Canon SX30is

[Bodhi78]

Hi, just got one of these for my birthday and rather pleased with it! Although I am already thinking...'crap' should have got an SLR - but for the budget and THAT zoom - I could not resist.

I was advised by Jessops to go for this as an SLR's below £400 would not offer me the same quality anyway...? Still have a 30 day no quibble return..

I'm really keen on wildlife and street photography and I am hoping I can get can some really decent images with this camera without it being obvious that the images was not taken on an SLR.

Does that make sense? Or is that not really issue...probably showing my newbieness already but am pretty damn keen and reading reading READING! - and really want to get the most out of it.

This site is fantastic, so much great advice and has already taught me loads on shutter speed, aperture, ISO etc so I have moved away from 'AUTO' already and have C1 setup wildlife/action shots.

I guess my main issue was being really pleased witht he camera and then feeling rather annoyed at the 'oh its not an SLR' looks and comments.

Any input or nudges in the right direction gratefully recieved!

Many thanks,

: )

[chris-p]

Hi Bodhi, welcome to the forum

Jessops are not entirely telling you the truth. A sub £400 SLR is better quality than the SX130 but it's less flexible.
However, you should find the Canon more than powerful enough for you as a newcomer to photography. Starting with a "bridge" camera like yours is usually the best way as it enables you to learn an enormous amount about how to take pictures and what sort of pictures you really like shooting.
That sort of knowledge is invaluable as and when you decide you want to upgrade to an SLR - without knowing that sort of thing, choosing and SLR is nigh on impossible.

<shameless self promotion>
If you're interested in learning more about how your camera works and what the basic controls are, I've written some tutorials on the basics of photography which you may find useful. Click here
</shameless self promotion>

[Bodhi78]

Thanks Chris, I'm really happy with it actually, spent some time around the city snapping away, had a good laugh and got some great b/w pics too.

Also set it up 1/400 shutter speed and got some crips high speed traffic shots too, so I think the camera will definitely be able to handle some fast action nature shots, birds in flight - which is what I'm after.

Still having some focusing issues, but I'm sure with practice that will improve of course.

Im going to the O2 on sunday to watch a gig and wonder if you have any advice on the best setup for concerts?

Thanks again - and useful site too, will keep it in my faves for future reference!