Hi. We are looking for a new camera and will be buying next week. We have a Sony digital at the moment (which is really good, with face recognition and lots of settings, with a high MP of 12.2) and we both like it because we get good pics and it is small enough to fit in a packet/bag.

But, I do find that it os not really that good for close-ups, such as cat pictures and people. Hence the reason why we are looking to change. So, having been looking for a DSLR I have come to the conclusion that I need help.

We have a budget of around £550.00, and a choice of either a trade-in of our Sony, we could keep it for using when travelling or walking a lot or we can give it to our Nephew.So, do we get a really high quality digital, a "bridge", or an SCS or a full DSLR.

So, any recommendations would be really helpful. Thank you.

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I can't provide an expert opinion but my advice would be to only go for a DSLR if you know, or are prepared to learn, a bit about photography. Otherwise you won't get the best out of it and might even find that your pictures are worse than you were getting from a decent compact camera! The other thing with a DSLR is that to be able to take a full range of photos you'll probably need more than one lens so that has to be factored into the costs. A bridge is obviously the interim choice but if you think you might get into photography "properly" then you might find it restrictive compared to a DSLR.

I speak from the experience of someone who thought she'd like to take better pictures, got a DSLR and couldn't cope with it so ended up back with a trusty compact Panasonic TZ8 I did get a bridge camera when I went to Ethiopia and I found that fantastic for the purpose but I got rid of it when I came home as it didn't suit me for everyday use.

Whatever you buy, I'd suggest you keep a little compact because there will be times when it isn't practical to take a bigger camera with you or won't have the right lens. A compact is great for the spontaneous snaps or for slipping in a pocket when you're out and about.

A good website for reviews of DSLRs and bridge cameras is dpreview.com.

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