Expert: John Oliverio - 4/18/2004

Question
Although I am not a professional photogropher, I have enjoyed taking pictures since the 'Black & White' days, including developing and printing.  I have always understood how wide format cameras produce the best pictures, folowed by SLR's then the small format film.  For the last few years, I have been using a Canon Rebel (with a couple short & long zoom lenses). For convenience I also have a Rollei Prego 90. I also have been using a Fujifilm 1.3 mp since they came out. I already bought a Kodak cx6330 (3.2mp & 3x zoom)to replace the Fuji and the Rollei Prego 90 film camera.  THE QUESTION relates to the Rebel replacement.  I am aware of the Rebel Digital body, which is available on the net for about $550. I can use the lenses I already have.  BUT, that is a 6 mp camera.  there are other smaller 6 mp cameras, such as the Fuji S7000, or Canon S! or Panasonic DMC-FZ10.  It isn't just small format vs. large format anymore.  Will the 6mp Fuji/Canon/Panasonic produce as good a picture as a digital SLR?
Tom  

Answer
Tom,

Actually, format does still come into consideration.  The Rebel has a larger sensor than the other cameras you mention.  The size of the sensor can affect noise and CA.  Also, you can't forget that the lens is still the most important thing.  A camera, no matter how many pixels it has is only as good as its lens.  My 6mp Canon 10D with 16-35 2.8L can make a better image than the 8mp Canon PRO1.  So, while the Fuji and Canon PRO 1 are very nice machines, (I personally don't think Panasonic knows anything about building cameras) they are not replacements for your film Rebel.

Also, if you are talking US dollars, I would find $500 for a Rebel VERY suspect.  The shop I run is a legit Canon dealership (and has been for 30 years)....  $500 is BELOW the actual cost of the camera.  Nobody sells for a loss unless it is either stolen, grey market or an old fashioned rip-off.  

John