SLR or bridge camera

[blueroangirl]

Hi looking for some advice. Really would like to get into photography more but only got ordinary digital camera at moment. I cant afford a digital SLR. Wondered if these bridge cameras were any good? Want do mainly nature type photos. Thanks.

[lindseyp]

Hi blueroangirl,
I'm no professional but after advice from a camera shop & more knowledgable COLers, I bought a bridge camera. I wanted to get a DSLR but soon realised it was little too advanced for me at the time & really glad I stuck with the bridge model. I have the Panasonic Lumix FZ38, which is pretty similar to many other models out there, which all do much the same but this one has a rechargable battery that swayed me    http://www.panasonic.co.uk/html/en_GB/Products/LUMIX+Digital+Cameras/Super+Zoom/DMC-FZ38/Overview/2718819/index.html
I love it & get some really lovely photos but still learning all the time with it. Would like to progress to a DSLR one day but for now this is perfect for me     Here's a tiny selection of mine taken with it - will let you deside if it's any good or not   
http://i573.photobucket.com/albums/ss173/ladylou_p/Thelakedistrict-Boattrip188-1.jpg
http://i573.photobucket.com/albums/ss173/ladylou_p/newcamerainthegarden032.jpg
http://i573.photobucket.com/albums/ss173/ladylou_p/funinthesun119.jpg
http://i573.photobucket.com/albums/ss173/ladylou_p/P1020745.jpg
http://i573.photobucket.com/albums/ss173/ladylou_p/froggie035.jpg
http://i573.photobucket.com/albums/ss173/ladylou_p/snowyNovember2010067.jpg

Good luck with your search & hope you find what you're looking for, Lindsey   

[janandted]

I too have a bridge camera......Lumix Z18,had it for 3 or 4 yrs now . I find it perfect for my needs and as we walk alot.not too heavy.My BIL has new Lumix DSLR,it is great but mine has many of the same features at a fraction of the cost.
He can get closer and sharper shots of birds and wildlife when he uses a (massive! ) different lens.

[Jane S]

I have the Panasonic Lumix FZ38 as my holiday camera - here are some of the pics I took in Namibia with it last year, lots of wildlife so it will give you an idea what it can do (hope you can see them ok):
http://www.facebook.com/media/set/fbx/?set=a.1495105429748.71507.1597463598&l=9858963fb0

[lindseyp]

Have to say I'm very impressed with your photos Jane - quite beautiful 
I was thinking I would have to upgrade to a DSLR to get photos of that quality but now know my little FZ38 is more than up to the job 
Thanks for posting     

[Jane S]

Thanks Lindsey It is a great little camera - only problem I had with it was the zoom mechanism got jammed (either sand or salt from the sea) but luckily someone in my group was able to fix it with the aid of a blade of grass and some tent zipper oil (I'll be more careful next time )

[blueroangirl]

Thanks for replies and advice. The Panasonic one sounds ideal. Great pics both of you. What sort of price am I looking at and where can you buy it?

[lindseyp]

Thanks for replies and advice. The Panasonic one sounds ideal. Great pics both of you. What sort of price am I looking at and where can you buy it?

just had a quick look on Pricerunner for you (price comparison website) & here's a few examples of what they're going for - quite a difference if you shop about 
http://www.pricerunner.co.uk/cl/29/Digital-Cameras?ref=redirect&q=panasonic%20lumix%20fz38%20best%20price&search=panasonic%20lumix%20fz38%20best%20price&other_hits=200%3Apanasonic%20lumix%20fz38%20best%20price%7C263%3Apanasonic%20lumix%20fz38%20best%20price%7C198%3Apanasonic%20lumix%20fz38%20best%20price%7C282%3Apanasonic%20lumix%20fz38%20best%20price%7Cx%3B%3B17%7C19686%3B&sp=1&sort=4
(sorry it's come out so big - I'm not sure if/how to condense it  )

Hope that helps 

[Jane S]

I think the Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ45 is the newer version of the FZ38 so you might find you can get the new one cheaper than the older model. Buyacamera has the FZ45 for £234.99 which seems a good price

[Ian Wright]

Canon SLR Camera and Lens Kit E0S 1000D 10.1MP
Includes 18-55mm and 75-300mm lens kit

at Makro for £250 + Vat = £300 Limited stock