I think if I am going to go for a sub $1k camera, probably after 6months or a year I will change to a DSLR one. So I guess I should just one time invest on a good amateur-intermediate DSLR. What kind of lens should I go for as well for general travelling photos and scenery? Is the basic kit 18-55mm sufficient? Should I get the higher grade ones like 18-200 which I think might blow my budget.. I don't really understand the lens definitions and type yet. Another important thing is I might be going to use the camera to take high-res textures of skies/stones/grass/bricks for my work.
i wrote a few threads on compact-DSLR upgrading based on my outdated experience in late 2005, though it is rather fragmented by now, you can still take a look.
basically DSLR offers you
1. narrow depth of field (to isolate a subject)
2. wide angle perspective to scale sizes (to make your subject looks big with mid-field and distant subjects being small)
3. versatility and options of optimised quality through lens at different focal length
these are main features that compact will not achieve, and if adapted well, can allow you to improve your photography. you should only consider a good compact or prosumer in terms of their compactness as they cannot match or replace the features on a SLR.
i'm also using an entry level DSLR, and still proscrastinate for an upgrade, which is D90. if you are not extremely ambitious, most entry level DSLR nowadays should satisfy you and last you for a period. just spend according to what you are comfortable with, noting that even older models would not disappoint you (etc S$400 at 2nd hand price), but do save a sum for lens (in near future) as they are more expensive but makes more diversified changes to the subjects and compositions you can approach. the improvement of image quality is also more easily seen between lens than between bodies. if you are tight on budget, just save as much as possible on the cheapest DSLR but do not buy D40/60 without in-built motor as the lens upgrade will eventually be more expensive.
do not expect DSLR pictures to be as punchy as the compacts (not sure if still true today), as DSLR uncompressed outputs are by default less contrasty with more details, but will eventually benefit more by post processing from RAW. on the other hand, DSLR can be also preset in-camera like a compact, to have punchier higher contrast more saturated direct jpeg output but at the expense of original details. i only shoot decently after a year or so, as most average users are.
just start slowly. dun need to fuss about the complicated settings. just use the simplest workflow, focus, frame and shoot, then learn feature by feature, lens by lens, filter by filter, subject by subject. in the meanwhile, read bryan peterson's exposure books to understand the basic theory (which will be immensely useful once grasped cos everything is inter-connected).
dun have to buy all types of lens and all types of filters in one go. for general travelling, consider weight (light, best <500g), maximum aperture size (at least f/3.5 or lower number) and focal length range (rather than power which in compact camera terms, it is like your 11x zoom). generally, people's main aim is to be able to catch most of a building in front of you and at least a quarter-body shot of a person in front of you - which is what a kit lens like 18-55mm (or up to 105mm if you can spend more) f/3.5 (or up to f/2.8 if you can spend more) does. chances are you will sell off or just leave it much less used once you got better lens, but the point is you will not know what lens to buy until you have understood the limits of each and every value (18mm, 55mm and f/3.5) through practice. if you use nikon in the end, i would suggest that other than the kit lens, buy a 50mm f/1.8 AF-D at about S$150 together with kit lens and body, so that you can see immediately the difference of using a prime and a fast lens. and if you find that you dare to go very near a subject and dare to lie down on the street, get an ultrawide lens when you can spare $500-$1500 for one as your next lens.
and last of all, dun ask me what is the best camera or best brand. cos i only know the few equipments i have. i'm as clueless about D90 as those who have not used it before. generally brands make little differences to undemanding amateurs, but will be important if you expect a lot or with very specific requirements which you will not know now. and yes, change camp is expensive especially after your 2nd or 3rd lens. so decide on your budget, see what you can get, and then have a feel of how your fingers move around the buttons. once settled, stop worrying about brands and your next lens. you did far more homework than i did 3 years ago (i saw an advertisement and a review, and bought my DSLR) so no worries.
