Go Pro Digital Camera

- What is the best Semi-Pro digital camera on the market today?
I am looking to purchase a new semi-pro digital camera. I would like to spend no more than $700. I do not have a semi-pro camera at the moment, so sticking with a certain brand, or using previous equipment is not a concern. I would, however, like to capability of upgrading whichever camera I choose to purchase. I have been looking at the Canon EOS Digital Rebel XTi, as well as the Nikon D40 or Nikon D80. I would like a camera that is of higher caliber, than one generally used for "taking family vacation photos." Ultimately, I would like to have 2-3 cameras in mind, so that I can go into a camera shop and get the feel for them, prior to purchase.

A I have to agree with Vienna2001, entry level Canon camera, the Rebel series, were not made with quality in mind. This holds true from film to digital. More specifically, the XTi feels like a toy; in no way am I exagerating. If you have medium to large hands, this camera will not be a good choice. Or if you just want a solid camera, look elsewhere. The D40 is really the best entry level camera, in my opinion. The D40x is even better. And still, the D80 is a much better choice. Your real choice should be between the D40x and the D80. Overall, the D40x is for a photographer who is just starting out, and probably does not plan to go any further in photography. The D80 has an in camera motor, unlike the D40/x, so this means all AF Nikkors will auto focus on it. So, I would have to suggest the D80 over all of them. You might even consider the Pentax K10D. It is a nice, strong camera, with lots of features in a weather sealed body. If you are still considering Canon, I would only suggest the 40D or better. But if you're going to spend this much for a camera, I would highly recomend the Nikon D200. Also, do not skip on the lens. The lens makes the camera. Like I said, the Nikon D40/x do not have in camera motors, so this means it will only auto focus with AF-S lenses. The D80 can auto focus with AF-S lenses and all AF Nikkor lenses. If you go with the D80, I would suggest the 50mm f1.8 and the 18-200mm VR. Even better would be the 17-55mm. I'm not that keen on Canon lenses, but do note, Canon's cheaper lenses are not the best, optically. Most noteably on the kit lenses. This is unlike Nikon and Pentax, who have a pretty good rep with their kits. I hope I don't sound anti-Canon. I'm just saying what I know from my own experiences.

- I have an old, expensive (pro) digital camera that's 2 or 3 megapixels.....?
It takes very nice pictures, but it's VERY slow, big & clunkly, uses obsolete media and drains batteries like you wouldn't believe. If I buy a new, cheap ($100 range) digital camera with ~10 megapixels, will it take better pictures? The old one is a Coolpix 950. I'd like to have something small enough to carry with me, but not if it's going to be junk.

A It depends ont he camera. The Older Pro digital cameras (will all be DSLR) like the Canon 1d and 1ds were very good cameras. I know people that still have and use them. But they are slower and have more grain. If you get a cheap point and shoot, you will get soso quality out of it. Many have a medium resolution and then use software to CLAIM a Higher MP than the actually shoot. MP is not the biggest deal. A good 4 yr old Canon 20D for example is still a very good and useable camera at 8mp. The newest version is 15+MP (the 50D) but for the average person the 20D will do everything they need. THe newer ones have less digital noise (grain for us film people) at the higher ISO. That is the biggest improvement on them really. Also MP is relative. As the smaller the sensor, the more grain/noise the image will have and the lower the quaity it will have compared to the same MP on a larger sensor. So a Point and shoot at 10MP will still no give better results in general than a 4 yr old DSLR that is 8mp. So you need to figure out what you want. If you want a good P&S digital camera, like the old 950 was, then get a Canon Sx10 IS. For the $$ its awesome with great zoom range, and low digital noise and will do what most people want and need without batting an eye. If you want an even higher quality, the G10 is awesome, but the zoom range is less. Need to see what is more important. If you want a small light weight tiny camera, there are many to pick from. But also keep this in mind. When dealing with Camera gear, esp Cameras and Lenses, you get what you pay for. A cheap camera will give cheap results. As good glass to make good lenses is not cheap in cost to make and such. Hope this helps.