People that know cameras, help!
 

So my main goal is to take great pictures of the family on vacations and around town at various attractions. I am trying to determine if I should go with an entry level DSLR or a really nice point and shoot. I recently found this one here. http://www.amazon.com/Panasonic-DMC-ZS7-Digital-Stabilized-3-0-Inch/dp/B00395WIXA/ref=cm_cmu_pg__header. It seems quite powerful for a point and shoot and I really like the built in GPS so I could geotag all my photos and sort them in iPhoto. I personally am thinking the point and shoot due to the features for the price and portability. Does anyone have advice on which route to take?

get the panasonic dmc-tz10 and put yourself out of your misery...

great point and shoot, does HD video, and a great all-rounder.

how is the hd video does it have image stabilization. My understanding is that you have to hold is completely still to get watchable video. means your probably going to need to lug a tripod with you.

go for the DSLR.... even a bad photographer can take nicer pics with better gear. :2 cents:

Even with the best image stabilization, with a small video camera you need to hold it very steady and pan you shots slow.

Go get the Nikon D300s. Its affordable and even pro's use it. I use a Nikon D3s mostly but carry my D300s as my second lens option. You can do amazing things with the D300s and its super great quality and shoots FAST so you wont miss the great shots most people miss with those tiny point and shoots.

Jesus Christ, $1300 for body only on the D300s? Lol

take a look at canon 550D (t2i in the states I believe).. skip the 18-55 lens and get 18-135 IS or 17-85 IS, won't regret it..

my ...

d3x $6500
d3s $5400


lol

Maybe I will cut to the chase and just get this Leica. Lol

http://www.amazon.com/Leica-Intercha...282273&sr=8-15

I second that. If money isnt something you want to spend lots of, this camera, MAKE SURE YOU GET THE T2i version (new one), is awesome and provides the best amount of performance, quality and features for the money you pay. I know several people who have this camera and they love it. I actually might get this camera for my kids because they exressed an intrest in learning photography and this camera, you can do all the fun stuff with. Manual mode, Bulb Exposures, Aperture settings, Shutter Speed etc...

OR, you can do what I did recently and pop for the RED! :-)

http://www.red.com/

Yes sir, its damn fine.

Bump for more advice.

im a big fan of Nikon, personal preference , so any Nikon will work

2bet, do you recommend a good point and shoot or the DSLR from Nikon?

So you ask the above them make the comment below?

"People who know cameras" are typically not going to recommend you buy a $300.00 camera. :2 cents:

Not a very good statement.

I'm a big fan of Nikon as well...However, the only digital cameras I own are Canon because I'm a big fan of Canon as well and IMHO, Canon has better digital products.

That being said....I would never say that any Canon or Nikon camera will work. There are pros and cons to various models from both companies. It really depends on the needs and abilities of the individual user.

Example:

The Canon Powershot A series all take AA batteries. For some people this is great news as they can stop at any 7-11 and buy batteries ready to go. However, in my world, I hate carrying spare batteries or being inconvenienced with dead ones and having to leave what I'm doing to go buy more. I prefer a camera that takes a stronger battery that will last me all day and night. Therefor the A series is not a good choice for me.

As for shooting video, any digital still camera, that also shoots video, will shoot considerably better video with the use of a tripod. They make very small lightweight ones these days so the previously mentioned line about lugging one around is just an excuse.

I have a DSLR as my main, but carry this in my car at all times, http://www.nikonusa.com/Find-Your-Ni...PIX-S8000.html

It depends what you want - I wouldn't use it for any serious video. I have my XM2 for that.

However, it's an excellent little point and shoot that takes good video at a button press. I use it when our and about with the kids when lugging around the heavy gear just isn't practical.

I love photography and hake a Nikon D300 with some excellent top of the range objectives and a Canon XM2 for video, but still, this little Nikon pocket thing has earned it's money in photos easily.

--edit
and no I haven't noticed camera shake being a problem with it. The again, I'm taking little 30 second snippets of the kids doing crazy stuff, so a perfectly framed, well-balanced shot would just not "look right".