Camera advice needed for non-techy beginner photographer

We want to get a new camera before we go on holiday in November.

We currently have a Kodak Easyshare Z1015 IS which comes with a 15x Zoom. It's fine. I've never really learnt all the advanced features but the one thing that irritates me is slow shutter speed. I'd like to be able to take photos without waiting ages for it to think about the last one.

I'm not a great photographer but I want to do a basic course before we go. So I'd like advice. Should we just get a compact point and shoot, which will reduce luggage? I don't know if they're any good or if the lenses are OK. I'd prefer a better lense than we currently have as I find it restrictive.

Or should we get a DSLR and learn how to use it properly? If so, what would peeps recommend and why? Can we get something good for under $500 or do we need to spend more?

If you want a camera that doesn't have the shutter lag like that, then yes, get a DSLR.

Yeah, you will have to spend more than $500 though. I am a Nikon person so I only really know about them so I would suggest the D3100 for you.

HTH

We have a casio p&s and it's pretty good as far as shutter lag goes but it's still not as quick as a DSLR though.

We're off to the States in December and DH is currently obsessed with the Canon DSX230 (I think that's it?)... it's a point and shoot with some advanced features and video. He's done his research and has decided that's the best one for the price - he found it online for less than $300, instore for about $400.

We had a play instore, and it's features are quiet similar to my Canon DSLR.

I love my camera, but I do get annoyed having to carry it everywhere + lenses etc.

Whether you get a DSLR before or after your trip, I definitely recommend a course. I had my camera about 2 years before I did my course and am still kicking myself at missed opportunities...

Like anything, do your research and you'll get the best price for the best quality.

Elocin, is that the Canon PowerShot SX230 HS?

Raven, do you mind telling me what version Casio you have?

This is a dumb question, but is a 14x Optical Zoom & 28mm wide angle lens OK? Our current camera has a 15x zoom, so I assume that's better. The shutter speed of the Canon SX230 HS is 15-1/3200sec. It does have this as a feature:Continuous Shooting (Large/Fine),P Mode: Approx 3.2 shots/sec; High Speed Burst Mode: Approx 8.1 shots/sec. That sounds good.

The shutter speed on our Kodak is supposed to be 16–1/1000 sec. Shot to shot is apparently <1.8sec. Either that's wrong or I don't know what I'm doing, because I find the time between shots to be ridiculous.

Hun, I'm not a photographer and I wanted the camera to do the work for me, and I've invested in a SLR canon 550 D camera, it came with twin lens. Best $1100 I've spent (it might be a but more that what you want to spend). It takes awesome pictures, simply stunning. The nikon coolpix camera I got for my birthday 6 years ago was $550 with only 6.2 megapixels and 5 x zoom, it's like chalk and cheese. The canon 550D is a professional camera but very easy to use and you can even get them for around $780 on ebay brand new (it will most likely be from China but the camera I got was through an Aussie dealer but still imported from China, I just wanted the Aussie 12 month warranty). It is obviously bulkier than the smaller point and shoot cameras but for an o/s holiday or special occasions or if you just like taking nice pictures, the canon is fabulous.