[gazzerr]

I was busy deciding between the Canon EOS400 and the Nikon D40x. I then realised that the lens only give 3x optical zoom. One of the plus points with my Sony H1 was the zoom compared to my previous compact. It's made me wonder whether an SLR is the way to go or to stick with the hybrids that offer the greater zoom? I wondered how people manage - does everyone buy more lenses or rely on zooming and cropping on the pc?

[Pirate!!]

Ahoy!

A lot of people cite the zoom capability of their next camera as a priority. Firstly, can you advise of your budget?

Secondly, there are options, albeit low-cost entry level dSLR with kit and long zoom lens(es), and also prosumer/bridge cameras like the Panasonic DMC-FZ50.

Currently, the bridge camera option for a lot of people is a good one, though image quality (IQ) isn't as good as a dSLR under certain low-light conditions, which is a trade-off in itself.

The alternative (subject to budget) is to buy into an affordable system where lenses are plentyful for the mount.

Herein comes the problem for some people. Not all cameras are made the same. Some have image stabilisation built into the body, other systems have it built into their lenses.

If you're looking to extend your current focal range, the Panny FZ50 has image stabilisation built-in (assuming this is an important function for your needs - it is mine, but that's a personal thing).

Sony, Samsung, Pentax and Olympus have in-built body stabilisation. I believe Canon and Nikon don't (though I will stand corrected).

The Sony R1 whilst not made anymore, is arguably the most dSLR like in terms of image quality, though doesn't give the zoom range of the FZ50. R1's can be found on eBay for a tidy amount.

I have both a bridge camera (Panny FZ3) and an entry level dSLR (Sony Alpha A100) - lucky me!

If you could also advise of the type of images you are looking to take, this would also help others on this forum to offer qualified guidance. In the meantime, I would consider everything, with the caveat that some systems are likely to cost more than others in terms of lenses. Olympus for example use the four-thirds mount. The downside is lens price and availability.

Anymore for anymore?

[dazza74]

Buy more lenses, you can get extra lens of good quality resonably cheaply now, I think you can get the 70-300mm lenses for around £100 now

[gazzerr]

Thanks for the input. I'm reasonably flexible on budget (GBP 400), shots will be mostly of family and places visited on holiday- I;m not going to do the arty stuff!!

My Sony H1 has been fine but I can't stand the shutter lag anymore. I was taking photo's of the end of year show and failed to get any shots with the kids in the frame as it was an action show!!

[dazza74]

Nikon wise you can get a Nikon D40 for around £250 currently that includes a kit lens 18-55mm, leaving you money to get either a Nikon 55-200mm VR lens on top or a third party e.g. sigma 70-300mm etc

[loz]

Well there are plenty of super zooms for DSLRs too.

What about this
http://www.digitaldepot.co.uk/p34377...duct_info.html

kit inc 18-200 11x zoom.

Price not announced yet, but it might be reasonable AIU that Sony are trying to clear that lens as they have a newer 18-250.

Or you could buy the Tamron equivalent of that lens £219 and stick it on a Canon 400D at £305 (after cash back)