Hi Jamie

I really want one too! On one hand I can see your point and there is an argument to say that both cameras would have different uses. Your parents will be thinking that you will not use the old one if you buy the SLR and if that was the case then it would be too early.

I don't know how much creative control your camera has but I would really experiment with all the features that it must have over the next 12 months and see how you get on. If you are finding that you still cannot get the results that you want then it is time to get the upgrade for your next birthday or christmas (or both if you need lots of accessories).

My advice would be to suggest the idea to your parents now to show that you have listened to them and have thought things through in a mature and sensible manner. Also the prices will fall drastically and maybe you will get a decent lens too.

Ok, thanks South Coast Ranger. I am hoping the EOS 400D price will go down in the next 8 months or so, and I have found, in Argos, a 90-30mm lens for £130! I think that the lens may not be very good for proffesional or very good photographers, such as Richard, but will be good for me and you, who are just starting out in photography.

Jamie Wade Wrote:

Ok then, thanks for your help. At the moment, I have got a Fuji Finepix S6500fd digital camera, which I purchased in October for £180 (my own money!)
My parents won't let me get a Canon EOS 400D for my birthday, which is 19 days away . lol.
They say it is a bit too early to get a new camera, becasue I have recently purchased the Fuji.
Do you think they are right in saying it is too early to get a new camera? I really want a DSLR, because with all the different lenses etc you can buy for them, they grow as your skill grows.

I bought my first SLR when I was 20, but I was working, so had my own money. Didn't consult my parents, none of their business!!!!

The main problem with buying a digital SLR is that you DO need lenses. Your current camera, I believe, has a good zoom and, unless you're going to buy something like a 400mm lens to go with the SLR, you will not be satisfied with the magnification you get with the short zoom that comes with the camera (or the alternative I suggested). On the other hand, if your in to close-up, then the SLR will win hands down.

Yes, the camera has an all-purpose 28-300mm lens, with a 2x magnification, which would bring it up to 600mm, but when I zoom in like that, the quality of the pictures go out the window!
I am mainly inot landscape and scenery photography, and here are some of my pictures taken with the Fuji Finepix S6500fd:

Beautiful pictures jamie, especially the one with the moon! Alas I have no real camera to speak of, several friends lend me their ones when I need it though.

Thank you very much Squirreler. Are you looking to buy a camera, if so, knowledgeable photographers/members like Wild Canon and IanRose82, oh and Cornwall Birder! will be able to help you out when it comes to choosing a camera.
Have you previously owned a camera?

well i have a finepix S8000FD and love it. I wanted a DSLR for ages but when i tried one out i found i couldnt use it.. im left handed! now im not saying left handed people cant use them just that i couldnt, it felt very uncomfortable to hold and i just couldnt turn the lens so went back to the finepix and am veryyyyyyy happy with it especiay as it has a 1cm super macro
so my tip is... try before you buy
lou x