Questions about getting a new camera

Leslie,

Through these comments I have noticed one thing which is missing, the companies have begun building in image stabilization. Some companies put it in the lens while others put it in the camera body. I would suggest looking at the camera brand from that point and decide if you want to pay for the image stabilization each time you buy a lens or pay for it once by purchasing a camera with it in the body. Of course, not everyone will want the same thing so you have another thing to look for in your research.

The stabilization is like the video capabilities in the newer cameras, some people want it and others don't. I personally do not want it, but with my K-x, I got it. I have used it a couple times, but that was not a deciding factor in my decision to purchase.

As Donald said initially, do not rush out and buy a camera just to have one. Take your time and determine what you want and need, then make the decision from a small group of possible cameras. Best of luck and I look forward to hearing more from you and seeing some pics.

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Originally Posted by PentaxLuver

I would suggest looking at the camera brand from that point and decide if you want to pay for the image stabilization each time you buy a lens or pay for it once by purchasing a camera with it in the body. Of course, not everyone will want the same thing so you have another thing to look for in your research.

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Hi Chuck,

Unfortunately, there are also down-sides to in-camera (as opposed to in-lens) stabilization.

- It can degrade AF performance in low-light situations

- You usually can't see the effects of stabilisation in the view finder (so you don't know how well the image is being stabilized)

- The IS unit becomes a "one size fits all" whereas in-lens units are constructed to compensate for the characteristics of the particular lens that's installed in.

- If the IS unit "claps out" (as one of mine did the other day), with in-camera IS you've lost IS for ALL lenses

Hi Chuck,

Yes, I have to say, I was surprised you don't think you need it - to me the benefits are obvious (I have Nikon in-lens "VR"), but of course with sensor stabilisation on Pentax, you never get to see that in the optical viewfinder :(

Here is a link that might be of some help. http://www.the-digital-picture.com/