Not a dslr

[HinFrance]

FWIW I would stick with what you have and learn how to use it.

The most important thing in photography is the photographer's vision. The kit is just a tool.

[eysha]

Thanks HinFrance, i agree and i am happy to learn what i can but always looking to the future too. E.

[ianpinion]

Hello eysha and welcome to the forum.

Your FZ38 camera is ideal for learning about the basics of photography, but I'd suggest you read up on a couple of the topics covered and whilst it's still fresh in your mind go and have a practical session straight after to give yourself chance to put what you've learned into practice. It will reinforce what you've read and help you remember it. When you feel comfortable with that, move on to the next topic and then have another practical session concentrating on it and possibly trying to relate it to what you've already learnt.

If this is still sounding a bit daunting, if you live anywhere near Market Harborough in Leicestershire, I know a chap who runs beginner's courses for people who want to learn how to use all the different settings on their cameras effectively and take better pictures. He has a website just here with more information and I can personally recommend him.

[eysha]

Thanks Ian, I am struggling really because of poor memory but happy to keep at it, after all it has cost what i consider to be a lot of money thus far so i cannot give up.
I live near the Angel of the North. I see where you are and visited there a couple of years ago. Your cathedral is wonderful. I was there in the hopes of finding past relatives but that is off subject, lol.
Thanks for the welcome. E.