put them side by side. The size difference IS minimal UNTIL you take into consideration that you will need a zoom lens on either of the DSLRs to get the reach of your SX40. That adds to both the size and the weight of the DSLRs. The SX40 you are accustomed to is significantly lighter than either DSLR with an appropriate lens. This is something that may or may not be a concern to you. I actually walked about 6 miles today with both my 5200 with 55-300 lens attached and the SX50. This is not something I normally do, but I was trying to compare the 2 cameras in the field. My field is just unusually large.

Only you can decide which camera - Nikon or Canon is right for you. I am betting that you will get lots of responses to this post that will give you excellent advice. A word of warning, though, the Canon/Nikon wars may start up again.

I would suggest that you do at least 2 things prior to deciding which camera to purchase:
1. Go to a camera store or Best Buy or Costco or BJ's and actually hold both contenders to see how they feel and to simply look them over
2. Google "Canon T5i vs Nikon D5200" - you will find lots of links with good comparisons. An aside here, Nikon has come out with the D5300 which is supposedly not very much better than the D5200. The D5200 is, IMO, very well priced right now. Check out B&H and Adorama as well as Costco for prices.

You may also want to take the time to go to the B&H, Adorama, KEH sites among others and read the review written by the actual purchasers of the models you are considering. A few extra hours invested in research now could save you from making the wrong choice and wasting your money.

Good luck and keep us posted,
Mike

mericando Loc: NASHVILLE TN

thanks Mike, what I am trying to do is decide whether to move up to a DSLR or stay with the SX40 or buy the SX50 if my SX40 doesn't show up. I wanted to post the pics so I could get some comment on whether or not a DSLR with the lens it comes with and adding a wide angle lens would make enough difference in my pictures to upgrade. I did go to Best Buy & Electronic Express to handle the 5200 w/the lens attached, and it seemed like it would be o.k. weight wise.
That's the main thing, making the decision to stay with the "bridge" type camera or make the move to the 5200

MadMikeOne Loc: So. NJ Shore - a bit west of Atlantic City

That's really a personal choice. I looked at your photos, of course. I thought they are pretty good. I am not sure adding a wide angle to the D5200 would give you much better landscapes. I am no technical expert on lenses. We do have several of those on the forum and hopefully one or more will chime in.
The SX50 lens goes from 24-1200. The D5200 that I purchased came with an 18-55 kit lens that I have never used. I purchased an 18-105 which better meets my needs. Please trust me when I tell you this about the weight of the D5200 with a decent lens on it - the weight of it hanging around your neck will probably bother you. Now if you do NOT have that camera around your neck, but rather in your hand, that may not be an issue. I can tell you that on my little outing today, I had my 5200 with the 55-300 mounted hanging around my neck and the SX50 was just slung onto my left shoulder. I barely noticed the weight of the SX50. The 5200 was quite noticeable, but I was out like that for several hours.
It seems to me the best thing that could happen at this point would be for your SX40 to turn up for you to take with you. From your OP, it sounds to me as though you need to do a lot more research before you decide on a DSLR - never mind which brand and model. If your SX40 does not turn up, you will have a more difficult decision. You will need a camera for your trip in August. That may not be enough time for you to make a considered decision. I can't believe July starts on Tuesday.

mericando Loc: NASHVILLE TN

Thanks- I had not thought about the extra weight of the larger lens-Just thinking about the one that come with it. You're right - If my Canon shows up then I'll be a happy camper and have a little more to spend on vac : )

MadMikeOne Loc: So. NJ Shore - a bit west of Atlantic City

Glad to help. I can actually see you head spinning a bit from over here!
Hang in there, slow down, think it through.
Mike

BHC Loc: Strawberry Valley, JF, USA

Mike, a small point... The SX50 is the successor, not the predecessor to the SX40. I only mention this to avoid confusion in the already maddening world of camera model numbering.

MadMikeOne Loc: So. NJ Shore - a bit west of Atlantic City

Oh for heaven's sake! What is my problem tonight!?
Thank you so much. I sure as heck did not mean to confuse this poor member

BHC Loc: Strawberry Valley, JF, USA

Mike, I wasn't concerned about the OP, who is probably an intelligent person and understands completely; I'm more concerned about old and senile people like yours truly. I get soooooo confused. 8-) 8-) 8-)

joer Loc: Colorado/Illinois

DSLRs are much more versatile because of interchangeable lenses and available accessories. They are less user friendly as well.

Expense is also much greater, especially if you get the GAS bug (you may have it already).

Whether you will see a significant improvement in IQ depends on how the files are viewed. Certainly the potential is there. However small prints and social network post will show very little improvement.

Large prints and large digital displays will look much better. In addition you will be able to crop way beyond anything the tiny sensors of your current equipment can produce.

Polyphemus

I think a question might be, were you completely satisfied with the photos you took with the SX40? If so, get the SX50, I'd say.

The DSLR will let you make larger high-quality prints, but do you make poster-sized prints? The DSLR will give you a lot more control over the image, but do you want to spend all the time learning how to use the controls? Do you want to spend a lot of time post-processing?

Do you simply ant to take pretty snapshots (as you have been) or are you looking to go much further with photography?

If your SX40 met all your needs and satisfied you thoroughly, why spend more?

On the other hand, if you really want to get involved in photography, and spend a lot more time and money on photography--if you would go on vacation to take pictures as opposed to going on vacation and taking pictures--then look into a DSLR and a couple lenses.

Jackdoor Loc: Huddersfield, Yorkshire.

Sorry to add to your problem, but have a look at micro 4/3 before you decide. Little loss in image quality compared to APSC DSLRs, but much more convenient to carry if you get the bug and end up with 3 or 4 lenses.

Db7423 Loc: Pittsburgh, PA

:thumbup: :thumbup: ;)

Bob Boner

Either Canon or Nikon would be a good brand choice. Both offer more options to expand your system if you want. I have owned both, and currently have Canon. If you are seriously interested in landscape photography, I would recommend a DSLR with maybe a 24-70 lens and a 70-200 lens. This would cover a major part of your landscape images.

mericando Loc: NASHVILLE TN

Thanks for all you help. So much info you all have given me to think about. All though, I am still 50/50 I am going to sit down, put the pros and cons down for each system, and see where I am leaning. Took one of those what kind of camera do you need and it was also 50/50. But I like the vac to take pics or take pics while on vac-At this point I don't think I would go on vac explicitly to take pictures, but definitely be thinking of all the pics I can take while we are on vac. I do think the pics I have taken turn out pretty good and have put a couple on canvas. Some have even surprised me- Maybe I am looking at the DSLR like I look at chocolate-that small piece of cake would be sooo good but if I had that huge piece it would be better Then wind up only eating part of the huge cake. The DSLR looks so enticing but will I really take the time to learn all I need to do and purchase the lenses- Sorry I do tend to ramble. Going to do the pros and cons today and take all your advice and tips Blessings Meri