Camera Labs

Hello there!
Here is my story. I'm planing to upgrade from my Canon 3mpx compact to something really new and shiny. I can't deside on the camera my self because so far I had only one camera and it was a compact. So now I have around 600-700$ from my budget to buy something worth that much. First I was thinking to jump on DSLR camera (especially when I saw your review on you tube about Nik D40x). Nikon D40 was my target. It is easy to use, light, made for beginers like me and it is DSLR for good money. Why DSLR I asked my self that day. The thing is that I am really into photografy and I travel alot. What stoped me that day was that the D40 is only 6.4mpx camera and it has not that much to play with. Then while I was thinking on whether to chose or not I saw G9 from canon which is hi-end compact. I really loved that the camera has many features and they are all much alike DSLR's. So I am here to ask whether to chose D40 or G9 in terms of picure quality and features for future.

The 6 megapixels are sufficient for prints. However, if you find yourself constantly cropping your photos to something like half of the original size, it will become a problem.

With the Nikon D40, you can start with the kit lens that is it supplied with and, when you feel ready, buy another lens. The one on the kit is good, but it has a limited focal range. Whether you later decide you need a bigger zoom, a macro, or a fisheye, Nikkor lenses can deliver.

With the Canon G9, you get the lens that comes on the camera and that's it. You're stuck.

I'm also a beginner. I'm using my D40 and it suits my needs. There's also this: it's inexpensive, so you can probably afford to get some extra gear right away, to go with it.

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Nikon D90 + MB-D80 + SB-600 + AF-S VR 18-200mm f/3.5-5.6 + AF-S 35mm f/1.8 + AF 85mm f/1.8 | My photos on Flickr.

Hello SVakaTOR, and welcome to the friendly Camera Labs forum!
Luis has already given you the majot reasons for a DSLR. There is also a general difference in quality that is not depending on resolution.
Have you had a chance to read Gordon's article "Should you buy a DSLR or a Compact?" here: http://www.cameralabs.com/features/DSLR ... DSLR.shtml ? Could help you make up your mind!

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Thomas (beware: Nikon-fanboy and moderator!) My Lens Reviews, My Pictures, My Photography Blog
D800+assorted lenses

Hi SVakaTOR, I'd add to the above by saying chek this results page from our G9 review:

http://www.cameralabs.com/reviews/Canon ... oise.shtml

It really illustrates the difference between a compact and a DSLR at higher sensitivities. You're fine if you keep a compact at low sensitivity, but as soon as it gets higher, the quality drops a lot.

Thank you all for pointing me in the right direction. I think I will get the D40 from Nikon.