I watched Gear Daddy and they talked about different types of cameras. I'm kind of a shutter bug myself and am also a Canon guy. I liked the presentation but the photog missed a really important type of model that dads should be aware of. They are called Superzooms or relatively compact cameras with built in lenses that can focus X20 optical zoom lenths ( roughly a 0-400mm zoom lens).<br><br>Canon's models of this type are the Powershot S1 IS through S5 IS, the SX10 IS and the newest SX1 IS. These cameras pretty much offer everything that all the compact cameras do, can perform all the functions the larger SLR's can do plus some and with reasonable comparison of image quality for a layman, hobbiest shutterbug, or dad who wants a camera that can do everything without sacrificing much and at a good price.<br><br>The major advantage of a digital SLR (Single Lense Reflex, basically a digital version of those big honken film cameras we used to haul around with an expensive lens collection) over other types of the smaller cameras is image quality. For the most part, this isn't an issue until you start trying to print photos larger than 8x10. You can push to 16x20 in a lot of cases, but after that you'll pretty much need a serious SLR to get quality images just like you would with a film SLR. Taking that into consideration, and basically wanting everything in a small package at a good price, you get the IS line. As a fairly trained hobbiest, I've owned the Powershot S3 IS and SX10 IS, and by brother shoots with the S5.<br><br>These are the main points that I love about the camera over the other models:<br><br>1. Fully automatic plus manual shooting modes.<br>2. Superzoom + SuperMacro which means I can photo a backlit dollar bill resting against the lens at zero distance with perfect clarity as well as photo the kids playing sports on a field at large distances without ever having to buy or change additional lenses.<br>3. Does video with stereo sound. As long as I have a large memory card I can shoot respectable clips of video. I can also hook up the camera directly to my plasma TV and review the video and stills right up on the TV even before downloading them to a computer. Video and stills in the same unit was invaluable when my boy was born as I was able to capture important stills and video the moment my wife and I met our son immediately following the cesarian procedure.<br>4. Can hook up external excessories. It has a flash shoe and you can hook up to external devices if you are really really into photography.<br>5. It weighs less and is smaller than an SLR but looks like you are carring one. These cameras look and function impressive, even if you know nothing of photography. Not like the little pocket ones that your wife keeps in her purse.<br>6. It's relatively cheaper than the SLR. It costs about $350 for the SX10 and $600 for the newest SX1. Well worth it considering all its capability and is still less than an SLR.<br><br>The new SX1 has a CMOS sensor in it, which means they are getting serious about pushing the image quality of these cameras into the SLR range and it also added HD video capability. I'm going to wait for the price to go down and buy one myself.<br><br>If you are looking at cameras, my favorate website that does incredable reviews on cameras is www.dpreview.com. They list pretty much everything you need to know about digital cameras.

What an excellent thing to bring in an expert on! Good on ya DadLabs! Thanks Eric!<br><br>I will also add my 2 cents(though it will take a dollars worth of typing). I too am a Canon fan. I use a Powershot A610. These smaller Canons WILL take lenses! And the lenses are MUCH cheaper than SLRs. I just picked up a 2x telephoto, a wide angle, and 3 fliters for $60 on eBay. It does not have all the manual capabilities, but there are some, and the higher versions of the A-series, as well as those Izzy mentioned above have a lot more bells and whistles for the average Gear Daddy. (And I think my lenses will all fit the G series that Eric mentioned in the episode.) Now I realize I'm not going to be shooting professional photos, but I also know that less than 10% will actually be printed, as online is how I share most of my pics. For MOST parents, these cams are MORE than enough. The best advice I can offer is RTFM. (Read The Manual) It sounds silly, as just about any point and shoot will take pics right out of the box. But if you want BETTER pics. Read it. And read about HOW to take better pics. Technique is equally if not more important, and I think Eric will probably cover some of that next week.<br><br>Optical zoom is somewhat important, but the more zoom you use, the more important it is to use a tripod or some sort of stabilization. Digital zoom is worthless and it should hold absolutely no relevance to you when buying a camera.<br><br>The biggest difference I've noticed between a dSLR and my digi Point&Shoot is shutter lag. If you have older children and shoot alot of action/sports shots, that will make a HUGE difference. My friends dSLR (a D40 I think) is great for our skate pics, because once you've focused it, just click at the right moment and *poof*, a great shot. With my A610, I have to hold the shutter down half way- for prefocus- and wait for the right moment to finish the click. I've learned how to do it. I can take decent skate pics with it, but I don't expect great pics of me when I hand it to someone else.<br><br>OH, one other item. If you often go into certain events (like concerts), you're not gonna get the big dSLRs past security. They consider them to be professional cams and generally are stopped at the door, where as the pocket cams are usually allowed.<br><br>Dads, don't think you have to spend tons of money to get great photos. If you are really into photography, you'll def. use the bigger better gear, and you'll be happier with it. But I can tell you I am plenty happy with a $200 cam and I take lots of photos.<br><br>I'm looking forward to next weeks episode!

One of the many nice things about having manual options is the option to turn off a feature that's lagging your photo speed, like auto focus or to force the flash on and off. I like to use flash on sunny days where the sun is overhead because it fills in all those dark shadows and turn it off indoors with use of a tripod so as to not wash out the background and retain some natural color.<br><br>A thing to note about the lenses for the smaller cameras is that they are not the same types of lenses used on the SLR's. You basically screw those on top of the lens built into your camera. I hear wide angle is useful and so is X2 for the smaller focal length cameras but these adapters cause a lot of distortion, which is why they don't use a similar approach on the SLR's. By having a superzoom like I have, I don't need them. Although filters are always good to have, especially the clear lens protector that most people with SLR's keep on their lenses all the time to prevent scratches.