camera upgrade

[shenk1]

I'm thinking about upgrading to dslr from my sony h7.As this has a 15x zoom and 1.7x tele on it I was wondering what sort of size lens I would need to equate that length of zoom. I know its all down to focal lengths etc but as a total novice it might as well be chinese to me! Getting a nice close up is more important to me than overall picture quality( in other words I can't afford too much £750ish for camera + lens) .Any advice gladly recieved.Thanks

[Hottentot]

Hello Shenk1

If you want a nice close up and are not worried about picture quality you are better staying with your Sony. DSLRs are all about picture quality first and foremost. Their other advantages are speed of focusing, better performance in low light and ability to manually adjust ISO, aperture, shutter speed etc on the fly.

A 15x zoom with a 1.7 tele equates to a focal length of about 1200mm, to get an equivalent reach on a DSLR you would need a 500mm lens and a 2x tele. Not a cheap option(about £5000 for the lens alone)

Still if you are keen to try a DSLR a good option would be a 450D body and a 70-300mm lens. It won't get you the close ups you are used to but you can learn the in and outs of DSLR photography. It all depends on what you intend to photograph.

H

[shenk1]

Thanks for the help. I am wanting to photo birds mainly at our local reserve(so getting closer isn't really an option) but would also like some macro/insect/flower shots. Been to look at a sony a300 today and v impressed.Tried it with a 70-300mm lens and that was fine but as camera came as body only what type of lens should I be looking at for general work?