Best camera to use?

Last 3 trips to europe I took my inexpensive Canon Power Shot SD 750 which has no external attachments and takes great pictures. I use to own the Canon G2 which was to bulky to carry around. Last RS tour someone in the group made a website and thus far my photos look about the same as other have posted on the website with better camera equipment.

Ellen, You have a couple of choices..... You could opt for one of the "SuperZoom" Cameras such as the Canon SX30 IS which provides 35x optical zoom with image stabilization. However, while this provides a much greater degree of zoom than your G11, it may not be as flexible in other areas such as wide angle capability (24 mm is satisfactory for most applications, but not "wide" enough for my preferences) or "speed" (f2.7 isn't bad but f1.4 is better). The other choice would be one of the more compact DSLR models such as the Canon T2i. This would be about the same size as many superzoom models, but the weight would depend on what "glass" was attached. This would provide the most flexibility in choosing Lenses that fit your needs, as well as control (ISO, shutter speed, etc.). I've found that I can get by quite nicely during travels with just two Lenses - a medium-range zoom (24-105) and a wide angle (10-22). I usually have a longer range zoom on hand (70-300), but don't pack it on every trip. Of course, it's necessary to also take the usual accessories such as Memory Cards, Battery Charger, etc. If you choose to go with a DSLR, there's a bit of a "learning curve" so you'll want to become familiar with the Camera before you depart on the trip. I'm currently using a Canon 7D and although it's fairly large and heavy, there's no way I'll travel without it as it provides the capabilities to get the photos I want. Good luck with your choice!

This comes down to personal preference. I bring a smaller point-and-shoot camera because its small enough to clip onto my belt and I always have it with me. I enjoy the freedom to be out-and-about without having to carry a camera on my shoulder. The tradeoff is picture quality; I get good daylight shots but its pretty much useless indoors or in lower light. But I understand why you're thinking of bringing something bigger, and I'm going thru the same struggle (although I'm looking at some of the micro 4/3 cameras which are a bit smaller than a full size DSLR).

If you want a DSLR look at the small and light Nikon D3100 or Canon Rebel T2i. Both Canon and Nikon have 18-200 super zoom lenses and there are 3rd party options as well. Another type of camera to consider is micro 4/3 system. They are quite a bit smaller and lighter then a DSLR and have interchangeable lenses. Panasonic and Olympus are the pioneers in this area. The sensors in these cameras are almost the size of the APS DSLR sensor and the image quality and ergonomics are on par with many DSLRs. Consumer Electronics Show is this week in Las Vegas, there may be some new models announced. Current M4/3 models are Panasonic G2 and GF2 (out very soon) Rumor Olympus EPL2 to be announced at CES. A good place to get camera reviews is
http://dpreview.com

I have a Canon xTI. When I first purchased this camera I stuck with the standard lens. But I found I really missed my wide angle / zoom lens that I had used with my film SLR so I went out and got the Tamron lens that goes from 18-250. It's now the only lens I carry with me. It's got the wide angle for architecture and landscapes and the zoom is strong enough to help me frame some shots and get candids and other long distant shots. I do also carry a small point and shoot (Nikon S8000) for evening events. The bigger lens means that I don't want to have it out in the evening. Also, since I have an older Rebel I use the Nikon for digital video. Pam

I am currently in the hunt for a new camera, too. But I am firmly in the camp of the old axiom; "The best camera is the one you have with you & use". So for me, than means a really good point & shoot that slips into my pocket. Almost all of my shots will be in the daylight anyway & I know I won't take the time to fiddle with settings to get artistic. I just want a good camera to take clear shots I can crop when I get home and will still have an acceptable level of detail. A lot of mid-level cameras will do that pretty well - I just have to choose one.

Randy, For a pocket camera have a look at the Canon S95 they are a bit hard to find right now post Xmas but should be readily available within a few weeks.

Lisa is a mind reader. I've been looking at exactly those 2 cameras, the Nikon D3100 and the Canon T2i. I'm not sold on Nikon for ease of use. I have one friend who is a Nikon only person, and another sold on Canon. I want to get my hands on each model to see how they feel in my hands, where the fingers go for the buttons, and the over all weight of each. The G11 has almost all the settings that a DSLR camera offers, so it's a good practice camera for me to use. I can set f-stop and ISO, I can play with night time settings, landscape, settings as well. The suggestion of a 18-250 zoom sounds like the lens I would want, as long as I don't loose too much quality, and the lens isn't too heavy.

I'm really happy with my Canon PowerShot SD 780 IS. Easy to carry and it takes good photos!

