help!

[Geoff F]

If you want a decent dslr and macro lens you may have to save for a little bit longer; although a good secondhand body may help. If you are seriously interested in macro work I would definitely say don't skimp at the outset; that works out dearer in the long run.

And like Dai said, you will need a decent tripod as well. That will be around £100 for a decent 'cheapie' version or double that for something really sturdy like a Manfrotto.

I wouldn't worry about a special flash for now, unless you regularly photograph in dark places.

[Boddie]

Get a Canon

[tameblackbirds]

Thank you all, lots to getto get my head round. Will do more research, Thanks Jim maybe I need to upgrade my SLR any way a year before my big Birthday so plenty of time to think it through and save if I need to spend more.

[marvin]

hi

£5-700 is a lot of money but i think you'll have to spend it very carefully to see any significant difference from a top bridge camera. it may also be worth looking at second hand auction sites.

even on a tight budget, and bearing in mind its the quality of the lenses that will make the biggest difference, it might still be worth getting a body with an internal focus motor so you have a wider choice of lenses in the long run. on the other hand, the entry level dslrs will be easier to get used to as i suspect the controls will be more like those on the camera you have been using.

one of many options is:

second hand nikon d80 @ £300ish
second hand tamron 90mm macro/tokina 100mm macro/sigma 105mm macro @ £200-250
second hand nikon dx 18-55mm vr @ £50-100 (this isn't a great wildlife lens but would be your general purpose lens until you could upgrade. there are also third party lenses in this range that would work).

i think that would be a very good start but it would be a start. you'll probably soon want a lens with more reach and they aren't cheap.

i sympathise with your dilemmas and genuinely wish you all the best in your choice.

tim

[Kayleigh]

I want one of these but cant justify getting one atm as my fuji finepix is ok for my needs but will look at this one when the time comes.

Canon EOS 500D Digital SLR Camera plus 18-55mm and 55-250mm Lenses (3820B104AA) - Warehouse Express

[tameblackbirds]

Thanks Marvin and Kayleigh feeling a little daunted now. Love my FinePix but felling that on some shots I need that little bit more Not sure what to do but the advice I am receiving will all help.