on to SLR

[swarner]

budget up to $800 preferred but will go higher if necessary
size not particularly important
high megapixels...14 minimum
want slr (and a macro lens but that's another discussion !!!)
for the money image quality is 10...image quality is very very important
slr so yes to manual controls...also program
I will be doing insect macro photography and would like the option of at least 8 x10 prints
low light photos will be involved...but outdoors
I love Canons...model I'm considering is the rebel T2i
I now have a canon G10 which is a remarkable camera...I can get very up close focused shots.
BUT I usually have to crop in on my pics to bring insect image larger. I'm assuming that that would not be necessary with a macro lens....G10 is also a slow camera.

WOULD LIKE:
1.NOT to have to always go to LCD screen to change settings. G10 allows me to change ISO and exposure and scenes or movies etc. by buttons ON the camera. To wait for a menu to come up on a screen and then quickly set and then have the screen back for focusing can be a long process when I want to quickly take a pic...I need to be able to adjust exposures quickly...(under the leaf, on the leaf...etc)
2.Need image stabilization and realize canon's is in lenses and so far only have one IS macro lens
3.Videos are fun but I care about the quality of the still photographs
4.Don't need extensive in-camera editing...I do it on computer
5 Never use "scenes"...not important

So far that's all that comes to mind.
I appreciate any advice....
thanks, Susan

[KCook]

Macro lenses go down to 1:2 reproduction. So if the target is smaller than an inch, cropping will still be needed. That case is with just the macro lens by itself. You can add other marcro fittings, such as extension tubes and reversing adapter, to get a whole lot closer. But at this much magnification a tripod is needed, even with IS. The other thing to consider is that even a cheap "nifty fifty" prime lens can play the same extension tube game.

All DSLR display basic camera settings right in the viewfinder. Whatever controls currently default to the various wheels and buttons will change those settings in the viewfinder. Just which controls apply depends on the camera brand, model, and current shooting mode. Most DSLR have a button or two that you can assign a particular control to, if the default assignment isn't what you wanted (customization).

If you don't have a friend with a T2i, see if you can find one in a store to examine. I like Canon myself, but about any DSLR can meet the needs you listed.

Kelly Cook

[Andy Stanton]

I love Canons...model I'm considering is the rebel T2i

If you can afford it, I recommend going with the T3i instead because it has a fully articulated LCD screen. If you want to take a shot of something that requires you to move your camera over your head, below your waist or to either side, there's no way you'll be able to see your subject either through a viewfinder or a fixed LCD. But with a fully articulated LCD you can set the angle such that you can see your subject perfectly. It's a very useful feature.

[swarner]

I know that at this point there is only one canon macro lens with image stabilization...do you think they are likely to upgrade other macro lenses to IS?

[KCook]

No. And in my view IS is often overrated. Boosting the shutter speed has the same benefit. Where IS is beneficial is shooting still subjects (not action) in low light (not strong light, and certainly not with flash).

Kelly