I'm looking at upgrading my camera, but with so much choice out there, i'm confusing myself as to what to go for.
At present i'm using a Fujifilm SD2000HD, but it's getting tired now after a busy abused 3 years of heavy use.
The lens has a few marks, the battery cover doesn't stay closed without a zip tie and the lens ring has now gained a couple dents.
I've always hankered after a DSLR, but as my photography varies from scenic to wildlife with a seemingly frequent flurry of marco images too, meaning a vast array of lens would be needed to achieve even the fair results i apparently get with my present basic bridge.
Ideally i'd want something with manual focus to achieve better macro as the auto focus hones in on the obvious detail and not for instance the hairs on a flys back. Also a reasonable lens capable of pulling in the details of wildlife. Now of course a specific lens of over 300mm would still struggle in doing that as well as a Lens of over £1000.
But this has been one of the most frustrating things about the SD2000 and it's mear 15x zoom.
I'm tempted by a lumix compact to just replace the fuji for something with the same capabilities as the fuji, but being more compact, however, ultimately i'll still get the same results.
Another thing that bothers me about the fuji is it's size, it's so unbiker friendly, having a compact to hand is so much easier, plus i could get a weather proof one that can take the abuse the fuji has had to endure whilst out with me on the bike.
So, with a limited budget of £400-450 at a big push what realistic options do i have?
I've done lots of research which points me towards another fuji, the superzoom HS20EXR. It ticks all the boxes all bar the size. It has a lens zooming to that of something like a 800mm. I accept the quality will be same.
It has many of the functions of a mid range DSLR so a step up from what i have already.
I can't find a 2nd hand DSLR with the same features as the fuji with a variety of lens that i need it to come with at a price i can afford.
There are other bridges available, but most don't seem to have the range of high features that the fuji has and at the lowest price of them all at £299 or less online.
That would leave me with some cash for a quality compact, but what one? Weather proof without the range of features i like about the bridge, or a better quality compact and stuff it in a waterproof bag.
Moon on a stick?
Not really, just what to keep taking photos in all scenarios and at a standard i'm used to.
Like i've said, some people think i'm pretty good with a camera, well i'm not so sure so want to up things so i think the same.
Micro 4 thirds, nice idea, but wrong budget.
Cheers ears.
