I was in to my local camera shop yesterday and the counter guy was telling me, Nikon was re-introducing the 'twisted-body' model again with an S4 model Here\'s the details

It appears they are switching to the SD type card instead of the CF. Surprised me.

He also said they were discontinuing the 8800 model which I find hard to believe. It's been the one I've had my eye on since it came out. They have a $100 rebate going on now on the 8800.

But for $300 less for the S4 ($399 SRP), a 10X zoom and 6MP, I could be real happy with it.

I know, I know, think SLR. But for me I can't go there. I know if I had a digital SLR body, I'd soon be spending real money on lenses. Been there, done that. Don't want to do it again.

I just got the Nikon D50 with a 2 gig SD card. I'm still playing around with it, but I really like it so far.

We got the SLR because Bob has lenses that fit it, but we also bought an extra lens too. I can understand your trepidation ($$$) with getting an SLR.

It's only money, JC! Reward yourself and really get what you want.

Bob

I'm considering the D50 to replace my Canon S1 IS in a few years when I'm ready to upgrade. By then, it should be discounted even more from its already-low price, and I can get one with a standard lens and a good telephoto (for the faaaaar away lights). I wish it took CF cards, since I feel that they have more flexibility than smaller, SD cards, but you save enough with it that it isn't as big a deal.

What I'm considering, to keep it cheap, is to start out with a nice, wide-ranging telephoto, maybe something like a 70-300 or so. About half of my photos are lighthouse photos, so I need a lot of flexibility there, especially photographing far-away lights - that's why I got the 10x zoom S1. But I also want to be able to get pictures of lights that I'm up-close-and-personal with. I don't do portraits or anything, and I'm not actually that good at them, either - I prefer to do landscape photography.

I'm thinking that, if I save up, I can buy one in a few years. The problem is, I'm saving up for a lot of stuff in a few years - a camera, a transatlantic crossing on the QE2, and the most important, car insurance. So I might not get a new camera for a while.

John, Here's another idea for you... Get a Nikon Digital SLR body of choice, when attending group HL Wacko functions stay near other Nikon camera people Paul, Dave, Myself and the many others with the Nikons. Ask what lenses they have in their camera bag, pick out something you like, tell said person you were thinking about buying that lens and ask if you could try it out for a while, 2-3 friends per day and your all set.

Mark, you think Nikon photographers would rather lend out their wives or their lenses?

John, when I bought my latest digital, I wanted a Nikon. I looked and looked. I found that most Nikon camera owners had lenses other than Nikon which made no sense to me. I looked a the price of lenses, and saw how high the Nikon lenses were. So I started backwards and looked for the lenses I wanted, and then backed into the camera. I wanted a reasonable 2.8, 70-200, AF, IS, and selected a Canon(not cheap by any means). Then the Canon 20d. I bought the camera and lenses from Roberts where I asked them if they would match B&H prices, They did better, and I didn't pay state tax, and s&i was only about $50. The recent problems I had with my camera were probably self inflicted by putting the CF card in backwards. I very satified with the quality of the lens. I could always use a longer lens but I love the versatility and speed of the Canon lens.
So in summary, start with the lens, that you want, need, and can afford. At this point in my photography career, I didn't want to settle.
Bob

Bob, just for the record. I have 4 lense's for my 3 Nikon bodies, only one of them is not a Nikon it is a Sigma 24mm F 1.8, only because Nikon does not make a 24mm F 1.8 they do make a 24mm F2.8 though. My next lens will probably be a 12-24 or something simmilar to that for the digital.

Thanks for the advice, friends... But I'm steeling myself against buying an SLR for the aforementioned reasons.

When I returned from Germany in 1968, I owned 2 Nikon F and a Nikkormat and several lenses including a 1.2 50MM. Loved that stuff. I later bought Hassleblads - a 500 C and a Super-Wide. Sold those for more than I paid for them.

Owned Olympus 35mm cameras and later Minoltas.

But while I had dreams of making a living in photography in my younger days, I don't have them today. I see many photographers on these forums whose work I can't even come close to.

So I'm looking for an 'advanced amateur camera.' that provides me with flexibility, but won't throw my shoulder out (due to the heavy camera bag.)

I've gotten by well with the Nikon Coolpix 4500 since 2001. I did by the Wide Angle, fish-eye and telephoto adapters. Which proves my point that once I own the camera, I would probably go out and load up on the accessory lenses.

My budget is limited. When the new Nikon S4 is in the dealer's case, I'll take a look at it and let you know.

This is not to take away from the decisions you all have reached. Just my choice to stay small in size and price.

I bought the Nikon d70. Every time I change my lens I get dust or something in there and get spots on my pics. I hold it upside down and try to keep it clean. So I spend a lot of time on photo shop stamping them out. Some times I wonder if the coolpix would have been better. You don't have to carry all that stuff around.
But I do love my pictures when they come out.
Fran

I only use my digital SLR cameras for serious photography. In addition to my 2 Canon SLR cameras, I own 4 point and shoot digital cameras at the moment. I'm about to get rid of my last two film cameras (both underwater cameras) and go to a digital underwater camera. Anyway, I do understand what a pain it is to lug around the lenses. If you invest in the professional lenses, they're very heavy. I've seen some great photos posted by users with point and shoot digital cameras!

Fran, I've had better luck with my Canon 20D by holding the camera upside down like you do and by turning it off. Nevertheless, I had a few spots within a few months. There are times when I'm changing lenses in a hurry (like on a plane) or when I have an unexpected wildlife photo op, and I get careless. The 20D has a sensor clean function. I bought some special swabs for doing this. But I'm reluctant to do this...

Bob all of my lens are Nikon! I see you bought from Roberts here in Indy..

Tammy - show us some of your underwater photography!

Tammy I am to afraid to use the swabs. Let me know if you try them and how it goes.

Have no fear about cleaning your sensor. I clean it every time a spot shows up on my images. Just be sure to use Eclipse fluid and Sensor Swabs or buy the pads, cut them down and use a cut down spatula (what I use).

Just be careful and consistent. Be sure you are set on bulb and its locked or buy the AC adapter and use the cleaning mode. You do not want the shutter closing while you are in there.

thanks Joe. Will have to buy a kit and try. To bad you don't live next door. A lesson would make it easier. Then I also would not be the only Wacko in the area. It's so lonely being one Everyone thinks I'm crazy :rolleyes:
Fran

Like Joe, I also have cleaned my 10D sensor a few times with no trouble, as long as you are careful and follow the directions. Check out this link - this is what I did and it's a comprehensive, easy to follow instruction.

Sensor Cleaning

Jenifer
I read the link you sent me and ordered the kit. I looked at my watch and I was late for work. Looks like a good product and easy to use.Thank you very much.
Fran

Joe & Jen, Thanks for your responses. I checked out the link, Jen. I have Sensor Swabs but don't have Eclipse solution yet. I am going to practice on my digital rebel.

John, my primary subjects underwater are sea turtles and manatees. I only have a few sea turtle photos. I never bothered to scan the negatives. In addition to lighthousing and going to Disney in Florida next month, we may spend some time in the water with manatees. If I get any decent shots, I'll post them. The water in Crystal River doesn't always live up to its name.