"Tom Francis - SWSports" wrote in
message ...

If you are looking for a high quality point and shoot, then the
Olympus FE series is one you should seriously take a look at.

Personally, if I were you, I'd look at the FE-310. In particular as
you can get them for under $100.

http://www.olympusamerica.com/cpg_se...p?product=1351

You really don't need a DSLR for what you are looking to do.

If you decide to go DSLR, the Nikon D-40 is ok although I'm a little
underwhelmed by it. It's a good camera, but it's definetly not a
higher end Nikon and the optics are as good as the higher priced
cameras.

Besides, EVERYBODY has a Nikon - be different. :)

My preference for a smaller, DSLR type performance in a semi-point and
shoot, the Olympus SP series is a good one. I really like this camera
as a point and shoot.

http://www.olympusamerica.com/cpg_se...p?product=1316

Just depends on what you want to spend and what you want to do.


I'm looking at my December issue of Consumer Reports and they list two
Olympus models in the 'subcompact' catagory...
the FE-340 in 8th place
and Stylus 1010 in 14th
neither is "recommended" by Consumers
No Olympus cameras in the 'compact' catagory but two models are listed in
the 'Superzoom' section.
the SP-570 UZ at 8th place
and SP-560 UZ at 13th. .......... neither checked off as "recommended"

I found that Canon A650 IS at Best Buy (internet purchase only) at $230.00
If I go to a DSLR, I think I'd throw an extra $120.00 and get the Nikon D60
rather than the D40 which only has 6.1 megpixels.
(I know, they say 6 is all you need)

Funny thing about Consumers...if I go to their website, it's a bit different
than Decembers magazine... the Canon A560 IS doesn't show up there after
being rated #1 in the compact section in the magazine.