[Matt Green]

Hi All

Firstly, at this stage I really don't know if I want to blow a heap of cash on a DSLR ...however I still find myself spending my spare time visiting places and taking pics with my borrowed compact. I'm constantly finding great pics but my camera won't let me take them!! Admittedly it's taken a couple of good pics but I'm beginning to hanker after something a bit better, it's only a Kodak 4.0 mega pixals type thing!!

Despite recent advice I'm still thinking about the new Panasonic FZ38, I know for a fact I'd never use the massive zoom lens on it prefering wide angle shots of buildings etc...with this in mind would this or any other bridge type camera be a false economy? I just wish it was limited to a focal length of 18-55mm as I've used an FZ18 and thought it quite capable.

Apart from something secondhand, what sort of camera should I be looking at for the above price? At the end of the day I just want to get out there and take pics while I'm still learning the basics etc.

Cheers

M