For Ellen: I screwed up and went with the Nikon D7000 with a couple of lenses. A buddy has the D3100 and it takes just as good pictures - - except maybe my viewfinder is a bit brighter (it is bigger). I went whole-hog in switching from film to digital for the big camera - - that was a mistake. For what's it's worth, my good film cameras were a Canon and a Nikon, both older than the hills, still completely serviceable, and equally easy to use. For Randy: Yep, the Canon S95. I pre-odered prior to release and got one of the first ones. It's been on two trips and now the big one stays on the shelf except for special projects, just too much weight, bulk, and money to tote around. My wife and I got to fighting over it (we sometimes travel separately and frequently wander apart when traveling together) so now we have two. Fiddle with it first for size - - it'll fit in a flapped shirt pocket, but just barely. And, you say you're not interested in low-light - - you'll change your mind when you see what that sucker will do (inside and outside).

I used to use a SOny Cybershot T200 for a few years until it would shake so bad, that all my shots were a big blur. What is funny is that it would only occur when in Europe and never back home in florida. Made me wonder if it was a temperature thing, as I do my traveling in the winter. I was never please with how the pictures came out, even when it did not have seizures. Then an amateur photographer told me to look at the G11. I wanted a camera as if a point & shoot and a DSLR had a baby. I bought the G11. I am sooooo pleased with it. It takes such better pictures. I love all the options of the camera. I was even able to carry it in my coat pocket and I did not look like a total stooge in the process, as it is a bit bigger than a point and shoot. I am very pleased with the zoom, then again I am coming from a point and shoot cybershot. Would the lens attachments work for your zoom issues? I really can't use the view finder anymore as I am soooo used to the LCD screen.

Definitely hold the cameras you are considering in your hands in you can. Do look into micro 4/3 as they are a viable alternative especially for going light. 18-200 or 18-270 zooms are pretty good some are a little soft around the edges but you always give up something in photography, most people don't want to carry around 4 lenses. G11 is a good camera (I have it's older brother the G9) but I certainly understand your need for more. I am going to Venice for a photography workshop in late April, I already have my list of the photo gear I plan on bringing and it is quite comprehensive. I don't plan on carrying it all everyday but I want to choose a lens or two a day and get different effects. In general I like wide angle for travel, landscape and street photos but I also like to capture details and reflections and need telephotos for that. There is a big difference for those who care about photography, sure you can take similar pictures with a P&S, but it's not the same in process or results. I can't see why anyone would want to travel with a film camera nowadays. Too much hassle going through airports.

I've think I've taken my last trip to Europe with my Canon D30 DSLR. The bulk and the weight of the camera and lens isn't worth it now that the handy P&S's have improved so much in picture quality. Unless you're trying to capture birds on the wing or animals on the run, a good quality P&S is capable of producing as satisfactory a travel shot as a DSLR. I like Canon Powershot models which have fine lenses.

Everyone is different, some people want satisfactory travel photos that can be shot with any camera. Other people really want more control and don't mind carrying the gear that will allow them to do it. A big sensor will allow one to shoot at night or at off hours, one may carry a small tripod to get super sharp images, a long zoom lens will view things in a way most others never see. These people see photography as an art form or as an expression of their feelings. Obviously the OP Ellen is interested in this as her G11 is a capable camera but it doesn't do what she wants.

I'm one of those loyal Nikon people - sorry to disappoint you! :) I have a Nikon D-60 which I don't travel with; and for trips I bought a Coolpix S8000, which I'm pleased with. I like the zoom and the picture quality, and the camera has a lot of settings, including manual settings for ISO. Until my most recent trip this past summer, I used a Nikon film point-and-shoot so I had to drag around the bulky camera case and a gallon-sized plastic bag of film. As much as I like my DSLR, I'm done with bulky cameras and accessories on trips. The S8000 fit into my daybag (with the case!) and I brought an extra battery, 2 memory cards, the charger, CDs, and a card reader to copy my images using friends' computers during the trip. Even with "all" that stuff, there was basically no bulk or awkward packing issues.

If you are looking for a good travel kit consider one of the new Micro 4/3rds cameras. 95% of the capabilities of a digital SLR with only 2/3rds of the weight. Olympus and panasonic make good ones. I just sold my Canon Digital Rebel for a Panasonic G2 and couldn't be happier with the performance and how much lighter it is to carry.

To those of you with the Canon s95:
I am looking for a new camera and I just took a photography class last semester so I'd like to get something that I can easily have creative control over, with things like aperture and shutter speed. The reviews I've been reading for this camera are great! The only thing I'm concerned about is the optical zoom...it's only 3.8 optical zoom. The camera I currently have has 7 optical zoom. I like being able to get close to things...have any of you found this zoom to be unsatisfactory? Thanks!

Only if you try to cheat and use the digital zoom as a macro at x15. I've got a head shot of a Trafalgar lion that I must have had cranked up to 12 or 13x. It was taken on a drizzeling, overcast day with no flash. Everything was on auto. No grain at all. I could probably peddle the thing to canon to sell their machine. I was only goofing around, but it's one of the most stunning pictures of the type I've ever taken. Next question.