Considered a dSLR but don't know if the obvious advantages outweigh the cumbersome size including extra lens.

Most pictures are out and about.

Hiking, vacations, kids sports, etc.

So I need to be able to carry the camera, but don't necessarily need a pocket camera. The digital cameras like the larger Sony or Nikon might be a good bridge until I find the time to actually "need" the dSLR.

So again, looking at wants and needs, if I were to get a digital camera for under $400:

Need:

1. ability to shoot action shots like kids playing sports.

2. wide angle lens.

3. High quality pics.

Want:

1. High magnification lens 12X or better.

2. ability to snap pictures while taking video.

3. long battery life. I don't mind carrying an extra.

Since I'm not yet into the technical aspects of photography, I don't need ability for RAW, no hot shoe, etc.

It seems that most every camera review site has their own favorites, which is fine if they explain why.

Nikon for the lens. Sony for the features. Cannon for simplicity. Stuff like that.

I have no favorites and can learn a difficult camera if it's worth it.

Or should I just bite the bullet and get an entry level dSLR for a couple hundred more and accept the fact that I won't be taking it everywhere due to size?

I've got the old school D40 with an upgraded lens (VR 18-200mm) and if we upgrade the body, the 3100 is likely where we'd go.

We upgraded as a direct result of our son playing sports. For action shots, and getting in close while being in the bleachers or on the sidelines etc...it was the only way to go for us.

Curious to see others thoughts though...as I'm far from a camera expert. I relied on my BIL for our purchases, who is a super camera dork and recently started a photog biz on the side.

Go wit the DSLR -- the quality of the photos are much better and they do a good job with action shots.

One piece of advice I've taken from my BIL is great photos are all about the glass. Features don't mean jack squat if you don't wanna take the time to learn how to use them. I certainly didnt. We just turn it on, adjust the zoom as needed and snap the pic. Once we got our upgraded lens, the clarity of our photos was night & day. Amazing. You pay up front of course, but we'll never need another lens and can upgrade the body when/if needed.

Our D40 is damn near 10 years old now and if we take care of it, may never need to upgrade. More of a want than anything.

[ram27bat]

Love the Nikon.

Just don't drop it on a concrete driveway! ................ just say'n ........................ 😣 😣 😣 😣

don't work so well after that

poke around www.dpreview.com/ I've given this a lot of thought and still can't make up my mind. I'm on the fence LOL

its like a baloon.... its a balance... to get something you typically have to give something up

I'll check it out (based on Jet's recommendation, not TW's....)

Opinion please: You know cameras. You know photography in general.

Based on the average schmuck, can a digital camera do justice to light action such as a kids soccer game? Or is it dSLR or bust?

as with douche,,,

If we all felt that way we would have thrown you out long ago

You douche.

I mean: you douche?

It's all in the punctuation.

I know DSLR's are bulky with all the extra lenses, but they are fast shutters, and start up rate and focusing. A pocket camera can't compare to the speed a DSLR offers.

I'm not a fan of any f/3.5-f/5.6 lens, but for daylight shooting, it's fine. If you plan on shooting at night, you need a f/2.8 lens, and anything in the 200-300mm range for a f/2.8 lens will cost you an arm, and two legs.

If you do get a DSLR, then a 35mm f/1.8 lens is a bargain at $200. The f/1.8 aperture will open up wide for nighttime shooting indoors w/o flash. the 35mm will translate to a "normal" 50mm lens to add to your lens collection. Incomparible for shooting indoors, compared to any kit zoom lens. All kit zoom lenses are the f/3.5-f/5.6 range, and f/5.6 is tiny for letting light in.

Good Luck.

FYI, I shoo a Nikon D700 F/F camera with a 35-70/2.8 & 80-200/2.8 ... the 35-70 is 30 years old, and the 80-200 is 20 years old. Sharp as a tack, both of them.

Here's a tip. Buy your camera body new, and your lens used from KEH.com ... KEH is the world's largest used camera dealer & is just right down the street from me. They've been in business over 30 years, and are top-notch quality for customer service and used lens selection. Don't be afraid of a lens in BGN condition. You'll get a great deal on a used lens. Glass is forever, and don't be afraid of that.

http://www.bestbuy.com/site/Nikon+-+Coolpix+S8200+Black+16.1-Megapixel+Digital+Camera+-+Black/3166715.p?id=1218382027306&skuId=3166715 

i got 1 similar and it does wonders. if i had to buy 1 tomorrow this would be it