DSLR or High Zoom camera?

I know that it seems like every week there is another rookie like me asking this question ha... But I am very interested in getting into outdoor photography, BUT I honestly don´t know where to start, so some help would be great!
So I have 3 questions...

#1. Do you prefer DSLR or high zoom cameras? Why? What are the benefits to a DSLR camera? And what are the benefits to a high zoom camera?
- For a DSLR camera, someone told me to look into a Canon 30D with a fixed Canon 300mm IS Lens. Would you agree or no?

- And for a high zoom, I´ve looked at the Panasonic FZ200 and it looks pretty good. What do you think about it?

#2. I´m looking for something under $1,000 or so... Don´t wanna spend a ton of money because I know it will probably be out-of-date in about 2 years anyways and I´ll be wanting a new one...

#3. And which camera would you buy if you were in my shoes?

Thanks for the help!
nvbowhunting
16,874
Big Moose
That Panasonic FZ200 sounds pretty nice...being able to shoot at 2.8 at 24x would be a great help in getting those long, low light shots.

I have both types in the Canon versions (S10 IS and T2i) and can tell you that my best photos come from the DSLR. I know the DSLR has a larger sensor and I use the tripod more. I like the mega zoom for its size and I'm able to keep it with me more often but just don't get the same results. The shots with the DSLR just seem alot better...sharper/brighter.

I'm hoping one the more experienced photographers will give a more detailed explanation also.

Moose
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MuleyMadness
#1. I prefer a DSLR cameras Why? They take better pictures, the main reason is that you can attach lenses onto a DSLR and zoom cameras NOT. The picture quality is more so from the lens than the camera itself.

- Benefits to high zoom is self explanatory - it's HIGH ZOOM.
- For a DSLR camera, someone told me to look into a Canon 30D with a fixed Canon 300mm IS Lens. Would you agree or no?
 YES I agree, that's a good setup. I use the Canon 40D with a 300mm lens and a 1.4 extender on top of that.
- And for a high zoom, I´ve looked at the Panasonic FZ200 and it looks pretty good. What do you think about it?
 Not sure never used that camera.

#3. And which camera would you buy if you were in my shoes?

If I was a beginner and not wanting to spend TONS of money into a DSLR setup (good one will cost more that 1,000 dollars).
I would buy this camera HANDS DOWN!! Has ridiculous ZOOM for the price/quality IMO.

http://www.amazon.com/Canon-Digital-Stabilized-2-7-Inch-Vari-Angle/dp/B005MTMFHU/ref=sr_1_11?ie=UTF8&qid=1343012621&sr=8-11&keywords=canon+high+zoom+camera

Hope this helps.
Brett
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nvbowhunting
Alright, Thanks for the info guys! I appreciate it... Everyone keeps telling me that DSLR is the way to go... High Zoom cameras can take good pictures, but they just dont compare to the DSLR. So I think I am gonna look into the DSLR, the Canon 30D with the Canon 300mm lens, with a 1.4x teleconverter... That seems to be the most common response from the people.
Any other opinions out there??
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Default Avatar
From the other side of things...I just sold my slr. I never packed it in with me because it was too heavy/awkward. I also hated the idea of dropping my $1,800 body. If I'm going to be carrying a spotting scope anyway, I figured I might as well get a point and shoot and use the optics of the scope. This allows me to get a rugged, waterproof, camera, and still be able to take it in my pocket. I figure most of the shots I wanted I was missing due to not having a camera. A lower quality photo is better than none for me!!
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Default Avatar
I prefer DSLRs over a high zoom camera anytime. One particular brand that I like is the Nikon D700. This has 12.1 megapixels and can do continuous shooting, and it has every other feature that photography buffs would like.
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