The former is a compact digital camera with 6 megapixels and 12x optical zoom, and the latter is a subcompact camera with 10 megapixels 3x optical zoom. Pretending the price is about the same, which camera is the better pick for a casual photographer with plans to photograph people, wildlife, landscape and action shots? I have no idea of your budget. A DSLR I've seen reviews of recently is the PENTAX K10D. 10 mp, anti-shake built into the body, interchangeable lenses. Plus it uses all the PENTAX K-mount lenses which gives you a tremendous arsenal at relatively low costs. If I were considering a DSLR this would likely be my choice.
I offer this opinion due to your intended uses. Sooner or later you'll probably want to try macro photography. An interchangeable lens camera is the only way you'll be able to do true macro. (Zoom lenses marked "macro" usually give you a 1:4 - 1/4 life-size - reproduction. A true macro lens will, depending on the brand, give a minimum of 1:2 - 1/2 life-size to 1:1 - life size. Some brands require a separate 1:1 tube, some don't.) Also, for sports the digital zoom on a digicam may not be long enough. Plus, an optical zoom gives much better results. Well Dr. Sam may disagree but I'd say only if you do a lot of cropping or enlarge photos by more than 8X10 would you need 10 megapixels. So I personally would opt for the super zoom. Plus the fact I hate tiny cameras. You also get the battery charger with my camera the DSC-H2. I have not looked at the N2 yet, but I have a H2, and I love it. The auto-focus on the camera is awesome, is awesome. I love everything about it. I have had it for 1 year and a half, and I have had nothing wrong with it. |
