I am getting ready to move from film to a digital camera for a variety of reasons which aren't all that important to what I am looking for but... My budget is probably around 1000 to get started ...I'd like that to include at least one lens. I have three young kids so I do LOT of sports photography, which is really what I am looking for help with. I have read all the various reviews but can't find anything that says: "If this is what you want to shoot this is the recommended camera" So...I want to stay around a grand, get as many pixels as I can, be closer to digital SLR than point and shoot and I want to take sports action shots as well as regular everyday photo stuff. Any advice? Thanks!!

I would not get a nikon 8700 for sports action shots. It is great for stills and macros. But unless you are real good setting the manual modes fast it is pretty hard for action shots. Indoors I think you will not like the built in flash either. Taht is the price range for a high end Point and shoot with a bigger lens. Might want to try a Rebel or something else. I know I am looking too right now. The largest pixels are not really a big deal if you are not into printing large images. You will probably be downsizing more than you care to.

From my personel experience, point and shoot digitals are not very good for action shots. Hence saving for a Dgital SLR. I use a Fugi FinePix 602 but find the camera delay to long, even if I pre-focus. I'm about to borrow a Fugi S2 DSLR to see if DSLR's are better at action shots. Sorry but no other advise. I'm sure others in Forum will have abetter idea. Steve

Message edited on: 02/23/2005 00:11

For sports photography, DSLRs and around $1000, I'd look at either the Nikon D70 or Canon Digital Rebel (both come with a kit lens). If you have time, you may want to wait as Canon has introduced a new version of the rebel, the Digital Rebel XT. It's the trimmed down version of the new Canon 20D (just like the original Digital Rebel was the trimmed down 10D). And I'm sure Nikon will introduce something to try and compete feature wise (20D and Rebel XT are 8.2megapixel cameras). -=>Donald

Yeah...the Rebel XT is certainly on my wish list! Even though I just purchased a G6 a few months ago, I'm finding it's limited in certain aspects (now that I've put it to use and got to know it better.) I really should have waited and went the DLSR route (Kicks self)!Oh well ya live ya learn. The G6 will have to do while I save those pennies! If you have lenses from your film camera...they may be compatible with some of the DSLR cams too. You won't have to invest more money, which may be another incentive! L8r Joe

Attached Link: http://www.dpreview.com/

For sports I would go with either the Nikon D70 or wait for the Canon 350D XT. (should be out in March) The 300D Rebel is very capable of sports shots, but the 350D will have the added benefit of selecting AI Servo focus in all modes, while the 300D on had this setting in sports mode (which locks you into Jpeg and 400 ISO). The 350D will have faster write times, so you can shot continuos drive faster and capture more images. As said before while you can shoot sports with a P&S digital the shutter lag, and lack of good high ISO quality images really limits you.

Yeah, I tried my brothers older 6MP point and shoot which was higher end in its day but the lag really made it impossible...not a single usable shot in half a soccer match. My film camera is a Canon so I am hoping the lenses will work with the 350D...checking into that based on recommendations so far. Keep your opinions coming!! Thanks!

If your Film Camera is an EOS then yes the lenses will be compatable with the 350D

IMO if you are looking for sports/action shot the DSLR id probably the way to go.

The 350D looks to be a very good piece if kit from what I have seen so far.

Message edited on: 02/23/2005 17:55