Well I had a bit of a play with my old man's old bridge camera (Fujifilm S5500) and I got the feeling that now I'm taking a lot more photos when out and about than before (mainly due to not spending it in drinking establishments across the North East) that I would get a decent camera, probably to replace my current Samsung NV7 point + shoot.

So I was looking about and found the Panasonic FZ38 (or FZ35) to be the best bridge camera, around £220-250 most places, but then I spotted the Sony Alpha a450 DSLR with a stock lens for £300 which seems a very good deal indeed.

Planning to get one of them tomorrow, going to see if Jessops will price match the discounted price online (although I can collect in a store it'll be easier as they will also have the Panasonic) as it's a click + collect deal and then I can easily try it first to see if I like it

Any other suggestions? Budget is £300 as that is all I know I can stretch to currently

That's a stonking deal on the Alpha.
Nearest in terms of price are the Canon EOS 1000D and Nikon D3000, both with their cheapest kit lenses.

If you can get them down to a similar price then have a try and see which one feels best in your hand and try to take a few practice shots with each camera (make sure they put in a big enough memory card to try out the higher quality settings).

I have a fairly high speed 16GB SDHC card I was going to take with me to try it out

As it's my first I'm not too worried if there are issues with the UI with things I'm not used to, but it's to get started, at least I can buy the old Minolta lenses apparently
http://support.sony-europe.com/DIME/com ... selLens=KM

A great deal by the looks of it.

I popped it in the Ernie's deal thread in the main section for others too

Apparently it's on HotUKDeals but not getting a lot of heat, as it can't shoot video.

There are still stores with stock, I got 2 click & collect submitted in different stores and there is still a couple of stores within a reasonable distance to me with stock, if I'm really lucky it might even be a discontinued product and if it's the display model it's an additional 10% off without needing to haggle

My camera shoots HD video and I've played with it twice. Not something I'm really interested in tbh, so a camera not having it is not only no big deal, it should be cheaper too.

TBH, don't let the HD video sway your decision. If it does it, it probably does it in a poor fashion (if you must shoot HD on an SLR, get a 7D or a 5DMkII).
You'd be much better off saving a couple of hundred and buying a video camera instead.

Or a Nikon D3s.
*glares at Alex*

Mark

Definitely a good deal at that price
It's so good that I've placed an order online
I'll see what happens, if Comet can't supply the camera I've lost nothing.
If it does arrive then for £285 it will provide a good alternative to my A200.

All Minolta A-mount lenses will work on the camera with full auto focus as the Camera has a focus motor built in.
If my local photography shop is anything to go by then you should be able to pick up some useful lenses for not too much money.

Oh, sorry, I just haven't had it register on my radar of anyone using them for that purpose. Photography, yes, but not HD.
It's not a bad thing, really. You know my somewhat ambivalent feelings about doing 'proper' video on a HD SLR, I'm sure.
It's like using a teaspoon to dig your escape tunnel - you can, yes, but there are better tools for the job. Doesn't make the teaspoon any less of an implement.

Ha, yeah, you know we're on the same page when it comes to doing video work. I was just responding to the bit where you said "must shoot HD on an SLR".
I'm sure you've seen the shootout series of vids on YouTube or wherever … If you simply must shoot HD on an SLR you simply can't discount the D3s.

Mark

Believe me, there's nothing ambivalent about them.

It wasn't my intention to get one to shoot video, I'd get a proper camcorder if I wanted that

Got it and it feels like a very nice bit of kit, picked up a fairly cheap (so not hugely padded) lens bag for it (until I get the money for another decent one) and thinking about lenses

Someone suggested a 50mm lens and a telephoto/zoom lens. Any suggestions on which ones are any good? Not looking to spend a huge amount to start with and was thinking about buying used, apparently I can use any AF Minolta lens due to the camera having the focus motor built in

Been playing around with a few shots and took a load at my gf's graduation on different speed settings (took a bit over 200 in total) so will probably be looking at a fairly good all round lens to match up with my stock 18-55mm to compliment it for most situations

If the sensor isn't full frame then you may want to consider a 35mm lens rather than a 50mm.

And you might find this article useful...

http://nickminers.com/ffs

(plug alert)