I’m not a pro and not looking to be, so I’m not yet ready for an SLR, yet I get too disappointed with all the popular point and shoot "tiny" pocket cameras out there. I don’t mind lugging around something a bit bigger as long as it will take satisfying pictures.
In the past I had a Pentax (35mm) for years and loved it, then moved on to a Kodak Z740 which I loved loved loved for about 2 or 3 years. The only problem was one day I picked it up and somehow the LCD screen cracked. The process to get it repaired by Kodak seemed daunting, so I abandoned it and my hubby got a pocket Kodak, which I’m not really thrilled with. I’d purchase another one in a heartbeat, but I’ve heard lots of people had issues since mine died with either LCD screens not lasting or being durable enough, or the battery life sucking even if you get rechargables.
So… I am considering another Kodak if it’s similar to the Z740; Canon; or Nikon. I’m not comfortable with other brands out there yet. As far as pricing goes, between $150-400 tops. HD video would be great, a big 2-3" LCD screen is a must, and lots of helpful presets for action shots or special lighting would be great too. I prefer a comfort grip to traditional square b/c it’s easier to hold and steady. Color saturation is big for skin tones and sunsets/sunrises.
So, what do you suggest? Do you have a "hobbyist" digital camera from one of the three brands I mentioned? How long have you had it? Any issues? Advice? Suggestions?
I’m pretty much open, but I really want a camera that will be dependable- based on your experience and what I stated I’m looking for.
A continuous shooting option would be a nice feature too…
If you still have your Pentax, 35 mm, you may want to buy one of the entry level Pentax DSLR’s. All the skills you have from using your Pentax 35 mm camera are directly transferable to a digital SLR
P&S cameras typically do not allow you to control your exposure and are limited to the one lens that came with the camera. It is your choice, but DSLR’s are the only cameras that can successfully shoot sports (P&S cameras have shutter lag and controlling exposures is all left to the camera, so using special lighting is out until you decide to buy a DSLR)