Thanks for the info guys. On reflection I think Eyorkshires suggestion will prevail because I can't see me developing a hobby from it. I do want a good quality camera though which will have a good lens with a large optical zoom preferably.

Going to have a look at a camera specialist in about half an hour. Based on Sadler Gate in Derby, they have some decent kit in the window display so worth a visit on my break. LL.B (Hons) - University of Derby
LOT (Lord of Time) - University of Gallifrey

You will find the bug bites quickly.

Realspeed Ex 2010 Freelander2 GS-e Diesel manual Silver owner

Last edited by realspeed on 19th Jan 2012 3:01 pm. Edited 1 time in total

Well do tell us what you bought today ... if anything.

I have a cupboard full of Olympus E-system DSLR kit. Slightly smaller than full size DSLRs, but even so, I got fed up lugging a rucksack full of it around on holidays and now have a Panasonic FZ150 bridge camera ... 25-600 focal range. It's as good as the excellent reviews, only the viewing screen just doesn't do justice to the quality of the picture taken.

Two aspects of quality DSLR kit it cannot match is wide aperture and instant response shutter triggering admitted, it still is a great relief to have one camera that covers almost all bases very adequately indeed.

Doc,
You did ask for advice for DSLR's at the start of this thread.
I assumed you'd done some research beforehand.

Good luck with whatever you end up with; er indoors has got a Panasonic/Leica and just points and shoots.
So annoyed is she with it's limitations in low light and it's low output flash, she now uses my DSLR as it never fails to get a result. Another member of the failed FL2 clutch/DMF club, twice.

Pegleg, I started the topic on DSLR but must concede to not being aware of these big differences with the bridge cameras. As you say DSLR is superior but for the use I will get, I suspect bridge camera will prevail. Thanks LL.B (Hons) - University of Derby
LOT (Lord of Time) - University of Gallifrey

No worries Doc,
Good luck and happy shooting  Another member of the failed FL2 clutch/DMF club, twice.

Mike, I have just looked at the Panasonic on the tinternet and it looks like a great camera. I may consider getting one later in the year and I’m sure the Doc would get some awesome shots during his time travels.

I am currently torn between Panasonic and Nikon with regard to bridge cameras. I had a look in the shop and the salesman gave good advice and told me that the big names should release some new models just before next Christmas and because I can't currently afford to splash out (just paid another uni installment ) I might write to Santa.  LL.B (Hons) - University of Derby
LOT (Lord of Time) - University of Gallifrey

This gets a good review: http://www.whatdigitalcamera.com/equipment...eview.html LL.B (Hons) - University of Derby
LOT (Lord of Time) - University of Gallifrey

My local camera shop...Wilkinsons, will let me try cameras.
Get hold of your own data card, ask to try the ones you like side by side in the shop, take the pics home on your card and compare.
Look at things such as, how fast it turns on, location of controls, do they feel right for you.
How bright is the viewfinder, how fast is the focus, is it noisy?

Join talk photography forum and ask, loads of good helpful people on there and not the sort to put noobs down.

DPReview is an excellent site for camera reviews too.

Taz

I'm not a real camera enthusiast, but wanted to getsomething with a bit more flexability , and after trying a few DSLR ended up with the Panasonix Lumix G2 , the big advantage is its size and weight, takes great photos and a couple of lenses cover pretty much all I need. Also on Jpeg vs raw I end up on Jpeg all the time cos I dont have the time to get the most out of the RAW format.

Nick 2012 MY TD4 SX Manual in very rare Buckingham Blue!

I currently have a Panasonic lumix and it is a good cam but I have quickly realised its limits and am definately looking to buy a DSLR!
I would suggest buying a bridge first and playing with the manual settings, you will soon find out wether or not you want to upgrade, and at least if you are happy with it you have only spent £300- 400 which is a a lot less that a DSLR and kit.

Try http://www.dpreview.com/ or http://www.cameras.co.uk/

Doc, been thinking. If you aren't going away till 2014, and aren't in a hurry to buy, keep a look out for model changes as you can sometimes pick an older model up cheaper, and to be honest, there isn't much they can do these days to make them any better so a slightly older model isn't a problem. You will always get better results with a DSLR than a bridge camera IMO and some of the cheaper Canons and Nikons are pretty good, take this for example: http://www.warehouseexpress.com/buy-canon-...s/p1523930 read the review, guy with a Canon EOS 7D can't tell the difference in image quality and the 7D is serious money. Also look out for Canon doing any cashback offers, which they seem to do each year. Saved £160 when I bought my 30D through cashback.

I have a Nikon D90 but just found it a bit bulky on some occasions (eg touring on the motorbike). Bought the Panasonic Lumix G3. It's great, excellent pics and smaller size makes it easier to carry.

Just to raise the oldish topic

What's this setup like
http://www.jessops.com/online.store/catego.../Show.html