Compact or full DSLR? Advice please?

[Lancs Jag Boy]

I'd like to step up in the camera department. The cannon point and shoot thing we have is ok, but I'd like more functions, speed and quality.

Must haves ...

Very fast start up
Very fast capture (I'm sick of the delay on the little cannon from pressing the button to the actual shooting)
Good quality auto focus that doesn't take an age to work
Reasonably decent frames per sec should I want to shoot more nature and Motorsport images
Nothing too big.

I've looked at the Sony NEX6 which for sub £600 looks good. It also has a wifi output. Does this work with iPad?

Your thoughts and advice very welcome.

[GetCarter]

I'm afraid what you want is too big.

[MysteryLemon]

If you don't want anything big then you don't want a DSLR.

Even the smaller, compact DSLRs are big. Not by DSLR standard but they are always going to be a fair bit bigger than a compact. Even the new mirrorless compact system cameras are Big. The bodies aren't but when you attach a lens, you may as well have a DSLR.

A higher end compact would probably suit.

Lumix LX-7, Olympus XZ-2, Sony RX100 etc. Plenty out there with the functions and almost quality of a DSLR, but in a compact body (well, compactish).

Also just to add, when you say your compacts shutter lag is a lot. Is this from you pressing the button down without focusing first? Even a DSLR will have lag if you dont pre focus a shot. All shutter buttons have 2 steps. half press and it will focus, full press and it will take the picture.

Every compact I've ever used has had zero shutter lag if you prefocus. Something you will need to learn to do if you buy a DSLR.

Edited by MysteryLemon on Saturday 12th October 16:44

[Simpo Two]

Lancs Jag Boy said:

Must haves ...

Very fast start up
Very fast capture (I'm sick of the delay on the little cannon from pressing the button to the actual shooting)
Good quality auto focus that doesn't take an age to work
Reasonably decent frames per sec should I want to shoot more nature and Motorsport images
Nothing too big.

1) DSLR
2) DSLR
3) DSLR
4) DSLR
5) Compact

I make that 4:1 to DSLR

[Gad-Westy]

Simpo Two said:

Lancs Jag Boy said:

Must haves ...

Very fast start up
Very fast capture (I'm sick of the delay on the little cannon from pressing the button to the actual shooting)
Good quality auto focus that doesn't take an age to work
Reasonably decent frames per sec should I want to shoot more nature and Motorsport images
Nothing too big.

1) DSLR
2) DSLR
3) DSLR
4) DSLR
5) Compact

I make that 4:1 to DSLR

Yep, although the big one is the auto focus speed for motorsport or anything that moves. There are a lot of decent compact system cameras (NEX included) that have very fast auto focus but that are rubbish next to a decent DSLR in terms of tracking movement. If it weren't for that, I'd probably not bother with a DSLR anymore.

It won't be compact but for your uses I'd go for a Nikon D90, an 18-70 and a 70-300 VR, all used. For £600 that would be a superb kit and not too heavy if you leave the 70-300 at home until you need it.

[Simpo Two]

Ultimately it comes down to how seriously you take your photography. If you want the best results, you won't worry about the size of the kit. If you want something that goes in a shirtpocket, then your photography will be compromised. So, convenience or results? As they used to say on Banzai, 'Place bets now!'

[nellyleelephant]

Although the frame rate isn't fantastic (4 fps) maybe the Canon 100D would suit? Smallest DSLR on the market.

http://www.the-digital-picture.com/Reviews/Canon-E...

[Lancs Jag Boy]

Thanks for all the feedback

I've perhaps not been clear enough on size requirements. What I guess I mean is that I'm happy to go bigger than a compact, but not as big as fully blown EOS style DSLR, hence me looking a compact systems.

[budfox]

DSLR all the way.

[mikef]

Worth at least a look at Canon's SX280HS before committing to a DSLR

[Simpo Two]

Lancs Jag Boy said:

I've perhaps not been clear enough on size requirements. What I guess I mean is that I'm happy to go bigger than a compact, but not as big as fully blown EOS style DSLR, hence me looking a compact systems.

Then your question should not have been 'Compact or full DSLR?' but 'Which compact?'

Or you can meet neither requirement and get a bridge camera...

[strummerville]

"The best camera is the one you have on you". For that reason my Sony RX100 fits the bill. The best pics of my kids are on my phone - spontaneous but rubbish quality. It depends on how you plan your photography - take out loads of heavy kit or carry a high end compact? Only you can answer that.

[MysteryLemon]

That.

Reason I'm "downgrading" from a DSLR is because I never use it. It's too heavy to sensibly carry about with 2 kids in tow and all sorts of other stuff. I find it just sits at home and I use my phone for general stuff, which I hate as the quality is crap.

[RobDickinson]

Compromise - how about a Nikon 1?

[allen l]

strummerville said:

"The best camera is the one you have on you". For that reason my Sony RX100 fits the bill. The best pics of my kids are on my phone - spontaneous but rubbish quality. It depends on how you plan your photography - take out loads of heavy kit or carry a high end compact? Only you can answer that.

It almost seems like even the RX100 is too big for you?

[strummerville]

No, I've only just bought the RX. The phone was used prior to its procurement!