I'm currently using an Ixus 55 for about a year, but I find it lacking. Not sure what to get after this - because I essentially wasted about RM 1.5k on this camera .. and don't want it to happen again.

1. Is it worth it to get SLR (?) instead of a standard point and shoot cam even if you're an amateur photog?

2. It needs to have a remote, that allows me to take pictures on-the-fly and not using a timer-type thing only.

Please help!

1. DSLR is worth it if u often take pics indoors/in dim light. Reason being u can attach an external flash to it. Also it provides u with more control over the settings than a point and shoot, not to mention the useable high ISO (ISO 800, 1600) sensitivities are wayyyy better than all of the small "toy" point and shoots...because DSLR sensor is much bigger....therefore less noise, and higher quality pics.

2. Not a problem. Wireless remote for nikon is RM48. The canon one is around 60 or 100 bucks (not sure)...anyone?

1. worth or not worth is depends on individuals. but an amateur photog can of course, use a dslr. im not even an amateur and im using one

2. as explained above

i purchase my 1st own digicam around 5 years ago. A Panasonic at ur price too. I know how forcking out 1.5k and seeing the quality of a 1.5k cameras u can find today. but then again, its technology for you. you cant really call it wasted.

i dont really get better pictures out of my dslr compared to my old Pana, except for the shutter speed options. and maybe the DOF effects. need to get better for my dslr
so, do you wanna just continue to shoot shoot n shoot. or get better in photograpghy? the choice is urs

maybe u shld try prosumer 1st ? but off coz if got budget go for Canon 350D or Nikon D50 ,its not tht expensive now days compare with last time.

you can start from prosumer if ur afraid.....

may be u should elaborate more on the "lacking" part so that forummers might suggest a more suitable cam to counter that

I can't quite be specific in why it's lacking. It just doesn't seem to take good pictures.

The flash is too strong that most subjects have this white-out effect.

Red-eye - even with the red-eye-out effect/function in place.

The other options, at times have this strange delay before capturing the picture - and is succeptible to shakiness in the shot.

It doesn't have an image stabilizer when most of the time it really needs it.

The timer - no remote

That's about it.

i would recommend direct to Beginner of DSLR rather than go prosumer
new D40 is only Rm2150 with kit lens..