Advice on which camera to buy please, plus software question

[campergirl]

Hi

I want to buy a camera predominently so that I can take nice photos of my baby & family. I am PC literate (I am an ICT Teacher) and want to be able to do some editing. I think I want the option of being able to shoot in RAW although am not an expert in the pros and cons of this, but I do want to have as many editing options as possible.

I am usure of which camera to buy. According to the Which.co.uk website, the Canon G10 and G11 might be good options???? I am not up to speed with the technicalities of changing functions & using manual controls but am keen to learn this side of things. Looking to spend up to aroud £400.

The digital compact cameras that I have owned/currently own have never been very good in low light/artificial light and I am really keen to find a camera that performs well in these conditions.

As well as advice on a camera I also need some software advice/recommendations. Can you work with RAW in photoshop???

Thanks in advance

 

[TinaC]

Photoshop is fine for editing photos, as I understand it is a professional application; certainly too expensive for me to buy and use. I use Elements - and am learning that. As for a camera, I use a Canon EOS 400D and this is an entry level Digital Single Lens Reflex camera giving me the flexibility to use it in multiple environments with differing lens types. This is a dangerous aspect as the lens (aka glass) become addictive...needing better and better...

Hope that helps

 

[CJS]

CamperGirl . . . Oh dear, you are right on the teetering edge of quality compact PowerShot 90, G11 and entry level DSLR . . .

The Q-Compact will do what you want but with no head room to move on, where as the DSLR is 'entry level', will do all the Q-C can do and more once you have delved into its settings and menus.

The sticking points IMHO are; size, DSLRs are not exactly handbag size . . . on the other hand, depends how big your hand bag is? You can be dragged into a world of 'must haves' . . . thats according to your average DSLR enthusiast . . . Expensive and frustrating . . . :|

I have recently grown a thick cynical skin . . . Enjoy what I have, in fact I did a 'U turn' and have gone minimalist, making the best of every economic minute.

You can get an entry level DSLR, personal choice Nikon D5000 with 18-55 lens, about £450. I'm biased, but I choose this because you said 'low light' was a problem, the ability of the 5000 ISO (light sensitivity) is top draw. The camera itself will go on for a long time before you will say, if you ever want to, 'I want something better' . . . It has 'Live View/Video', I thought you might like this for family work? (DSLRs are not the best in night clubs etc) du to bulk and itchy fingered low lifes!

As I say, biased, thick skin and cynical . . . You could keep under budget with the Nikon D3000, but there are better options at this lowest of levels in other makes. The D5000 has a specification which is way above its price point, IMHO, the best bits being taken from other models further up the price ladder and put into the one package, detuned here and there but quality where it matters.

Quality compacts, the two I have mentioned are good, handbag weight and size There many compact available, super this special that, the big thing these days seems to be video and a supper zoom lens. Video I can go along with for families, sports etc., but super zoom, past x12 and its just to much with out a tripod . . . at 12x it can get hairy!! They have limitations, however, what often happens; enthusiasts have both . . .:shrug:

As far as editing goes, I'm a numpty, however, PhotoShop is the best, and an industry standard, its an industry price too! Photo Shop Elements 8 is slightly detuned, but, and this is according to media reviews I read, 'its all most people will want and a lot more' works in Nikon and Canon RAW-JPG + other brands (needs checking with some of the less popular types) . . . £56 from Amazon . . .

Now I sit and wait to be shot down in flames like 'canon fodder' . . .

CJS