Finaly decided to get myself a better camera, and after much looking around of megazoom style cameras, the Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ50 seemed to have everything I wanted (e.g. decent zoom range, image stabilisation), within my budget (can be had for £285) and received good reviews pretty much everywhere.
However, to muddy the waters I've now found that an entry level DSLR with a basic lens could be mine for not much more money, certainly within budget. Notably the Canon EOS 350D and the Nikon D50. My dilema is that as a kit, these don't come with the toys that the Lumix does, (IS, video recording, massive zoom), but even with the stock lens the high ISO performance appears to be in a different league to the Panny, possibly offsetting the lack of IS a little. Of course I can also get a better lens later.
Previous camera is an old Fuji S602 which I have had a lot of use from, but seems to have somehow got dust onto the sensor which puts blobs on every picture. I did use the video mode quite a bit, simply because the video quality was so good, but I do have a digital camcorder so it's not really required. Subject matter is basicly anything from family pics, to landscapes to cars and interesting buildings etc. I did use the manual modes mostly, so understand the basics of using a "proper" camera.
I'm not exactly a gifted photographer (most of my best shots have been down to luck IMO), but I can certainly recognise and appreciate quality pictures, so should I ditch the gadget loaded prosumer for a no frills DSLR? If so, the Nikon appears to have better reviews, and is cheaper so some advice here would be appreciated.
However, to muddy the waters I've now found that an entry level DSLR with a basic lens could be mine for not much more money, certainly within budget. Notably the Canon EOS 350D and the Nikon D50. My dilema is that as a kit, these don't come with the toys that the Lumix does, (IS, video recording, massive zoom), but even with the stock lens the high ISO performance appears to be in a different league to the Panny, possibly offsetting the lack of IS a little. Of course I can also get a better lens later.
Previous camera is an old Fuji S602 which I have had a lot of use from, but seems to have somehow got dust onto the sensor which puts blobs on every picture. I did use the video mode quite a bit, simply because the video quality was so good, but I do have a digital camcorder so it's not really required. Subject matter is basicly anything from family pics, to landscapes to cars and interesting buildings etc. I did use the manual modes mostly, so understand the basics of using a "proper" camera.
I'm not exactly a gifted photographer (most of my best shots have been down to luck IMO), but I can certainly recognise and appreciate quality pictures, so should I ditch the gadget loaded prosumer for a no frills DSLR? If so, the Nikon appears to have better reviews, and is cheaper so some advice here would be appreciated.
