I'm Torn....

[The Ruptured Duck]

I am seriously considering getting into photography.  Last year I bought a Nikkon Coolpix, and fell in love with it, and taking pictures.  I was able to take some impressive shots around the airport and garden.  One thing I hated was the optical zoom (only 3X).  Now here I am, 2 days before the Blue Angels perform here at McConnell AFB, and I am thinking of a new camera.

IF I buy a new camera I was thinking about going serious, or semi-serious.  What I mean by this is should I buy a "wanna be" SLR or should I go all out and learn how to use a real camera?  I have zero photography training, but people have told me I have a good eye for the stuff.

Mostly I would like to have more control over...well everything.

Any advice?  I came here because I am always impressed by some of the shots posted here.

[Craig.]

If you want control over everything, then slr or dslr are the way to go. these almost slr cameras are good but you still end up frustrated when you find you cant adjust something you wanted. Not knowing your budget its hard to advise, but if you can afford it and your serious about learning photography, then definitly lean towards the dslr's.

[Mictheslik]

I would have to agree with craig, but be warned....its expensive....after you have your entry level SLR, accessories and a decent lens for aircraft you're probably looking at at least

[Aerophile]

If you want control over everything, then slr or dslr are the way to go. these almost slr cameras are good but you still end up frustrated when you find you cant adjust something you wanted. Not knowing your budget its hard to advise, but if you can afford it and your serious about learning photography, then definitly lean towards the dslr's.

Well said.  I have one of these almost DSLRs and I get frustrated with it sometimes, but it does take relatively better pictures than a point and shoot camera.  I wish I could afford a DSLR.