Need advice: Camera purchase.

[HBLR]

So it seems i need a better camera than my iPhone has to offer if the things i see out and about on my travels are to be believed online. Any suggestions? I prefer to stay away from cannon or nikon, or anything with separate lenses, but i'll try to have an open mind.

[MEC407]

Is there any particular reason why you're not interested in Canon or Nikon? Just curious. There are plenty of other companies that make excellent cameras, so you still have plenty of options.

Also, how much money do you want to spend? Knowing what your budget is will make it a lot easier for us to give you some recommendations.

[railfan365]

So it seems i need a better camera than my iPhone has to offer if the things i see out and about on my travels are to be believed online. Any suggestions? I prefer to stay away from cannon or nikon, or anything with separate lenses, but i'll try to have an open mind.

May I ask why not something with interchangeable lenses? That would provide expnentially greater flexibility in shooting. For example, a telephoto lens would allow getting detailed, close-up shots from a distance, while a wide angle lens allow captuing a lot more of a scene without having to go far out.

[Cadguru]

If you don't want interchangeable lenses, is it because of carrying extra equipment around?
With DSLR's you will get better sensors, etc.
I shoot olympus, but maybe a canon G11 is what you could be looking at:

http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/canong11/

[Ken W2KB]

Point and shoot cameras tend to have a delay in firing while DSLRs have an instant shutter release. Makes a major difference with a subject in motion. Plus a conventional DSLR viewfinder lets one hold the camera much more steady than many others where one has to hold and look at the display on the rear. With an interchangeable lens camera owning only one lens is not any different since the lens is never removed.

[Cadguru]

If you want something light and portable look at the micro 4/3rds lineup from Olympus, Panasonic, etc.

Sony has them too.

They are called ILC for interchangeable lens camera....

Nice alternatives