New Nikon p90

[Not that Bob]

The Link

What do y'all think about this one? This is about the amount of money I can justify for my skill level.

 

[brntorng]

This is one of a few similar ultra-zoom compacts that have recently been announced. They definitely look like they could replace a DSLR for many users. Personally, I'd wait until the major review sites have had an opportunity to check them out and then I'd make a decision.

 

[BagHorn]

The P90 looks to have some nice specs but as someone who owns both a superzoom and a couple of Nike DSLR's....there is no comparison between any superzoom and dslr in actual use. Superzoom's are great when you have to travel light or need their video capture capability, but otherwise they get smoked in every other way by a true dslr...any dslr.

 

[brntorng]

Baghorn, I would agree with you on this. My point about something like the p90 replacing a DSLR is in cases where the DSLR is overkill. I suspect a lot of DSLRs are used by people who use them as a basic point and shoot and only own one or maybe two lenses. Many of these users might be just as satisfied with something like the p90 at a fraction of the cost.

 

[BagHorn]

brntorng, agreed....the advantages of a superzoom are definitely price and size. Although, if someone is on the fence they'd be better off getting a D40 + 18-135mm lens even if they never take it off of Auto. My Dad uses this setup and he doesn't know how to use anything more than Auto or Program setting but still gets much better pics than he ever would with a point and shoot.

DSLR = Bigger sensor (this is far more important than megapixels when it comes to picture quality), better optics, faster focus, much faster power on, much faster follow-up shots, etc.

Point & Shoot = Cheap, small, shoots video

They both have their place. I think the bottom line is if quality is a high priority for you then go with the DSLR....if convenience is your number one driver in a camera then go point and shoot.