Right... so I need some help here.

[Magenta]

I'm looking for a new camera. My dad is paying for it but I doubt he'd go over $300-$350. I've been looking around and have come across the Canon Powershot SX40 HS and the Canon Powershot SX150 IS. I would have preferred a DSLR but obviously I'd never find one within my budget (unless anyone knows of a kit like this...?).

Mostly, I'm looking for something with better image quality and high quality macro photography. My current camera is good but not great and not to mention falling apart after about five years. The bodies of these cameras mimic the DSLR cameras and I've been looking for that because the bigger body tends to be more stable for me. I have a huge issue with my hands shaking (near violently) most of the time and tiny, compact cameras provide less to hold onto and my images come out really shaky, if that makes sense. The bigger body gives me more to hold onto.

Anyone got a preference between the two I listed or even another suggestion that might be what I'm looking for? While my mother is a photography fanatic, she's used to film cameras and knows nothing about digital and there's no one to help me with this.

[unknownuser]

If you wouldn't mind getting a used DSLR, then you'd comfortably fit in that price range.

I suggest taking a look at the Canon XTi/400D or XT/350D on Ebay. :]

Also, as you mentioned that your mom was a photographer, if she by any chance used a Canon with "EF" lens, then they should be compatible with all their DSLRs. (I think the same goes for Nikon, but I'm not sure...)

[Magenta]

My mum's camera was a Canon FTb... which used FD- and FL-mount lenses just before the EF lenses came out.

I would love to get a DSLR but the lenses are so expensive as well as the actual body of the camera (even if they're used). Digital cameras aren't as great but they have everything I want sort of in one package. Not to mention, buying a DSLR and all the right pieces confuses the crap out of me. x_x

[Amaryllis]

My mum's camera was a Canon FTb... which used FD- and FL-mount lenses just before the EF lenses came out.

I would love to get a DSLR but the lenses are so expensive as well as the actual body of the camera (even if they're used). Digital cameras aren't as great but they have everything I want sort of in one package. Not to mention, buying a DSLR and all the right pieces confuses the crap out of me. x_x

I don't actually buy any lenses other than the ones that come with it. It's really worth it! I just use one lens ;P

[Magenta]

I was hoping to buy a macro lens though because I do a lot of macro work.

[darkwoon]

I was hoping to buy a macro lens though because I do a lot of macro work.
A macro lens costs a lot - get ready to invest several hundreds USD for one. A telezoom will allow you to perform some macro work, but with limitations (you'll not be able to get as close to your subject than with a true macro lens). You also need a tripod, shaky hands or not - high quality macro work need a very stable camera.

I'd follow Julie on this - get a 2nd hand entry-level Canon or Nikon DSLR and a refurbished kit lens/telezoom for it. Given that lens mounts rarely change, lenses that you'll buy are likely to be very long-term investments anyway.

Regarding the SX150 IS: the body is rather small and light compared to a typical DSLR. Its f-range is 3.4-5.6 for an equivalent 28-336mm - not enough for macro, IMHO. There is no viewfinder either, which is another big drawback. The sensor is a CCD one, and you cannot work in RAW mode, so I wouldn't consider buying it for "art" shots.

Regarding the SX40 HS: Better body (easier to firmly hold). It as a 24-840mm equivalent with f=2.7-5.8 - probably ok for proxy photography and some macro. No RAW mode and a rather small sensor (1/2.3") are important drawbacks to me. There currently aren't a lot of tests of this camera available on the net, so I'd wait a little before concluding, as I've no idea on how the lens, the image processor or the AF behave.

[Magenta]

Actually, did some research and I found something within my price range that's good for what I need.

/thread.

[Commander Thor]

Op requested.

:locked: