dslr or bridge

snapharry

snapharry

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kev
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hi seasons greetings
i have a fuji finepixs 1500s (bridge camera) which i like , i love going outside with the camera and taking nature shots but my present camera has (i belive its called shutter lag) which gets annoying when trying to get action shots ie birds flying etc, my question is if i wanna get into wildlife/nature photography am i better off getting a better bridge camera or going down the road of a dslr i have a budget of between £300 and £500 but that would have to include a lens for the dslr i know i can buy lens further down the road but would like to get some to get out there
 
The instant nature of pressing a DSLR shutter is a joy to use when your used to a compact or a bridge camera, it was one of the main reasons I wanted an SLR as getting people's expressions at the right time is so much easier.
But if you're more into still-life nature than wildlife that moves then a bridge would be fine - but I'm not sure what benefit a new one would give you over your current one, it would still have the same short comings.

So I would go for a second hand DSLR and a couple of lenses if I were you, but that's just my opinion!
 
I was in the same situation 8 months ago, I opted for a Dslr and kit lens to see me until I could get new lenses, the only regret I have is I should have saved a little longer to increase my budget to a slightly better model, saying that the canon 500d is still a very good camera for my level, my opinion is to get a Dslr shop around for the best deals or get a second hand one, after Xmas there will be plenty of sales on so you should be able to get a good deal for your budget.
 
If you are looking to photograph birds you will find a DSLR a joy to use compared to a bridge camera. For your budget I think you will be best to buy a second hand camera and lens.

I don't shoot wildlife so I am sure others will correct me if wrong, but I would guess you would want a high frames per second (6+) and you would want a lens with Image Stabalisation and a maximum focal length of at least 250mm

If you go into a camera store and handle a few cameras you should get a better feel of the ergonomics. For the amount of money you are spending there are no 'bad' cameras, only cameras with a different feel and features.
 
Budget of £500 should get you a Second hand Nikon DSLR (D3000 or even 5000) and a 70-300 VR lens, which will get you started. Not ideal, but the best you will get for the budget.
 
With a budget of £500 for an SLR and lens, my advice would be keep saving. However for your peace of mind, I would recommend you go down the 2nd hand equipment route, check out 2nd hand dealers like, Camtech, MBP Photography, Mifsuds, FFords etc, at least you get an idea of rough prices. My other advice would be don't just buy something because they recommended it, especially a camera body, go to your local camera shop, try out the latest models, each has a slightly different ergonomics for the control, pick the brand / model you feel comfortable handling then look at previous models in the 2nd hand dealers, usually you'll get a better camera for less $$$ because its been replaced by a new one that makes the tea, does you ironing and is pink......

Nikon, Canon, Sony, Pentax etc all have reasonable offerings. I would still recommend my canon 20D as a very good buy 2nd hand, a body between £150-£200. for a bit extra nikon D80 and or Canon 40D, Sony Alpha series is also worth a look, but have a play and try out the different camera's.......

As for a lens, especially for wildlife, a 70-300mm is limited and minimum requirement, you'll need 400 or 500mm if you want to take photo's of anything other than the birds on your bird table. A sigma xxx-500mm lens is going to be another £400-800 in addition to your camera body.
 
I have just bought a brand new D5100 for £412, best buy is closing down. No web orders so you will need to go to a store if pos. then I bought a lens £180 worth for £120. All in came to £532 for £700 worth of kit, bargin.
 
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