Advice needed please, re. new camera

[lostkelly]

Hi all, hope i'm asking in the right place, but i'm am looking to buy a new camera. I am currently using a panasonic TZ4 digital compact and have loved using it, I am now wanting to get a new camera and thinking about getting a DSLR, the question is which one?! I would like one that is good for amatuer use but that will last when i am capable of using all the features. I have been looking at the canon 450D and th panasonic G1, can anyone recommend these? Or should i save some money and get the large digital compacts like PANASONIC Lumix DMC-FZ38 which don't have interchangeable lenses but will this be any good for zooming? Any recommendations would be lovely to hear. I use the camera for a little of everything really, i take it on holiday and use whenever i have a free day, for landscape shots, portrait shots, close up shots and night time shots too. I like to be able to print the shots and blow them up too, the biggest i have done is A3. p.s i dont work for panasonic, i just love my little TZ4.
Thank you for anyone who has read this and hope it's not too much to ask.

 

[cowasaki]

You are about to get dozens of replies suggesting you buy all manner of things but the Talk Basics section isn't really for this. We have an equipment section.

 

[Dark Star]

Shifted

 

[CT]

You talk about a camera which will be easy to use yet stand you in good stead when you're more experienced. Thaty really means a DSLR - they're simply the most flexible and adaptive photographic tool you can buy which is why they're so popular. Wherever your future photographic interests may take you. a well chosen DSLR will have the range of lenses and accessories to meet your needs.

However appealing compact and bridge type cameras may be, they'll always be limited in comparison to a DSLR - when it no longer meets your needs you can't upgrade it with the appropriate lens/ accessory. The real attraction of compact/bridge cameras is their relative compactness compared to a DSLR, so they're much more convenient to carry about. I'd consider them a nice thing to have in addition to a DSLR when you don't want to be carting a lot of gear about, but for serious photography get the DSLR - if you get into photography you will sooner or later anyway.

As for which one - it isn't really that important, they'll all do the job, but do get along to a shop where you can handle a few and decide what you like and what you don't. How it feels in the hand makes all the difference to how you'll get on with it.

Take you time and choose wisely.