Expert: John Oliverio - 8/31/2008

Question
John,
I am an amateur photographer and have always used a basic point and shoot kodak easyshare camera. I am looking at upgrading and buying a new camera. I basically like to take pictures of nature and food. I wanted to know if it necessary to buy a DSLR camera to take good pictures? Which point and shoot cameras would be the best and come closest to the quality and versatility of an SLR. I was looking at the Canon G9 and Sony DSC H9 and wanted to know how would you rate these cameras.
I would really appreciate you input.
Thank you very much

Nidhi

Answer
A camera like the G9 can indeed approach the versatility of an SLR.  But it can't touch the quality. The sensors and lenses of an SLR are simply bigger and better. The last time I checked the G9 was still almost $500 and you can get a Nikon D40 or Sony A200 for that price.

John