Which Digital Camera is Best for My Pet Photography?

Yes, it's Christmas time and so many people are asking "Which One"? Meaning which digital camera is the one to buy for Christmas? There are so many different brands and models to choose from that it is indeed somewhat intimdating. I think the most important thing to do Before you go to even look at a camera is ask yourself what type of pictures you will be shooting most often. If you have a new puppy and want to take close up shots, movies and just general snapshots..and this is your first digital camera, then a smaller point and shoot could be just the thing. IF you are considering a trip with your pet, or child, and you might be photographing landscapes, maybe animals in the zoo, or things farther away, then you might consider a Digital SLR. My first digital camera was a Kodak Easyshare 3.2 megapixel. I still have it and use it sometimes. A big advantage of the SLR is that you can grow with the camera. You might decide to take a photography class and perhaps decide you like to shoot Macro..or very close up pictures of flowers, for example. You might decide to open a studio and shoot portraits of pets, or children. With the SLR camera you can add lenses to your initial investment and expand your photographic arena. With the point and shoot you do not have that option. Another thing to consider is Speed. The smaller cameras have a definite lag time after you push your shutter button down. No big deal..unless you are trying to shoot pictures of a puppy and he won't sit still..or if your daughter is already in the kitchen by the time you take the picture. With the SLR you can shoot 8 pictures in a second..more with some cameras. NO lag time.
I'll bet you are saying.."Sure, those cameras cost a thousand bucks"..They don't. My boss just purchased hers online yesterday. She was going through this same situation..unsure about whether to start small..or just go ahead and purchase the SLR. After comparing prices of the small Canon 10 mp camera to the Digital SLR with 10 mp..she found there was only about $125 difference. Her daughter is almost 3 yrs. old and very active and that was enough to convince her to go ahead and order the SLR. Check it out, do your research. There are some great cameras out there and the small cameras take awesome pictures too. Just be sure to consider what type of photography you will be doing today ..and tomorrow..and go try one out. Some small cameras do not fit well in your hands and you will not be happy with them. Find one that fits you and you will be out there taking great pet photographs!