I am looking to get a new camera but am not sure what to get. I currently have a Panasonic FZ18. The camera is in daily use taking photos of the kids and general life. We take a lot of photos of the kids but get quite frustrated with the slow flash and often over exposed pics. So I was thinking about a DSLR, something like the Canon 550D.

What I'll use the camera for/need
Kids
Family
Indoors (low light)
Movie mode (pref HD)

Most point and clicks are too slow, and in low light do not perform. The cameras like the FZ18 we have don't really seem to have moved on that much, plus you are still limited by the lens and small sensor in low light. A DSLR will be expensive, but you can get something like a F1.8 60mm prime lens for indoors.

What do you use or recommend for what I want to do?

Take a look at a Sony DSC-HX5V

I've got one and it's just right for 90% of the shots I take

One thing: If you are buying 2nd hand, then be aware that most older DSLRs will not have a movie mode (as it isn't really that easy to do on an SLR).

Newer ones do tho obviously.

Get a Nikon D40 off ebay, the sensor is not stuffed with pixels, about 6mp, so it'll handle low-light better than a 10mp compact or the 18mp Canon 550. You'll have spare change for at least a Nikon SB200 flash, plus the D40 flash syncs at 1/500, perfect for stopping motion like children in play etc. No movie mode but that really is a shit gimmick on cameras anyway.

D40 doesn't have a movie mode and is quite old now. 550d is a perfectly good camera, i'd avoid the 500d as it has a not quite full hd at a 20fps movie mode. The 550d has a 60fps 720p mode which if it's like the similar mode on my 7D will be ace…

EDIT: Get the same brand as your mates have, you can then nick their lenses…

No movie mode but that really is a shit gimmick on cameras anyway.

i think you'll find a lot of the video at the MTB world cups are being shot on DSLR's.

Im pretty sure a recent series of House was also shot entirely using DSLR's.

i think you'll find a lot of the video at the MTB world cups are being shot on DSLR's.

I don't think the parkin bros, yeti, SC etc are using DSLR on the world cup. Maybe the better amateur vids are though.

Cough, have a search on the classifieds under my name, cough 😳

Canon do a nice 50mm prime for not much money too

Panasonic GH-1 is an interesting camera, not strictly a DSLR, but arguably the best implemented movie mode for most users and flip out screens are brilliant for getting shots of the kids. Mathers of Lancashire have them for a good price w/cashback offer from panasonic.

I don't think the parkin bros

i think they are using 7D's. happy to be proved wrong though…

Canon G11. All the functions of a DSLR including flash exposure control, but very portable. The best camera is the one you have with you. I have stayed away from DSLRs just because they are cumbersome in daily life. The G11 replaced a lost G5 – and I still miss the f2 lens on that one. If you want smaller and a prime lens, a Ricoh GRD is a good bet with a poorer operating system.

My other camera is a Nikon FM with 24mm Nikkor prime f2.8.

Cant you just change the exposure settings on your FZ18?

Panasonic G2 (or G1 if you can still find one).

Compact meets DSLR.

my G1 is great and gets used way more then the Nikon D300

I think if you have a DSLR you still need a compact?

We have a 350d and for when you want high quality pics it's very good, however it's quite bulky and needs a flash unit for anything other than outdoor stuff.

We also have a Ixus thing, it's tiny and easy to go everywhere in your pocket and therefore takes 80% of our photos.

As stated have you tried using the flash/exposure compensation on the FZ18 to try to reduce output/overexposed shots? Direct flash shot will never look as natural and warm as without although you should be able to improve in photoshop.

For DSLR 550D or D90 would probably suit best but have a look at the Canon S90 (although not HD movie mode) or IXUS 300HS.

Following page may be worth a read:

http://digital-photography.suite101.com/article.cfm/best-low-light-digital-compact-and-slr-cameras

Go for the 550D… It's mint! Since getting mine i have started looking at everything differently and can do some pretty arty stuff that my compact doesn't even know exists! I got a Gorrillapod for it last week too which really helps. 🙂

+1 for the Canon G11. I considered several different DSLRs, but ultimately went for something that is more portable, but still gives you full control. No HD video though, if that's critical for you.

I have gone through if not all formats upto Medium format
unless you want poster prints any good camera will give you
a good A4 print.

I recently bought the Canon G11 and is used by most pros as a
second/back up camera, You can get a good A3 print upto
ISO 200 and would recommened this camera to you.
This camera has a simple control top plate so anyone can pick it up and use it. But allows you to be creative.
Like above it dont give HD videos but they are of very good quality
due to its digital on board proceser.
I bought mine from the E-bay uk online from Digi-Good £ 347.00p Bargin
all new and boxed.

Dare I say….

GF1? 🙂

All the pics on my flickr were taken with a G1 or GF1 – I take the GF1 just about everywhere with me including biking.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/18244158@N00/