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In what way do you want to take it further? If the picture of the snake on the left is the kind of shots that you take regularly then it seems like you've got it.
What specifically is it that you think your current equipment might be lacking?
What specifically is it that you think your current equipment might be lacking?
cosmix3
David Sullivan
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Best bet then is to look at the Low end DSLR's from all the manufactuers to see what feels right in your hand, may also be worth looking at Bridge Cameras, these have the same type functions as DSLR's but have a fixed lens (that zooms).
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I would suggest a bridge camera to start with, something like the Panasonic FZ38 which can be had for around £250. Very well specified, came out well in tests against comparable spec'd cameras from Nikon, Canon and the like.
As you are in Devon, there are many memberson here from the westcountry who will be more than happy to give you a guiding hand.
As you are in Devon, there are many memberson here from the westcountry who will be more than happy to give you a guiding hand.
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Hmm, not so sure about bridge cameras myself. I've had one and I think they're a bit of a con myself.
Let me explain why. There are compacts out there that can easily fit in the palm of your hand, that have manual controls, video and a good zoom as well - some even have superzoom. A bridge camera doesn't really bring any advantages over that, but they are bigger and cost more. They can be had for around the same price as a second hand beginner's DSLR and a lens. Many people (myself included when I was new to this) think they are just SLRs with a fixed lens, but this couldn't be more wrong. The sensor is the same tiny size that is used in compacts.
Don't forget, an SLR can grow with you, a bridge camera can't... that lens is fixed!
Let me explain why. There are compacts out there that can easily fit in the palm of your hand, that have manual controls, video and a good zoom as well - some even have superzoom. A bridge camera doesn't really bring any advantages over that, but they are bigger and cost more. They can be had for around the same price as a second hand beginner's DSLR and a lens. Many people (myself included when I was new to this) think they are just SLRs with a fixed lens, but this couldn't be more wrong. The sensor is the same tiny size that is used in compacts.
Don't forget, an SLR can grow with you, a bridge camera can't... that lens is fixed!
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Budget is the first consideration.
Another thing to consider is, do you aspire to having a camera system that can potentially tackle anything, with a body and two or three lenses, a separate flash gun, some filters and maybe a tripod, plus a bag to carry it all around in? You'll be looking at around £300-400 at least to get started, and will spend well into four figures before you're finished. That is the kind of outfit that most folks on here have, based around a DSLR camera.
If that's not for you, then you can do a heck of a lot with a compact camera (a bridge camera is just a high-spec compact) starting at a lot less money, plus being smaller and lighter, and also a lot easier to use. Ultimate image quality and versatility are not up to DSLR standards, but if you don't need what they can do, or aspire to it, then you'll not be missing much.
Most DSLR users also have a compact and will use it very happily for those occasions when the Full Monty outfit isn't practical.
Another thing to consider is, do you aspire to having a camera system that can potentially tackle anything, with a body and two or three lenses, a separate flash gun, some filters and maybe a tripod, plus a bag to carry it all around in? You'll be looking at around £300-400 at least to get started, and will spend well into four figures before you're finished. That is the kind of outfit that most folks on here have, based around a DSLR camera.
If that's not for you, then you can do a heck of a lot with a compact camera (a bridge camera is just a high-spec compact) starting at a lot less money, plus being smaller and lighter, and also a lot easier to use. Ultimate image quality and versatility are not up to DSLR standards, but if you don't need what they can do, or aspire to it, then you'll not be missing much.
Most DSLR users also have a compact and will use it very happily for those occasions when the Full Monty outfit isn't practical.
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I'd recommend a good starter camera from either Nikon or Canon, considering your interests.
Other manufacturers make comparable cameras, but only Canon and Nikon have systems that allow you to grow as your skill-levels increase.
Something like a Nikon D5000 with a decent kit lens will set you back no more than £550 if you shop around...
http://www.warehouseexpress.com/buy-nikon-d5000-plus-18-55mm-vr-lens/p1031460
Other manufacturers make comparable cameras, but only Canon and Nikon have systems that allow you to grow as your skill-levels increase.
Something like a Nikon D5000 with a decent kit lens will set you back no more than £550 if you shop around...
http://www.warehouseexpress.com/buy-nikon-d5000-plus-18-55mm-vr-lens/p1031460