[goldlizsts]

That's what camera strap/sling is for!, something like Blackrapid or cheaper on eBay.
http://www.blackrapid.com/product/camera-strap/rs-sport-2/

Good suggestion, thanks.  But, not just that, camera, backpack (camera backpack essentially), other gear.  Add the weight up on your body, not just shoulder, hiking up and down, up and down.  The strap helps, but.....  What about a ballooned backpack?  That should be a patentable idea..... 

[chip]

I came across this camera today but not finding many reviews on it -

Panasonic Lumix DMC-GF3 Digital Camera

[low.pfile]

Chip,

Actually there are tons of reviews on the Lumix GF3. Most are negative, because reviewers tend to be photography enthusiasts. This iteration of the GF line was targeted more toward the P&S market which is very different the the original GF1 camera. The GF1 was targeted toward photographers who wanted traditional manual controls of exposure, though they are slightly adapted to the compact form factor. The GF3 is very compact and that does have appeal to certain markets.

From a value perspective, I wouldn't put the micro four-thirds (MFT) at the top--the lenses are fairly expensive, nearly the same as major DX-DSLR camera lenses. You pay for the compactness.

I own a Lumix GF2, which is a slight iteration of the original GF1. It has a touch screen and removes some of the on-body controls. The reduction is size and weight is very appreciated, but I would have preferred that the physical buttons were preserved. The touch interface is easy to use but that forces another step.

The GF3 also has touch interface and even fewer on-camera buttons. The flash hot-shoe was also removed, again, to shrink the camera. Obviously, an external flash cannot be attached, but more importantly the Electronic Viewfinder accessory cannot be used on the GF3--this was possible on both previous versions. It's not a great viewfinder from a resolution perspective but it is very helpful for composing images in very bright environments, which would wash out the rear LCD.

I would recommend an LX5 over either the GF2 or GF3 for a step-up for a casual photographer and/or point and shooter. It has manual override and has a built in zoom lens, which I feel has the magic Leica look. The LX5 will also fit in baggy shorts and jacket pockets where the GFx's would be a challenge. I wear my GF2 on a strap. But my S90(95) fits in my pocket. Different tool, different task.

The Sony NEXs have a great sensor but the lenses leave something to be desired--the lenses are pretty dang large comparatively. The Olympus and Panasonic MFT cameras follow the MFT lens standard so they are completely interchangeable . Sony's aren't.

I would head to a camera or electronics store and put some of these in your hands and try out the various zoom ranges. Try out the Canon S95, Canon G12, and Panasonic LX5 before moving into an interchangeable lens system (NEX, MFT, or DSLR).

BTW, my favorite review site is DigitalREV-TV, he is funny, very knowledgeable about all the types of digital cameras.

Video Reviews...

S95 vs G12. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jto9C5uZIWU

LX5: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yqqogOb73wc&feature=relmfu

GF3: http://www.youtube.com/user/DigitalRevCom#p/search/0/D44M0pbMJKA

look at the sidebar or search, he reviews all the latest and popular cams.

[chip]

Well here are some of the cameras I am going to look into -
DSLR
Canon T2i/550D
Nikon 3100
Canon EOS Rebel T3i

compact SLR
Panasonic Lumix DMC-G3
Sony NEX5n

Point and Shoot Recommendations
Panasonic Lumix DMC-LX5
Sony Cyber-shot DSC-HX9V Digital Camera (Black)
Nikon Coolpix S9100

Bridge Camera
Canon PowerShot G12
Sony Cyber-shot DSC-HX100V Digital Camera (Black)

Is this a good deal on a Nikon 3100 $699.99 after $200 OFF
Nikon D3100 Digital SLR
18-55mm VR Lens
+ 55-200mm VR Lens
Training Pack Bundle
Two Training DVDs
Case, 4GB SD Card
1080p Full HD Video
Scene Recognition System
Lens Specifications:

    F-S DX NIKKOR 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G VR lens (3x Optical Zoom, Optical Image Stabilization)
    AF-S DX NIKKOR 55-200mm f/4.5-5.6G ED VR lens (Optical Image Stabilization)

[chip]

It kind of depends on how much you want to spend. If you are looking for something better than a point and shoot, yet not quite ready to step into a dSLR, maybe you should consider one of the prosumer types, a bridge camera. They are the cameras that look very much like a dSLR, but you cannot remove the lens. Most are full featured, yet smaller than your typical dSLR. Read the reviews on whatever camera you decide on. My favorite website for camera reviews is. . . http://www.steves-digicams.com/

Not 100% sure but after some more reading a Bridge Camera may be a better fit for me for now.

Sony Cyber-shot DSC-HX100V Digital Camera
Canon PowerShot SX40 HS
Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ150
Nikon Coolpix P500
FujiFilm FinePix HS20 EXR

The Panasonic seems to get all the love out there. More reading to do though.

