Newcomer looking for advice

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Shoot2Thrill

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Hi I currently use a compact digital which I am looking to replace.

After much research I've narrowed my search down to the following....

Panasonic DMC FZ8
Panasonic Lumix TZ5
Fuji FinePix S8000
Fuji FinePix S9600

My subjects tend to be Architecture, Landscapes & Wildlife
So I feel a high Optical Zoom is a must.

I would also like to experiment with Filters at some stage and wondered if this is possible with the above cameras.

I'd love to go full DSLR but funds wont stretch that far for a couple of years so I would like a good step up from my dated Kodak compact.

Thanks in advance.
AJ
 
Hi and welcome! I'm in a similar position, just about to upgrade to a DSLR after months of deliberating!

One thing I would say, and this will probably be echoed by other people is if you're looking at getting a DSLR in the future, you might save money and hassle in the long run to get one to start with, rather than getting a 'bridge' camera first. Entry level DSLRs regularly come up for sale in the second hand section of the forum about the same as a new camera that you're looking at anyway, and will give you plenty more to do. You could find that you buy one of the cameras you've listed, get bitten by the photography bug (badly, it often happens!) and want to upgrade, and you won't be able to get all of your money back if you sell the bridge, so you'll end up worse off if you see what I mean?

I don't know about filters on the cameras you've listed, but it's really quite straightforward for DSLRs!

Hope I helped, if not just ask away some more!

Chris
 
Hi AJ :wave:

Welcome to TP

Have you thought of buying 2nd hand we get good selection of cheap cameras here :thumbs:

How much did you want to spend if you dont mind me asking ?
 
Chris I completely understand what you are saying about buying 2nd hand, but fear that being a complete novice may end up with a dud.

I've played with a few DSLR's and basically when I make the jump it will be a Canon (which ever model is right for the price) or Nikon D70.

I had been thinking of just upgrading to a new Digital Compact like the Canon Ixus or Panasonic Lumix for everyday use, then buying a DSLR sooner.

But I feel I am restricted by the features and ability of my current compact, and the huge leap with a 'bridge' would satisfy my appetite for the next 2 years say?

My budget for now is £200 DavenJulie I'll check out the 2nd hand section but am a bit reluctant as a cheap DSLR is expensive if its a dud, not that I believe that happens alot but it might just be my luck.
 
I'm not sure about Nikon gear, but for that price in the sale section you could pick up an EOS 300D, and some extras as well! Check out the person selling as well, there's a 100 post limit in the sale section, so no dodgy people can come her just to sell, see if they've sold stuff before etc. Hope it all goes well!

Chris
 
Hi Jogden :wave:

So what is a Digital Rebel?
Pardon my ignorance, but it keeps coming up in my search for a EOS 300D.
 
In the UK the canon (entry-ish) line of DSLRs are known as 300D, 350D, 400D, and 450D, in the US (I think) they're the 'Digital Rebel, 'Digital Rebel XT', 'Digital Rebel XTi', and 'Digital Rebel XSi' respectively! They're called 'something Kiss' for the Japanese market as well if memory serves.

They're exactly the same camera, just one's for America, the other for the UK. Hope this helps!

Chris
 
I'm going for the DSLR!

I'm hoping the 350D is still available, if not got a few lined up on the 'bay

ooooh I'm excited now. :):clap::)
 
Shoot2Thrill said:
I'm going for the DSLR!

I'm hoping the 350D is still available, if not got a few lined up on the 'bay

ooooh I'm excited now. :):clap::)
Click to expand...

Hi and welcome.
I just got a 350D for my girlfriend from this very site for a snip at £150! and of course it works a treat :thumbs:
 
Shoot2Thrill said:
I'm going for the DSLR!

I'm hoping the 350D is still available, if not got a few lined up on the 'bay

ooooh I'm excited now. :):clap::)
Click to expand...

Cool...you made a good decision.
36_1_11.gif
 
i went from compact to bridge to dslr in under a year. i got bit badly!
I got my 400D in august last year and i have spent nearly £2k on my dslr system and 9000 shots later.


you have been warned you pockets get very light!
 
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