Thread: Another which camera thread.. slr vs p&s

Jong me if you must but have been searching for a while and not finding the info I am looking for.

I want to get into photo and the rents are going to spring for a new camera and was looking at either the G9 or the Rebel XT. Both are about the same price (rebel on sale).

What are your thoughts about the two? I know the rebel is the LOW end of SLRs but would it be better for a jong wanting to learn about photography than a G9? Or should I just go with the G9 because I am a jong and dont know how to even use an SLR yet?

Thanks in advance.

Just want a easy camera and shoot good pics. Get the G9.

Plan on shooting lots of pics... Get the Rebel, more lens combos available (even with the tele- and wideangle converters, the G9 is somewhat limited) and you can always upgrade the lens or the body, depending if you feel it is hindering you as a photog (to be honest, not likely).


Edited to add... Rebel also has the same auto-green box program as G9. So you can use it a gigantic p&s.

Originally Posted by hemas

Edited to add... Rebel also has the same auto-green box program as G9. So you can use it a gigantic p&s.

So if they are essentially the same price, and I can use the rebel as a p&s when im feeling lazy, the rebel would have more versatility correct?

Originally Posted by mavrick

So if they are essentially the same price, and I can use the rebel as a p&s when im feeling lazy, the rebel would have more versatility correct?

Yep, but it would also be a lot bulkier... Your call.

Oh, and you can always sell it, if you feel that you're only using the auto-program and get a smaller p&s (but then get something smaller than the G9... As you prolly don't need a bridge camera at all ).

The rebel is a lot bigger than the G9, but it definitely has more versatility in terms of lens choice and low light pictures etc. I have the rebel xti and I've loved it so far. It's just not the type of camera I could throw in my pocket when I'm going out to hang with friends. You could, but it would be hard to lug around a bigger camera and lens and have to worry about it too. Correct me if I'm wrong, but I'm pretty sure the G9 could easily be thrown into the pocket and carried around. I use an old olympus point and shoot for that (obviously not expecting to get great photos though.)

Originally Posted by mavrick

Or should I just go with the G9 because I am a jong and dont know how to even use an SLR yet?

Thanks in advance.

Get the Rebel XT and learn how to use it. I think that of the two options, it is the far better tool to learning photography. As others have stated, it is more versatile. The XT is a good place to start.

Originally Posted by mavrick

I want to get into photo

Then you want an SLR. Like others have said SLRs are a lot more bulky so they tend to be carried in your pack as opposed to a more convienient pocket so make sure you really want to get into photography before you decide.

The pocket vs pack bulk problem really isnt an issue for me. I currently dont own a camera so the convenience of taking one everywhere doesnt appeal to me. If i am going somewhere I want a camera I will most likely have a backpack or something like that to put it in. If I ever want to slack off and throw the camera in my jacket/pocket I can just steal one from someone in the fam.

then get the SLR
it has stupid modes to use until you figure out the smart modes

Originally Posted by Summit

then get the SLR
it has stupid modes to use until you figure out the smart modes

Hahaha, 'stupid' and 'smart' modes.

I agree though, go with an SLR. I'd look into an XTi, XSi, or a used 20D maybe.

Trigger pulled. Am going to get an SLR and use the 'stupid mode' until i actually learn how to use the camera. I appreciate all the good info and advice given. Hopefully I will be able to post some actual stoke around here in the near future!!

Check the "Online Tutorials" thread for good sources to get un-stupid.