Are there anyone currently using the Nikon IP5100 and Sony H3 cameras, could you kindly share your experience?
I am actually looking for a mid-range or semi-pro camera, any recommendations? Personally, if you are looking for a good mid-range or semi-pro Digital Camera ... Look at the Digital SLRs (made by Canon or Nikon ... BOTH Brands have extensive optional lens selections).
EACH of these has various features/distinctions .. and they are what determines whether you make the purchase one way or another.
Let me tell you this ... I now have TWO Canon Digital Rebels ... the xTi and the Original Digital Rebel ... plus I have the 35mm Rebel by Canon as well.
The real 'bonus' came when I could use the lenses that I purchased for the 35mm Rebel on the Digital SLR Rebel ... and that includes using them on the newer Digital SLRs by Canon as well.
The xTi has the 9 point auto-focus, the various modes that allow for adjustment of shutter speed/aperture, and you can go full manual .. as well as various 'jpg settings ... and there are also other adjustments .. which can become too much of a burden to explain properly here.
I use my Canon Digital SLRs in the .raw mode .. that way, when I open up the Adobe Creative Suite .. I have ALL the pixels of data to work with .. which means that the Images are even more outstanding/detailed and come out with such a high quality that even I (who have enjoyed photography for almost 40 years) am STILL astounded ... and that is the truth.
I have gone BACK to College .. this time for fun .. and yes, am Taking the Digital Imaging/Photography and Website Design Courses ... (I'm an Empty-Nesting Single Retiree). I have used these cameras this summer very successfully (Weddings, Ranches, documenting Pedigree Animals, Aerial Photography, etc), and (to the last one) each of the photos I took turned out well. Sony's are terrible. I mean, my experiences with them have been - I'd stay clear of them. Nikon's are pretty good cameras- and you can never go wrong with a Cannon.
Best of luck! DO NOT GET A SONY they suck i got a 12 mp cybershot and while it takes good pics the features are not that good for a $400 camera stick with a canon powershot 6 mp When I made the move from film to digital, I first looked at the Nikon D80. It's a great camera, but when I compared it to the D200, I decided to go with that instead.
If you want a professional grade camera, the low end is referred to as prosumer. (At least I think that's what you mean by "semi-pro camera.") I would recommend you take a look at either the Nikon D200 or D300 (which will be on the market in November) or the Canon 30D or 40D. Consumer Reports just did a survey and their web site has a lot of info. For a small price ($150.00) they like the Canon 550. | 