[matttr6]

Like many of the threads on here, I've been umming and ahhing about whether to go for a DSLR. I've come to the conclusion thats its a bit ott for me (spending out on extra lenses etc) as I can't see me getting into photography that serious. So I've decided to go for a bridge camera.

Looking round here, sounds like the Panasonic fz28 is very well thought of (its not that cheap though!!). Any other good suggestions??(£200 ish max)

Also, been offered a Fujifilm S6500FD for £130(secondhand). Is this a good deal?? Is the camera anygood?? (I'm a completer novice using an old Sony compact at the mo)

many thanks

Matt

[matttr6]

Done a bit of research on the S6500 and it seems its not that cheap (does come with a lot of extras though- bag, filters, spare cards etc)

Fuji S8100 looks to be good value and gets good reviews. I *think* I want the panasonic FZ28 but I really can't justify £250+ spare cards, bag etc

[photographerg]

I had a 6500 as my bridge camera. Really good camera to learn on.

[matttr6]

Originally Posted by photographerg

I had a 6500 as my bridge camera. Really good camera to learn on.

Is the one offered to me a good deal?? Seems expensive as I can get newer Fuji's for not much more money. The one offered to me comes with spare cards, filters, bag which I know pushes the price up.

Going to look in town tomorrow. I know I'll want a DSLR but, realistically it'll be wasted on me.

[photographerg]

It does sound a bit high! The other bits and pieces aren't that much, I don't think they should push it up by too much.

To be honest with you, although at the time I thought it was a great idea to get a bridge camera, I think an entry level DSLR would do just the same job, so I think if you could afford it, I would go for one.

[matttr6]

Originally Posted by photographerg

It does sound a bit high! The other bits and pieces aren't that much, I don't think they should push it up by too much.

To be honest with you, although at the time I thought it was a great idea to get a bridge camera, I think an entry level DSLR would do just the same job, so I think if you could afford it, I would go for one.

Yeah, been told that by a lot of people. But I really can't see me getting into photography seriously (too many other hobbies, no spare cash/ time), don't fancy buying various lenses.

Just want something better then a point and click compact without the outlay, maintainance, messing round a DSLR brings (the one thing putting me off the Panasonic is the price- by the time I have spae cards and bag, its getting close to DSLR prices)

[matttr6]

Right, another twist.Just been looking on ebay and it seems I can get a Nikon 40D(with the stock lens) for around £200 which makes me think why spend £150 on a Bridge camera.

The 40D seems well respected on here as a good starter camera- would this be a better direction to go in??

[Yandros]

Originally Posted by matttr6

Right, another twist.Just been looking on ebay and it seems I can get a Nikon 40D(with the stock lens) for around £200 which makes me think why spend £150 on a Bridge camera.

The 40D seems well respected on here as a good starter camera- would this be a better direction to go in??

I assume you mean the Nikon D40 (a 40D is a mid range Canon model).

Well, here are your pros and cons. The D40 won't give you the same zoom capability with the kit lens as a bridge camera. It doesn't have a macro mode, so won't do extreme closeup work. On the other hand it has a MUCH better high ISO (low light) capability, and faster focussing and no shutter lag. This makes it more suitable for low light conditions and action shots. Due to the bigger sensor, DSLRS also have a shallow 'depth of field', allowing you to do arty blurred backgrounds. This is very hard on bridge and compact cameras which have a massive depth of field.

To add a pretty decent macro/telephoto zoom lens to a D40 later (I'm thinking of a Sigma 70-300mm APO DG Macro) adds about 150 quid. For everyday snapshots you'd simply leave that at home, so a D40 isn't a lot less practical than the average bridge camera (how many people use a 300mm lens on holiday for example?)

If you just want something for bog standard holiday snaps etc- get a bridge or high quality compact. If you're likely to push it by shooting in tough lighting conditions or awkward subjects, then things like high ISO noise and shutter lag will drive you nuts.