mericando Loc: NASHVILLE TN

It's been a while since I've been on the forum-but hope to get back into the "fold" now. I have finally decided to buy a dslr - beginner/entry level only. I really like Canon, but am also open to Nikon or others that you would recommend. I do not expect to take award winning magazine pictures, but do want to take better pics of nature, the canyons, mountains, etc. 2nd thing I would like to ask, what is your opinion of refurbished cameras? I am hesitant to upgrade to new because of cost, but also afraid of what I'd get on refurb.
I currently have a Canon G12 now, it takes awesome pictures. We went to Grand Canyon and explored N. AZ., we also spent time in CA on the trip, Tahoe to the deserts, and all the pictures were beyond what I thought I was capable of but know that it was really the camera. The only problem, was the wide angle - I tried doing the stitching but wasn't great at that. We've just returned from VA doing the Civil War trails and stopped by D.C. while there. Went to the National Cathedral and was very much aware of of my limitation when trying to capture the Cathedral My husband wants me to go ahead upgrade to one that will let me shoot what I see in my mind. Thanks

Cdouthitt Loc: Traverse City, MI

Nothing wrong with refurbs or used in my book, if you can trust the source.

imagemeister Loc: mid east Florida

Especially for your situations, I have been recommending the Sony A3000 - $319 at Walmart with 18-55 zoom lens. Here is a good overview - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zkHDPYyEgOA

Cdouthitt Loc: Traverse City, MI

Also, I wouldn't limit yourself to DSLR's... the world of mirroless is wonderful. Unfortunately though that does pretty much excludes Nikon and Canon, as they are behind the times when it comes to mirrorless technology. Fuji, Olympus, Panasonic, and Sony reign supreme in that market.

A6000, EM10, GX7, and XE-2 come to mind to consider.

mericando Loc: NASHVILLE TN

I have seen some mirrorless. What exactly does that mean? I'm not very technical - : ) Just enjoy taking pics

St3v3M Loc: 35,000 feet

DSLRs are great, but from your post it seems as if you are doing well with what you have except that you do not like stitching panoramas.

The Canon PowerShot G12
"... It's ready to impress the advanced amateurs..."
http://www.usa.canon.com/cusa/support/consumer/digital_cameras/powershot_g_series/powershot_g12

Focal Length
6.1 (W) - 30.5 (T) mm (35mm film equivalent: 28 (W) - 140 (T) mm)
http://www.usa.canon.com/cusa/support/consumer/digital_cameras/powershot_g_series/powershot_g12#Specifications

To the point, unless you purchase a very wide-angle lens, you may be stitching panos with a DSLR too. Either way then, it might be a good idea to learn how to take them so stitching becomes easier.

how to photograph panoramas http://www.google.com/#q=how+to+photograph+panoramas

how to photograph panoramas
Canon's PhotoStitch works well, but there are other programs of course.

St3v3M Loc: 35,000 feet

DSLR vs. Mirrorless Cameras: Which Is Better for You? http://www.tomsguide.com/us/dslr-vs-mirrorless-cameras,news-17736.html

Cdouthitt Loc: Traverse City, MI

It mostly comes down to size and weight...mirrorless will be smaller and lighter. For me I no longer want to carry the bulk of a regular DSLR, which makes it the perfect choice. You'd have to pay me money to start carrying one again. I also now prefer an EVF to an OVF (electronic viewfinder vs optical viewfinder), especially the new high resolution ones like the EM10/EM1.

imagemeister Loc: mid east Florida

The Sony's do it in camera .... and it works excellent !

St3v3M Loc: 35,000 feet

Many cellphones do too. Good to know. S-

Cdouthitt Loc: Traverse City, MI

:lol: :lol: :lol:

TucsonCoyote Loc: Tucson AZ

mericando' all confused now !

I have just one thing to suggest.....before you go out and buy a DSLR, do go see and handle the one you are going to settle on ....with different lenses mounted and see how you like it!

Cdouthitt Loc: Traverse City, MI

Ok back to the topic...what's your budget? It doesn't make a lick of sense to recommend anything until we know $$$

amehta Loc: Boston

I just wrote this in another topic about mirrorless cameras: http://www.uglyhedgehog.com/t-221887-1.html#3735207

amehta Loc: Boston

I'm in the "don't decide based on how it feels" camp. Pretty much by myself. :-)

I think we are very, very adaptable. If it feels completely wrong, then pass, otherwise, consider other factors first.