[peteallen84]

Hello everyone

I have had cameras of various kinds for years now, and have normally only been interested in snapping occasions and events with friends (they don't call me Paparazzi Pete for nothing!), but recently I have become more interested in photography and seeing how far I can progress and what I can explore in the vast world there is. I knowledge so far is fairly basic, but I am keen to learn more when and where I can. I currently have a compact Panasonic DMC-TZ5 (please visit my gallery to see a slection of photos I have taken with this, and please, give me some feedback), but whilst knowledge can take you so far, I also know you need to ahve good equipemnt...

So now that there's a brief introduction, here's my pitch; I feel it is time to upgrade to a digital SLR and see where I can go from there. I am interested in all kinds of photogaphy, landscapes, nature, portraits, extreme sports (more skateboarding and bmxing than football and rugby, but wouldn't rule anything out), macro, arty, experimental, pretty much everything. I have yet to find what I would like to specialise in, and so I am currently looking to try my hand at pretty much anything. I have about £1000 to spend, and I have looked at the Canon EOS D1000 and D450 so far, but i would like to know what the photgraphy veterans here would recommend. I am thinking mainly about a Canon or Nikon camera, along with a lens or two, and any kind of extras that I would benefit from as a beginner who is currently interested in just about anything. I am also considering going travelling next year and taking my camera with me (which my friend thinks would be a bad idea due to security reasons), so any other bits to suggest for that would help.

I know it's a pretty broad spectrum, but anything any of you can help me with would be much appreciated.

Thanks a lot, and apologies for the long message!

Pete