This is the camera I'm thinking about. The Hybrid-with a large SLR sensor chip but a small size .


A Digital Camera That Swaps Lenses, Priced to Please

By RIK FAIRLIE

Published: April 7, 2010 NYTimes

  Any serious photographer can quickly point out the benefit of a digital camera with a large image sensor. Simply put, bigger sensors - not more pixels - yield better photos.

 

The Olympus PEN E-PL1

 

Panasonic's Lumix DMC-G10, expected in May.

But even pros don't always want a bulky digital single-lens reflex camera. And that, in part, is why so-called Micro Four Thirds cameras are redefining the middle ground of digital photography.

Just ask Tyson Robichaud, a professional photographer from Portland, Ore., who recently bought a Panasonic Micro Four Thirds model, the Lumix DMC-GF1. "I wanted a camera that I could bring with me when I didn't want to carry a big camera, but one that still provided good low-light, high-quality image performance," Mr. Robichaud said.

For the amateur photographer with aspirations to take great photos, this new category of cameras can be the step up from a point-and-shoot model. The Micro Four Thirds camera fits the space between bulky, complicated digital S.L.R.'s and pocketable user-friendly compact shooters.

 Holding one for the first time is a revelation, particularly for those who have considered stepping up to a D.S.L.R. but found their size and heft intimidating.

In every aspect - depth, height, length, and weight - the hybrid cameras and their lenses are appreciably smaller because of a design that omits the mirror box and pentaprism of D.S.L.R.'s (although lack of a mirror also eliminates the optical viewfinder). They fit in your hands comfortably, and hanging one around your neck won't feel like you're bearing a small kitchen appliance...............................

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 miamizsun wrote: 
That's a great camera and it comes with the stock "walk around" lenses. The add on wide angle and zoom lenses in that package are junk. The lenses it comes with is a good all purpose lenses but it is all plastic elements and is not good for highly detailed shots. But it great when you need something that does most common shots reasonably well without having to carry 2 or 3 other lenses. If you get that camera once you change to better lenses, especially ones with glass elements that are purpose made and not general purpose lenses the quality of the shots are so much better. Don't be pulled in though by those add on lenses and any other useless accessories if you can find it cheaper without them.

The Gods have spoken!
I think I'm covered on a point and shoot.
Was looking at this setup.

btw, thx for all of the input so far.

 DaveInVA wrote:
 
Yeah, I bought a Pentax DSLR from my buddy who coveted something 'better'. $400 for a practically-new camera.

 cc_rider wrote: 
That's how I got my EOS. Bought just the body used from someone that upgraded to a newer body. I already had plenty of lenses from my previous EOS.  These older bodies usually go for cheaper than even a mediocre new point and shoot...

Consider getting a used one, especially if you have a local camera shop. Camera nerds love to upgrade constantly, so sometimes you can get a nice entry-level camera on the cheap. Also try online photography forums, where the hardcore nerds hang out.

Thanx for this topic!  I plan to read the words of the gods as well. 

 miamizsun wrote: 
I have a Canon EOS Rebel and I love it. It's bigger than a point and shoot but I don't care. An added bonus is that it can use many older EOS lenses even from EOS film camera's. There is a mountain of different lenses available for it. You can buy older camera bodies fairly cheap from people that upgraded to newer ones and kept their lenses. Then just get the lenses best for your purpose.

 miamizsun wrote: 
What do you like to photograph?

Why do you want a DSLR and not a good quality point and shoot? 

Will you be making prints or do all your pics go up on Flickr? If prints, how big?

Are you willing to carry a DSLR with you all the time? They are big and heavy and wont fit in you pocket. A camera doesn't do you any good if you leave it home.

Nikon/Canon? Comes down to personal preference. Both are good. I use Nikon DSLRs and a Canon point and shoot.

God does not exist. I read it on the innernets.

 

 miamizsun wrote: 
I use a Canon PowerShot SX10 IS and I love this camera more than just about anything in the world. To see photos taken with it you can look here. It's a digital camera but it has one of the highest optic ranges (20x) I've found in it's price range and class. It cost about 400.00 and has barely left my hand since the day I bought it.

I've been threatening to buy an SLR or DSLR (please correct me if I'm wrong) for a while.

For this type of thing I'd like a referral/suggestion.

It's obvious where I live and a lot of my shots will take place outdoors.

I see Nikon and Canon everywhere.

Pros and cons? Lenses?

Deferring to the camera gods at RP.

Thanky in advance.

 Alafia wrote: 
Rebel.  Look for big sales... usually they'll throw in an extra lens for free or something.

I'm reviving this thread.

My Canon A540 is dead, and it's time for a new camera.
I'd like to upgrade a bit.  I could probably spend something in the range of $500.

I like taking nice pics, but want to keep it fairly simple.
No Pentax, please!

Suggestions?