Camera upgrade help for beginner!

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MasterMark

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Hello all! I’m new here but have browsed this, and other forums, for some time getting all sorts of excellent info. I’m looking to upgrade from my old super-compact P&S. Apologies for length of post but thought all the info would be helpful!

I jumped straight into the DLSR pool looking. It’s not the choice of which one that bothers me – the entry-level DSLR’s will all provide excellent images and the differences in specs between them will mean nothing until I actually start to learn how to use the camera properly.

Realistically (unless I realise I’m developing a great passion) I’m not going to want to carry/change multiple lenses around, so in all honesty with the DSLR I would be getting an 18-200mm single lens (Sigma/Tamron prob). If over time I find I love it, then I’d start upgrading lenses but IMHO no point in starting out with top-level equipment if I don’t know how to use it.

I guess my question: is this setup better than buying a (manual focus) bridge camera (like the Fuji S100FS/S200EXR) or is the bridge more sensible? Eg - I understand bridge sensors are much smaller which will mean poorer low-light images, but practically I won’t know what this means until I start using it! Should I start with a bridge and then sell & upgrade if I want more, or start with a smaller DSLR with the single-lens?

Any advice would be massively appreciated! Marco
 
Yes, quick answer, the flexibility a 18-200 on a slr will out perform the All in ones every time in picture IQ, ISO and noise, autofocus, plus give you have something you can add to or upgrade as you progress.
If you are just looking for something to snap simple shots at and not too worried about getting into photography get an all in one, otherwise take the leap buy used and if you find it is not for you sell it for the same you brought it for.
 
Dive straight in....:thumbs:

The basics of using a DSLR aren't that hard to learn. Hardly any different to a bridge camera in that they can be almost fully automatic or fully manual, or indeed anything inbetween! Hardest decision will be which brand....but that's for another thread!!! ;)

IMO an 18-200mm lens isn't such a bad place to start, although they aren't very good at anything except being convenient! Tamron do a cheap one, and if you decide the world of DSLR's isn't for you, you won't have invested a fortune....

Welcome to the forums Mark! :wave:
 
Slimbert said:
IMO an 18-200mm lens isn't such a bad place to start, although they aren't very good at anything except being convenient! Tamron do a cheap one,
Click to expand...
if you can afford a bit more the tamron 18-250mm is noticeably better than the 18-200.
 
Thanks to everyone for the advice!

Leaning towards the SLR and the refurbed option does sound sensible.

I have seen that the 18-250 and 18-270 versions have good reviews - but if I choose a relatively small entry-level SLR, will these lenses not result in a rather uncomfortably front-heavy feel? Guess I'll just have to pop into the shop and see.
 
I would be more tempted to buy a DSLR with a kit lens (something around the 18-55mm range). This will be the cheapest way to buy a camera and lens combination, which you can play around with, and get comfortable using. Then, when funds allow, you may wish to mate this up with a longer zoom such as the 55-250mm range which will give you a very usable setup, with a broad coverage. In theory this combination would also provide a better quality of photo to a "one lens does all" solution.
 
They sell DSLRs with a kit lens for a reason... it is cheap, light, reasonable quality and covers the most used range of focal lengths. It will have limitations but by the time you've worked out and understood them you will have more idea what you want to upgrade to.
Buying used will mean you lose very little when you do decide to upgrade or go back to a bridge camera etc.

bit more reading here if you've not seen it already
 
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