The prices of DSLR will always drop, so it is unrealistic to wait for ever. So the important thing is to understand what you need from the camera, depending on your current skill levels and also how far you want to achieve in photography. Once you understand your needs, then your choices will be much more limited, maybe down to just one model from each of the brand. After that, you just need to figure out which one captures your imagination.
Now is the hard part, do you buy it now or wait for the prices to come down.
If you have some major events coming up, then I would suggest you buy it asap, learn to use the camera, and of course put it to good use at the event. With Xmas coming up, there is not much time to wait. Most camera manufacturers release their new models twice a year, February and September. So if you need to capture images at X-mas there is really no point waiting as it is unlikely any big brand would bring out a new model now. They will have specials, but unlikely to have new models.
So what camera should I buy?
DO I NEED A DSLR? (a blog I wrote in my first newsletter)
DSLR stands for digital single lens reflective. Essentially, they are cameras with interchangeable lens that most pros use. The answers to this questions is yes and no:
YES: if you really want to be a good photographer who understands the technical sides of photography and uses the knowledge to create beautiful images. DSLR are very cheap these days, starting at just over $1000 for a body with lens. If you are a beginner, you should attend courses to improve your understanding.
NO: if you simply want take pictures for the sake of record keeping. However, if you think you want to have the flexibility to improve your skills, then please invest in one of the more high end point and shoot which does give manual controls. the Canon G9 is an extremely nice camera that delivers great pictures in both point and shoot, as well as manual modes. In addition, the G9 is a cool looking camera with cheap underwater case. As a bonus, the video resolution is very high, at 1024x768.
Next time, i will discuss which DSLR are worth looking at. Please feel free to ask me any questions.