beginners camera...

[Newhythebirder]

I would throw my weight behind the FZ7 as well. Like Boddie I bought one for c£150 for when I couldn't be asked to take out my DSLR and lens. I think it is a cracking camera - most of the pictures on my blog from the last couple of week were taken with it. Real value for money.

[eeyore]

Originally Posted by thunder

The camera lives on my belt. Can be used as a point and shoot, but has full manual control and lots of 'scene' modes.

henrya

thats the real key to getting decent pics , more important in fact that what you buy - always carry a camera !

My go everywhere is a fuji f10 that like thunders oly can be P+S or full creative control - I also have a FZ7 in my glove box for days when a longer lens is required

and a canon G4 which spends most of its time in my rucksac for macro when the fuji just wont do

In addition to this my propper kit is a 20D and 300D (plus a film eos 30 and 3, a mamiya 645) plus about 3k in glass, but that lot can be a bit heavy to carry

[mick_g]

I have the Fuji s5600 & can definitely recommend it as a cheap wildlife camera.
I have an Olympus Tcon 17 which brings the total zoom power to 17 times. (I think this also fits on some of the Panasonics mentioned)

Hope this helps.

My pics: boss_hogg's photos and albums on webshots

Cheers Mick

[nightshade]

Beginners Camera is this;
1 A first and only camera suitable for close-ups and general plant/tree scenery images
2 A step up camera with a moderate zoom close/tele x12 good macro add on tele accessories
3 An entry level DSLR with cut down features
4 A pro-level DSLR with bells and whistles

It really is difficult to know what to recommend,try taking a good digital camera around a few shops to see what the buying in price is,even against a new model and you will see that you really must put a lot more thought into the process or waste a lot of money