Need new camera

[enigma]

I'm looking to get a mid-low level camera, just to get started, and to see if i like shooting enough to justify a higher end piece. I'd like to get something that will allow me good close-up detail, (engine shots, fab work, random roadside things) yet still be able to get a decent photo at a bit of range(cars from different angles, some scenescapes, and more roadside images).

I do have a picky eye, which is why my current nikon p(os)oint and shoot is driving me crazy, with lousy color reproduction, grainy-ness, and limited shooting, pics at night at a non-no.

I was looking at the canon s5 or the kodak easyshare Z712 IS.

For the money, the kodak seems hard to pass up, but everyone i know had had nothing but success with their canon's and I don't know anyone with a kodak.

Does anyone have any input on either of these cameras?
Any input would be appriciated!

[i like rice]

For a point & shoot, the Canon S5 IS or G9 would be the two best, in my opinion. Both offer good auto and manual controls.

[brucehunglo]

canon s5 is a great camera but i mean for the money u could find a relatively good condition xti rebel for the price of a new s5. especially with the prices of the new xsi and xs people are selling xti's i have seen for $300

[apex32]

people are selling xti's i have seen for $300

where?!?

[brucehunglo]

where?!?

check canon photo forum last time i was on there looking for my 30D i found one for 350 shipped on the for sale threads. reason why i wont sell my xti i'd rather just keep it as a back up body.

[i like rice]

canon s5 is a great camera but i mean for the money u could find a relatively good condition xti rebel for the price of a new s5. especially with the prices of the new xsi and xs people are selling xti's i have seen for $300

add in the costs of lenses, filters, tripods, camera bags, external flashes, etc. it adds up quickly.

[garrettej8]

add in the costs of lenses, filters, tripods, camera bags, external flashes, etc. it adds up quickly.

definitely. hell, just one of my lenses costs more than my camera on the used market. it's ashame too because the lens is useless without the camera lol

[enigma]

Yeah, i just looked into some of that, just a bit too pricey for me at this time.
I think i'll stick with one of the megazooms, i just gotta figure out what one i want to get.

[grimm]

I'd go the xt route personally. I had a g5 and it was cool, good size, easy to use...but it wasn't enough. And just because you get a dslr doesn't mean you need to invest thousands into it at one time just to take a nice picture. The auto features work well for the novice and it gives you full expansion for when you grow. Just get a decent zoom lens and be done with it. It has a built in flash, you don't need filters (the s5 won't have any?) you'll need a camera bag and possibly a tripod with any camera. Look at it like this. you can get the body and a decent lens, then a few years down the road, instead of upgrading your camera, just buy a new lens. Whamo... you got a new camera. The pro-sumer point and shoots are just a tease... and i think you might be regretting buying one after a few months.

[brucehunglo]

I'd go the xt route personally. I had a g5 and it was cool, good size, easy to use...but it wasn't enough. And just because you get a dslr doesn't mean you need to invest thousands into it at one time just to take a nice picture. The auto features work well for the novice and it gives you full expansion for when you grow. Just get a decent zoom lens and be done with it. It has a built in flash, you don't need filters (the s5 won't have any?) you'll need a camera bag and possibly a tripod with any camera. Look at it like this. you can get the body and a decent lens, then a few years down the road, instead of upgrading your camera, just buy a new lens. Whamo... you got a new camera. The pro-sumer point and shoots are just a tease... and i think you might be regretting buying one after a few months.

my point exactly, how much does the s5 run for? $300 i started with this camera as well and like grim said i had the same experiences but i ended up selling it because i wanted more. You can get a xt use a stock kit lens and be content of taking some very good picture even with the kit lens.

its like a bike, why get the 600 if u just are gonna get rid of it for a bigger bike after you learn? =P well at least what my biker buddies say.

[enigma]

Thank's for all your input, I'll look into getting the xt.
Since the dslr's require more user input, any good books on camera's recomended?