OT - Camera question. - Samsung NX300

[gcfiend]

I know there's already a thread on Cameras but I didn't want to hijack that thread.

Anyone out there have any comments or feedback on the camera that are a step up from a point and shoot but not at the Dslr level. I'm looking for portability and compactness because its going to be used mostly on trips with the family and hauling a large camera around seemed a bit inconvenient

But I also have this sickness called reefing where I seem to be taking more picture of my corals then my kids.

For you experts out there, will I be able to achieve the quality of pics with the class of cameras like the Samsung NX300, and still achieve results like Zibba, JPorter, Kataro, and others I may be missing that produce those mind blowing pictures?

 

[zibba]

Honestly, I'd recommend against an in-betweener because it's going to be just as cumbersome as a small DSLR but not as upgradable. I understand not wanting to get a point-and-shoot since cell-phone cameras have advanced so much. But if you really want to stay away from the DSLR, I'd check out the Panasonic DMC TS3 since it's water proof and fully capable of taking some great top-down shots of your aquarium. Here's an exemplar video: http://reefcentral.com/forums/showpost.php?p=18986403&postcount=682

And here's a group of exemplar photos taken with it: http://www.flickr.com/search/?q=Panasonic DMC TS3


Looks like the Samsung takes great pictures though: see here. However, if it were me, I'd spend $500 on Adorama's D3100 package, which includes the 18-55 and 55-200 lenses, then upgrade to a macro lens when you're ready (people are getting good shots from the Tamron 90mm, which is way less than the Nikon 105vr). You'd be in a position to more easily upgrade the body and add lenses down the road if you went with a Nikon or Canon dslr. My two-cents.