I am new need help

[maxydog]

Hi, I am new to this, and also to using forums. I am looking to buy a good dslr camera for taking pictures of nature, like insects, birds, animals etc, does anyone have any advice on what camera is best. I do not want to spend a fortune as I am just starting at the moment, thanks.

[Lancashire Lad]

Hi maxydog, and welcome to WAB.

As an all round camera, which will satisfy the vast majority of any wildlife photographic opportunities that come your way, I would strongly recommend what is commonly known as a "Bridge" camera. (The word is just sales-speak for a camera that bridges the gap between a compact, and a full blown DSLR).

Rather than repeat everything that has already been recently said in answering similar queries, (lots of info on the wildlife photography forum ), if you click on the links below, you will find the current thinking on good first "wildlife" cameras.

Camera purchase advice please
The Final Choice
What SLR for wildlife photography?
Advice on new Camera

Good luck with your choice.
Regards
Mike.

EDIT - I've just noticed that you say are looking for a DSLR. My only reservation on purchasing a DSLR system would be your comment on not spending a fortune - so it depends on what your overall budget is.

With a DSLR, (and your intended subjects), you would need the camera body, and as a minimum, a dedicated macro lens, and a long telephoto zoom lens. I don't think it would be realistically possible to obtain all you would need, for less than about £800.00

[treecreeper]

Welcome to WAB Maxydog . Have a browse through the Photography / Photographic Forum and you will find lots of discussion on DSLR models. Your head will spin! More so, when you read the good case some posters have made for a bridge camera rather than a DSLR.

Take your time over making a decision

[ron1863]

Hi maxidog and welcome to WAB. Good advice from Mike and Treecreeper. If you are determined to buy a DSLR then you should handle the cameras before making a decision. Visit a camera shop, they will let you handle the different makes.

[maxydog]

Hi, thanks for the advice, as I am new to this type of thing I was not sure whether my message was seen by anyone, and pleasing surprised by the reply's. I will go and look at the links mentioned and have a good read, and you will have to excuse me if I don't seem like I know what I am doing as I have to try and get used to using the forum as well, thanks again Debbie

[ron1863]

This link may help you Debbie:

How to Choose a DSLR Camera

[Cazzie]

Hi Debbie and welcome

Well I'm a complete numpty when it comes to photography, but a couple of years ago when I moved here to the Dales I treated myself to a Panasonic DMC-FZ8. It has a lumix lens and can go upto x28 on the zoom! It's easy to use, light and not too bulky at all for me. It cost about £250-300 and I'm well happy with it. Go check out some of my pics and you'll see the results

I would certainly take your time choosing one and as the others have said - go to a proper camera shop and try a few out!

[maxydog]

Hi Cazzie, thanks for your message, I was very impressed with your pictures, they are lovely. So thinking about all the changing of lens with an dslr I thought I would go for a bridge camera like others have also mentioned. So yesterday I went out and bought a panasonic fz28, I have taken a few pictures with it, but need to do a bit more reading, hopefully I will be putting some pictures on here soon!

[Pete Collins]

Welcome to WAB maxydog! And good luck with your FZ28, I think it's a wise choice of camera. I've got an FZ18, the forerunner to the FZ28, and I'm very happy with it.

[ellen h]

Hello and welcome to WAB
Agree with Pete its a nice camera,I too have used the panasonic fz18 and the fz28 is the latest version.Its a case of reading the manual and practise.Am sure you will have great fun using your camera....
ellen