[Jon L]

Well here are some of the cameras I am going to look into -
DSLR
Canon T2i/550D
Nikon 3100
Canon EOS Rebel T3i

compact SLR
Panasonic Lumix DMC-G3
Sony NEX5n

While the T2i is a great camera, especially with L glass hanging on it, I would get the T3i for a little more $, purely for the Canon wireless ETTL flash control capability.  The more and more you get into photography and become more of a semi-pro, the ability to fire off-camera flashes wirelessly, with ETTL intact is a HUGE bonus.  A little Canon 430ex ii flash off-camera on a tripod/stand with a shoot-through umbrella is very portable for your weddings, baby birthdays, etc, etc.

On the other hand, the early photos of Sony NEX-7 plus Sony E-mount 50mm f/1.8 lens (only $299!) are looking mighty tasty, and I probably will end up with this combo, not the kit lens or the expensive Zeiss 24mm.  Sample photos:

http://thepicturedesk.blogspot.com/2011/10/youre-going-to-want-nex-e-mount-50mm.html

[charmerci]

On the other hand, the early photos of Sony NEX-7 plus Sony E-mount 50mm f/1.8 lens (only $299!) are looking mighty tasty, and I probably will end up with this combo, not the kit lens or the expensive Zeiss 24mm.  Sample photos:

The NEX7 with lens starts at $1200.

[Jon L]

The NEX7 with lens starts at $1200.

That *is* a problem, but not when you think in terms of mid-level DSLR pricing terms.  Actually, the NEX-5N really should be awesome with the 50mm f/1.8 lens as well at much lower price.

[Æ]

Not 100% sure but after some more reading a Bridge Camera may be a better fit for me for now.

Sony Cyber-shot DSC-HX100V Digital Camera
Canon PowerShot SX40 HS
Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ150
Nikon Coolpix P500
FujiFilm FinePix HS20 EXR

The Panasonic seems to get all the love out there. More reading to do though.

I'm kind of a fan of FUJI, already having had two of their bridge cameras (I also have a FUJI bicycle, though not the same company). Reading the reviews is helpful, but one thing that really mattered to me was the ergonomics. How it felt in my hands, was it intuitive to operate, did it feel comfortable. Also, I like the option of being able to use alkaline AA batteries or rechargeable AA batteries. I'm not a big fan of proprietary batteries.

[low.pfile]

The NEX7 with lens starts at $1200.

That *is* a problem, but not when you think in terms of mid-level DSLR pricing terms.  Actually, the NEX-5N really should be awesome with the 50mm f/1.8 lens as well at much lower price.

I am very impressed with those sample images from the NEX7 from JonL's link. Looks like a nice cam with that layout. And 24MP too on a APS-C sensor. I found references to $1200 for the body + $200 for the 50mm lens = $1400. These are all estimates I guess, so who knows?  I am just starting to play around with my new D5100 compact DSLR. lots of good things for the money ($650, body + $80, 18-55 DX lens, used + $200, 35mm 1.8 DX lens, new = $930). So many options out there.

[chip]

I think I have decided for me a bridge camera might be the right choice  -
Sony Cyber-shot DSC-HX100V Digital Camera
Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ47
Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ150

One of the the reasons for the upgrade is better sports shots -

Any suggestions on the above 3 -

[Speedskater]

I just saw the Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ47 on sale at one of the good US net store's for $190 with coupon.

[chip]

I just saw the Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ47 on sale at one of the good US net store's for $190 with coupon.

Yep missed it.....both the Pannys are down in price from over a week ago.

[Speedskater]

Well that FZ47 price didn't last long!
But that same shop has some very good prices on some  Canon and Nikon DSLR's in the sub $1000 range.
With one of the prices, you have to go almost all the way through check-out to see the correct price.

[chip]

well I ended up ordering the FZ150 on saturday as I found another %15 off at J&R which brought it down to like $340 shipped.

Looks like it will be here on Monday the 12th. Also ordered up to 16gb sdhc cards for it.

Will eventually probably order a spare battery for it as well.

[Æ]

well I ended up ordering the FZ150 on saturday as I found another %15 off at J&R which brought it down to like $340 shipped.

Looks like it will be here on Monday the 12th. Also ordered up to 16gb sdhc cards for it.

Will eventually probably order a spare battery for it as well.

Looks like you got a sweet deal, you made a good choice.

[persisting1]

My wife shoots a lot of low light photos and is looking to upgrade from a point and shoot.  I think I'll be picking up a Sony NEX 5N.  Seems to be the best bang for the money and fits all her needs.  Can't wait to play with it and see how it compares to my Canon DSLR. 

[chip]

Is there a good book/website to read up on understanding iso/aperture/shutter speed etc and when/when not to use what?

[low.pfile]

Is there a good book/website to read up on understanding iso/aperture/shutter speed etc and when/when not to use what?

try this one to start:
Aperture Shutter Speed and ISO, Photography 101
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Nk78nH3d8hU&feature=related

[charmerci]

Here's a couple on composition -

http://www.dpreview.com/articles/5058631297/photo-tip-left-of-center

http://www.dpreview.com/articles/8366339635/photo-tip-five-for-five