Looking for a fun camera to learn the ropes with - £350

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I've been using a Panasonic TZ1 (a compact superzoom) since it came out. I love it, but I now feel like I want something more configurable. This doesn't have to be a DSLR - I'm not sure what I could get on my budget, anyway.

A big zoom is not essential, though it could take some getting used to after the 10x on the TZ1. I've read in various places that cameras without zoom just make you move a little closer, which can lead to more considered shooting.

It will be used as a travel/going out camera, so jacket pocketability is desirable. I could live with a bulky camera if it has exceptional image quality, though.

After doing some reading, I like the look of some of the fancier non-DSLRs like the Panasonic DMC-LX5, Canon G11, and Samsung EX 1.

As far as DSLRs go it looks like I could only afford a Canon 1000d or Nikon D3000 - both with kit lenses.

Basically I just want something that takes nice pictures and has some customisability; some way for me to learn about how things work without breaking the bank.

Thanks.
 
I've played with the s90. It takes some great pictures. I really don't like the lack of grip, though. Thanks for the suggestion.
 
Not at all jackety, but if you're looking at DSLRs I just bought a brand new Panasonic G1 with 14-45 kit lens for £310. Saying that I'm brand new to the whole proper camera thing, I decided it was what I wanted but have no idea if it's appropriate for you :)
 
Canon 40d will be completely over budget as you'd have to get a lens as well, could consider a second hand Canon 400d body and a second hand tamron 17-50 f2.8 if you can find both, although this might still be above budget and too bulky for carrying around if you prefer compacts.
 
I can see 40ds on the 'bay for around £400 at least, often without lenses, so I don't think I can stretch that far...

bam0: What do you think of it? I don't mind it not being svelte if the quality is very good. Value for money is most important to me. Looks like you got a good price.

Steeps: That looks like a better bet - lots of options, some with multiple lenses for under £500. Still a bit expensive, but I can appreciate the increased quality and versatility a real SLR would offer.

I was in John Lewis earlier and had a play with the Pana LX5, really liked the feel of it, though it's difficult to tell from just a few minutes.
 
If you want to go down the DSLR route, something like a second hand Canon 450D with the 18-55IS kit lens would be good. However, you would be compromising on zoom and it wouldn't really fit in a pocket. You may be best off avoiding the DSLR route and going for something smaller if these two factors don't align with your spec.
 
bam0: What do you think of it? I don't mind it not being svelte if the quality is very good. Value for money is most important to me. Looks like you got a good price.

I was in John Lewis earlier and had a play with the Pana LX5, really liked the feel of it, though it's difficult to tell from just a few minutes.

I like it, a lot. But I spent a lot of time weighing up what I wanted, and how much it would cost me. For the price I paid I might have gotten a 2nd hand camera and lens which was a bit better (but probably not much, and it would be 2nd hand).
I also spent some time considering a G11/LX5, and of those two I'd probably pick the latter. But then considering what I wanted to be able to do with it, and looking again at how much it would cost the G1 just seemed to good value to miss out on.
 
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