Limits of bridge cameras

Pancakes

Pancakes

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Ben
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Hey guys and gals, I'm Ben, and new in these here parts :)

I've been into photography for a while, and have been using my stepdads EOS 400D with an array of lenses to take some nice photos. I decide upon buying a camera for myself, but not having much money i ended up buying a bridge camera. To be more precise, a Lumic DMC-FZ38, about 2 months ago.

I am now wondering what the limits are of the bridge camera. I went to Cyprus for a 2 week holiday, and I already feel I'm being limited with the type of images I can take.

I have been looking at getting an entry level DSLR capable of taking some nice pictures, after I have learnt the ropes of course ;) Would you say it's acceptable getting a DSLR after such a short period of time, and in your eyes, what is the best entry level DSLR for about £400 and under?

Many thanks, Ben.
 
I dont know anything about photograhpy yet, but I brought the Nikon D3000 which came with a AF-S NIKKOR 18 - 55mm 1:3.5-5.6G lens, a 2 gig sd card and a Nikon bag to put it all in for £369, now I dont know if the camera is any good but it will do for me to learn with.
 
I started off with a bridge camera, and very quickly found I was limited in what I wanted to do. I can't put my finger quite on my I felt limited...maybe it was the fact it didn't shoot RAW. It just didn't feel right...I felt it wasn't allowing me to fully achieve what I wanted.

I went on to buy a Canon 1000D, and I am very happy with it. It came with 18-55mm and 75-300mm. I have gone on to buy a Nifty Fifty and a Sigma 70-300mm APO macro. Have bought various other bits, a remote release, UV and Polarizer, and a set of Close-ups. Also bought a Jessops Flash Unit.
All basic stuff but it's enabling me to learn the art of photography, and as I am improve, I am able to upgrade as and when necessary :)
 
I bought a second hand Canon 20D in your position £250 and it feels like a 'proper' camera and does everything I need, lenses are plentiful second hand and 8.whatever mega pixels is plenty.
 
Thanks for the input guys! I'm torn between Canon and Nikon. I've used Canon before so I wouldn't mind venturing into the Nikon world.

@Doddy1974, I completely agree, I can't quite put a finger on it either.. But there is something!
 
tbh even a DSLR and superzoom would kick a bridge camera's ass so get one of them for starters and use different focal lengths and purchase more premium lenses when you need them, using software you can check commonly used focal lengths and apertures etc so that could help someone like you when going to choose other lenses.
 
Well, the FZ38 is Panasonics flagship superzoom, that is until the FZ45 is released. They are all flawed to a degree with their tiny sensors, EVF and shutter mechanism.

Me personally, I recently bought the Canon SX1. I wanted a small camera with a big zoom for taking snaps and video when on holiday or days out with the family, but was still able to cut it for taking proper photos. It has facility for Canon speedlights and I've even used it with my studio flash system at home.

Though it says the SX1 offers full manual controls, which it does....to a degree, it is still held back with some features. For example, the shutter speed in manual mode only goes down to 1 second. To use the 15 second shutter speed you have to go into one of the 'idiot modes' but you are then unable to set aperture and ISO.
The FZ38 has the same flaw, you have to use the 'Starry Sky' auto feature for a long exposure.

A DSLR will change everything, the parameters of the settings you can use on camera are only held back with the lenses you use on it. The creativity walls are taken down and you can do just about anything you want.
It's worth reading up though as bridge cameras are worlds apart and unless you used it on manual you may struggle.

Best thing to do is go somewhere like Curries to play with a few cameras to see which one feels best in your hands and also the firmware has to be easy to use. Dont buy from Curries mind, go to a proper independant retailer, avoid Jessops at all costs!
 
@mastertrinity, I agree.. What would you say would be the best lens to purchase for starters aside from the kit lens that comes with the camera? I'm looking into more portrait / scenery stuff.

@Suvv, I had a read through and I feel that the whole lens situation is limiting me at the moment. And the fact that I can' use some of the techniques you can with a DSLR.

EDIT:

@Canonite, I completely agree with you on that, The 8 second shutter speed on the FZ38 is ok to a degree, but I'd like higher. I'l take your advice and go and play around with a few.. Are they ok with you fiddling about and not purchasing? And why should I stay away from jessops? Sorry for all the questions.

Ben
 
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Pancakes said:
Thanks for the input guys! I'm torn between Canon and Nikon. I've used Canon before so I wouldn't mind venturing into the Nikon world.
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If your stepdad has a range of Canon lenses already it may be worth getting a Canon just to borrow a lens from time to time.
 
Barrysprout said:
If your stepdad has a range of Canon lenses already it may be worth getting a Canon just to borrow a lens from time to time.
Click to expand...

This is what I would do personally, when the time comes for you to spend money on a lens at least you could borrow to see if it's what you wanted.

Also as stated I wouldn't rule out second hand, you could get a lot more camera for your money that way.
 
The only issue I have with using his lenses, is that he is quite protective over his gear.. This being the reason why I'd like to build my own armory of kit.

I won't rule out second hand also. I'l keep an eye out to see what I can get when I get rid of a guitar I'm trying to budge.
 
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