Like the title says. My old 3mp Canon A400 just isn't cutting it anymore. But I'm having trouble deciding. We'll start with what I don't like about my old camera.
(in order of most hated)
-sensitive to motion unless lighting is perfect
-slow ass follow up shots
-mediocre picture quality(was pretty good in it's day)
-crap battery life

I'm considering either a nice point/shoot or DSLR. Here are two I've been looking at lately.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16830120342
good
-p/s is probably more suited to my skill level
-compact
-720p video that actually looks good http://www.vimeo.com/4541103
-image stabilizing
bad
-slow follow ups (2.3sec according to CNET)

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16830120278
good
-capable of great pictures(even if I'm not)
-fast follow ups
bad
-it's big(not a major issue though)
-'mo money


My big hang up is the follow up shots. I missed out on several good shots(master chief teabagging link) at Otakon last year because of this. But the video capability is a selling point for me. Even though I always considered it a gimmick on my old camera I still used it at times. And since this actually looks good I'd probably use it a lot more. On the other hand I'm certain the DSLR is capable of getting more and better pictures. But it's kind of big and it's $200 more. So camera crew what do you think? Should I get one of these cameras? Or do you know of something better suited? Do you have any advice in general of what I should look for?

 

I'm a DSLR shooter, so I say go for the Nikon D40. Can be found hella cheap, and it's an awesome cam. Brian (Draconious) shoots one.

 

Don't think of the DSLR as only 200 more. There's TONS more cost associated with it especially better glass and external flash units. Don't forget a good case, extra batteries/battery grip/filters/tripod etc. It can add up pretty quick.

I guess the big question is what are you going to be shooting 90% of the time and what do you want of the pics. Most new point and shoots offer AWESOME pictures out of the box with good color and contrast.

The DSLR comes in handy when you wanna have more control and be a little more creative. if you're gonna be moving around, point and shoot can't be beat. If you're going to be stationary, DSLR "could" be a better option depending on glass, and user ability.

 

i love my dslr but i still carry my p&s around alot simply because theres plenty of situations i dont like carrying a full size camera around.

if you go dslr the d40 is a great starter camera ... i love mine

p&s i would go canon with the IS or a nikon ... love em both

 

Doesn't sound like either option really fits your needs. Casio makes some cameras that have some trick high-speed shooting options and include image stabilization. The EX-FC100 is a compact model that you can get for $289, the EX-FH20 is a wannabe-SLR looking model for $439.

 

Also, DSLR's get fucking expensive, because there's soo much sweet glass. This year, I've spent about $1050 on camera shit... and that's getting insane deals on everything.

When I sell the Nikon N90s (w/ grip and data back) that came with it, I'll have bought a Nikon 80-200 f/2.8 AF for $275

 

good point about cost. most of the time I'll be on the move so a P/S would probably be better.
another great camera but still has other DSLR draw backs
I also lean toward cannon/nikon both brands just seem to take better pictures
that is a pretty cool option and the super slow mo is bad ass. but the review did knock the image quality a bit. and I'm not not sure the burst mode really solves my problem. my problem is the time between taking one shot, and turning around to take a completely different picture. I need to read more but it sounds like the burst mode is take a crap load of one subject then turn around and take a crap load of another. it would be great for action shots but I'm surrounded by 100 nerds posing and I'm trying to get as many different subjects as possible.



I know I'm asking for basically the perfect camera and I know it' probably not possible. But your advice is helping me decide where to make concessions.

 

i know im noob but whats "follow-ups" ?

 

Ive played with a bunch of Canon's point and shoot cameras and it seems like after awhile they start producing grainy pics.

 

I assume these are indoor shots and you're talking about the time it takes for the flash to recycle. Most cameras with a built-in flash take a while for the flash to recycle between shots. I found another review of the EX-FH20 at dcresource and it turns out it has a continuous flash mode specifically for what you're talking about: "The other continuous mode on the Exilim EX-FH20 is for shooting with the flash. The camera can take anywhere from 3 - 10 shots in a row at 1, 3, or 5 frames/second -- with the flash." Looking at the specs, it does sacrifice some flash range for the ability to do so, but if you're just taking pictures of people inside then you should do alright. The feature seems to be accessible by sub-menu on various other more compact Casio cameras but the FH20 seems to be the one where it's best implemented.